Top 5 Syracuse Full-Day Tours: Reviews & Recommendations

You know, Syracuse, with all its history and sights, can feel almost a bit overwhelming to tackle on your own. Sometimes you just need someone to take the lead, someone who really knows the place, to show you around. So, what I’ve put together is a list of the top 5 full-day tours in Syracuse. These tours are often great because they not only handle all the planning and driving, but they really let you relax and just enjoy seeing the area.

1. Syracuse City Highlights Tour

First up, that Syracuse City Highlights Tour – it’s almost like getting a super-condensed version of everything that makes Syracuse special. The tour typically visits spots like the historic Armory Square, that gorgeous Landmark Theatre, and even some of the local universities. As a matter of fact, what stands out, very often, are the guides. They really know their stuff. They tend to be full of interesting stories and facts about Syracuse’s past and its present, so you are likely to learn some cool trivia that you probably wouldn’t find in a guidebook.

For example, many guides will actually tell the tale of the Erie Canal’s impact on Syracuse’s growth, and also explain Syracuse’s role in the salt industry, something which might seem pretty mundane but was actually quite pivotal. Apparently, a big bonus is that most tours handle transportation, usually in a comfy van or bus, which is great for people who don’t feel like struggling with parking or public transit. Oh, and as I was saying, depending on the tour operator, you may find options that include lunch or entrance fees to different attractions, too. Read our full review: Syracuse City Highlights Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Check Availability)

2. Erie Canal Discovery Tour

The Erie Canal Discovery Tour offers kind of a deeper experience for those who are actually interested in history. We were saying that it concentrates, too, on one of the most significant engineering accomplishments in American history, that is the Erie Canal. I mean, you typically see a part of the original canal, that often features stops at museums or visitor centers where you can learn about its construction, its impact on trade and migration, and also the lives of the people who built and used it.

By the way, that’s pretty fascinating if you think about it. For example, some tours involve a boat ride on a section of the canal, giving you a real feel for what it was like to travel way back when. So, many folks report really enjoying this tour because it blends education with pretty hands-on experiences, like operating a lock or seeing canal-era artifacts. Obviously, you might find a guide with family history that runs deep with the canal! Read our full review: Erie Canal Discovery Tour Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Check Availability)

3. Finger Lakes Wine Tour from Syracuse

Right, a Finger Lakes Wine Tour is very ideal for anyone wanting to sip and savor. The Finger Lakes region, which is a bit to the west of Syracuse, that is well-known for its vineyards. Basically, that’s where many tours focus on visiting multiple wineries, offering tastings of a range of different wines, from rieslings and chardonnays to pinot noirs. You might find, as a matter of fact, tours including a lunch stop at a scenic restaurant overlooking one of the lakes.

And seriously, what’s so great is learning about the winemaking process from the experts themselves. Tours often take care of the driving, so you can relax and enjoy your samples responsibly, so you don’t have to worry about the ride home! Basically, you’re out to have a good time! Read our full review: Finger Lakes Wine Tour Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Check Availability)

4. Thousand Islands Day Trip

Now, if you’re after amazing scenery, basically a Thousand Islands Day Trip is probably right up your alley. As a matter of fact, although it’s a bit of a drive from Syracuse (like, a 2-3 hour drive each way, or something) the Thousand Islands region on the border with Canada that’s well worth the effort. Many tours include a boat cruise where you get to weave among the islands, some of which are inhabited, others featuring a single home or castle. Or just have wild nature on them.

For instance, you can learn about the area’s history, too, from the Gilded Age mansions to the legends of pirates and smugglers. Depending on the tour, that is, you might get the chance to visit Boldt Castle on Heart Island, a very unfinished, fairy-tale castle with its very own tragic love story. Read our full review: Thousand Islands Day Trip Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Check Availability)

5. History and Nature Combo Tour

Next up, for people who enjoy some of everything, the History and Nature Combo Tour seems pretty great. These tours are typically created to show off both the cultural heritage and some outdoor beauty in the area surrounding Syracuse. Many actually take you to sites like historical villages, or you get the chance to see spots like waterfalls or local parks. These tours often include guided hikes and visits to museums. Basically, they show a deeper view into Syracuse’s story plus its natural settings.

Seriously, what stands out about tours is just that mix – you might go from learning about some really key historical events one minute, and really enjoying what nature has to offer the next! It’s also nice, too, if you’re with a group or have various interests you want to see catered to! Read our full review: History and Nature Combo Tour Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Check Availability)