Pennsylvania Highlights

Philadelphia, Amish Country, and Gettysburg

Day 1: Today, we travel to the historic city of Philadelphia. After checking into our hotel for the evening, we will visit the Eastern State Penitentiary for a Summer Nights experience tour. The Penitentiary was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, but stands today in ruin, with empty cell blocks and empty guard towers. Its vaulted, sky-lit cells once held many of America’s most notorious criminals including Al Capone. 

Day 2: After breakfast at the hotel, we will enjoy a guided tour of the city which includes Independence Hall, The Liberty Bell Pavilion and Independence National Historic Park, and many other sights in the city that has been called “Birthplace of the Nation”. We will also visit the tiny, 250-year-old Betsy Ross House. Here, we will learn much about this working mother and entrepreneur. This afternoon, we will stroll down our nation’s oldest residential street, Elfreth’s Alley. Elfreth’s Alley is a historic street in Philadelphia, dating to 1702. As of 2012, there are 32 houses on the street, which were built between 1728 and 1836.  No trip to Philadelphia would be complete without stopping at the Reading Terminal Market where you will have free time to explore the market. One of America’s largest and oldest public markets, housed since 1893 in a National Historic Landmark building, the Market offers an incredible selection of locally grown produce, locally sourced meats and poultry, plus the finest seafood, cheeses, baked goods, and confections. After a full day of touring and exploring the city on our own, we will return to our hotel for the evening. (CB)

Day 3: This morning we will begin our day with a visit to the famous steps leading up to Rocky Statue. Visiting the statue, running up the steps and taking a picture at the top, arms-raised in victory is a must on any first visit to Philadelphia. Our next stop will be the Museum of the American Revolution, which is dedicated to telling the story of the American Revolution. The museum serves as a portal to Philadelphia’s other Revolutionary landmarks, enriching the existing heritage and making Philadelphia an authentic destination for those interested in discovering America’s founding. Later this afternoon, we travel to Lancaster, PA, for a guided tour. Our guide will lead us into the heart of Amish country while talking about Amish customs and traditions. We’ll be passing by several one room schoolhouses, which are still being used today by Amish Children. Tonight we will have an Amish Feast in Lancaster. (CB, D)

Day 4: This morning we will visit Bird-in-Hand Farmer’s Market, a delightful country shopping experience full of Amish baked goods, meats and cheeses, and crafts. We will then travel to Gettysburg National Military Park for a guided tour through the park. The Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the Civil War, the Union victory that ended General Robert E. Lee's second and most ambitious invasion of the North. Often referred to as the "High Water Mark of the Rebellion", Gettysburg was the Civil War's bloodiest battle and was also the inspiration for President Abraham Lincoln's immortal "Gettysburg Address". Continuing home after visiting Gettysburg, we will arrive approximately 10:30 PM. (CB)

Special Notice: Balance is due 30 days prior to departure. Cancellation within 30 days of departure will result in payment forfeiture.