The Friends LOVE to travel! And we’d love for you to join us some time …
The Friends plan several trips during the year, both day trips and week-long trips domestically and abroad. Trips are arranged with Collette Tours, a premier travel and tour agency. Past trips include Poland, the Canadian Rockies, England, France, Ireland, and more.
Day Trips
May 26, 2026
Day Trip to Hancock Shaker Village & Clark Art Institute
We will start the day at Hancock Shaker Village and then travel to Williamstown for lunch and a visit to the Clark Art Institute. Hancock Shaker Village is a living history museum committed to bringing the Shaker story to life and preserving it for future generations. We will then travel to the Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, where we will start with a box lunch followed by time to explore the museum on our own. The Clark Art Institute is best known for its French Impressionist paintings by Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Camille Pissarro, and especially Pierre-Auguste Renoir, with more than 30 paintings by the artist. The collection is also rich in American paintings; Italian and Northern Renaissance masterpieces; portraits and landscapes by European masters; and an extraordinary collection of silver, porcelain, and furniture.
Tours Further Afield
October 18-31, 2026
The Plains of Africa
Explore Kenya, home to incredible wildlife, from cheetahs to wildebeests. Discover the thriving cultures and innumerable natural wonders that make this one of the most popular African countries to visit. Go in search of elephants, lions, buffalo, rhinos, and leopards – collectively known as the “Big 5”– and other animals on 13 game drives.
March 13-25, 2027
Shades of Ireland, featuring Northern Ireland
Experience Ireland in all its vibrant shades as you travel from the lively city of Dublin to the untamed natural beauty of Northern Ireland. From breathtaking nature and stunning coasts to a captivating culture and friendly locals – this is Ireland.
September 12-19, 2027
Discover the Pacific Northwest & California
Join us for a presentation with our Collette representative to learn more about this trip, Wednesday, May 13, at 2:00 PM at the Glenville Branch Library, 20 Glenridge Rd.
From the wilds of Mount St. Helens to the shadow of giants in the Redwoods, fall under the spell of the Pacific Northwest and California. Starting in Seattle, we will travel along Oregon’s beautiful coast, making stops at Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Newport, Bandon and Coos Bay. Explore Oregon’s wilderness on a Rogue River cruise. Visit Redwood National Park’s Avenue of the Giants. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge and discover the “City by the Bay,” San Francisco.
December 8-14, 2027
Christmas Markets of Montreal & Quebec City
Enchanting winter experiences and magical Christmas markets await in Quebec City and Montreal, each with its own unique charm and character. Embark on a city tour of Quebec City, bundling up to wander through Old Quebec and among the wooden stalls of its German Christmas markets. Discover the history and landmarks of Montreal, from atop Mount Royal to the Underground City. Transportation from Schenectady will be by motor coach.
Gallery: Past Trips
Check out our gallery to see some of the exciting places we’ve been!
Friends of Schenectady County Public Library 