On June 14, the U.S. Army will turn 250 years old. Its birth during the beginning of the…read moreRevolutionary War is one stop along the road to America's 250th birthday on July 4, 2026. Since then, it has played a vital role in every major conflict to modern-day operations worldwide. To commemorate this historic milestone, my partner and I decided on a bus tour to the US Military Academy at West Point, which is the oldest war fort and military base in the US, sitting on the west bank of the Hudson River, 40 miles north of NYC. Reservations as well as security clearance were easily made via the website on the same day, with the extended tour lasting 2 hours to include the cemetery and chapel. West Point Tours provides a great experience to see and understand the US Military Academy's place in history and the future. Although established in 1802, the Academy was vital in the American Revolutionary War. Washington considered the location critical and had additional fortifications designed. Everywhere the bus traveled, we saw signs that read "Beat Navy!" This, of course, refers to the great rivalry the two military academies have enjoyed for decades. By far, the most magnificent and historic building is Cadet Chapel, which has dominated the landscape for more than 100 years. Reflecting the Gothic architecture of the late 14th century in England, it is constructed from granite quarried at West Point. Our tour guide, Chandrinka, was highly knowledgeable and took the time to really bring the history with her 17 years of experience. For visitors like us seeking a blend of scenic beauty, historical significance, and cultural enrichment, we can highly recommend as it was a truly educational and enlightening experience.

Most of the tour is on a bus and the tour guide points out buildings and memorials which were…read morehard/impossible to see depending on which side of the bus you were sitting. Also, our tour guide had lots of bits of information, but seemed to find a joke in everything she shared. Overlooking the Hudson is an awesome view, chapel is interesting... unfortunately no cadets and little information about life at the academy. If you could just walk around the campus it would be much more enjoyable.

I had been trying to book a flight with the "sites" and kept on hitting snags as far as departure…read moreand arrival times. After a week of frustration I called and spoke to Brenda. I told her my parameters and she was able to find me a flight in no time. What an absolute life saver. I don't know why I hadn't thought to call a travel agency in the first place but going forward I will.

We haven't traveled out of the country in quite awhile. Our daughter is going to study abroad in…read moreEngland this fall and I had no idea where to begin. I googled local travel agents and was lucky enough to find Brenda at Northeast Travel Connections in Millbrook , NY. She was incredibly knowledgeable and reassuring in being able to plan and execute travel for 3 with accommodations, different return dates , and a car service round trip to the airport. She worked over the weekend, while away in Alaska through texts and emails. We wil definitively be working with her again!! Five stars plus recommended!!

Let us just start by saying ... we didn't want to come home! We are not sure we would even call it…read morea "tour", but rather a TRULY AMAZING AND WONDERFUL VISIT to Tuscany Italy. As we both have Italian grandparents, Italy was a place we have longed to visit. Our grandparents traveled to America by different ships, entering through Ellis Island. Both families ended up changing their names, dropping the final consonant or changing the last name completely to hide their Italian heritage because they thought it would be easier to establish themselves and find jobs. Our families left Italy, their homes, and it's hard for us to comprehend this concept after seeing this beautiful country. But yes, we know ... to pursue a better life in the late 1800s ... to go to America, the land of opportunity. We wanted to return to their homeland and see what they left behind. Get a sense of our heritage. Learn more about our family's country and culture. Although we didn't visit the exact towns and villages where our grandparents once lived, we definitely got a feeling of their country. There were six of us who traveled under the guiding eyes of Russ and Elke. We were long-time good friends and some were family. But by the end of the week, we all became a new family. Every time we opened my eyes, we SAW more and more beauty -- the landscapes, the flowers, the grapevines, the olive trees, the castles, the wineries, the churches and their unbelievable stained glass windows, paintings, frescos, statues and tombs, the small roadside religious shrines, the piazzas and the many statues, the poppies, the sunflowers, the shopping in small boutiques, the cobblestone streets, the doors, the windows, the flower boxes, nonnos and nonnas carrying their groceries, the animals, and so much more of the grandeur of Tuscany, Italy. We TASTED and SAVORED every bite of the many, many delicious meals that were prepared and served to us ... the many varieties of white and red wines that were presented, the espresso and cappuccino, gelato and other desserts, meats and cheese, salads, vegetables, bread, and more. We can close our eyes and SMELL the lavender, the mustiness of the old parts of some of the wineries and wine cellars, the cheeses, meats, the wine, breads, salads, fresh vegetables and fruits, the wood burning at the villa that was used to heat the water, homemade cakes and desserts, gelato, leather, and the aroma of each meal ... and more! We TOUCHED the earth, the vines, the trees, ancient walls, flowers, pottery, the farm animals, alabaster and leather, and felt the coolness of the water in the pool at the villa. We HEARD the voices of the Italian people speak their romantic and beautiful language, the hustle and bustle of the crowds, the church bells, the laughter of children, the cars, the wonderful tour guides we had, trucks and busses zipping by, the birds chirping each morning, the barking of dog (Donna) at the villa, and more! One night at the villa, we were treated to a cooking class led by chefs Kalinka and Simonetta, at which each of us took part in making a four-course dinner for us and the other villa guests--crustina, homemade pasta with bolognaise sauce, ravioli stuffed with spinach and cheese, and strawberry tiramisu, served with several bottles of Chianti! Russ and Elke planned and prepared EVERY step of the way and shared their many years of experience with us. We didn't have to worry about ANYTHING ... flight tickets, car rental, road maps, travel, accommodations, meals, and reservations ... EVERYTHING was taken care of in advance. The villa, Le Cetinelle in Greve Chianti and owned Simonetta and Lucca, was more than charming and very accommodating - and it had a spectacular view! If necessary, they adjusted the schedule and added a couple of places (Florence being one) that were not on the original itinerary. They brought us only to places they had experienced before and it wasn't boring for them because they witnessed our enjoyment, which made it fun for them and in turn, fun for us. Although we traveled together, we also had free time to explore and shop on our own, relax by the pool, take a nap, or sit outside and read, write, sketch. And morning start time was somewhat flexible as well. We kept a journal of our trip - SO much to write about. We took over 2200 pictures, each one capturing a new moment. We could go on and on and on talking about our week in Tuscany. It is truly a vacation we will never, ever, ever forget. GRAZIE, GRAZIE, GRAZIE to Russ and Elke for providing us with such an unforgettable experience. They are two amazing people, who shared their love of Italy with us, who took great care and concern to make it extra special and unforgettable in every way, all so expertly planned and executed! This trip was FANTASTIC, filled with so many sites, sounds, smells, and tastes, which will stay with us for as long as we live!

Elke and Russ escorted us on a marvelous tour of Tuscany last May. I like to tell people I had 4 or…read more5 of the best meals in my life and the wines were awesome too. The villa we stayed in was first class. We hated to leave. Our intimate group of seven people made travelling easy. They were extremely professional and organized.... as well as upbeat and spirited, making it fun for everybody! I can't imagine a more perfect combination of things to make our trip unforgettable for years to come. Thanks guys, we look forward to a reunion some day!

My experience with this agency was great. The staff took care of the details making booking stress…read morefree. I will be definitely be using them again.

Colleen takes an enormous amount of time to find out what you need and want AND THEN she makes your…read moretravel absolutely AWESOME with the best EVER details! Colleen takes a simple arrangement and makes it a magical adventure!!! No one makes travel as extraordinarily wonderful as Colleen! You will be amazingly surprised and happy with any plans put together in a bow by Colleen! She's a wizard and knows her stuff!!! TY, Colleen!

Nicest people you can meet !! Especially the crew that keep…read moreit running and beautiful .

overpriced. RVs are a good hike from the lake. Tiny beach with lots of seaweed and algae in the…read morewater. Dirty bathrooms, and one shower for $.50 for 10 minutes. Pretty park but nothing special. Can't bring outside wood must buy theirs for campfire.

Great car service! It's a Woman owned business and the…read moreowner Kimberly will do her best to assist you with all your transportation needs.

THE WORST company that I have ever taken they will leave you there without telling you or calling…read moreyou, no communication AT ALL. if you plan on getting anywhere importantant at anytime I DO NOT suggest this company! KIM is a HORRIBLE company owner! If you have Been loyal with her company she will cut you off without telling you even though you have a LIFE OR DEATH APPOINTMEN TO GET TO!! She DOESNT CARE! Her DRIVERS SUCK!! Only DONNA is the caring nice one! the rest are liars! Especially the 90 year old they have driving for them! I wouldn't give them any stars unless I HAD TO!! Company SUCKS!!!!!

A Hudson Valley wine tour to celebrate a friend's landmark birthday was perfect! Hudson Valley…read moreBucket list did an outstanding job coordinating the day from transport and an itinerary of beautiful wineries to a magazine photo worthy picnic lunch orchestrated by an on-site host. Our group of 12 were treated like special guests everywhere we went and we were wowed by the friendly, welcoming reception at each stop and the delicious wines we were able to taste. HVBL made planning this event easy and the day memorable

We used Hudson Valley Bucket List for my bachelorette weekend and they were absolutely amazing…read more Caitlin was our guide for the day and she was incredible. We were taken to 3 different vineyards who all took great care of us. I've been on a ton of wine tours and this was by far the very best I've been on. The lunch was delicious and beautifully set up ahead of time before we got to the 2nd vineyard. It was a beautiful day. Thank you Hudson Valley Bucket List!