A new company, offering tours throughout the Capital Region and New York State, has been formed by three individuals with extensive experience in tourism initiatives.

Harmony House Tours, with offices at 188 Remsen Street in Cohoes and 144 Broadway in Albany, is the new tour company formed by Bob Wolfgang (former president of the Albany Aqua Ducks), Diane Conroy-LaCivita (executive director of the International Center and partner in Harmony House Marketplace) and Kathy Condon (president of Condon Communications).

"After the ducks left for Florida, we said we'd be back at some point," said Mr. Wolfgang. "And, we saw the void left in the community for those seeking ways to see the Capital Region. Hence, Harmony House Tours."

Harmony House Tours will concentrate on historic, educational and recreational/fun outings with a heavy emphasis on New York State Agritourism and culinary experiences. . The company is partnering with associates in the tourism and hospitality fields, including the Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau and its counterparts throughout the Capital Region and New York State.

Ms. Conroy-LaCivita has been organizing tours for groups for over 20 years. "At the moment, Harmony House Tours has several tours scheduled including two food and wine trips to Long Island, a winery tour to Keuka Lake, an outing to the Cooperstown Beverage Trail and the Washington County Cheese Trail," she said, adding: "The most important element of what we'll be doing at Harmony House Tours is to make these tours experiential -- meeting with the vintners, the farmers and the producers. It's culinary tourism with a special role of meeting those who grow and prepare foods for our tables," she said.

Mr. Wolfgang noted that by spring, the company plans to offer a land and water tour of Albany -- in conjunction with Dutch Apple Cruises. "We'll be working with various transportation companies in the region to do the land portion of the tour with our guides. Then, it's all aboard the Dutch Apple to enjoy the Hudson River," he noted.

The first focus of Harmony House Tours will be special charters for groups. The company also has a large variety of tours available for charter -- from progressive dining to sweets tours and more. "Some tours are historic. Some are designed for kids. Some are perfect for groups. And, if an organization has something special in mind, "we're happy to work with them to put together a fun, affordable experience," Wolfgang said.

Ms. Condon is working with various organizations to develop new initiatives, including "A new kind of Girlfriend Getaway -- not your typical spa and shopping -- but more like a fly fishing experience on the Battenkill," she said.

Harmony House Tours, Mr. Wolfgang noted, is currently working with non-profit organizations to develop fundraising trips. "For example, we have an arts organization that wants to tour Museums out of the area. Great outings and a painless ways to get some additional revenues for the organization," he said. Each group is escorted by an expert guide. "We go beyond bringing the group to the destination. Our guides help educate everyone on the sites they will see while on their excursion," he said.

For tour groups coming into the Capital Region, Harmony House Tours has step-on guides available. "We're fortunate to have a number of trained, experienced tour guides working with us," Mr. Wolfgang said, adding: "Our goal is to offer the service and knowledge the discerning leisure traveler seeks, while seeing and appreciating the numerous sights/resources in the Capital Region and around New York State.

A new offering of Harmony House Tours will be personalized tours for individuals and families visiting the Capital Region. "Our guide will meet the family and arrange for them to have a private tour of the area. It will be a tour that the individuals or family will help design, based on their interests and on their time limits," Mr. Wolfgang explained.

For additional information, visit HarmonyHouseTours.com.

To contact Harmony House Tours directly, call 518-238-2233 or email info@harmonyhousetours.com.

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