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May 6– 8, 2009 Wed. —Fri. - Cape May is a quaint seaside resort, rich in Victorian architecture, Gourmet Restaurants & Inns. With over 600 authentically restored and preserved Victorian structures, the city is a National Historic Landmark site. Just in time for the tulip display, we’ll stay at a picturesque historic inn on the beach, cruise on the Cape May Whale Watcher and explore the shops and historic sites. While in transit we’ll stop and tour the dazzling Chanticleer Gardens and Meadow Brook Farms Gardens and Shop.
Enjoy beautiful seaside Cape May – gorgeous ocean views, sea breezes, spring gardens, charming cafes, wonderful shops -- and an entire city of charming Victorian architecture. Cape May is the only city designated as a National Historic Landmark – the oldest seaside resort in the US. From our beachfront hotel we’ll explore the beauty of the seaside, visit a lighthouse and historic district and tour spring gardens.
Trolley Tour and Physick Estate Tour Cape May in a picturesque trolley as knowledgeable guides point out landmark buildings and their architectural features and entertain with accounts of Cape May’s reign as “Queen of the Seaside Resorts.” Tour the 1879 Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May’s only Victorian house museum, with 15 rooms authentically restored to their original grandeur. Explore the mansion gardens.
Tea Luncheon in the Carriage House Enjoy a Victorian Tea Luncheon in the Carriage House or under the festive tent in the Garden Patio. Delicious tea sandwiches, scones, tea breads, salads and much more will be traditionally served in an elegant manner typical of the Victorians. If you are feeling in the Victorian mood, beautifully decorated hats are provided for guests while they dine. After lunch, browse the Physick Estate’s museum gift shop or view the Carriage House gallery exhibit.
Cape May Point Tour Travel beyond Victorian Cape May to Cape May Point and the fully restored 1859 Cape May Lighthouse. View the area famous for its migratory bird population and stop at Sunset Beach to search for Cape May “Diamonds.” View the sunken ship “Atlantus” and check out the Sunset Beach gift shops.
Dolphin Watch Cruise - Explore the Cape May area from the water!
Free time for Shopping or Sightseeing Downtown Relax and stroll the beautiful Victorian streets, shop on the Washington Street Mall or walk along the promenade to enjoy the view of the beach and sea.
Visit Chanticleer Garden, one of the most artistic gardens in the world - Tens of thousands of bulbs clothe the ground in spring and masses of flowering trees and native wildflowers bloom in the woods. Courtyards frame unusual combinations of hardy and tropical plants. Vines grow in nooks and crannies, trailing and twining. A woodland garden carpeted with Asian groundcovers and full of rarities leads to a water garden surrounded by exuberant perennials. A ruin plays with indoor/outdoor relationships and contrasts the light and dark sides of gardens. Sculptural, homemade seats, benches, wrought iron fences, and bridges highlight the uniqueness and personal nature of the garden. Also visit the garden's historic site, nursery and greenhouses of Meadowbrook Farm.
$489 includes deluxe motor coach, 2 nights at seaside hotel (dbl occ.), 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners, admission and tours at each site. Leave from Syracuse, Cortland and Binghamton, NY. Reservations are limited. Send check to Vistas Unlimited, 12 E. Lake Street, Skaneateles, NY 13152. Travel cancellation insurance is available at a nominal cost. Groups of 10+ receive $10 discount per person. | 
