
Sail along the Hudson River from the state capital of Albany to New York City aboard the delightful 100-passenger American Eagle and discover the picturesque river towns, grand country houses and historic sites that have played an important role in the story of America. The English explorer Henry Hudson first navigated the river that now bears his name in 1609, and we are delighted to offer the opportunity to experience this fascinating itinerary in association with American Cruise Lines. October is one of the loveliest times of year along North America’s east coast and we will hopefully experience the glorious colours of autumn foliage, in addition to visiting some charming towns and witnessing the picturesque rolling countryside.
Our exploration begins with a two night hotel stay in the handsome city of Boston where the nation’s story first unfolded, before we travel through the picturesque landscapes of Massachusetts to Albany to embark the American Eagle. Our cruise then takes us to some quaint towns that have grown up along the banks of the Hudson. Long celebrated by artists, writers and statesmen, the Hudson River has played a pivotal role in the history and development of the United States including the American Revolutionary War. Our voyage will include timeless Kingston, the first state capital until it was razed to the ground by the British in 1777 and strategically positioned West Point where we will visit the manicured grounds of the prestigious United States Military Academy. We will also hear stories of the wealthy families, such as the Roosevelts and Vanderbilts who resided in grand riverside mansions and visit the legendary village of Sleepy Hollow, immortalised by Washington Irving. A fitting end to our voyage will be sailing past the Statue of Liberty and New York’s iconic skyline with the benefit of a central mooring from which to experience this vibrant city brimming with culture, history and entertainment.
Sailing aboard a small ship allows us to experience one of North America’s most fascinating waterways at an unhurried pace, with opportunities to explore places inaccessible to larger vessels while enjoying the beautiful scenery. From the Catskill Mountains to the west and the Taconic and Berkshire Hills to the east, the American Eagle will provide us with an ever-changing floating front row seat as we pass undulating autumnal landscapes in colours of crimson, orange and gold. Enjoy the well planned excursions and return each day to this unique vessel, with its informal atmosphere and excellent service. In addition to the experienced onboard team, you will be joined by a Noble Caledonia Tour Manager who will accompany you for the duration of the journey.
American Eagle
We are delighted to be working with our associates at American Cruise Lines and their vessel, the 100-passenger American Eagle which offers a unique blend of luxury and heritage, inviting you to experience the warmth of personalised service as you explore the Hudson River. Launched in 2023, the American Eagle was designed with a shallow draft to enable access into small ports and the ability to travel on almost any river or waterway in North America. Relax in one of the spacious staterooms and enjoy the scenic views from your private balcony or spend time in one of the observation areas and admire the splendid vistas with your fellow travellers. The choice of colour palettes, furnishings and artwork on board reflect the culture of New England, Chesapeake Bay, and the Southeast.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Fly by scheduled flight to Boston. On arrival transfer to our centrally located hotel for a two night stay. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Day 2 Boston.
After breakfast in the hotel we explore Boston’s iconic institutions and roam its lively districts with a guided city tour. Among the famous landmarks, see the Boston Common, Boston Public Gardens, the Old State House and the historic Boston North End with some free time to explore the Faneuil Hall Marketplace. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to further explore independently or relax at the hotel. Meet this evening for dinner. (B, D)
Day 3 Boston to Albany, New York.
After checking out of the hotel this morning we will visit the college town of Cambridge, home to two of North America’s most prestigious universities, Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Enjoy a pleasant stroll around Harvard Square before we drive though scenic Massachusetts with a stop for lunch in the historic town of Concord. Cross the state line to reach Albany, New York where we arrive later this afternoon. As the state capital of New York, Albany offers a blend of historic character and modern civic architecture. Check in to our hotel for an overnight stay and the remainder of the evening is at leisure. (B, L)
Day 4 Albany & Cruising the Hudson.
Check out of the hotel this morning and transfer to the American Eagle and embark. Take time to settle into your stateroom and enjoy lunch on board before we set sail early this afternoon. After a busy few days the rest of the afternoon is free to relax, maybe take a seat on deck and admire the rolling hills, forests and riverside towns as we begin our journey south down the Hudson River. We arrive at our first destination, Catskill this evening and moor overnight. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Catskill.
Catskill was once a bustling port and part of the 19th century ice trade and it was here that Anglo-American artist Thomas Cole founded the Hudson River School art movement, known for its dramatic depictions of sweeping American landscapes. There will be an opportunity to explore the charming downtown area and historic Main Street with its many galleries, antique shops and cafes. At Catskill Point, where the Hudson meets Catskill Creek, the former Freightmasters Building is now a museum offering a glimpse into the region’s role as a gateway for river and rail travel. Later this afternoon we will sail the short distance to our next port of call, Kingston, where we moor overnight. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Kingston & Hyde Park.
The former New York State capital, Kingston, is rich in colonial history. Walk through the well-preserved Stockade District with its many 17th century stone houses and visit Senate House where the first New York State constitution was adopted in 1777 shortly before the British attacked the city during the American Revolutionary War. There will be an opportunity to gain an insight into the history, former industries and many tributaries of the river on a guided tour of the Hudson River Maritime Museum or head to Hyde Park, home to some of the Hudson Valley’s most impressive historic estates. Here we will discover the birthplace of Franklin D. Roosevelt, a grand neo-Georgian home filled with Roosevelt family memorabilia, as well as the FDR Library and Museum which tells the story of his presidency from the depths of the Great Depression to World War II. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Kingston & Milton for West Point.
There will be a further morning to explore Kingston before we sail over lunch and continue our journey south to our berth at Milton. Our excursion this afternoon takes us to West Point, considered by George Washington to be America’s most important military position, and the Military Academy was established here in 1802. Discover the giant campus on a guided excursion, renowned for its imposing Gothic architecture and enjoy the spectacular vistas of the Hudson Valley along the way. Return to the vessel and moor overnight. (B, L, D)
Day 8 Milton & Sleepy Hollow.
This morning join an excursion to the Walkway Over the Hudson, once the longest bridge in the world when it opened in 1889, the giant cantilever bridge once carried rail freight over the Albany river linking New England with routes to Pennsylvania and the Midwest. Today it is an elevated walkway reached by a glass elevator and boasts breathtaking views of the Hudson River Valley. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy a leisurely afternoon on board, maybe join a talk by the Guest Speaker on local history or watch the scenery roll by on deck. We arrive in Sleepy Hollow over dinner and moor overnight. (B, L, D)
Day 9 Sleepy Hollow.
Sleepy Hollow is an affluent village just 30 miles north of Manhattan, immortalised by the American short-story writer and diplomat Washington Irving in ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’. Explore the village and surrounding area on a guided tour. See the Untermyer Gardens where the Indo-Persian inspired Walled Garden with its waterways, varied borders and Greek-inspired architectural elements lead to the Vista with glorious views over the river and the Palisades, steep cliffs that line the western side of the Hudson. Also visit Lyndhurst Mansion, one of America’s finest Gothic Revival mansions and part of the “Millionaires Row” that was once a summer retreat for wealthy New Yorkers. Moor overnight. (B, L, D)
Day 10 New York City.
Be on deck this morning as the iconic skyline of New York City comes into view. The ship will make its way down the river, sailing past the Statue of Liberty before mooring on Manhattan’s west side, close to Midtown and many of the city’s most famous landmarks. Choose to join a guided tour to Lower Manhattan and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Centre, a poignant and moving story of the tragic events, with some free time to explore the area in the heart of the Financial District. Alternatively, the day is yours to explore the city’s many iconic museums and landmarks independently, maybe visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art, take a stroll through Central Park or along the Highline and see the dazzling lights of Times Square. Dinner will be served on board as we moor overnight. (B, L, D)
Day 11 New York City to London.
Disembark this morning and head to Battery Park on the southern tip of Manhattan where we will take the ferry over to Ellis Island. Between 1892 and 1954 this was the busiest immigration processing station in the country and approximately 12 million people passed through here seeking a new life in the United States. The building has been restored and is now a fascinating museum that chronicles the rich history of US immigration. Take in the spectacular Manhattan skyline as we return to the city with a stop for lunch before heading to the airport for the return scheduled flight to London. (B, L)
Day 12 London.
Arrive this morning.
Dates and Prices
| 7 to 18 October 2028 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| Premium Waterview | £9495 | £9295 |
| Premium Balcony | £10495 | £10295 |
| Vista Balcony | £10795 | £10595 |
| Sky Suite | £12495 | £12295 |
| Grand Suite | £14495 | £14295 |
| Single Balcony | £11795 | £11595 |
Tour Reference Code: RCAE071028
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Two nights hotel accommodation in Boston • Overnight hotel accommodation in Albany • Seven nights aboard the American Eagle • Meals as indicated (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner) • House wine, beer and soft drinks with included lunches and dinners • Excursions as described • Noble Caledonia Tour Manager • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, US visa or ESTA, optional excursions (additional excursions to those detailed will be offered at an extra cost, further details will be provided approximately 60 days before departure).
NB: Ports and itinerary subject to change and water levels. The autumn colours are a natural phenomenon and whilst this cruise has been timed to meet the traditional times for the changing colours, sightings are not guaranteed.
Please be aware that our website does not display real-time availability. As a result, the categories and prices listed above are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please call us at 020 7752 0000 and speak with one of our experienced Travel Consultants.
American Eagle
We are delighted to be working with our associates at American Cruise Lines and their vessel, the 100-passenger American Eagle which offers a unique blend of luxury and heritage, inviting you to experience the warmth of personalised service as you explore the Hudson River. Launched in 2023, the American Eagle was designed with a shallow draft to enable access into small ports and the ability to travel on almost any river or waterway in North America. Relax in one of the spacious staterooms and enjoy the scenic views from your private balcony or spend time in one of the observation areas and admire the splendid vistas with your fellow travellers. The choice of colour palettes, furnishings and artwork on board reflect the culture of New England, Chesapeake Bay, and the Southeast.
Also of Interest
Great Lakes of North America
A voyage from Halifax to Milwaukee aboard the Hanseatic Inspiration
Itinerary at a glance
- Halifax / Prince Edward Island / Iles de la Madeleine / Gaspe / Tadoussac / Saguenay / Quebec / St Lawrence / Toronto / Lake Ontario / Welland Canal / Lake Erie / Windsor / Detroit River / Lake Huron / Tobermory / Killarney / Parry Sound / Sault Sainte Marie / Mackinac Island / Milwaukee
Circumnavigation of Newfoundland
Discover the wonders of Newfoundland from aboard the Ocean Nova
Itinerary at a glance
- St John’s / Saint Pierre / Miawpukek First Nation / Francois / Gros Morne National Park / Woody Point / L’Anse aux Meadows
Treasures of the Mississippi
A journey along the Mississippi from Memphis to New Orleans aboard the American Splendor accompanied by Neil Horrocks
Itinerary at a glance
- Memphis / Cleveland / Vicksburg / Natchez / St Francisville / Mississippi / Vacherie / New Orleans
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000






