We joined a small group - about ten people - for this excellent tour, luckily in beautiful sunny weather. PJ picked us up at the hotel in the comfortable tour van, then sent us on the Maid of the Mist boat trip to the foot of the falls. We could see the rocks at the foot of the American Falls. In the spray of the falls, there were rainbows everywhere.
We'd been warned we'd get our feet wet, so we got shoe covers in advance. The boat operator provided bright pink plastic ponchos that worked pretty well.
Then we went to the Cavern of the Winds. There's no actual cavern anymore, but a walkway and steps take you really close, almost into the falling water. It's awesome, in the literal sense of the word. (You can get soaked or only somewhat sprayed, your choice. Again, there are ponchos.)
From there, we took a short walk to Terrapin Point, for a view of the Horseshoe Falls, which are fabulous.
Finally, we went to the Niagara Gorge and Whirlpool, which was beautiful amid the autumn foliage. A lovely finale to the tour.
It would be possible to do the same itinerary on one's own, but for a visitor, this was a convenient and efficient way to see Niagara Falls. I'd recommend it.