East Coast Bus Tour Day 2: Watkins Glen, Finger Lakes & Niagara Falls – Real Review (TakeTours / Mayi Tours)

If you’re considering a guided East Coast USA bus tour, TakeTours / Mayi Tours offers a convenient, cost-effective way to see top destinations. After a lovely start visiting the capital city of Washington D.C. on the first day, on Day 2 of my 6-day tour, we ventured into natural beauty, scenic drives, and iconic sights — with some unforgettable moments and one travel mistake you should avoid!

Stop 1: Hiking the Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen State Park

We kicked off the day with a visit to the stunning Watkins Glen State Park in upstate New York.

The highlight was a hike along the Gorge Trail, a 2-mile path that winds alongside a stream, descending 400 feet through cliffs and forming 19 spectacular waterfalls. It was a magical walk, surrounded by lush greenery and the sound of cascading water — a dream for nature lovers, photographers, and peaceful wanderers alike.

If you’re doing this tour, wear comfortable shoes — the terrain can be a bit wet and rocky in parts, but the views are worth every step!

Scenic Drive: Through the Finger Lakes Region

From Watkins Glen, we continued our journey towards Niagara Falls, passing through the scenic Finger Lakes region. Our route ran alongside Lake Seneca, one of the area’s largest lakes.

This region is famous for its wine production, rolling hills, and tranquil atmosphere. The views from the bus were breathtaking, especially if you’re sitting in the front row (which I highly recommend as a paid upgrade on this tour!).

Overnight in Buffalo – The Gateway to Niagara Falls

That evening, we arrived in Buffalo, New York — the nearest city to Niagara Falls, and the ideal base for the night. Our accommodation was at the M Hotel in Cheektowaga, a calm suburb not far from the falls.

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I opted to skip the optional “Colorful Niagara” evening tour, which showcases the falls illuminated by lights. Personally, I preferred to relax and save my energy for the Maid of the Mist boat tour the following morning.

Instead, I spent time exploring the hotel and surrounding area. A surprising highlight was a visit to Cabela’s, a massive outdoor sporting goods store featuring boats, gear, and themed interiors. It was a unique cultural experience — the kind you stumble upon when you take time to explore independently.

Travel Tip: Don’t Miss Cave of the Winds Like I Did!

The next morning, I discovered a major disappointment — I had missed the chance to visit Cave of the Winds, one of Niagara’s top attractions. I assumed it would be part of the morning tour with Maid of the Mist, but it was actually included in the previous evening’s “Colorful Niagara” tour that I skipped.

Unfortunately, this was not clearly communicated by the tour company (TakeTours / Mayi Tours), and splitting the two biggest attractions into separate tours felt like a strategy to encourage additional bookings. Many travelers on my bus were just as surprised and disappointed.

Pro tip: If you want to experience both Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds, confirm the schedule with your guide early — don’t assume they’ll be grouped together.

Final Thoughts on Day 2

Even with the missed attraction, Day 2 of the East Coast Bus Tour was a rich mix of nature, scenic drives, and personal exploration.

From the waterfalls of Watkins Glen to the quiet beauty of the Finger Lakes and the lively discovery of suburban Buffalo, this leg of the journey had a little bit of everything.

Quick Recap:

Watkins Glen State Park: 2-mile Gorge Trail with 19 waterfalls – must-do!
Finger Lakes Drive: Scenic route alongside Lake Seneca – an unforgettable drive.
Buffalo Stay: M Hotel in Cheektowaga – calm, clean, and lovely.
Evening Exploration: Skipped the Colorful Niagara tour and found Cabela’s instead!
Travel Mistake: Missed Cave of the Winds – clarify tour schedules in advance!

Planning a trip with TakeTours or Mayi Tours?
Make sure to ask specific questions about what’s included in each tour option, and stay flexible. Even small detours can lead to great experiences!