Philadelphia & Amish Country – 3 Days

Upon arrival in Philadelphia, you’ll meet your Tour Manager and head to lunch.

You’ll then head to the Liberty Bell Pavilion for a visit. In 1915, the bell came home to Philadelphia, where it now silently reminds us of the power of liberty. For more than 200 years people from around the world have felt the bell’s message. No one can see liberty, but people have used the Liberty Bell to represent this important idea.

You’ll visit and tour Independence Hall. From 1775 to 1783 (except for the winter of 1777 – 1778 when Philadelphia was occupied by the British Army) this was the meeting place for the Second Continental Congress. It was in the Assembly Room of this building that George Washington was appointed commander in chief of the Continental Army in 1775 and the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776. In the same room the design of the American flag was agreed upon in 1777, the Articles of Confederation were adopted in 1781, and the U. S. Constitution was drafted in 1787.

After dinner, you’ll make your way over to Citizens Bank Park for a Phillies game!

Get ready for a day of fun-filled Hershey’s happiness! Explore an assortment of sweet chocolate attractions and treat your senses to the many wonders of chocolate at Hershey Park. You’ll have a chance to learn about chocolate and the story behind Hershey on Hershey’s Great American Chocolate Tour and to sample and purchase Hershey products.

After lunch, you’ll have the full Amish experience as you enjoy a narrated buggy ride in Lancaster’s Amish Country. You’ll see Jacob’s Choice in a state-of-the-art theatre where you’ll learn the story of an Amish teenager who is experiencing the generation gap with his family. You’ll see his emotional struggle as he chooses between a life of his traditional Amish values and the allure of the modern world. You’ll then continue to the Amish Country Homestead where you’ll visit an authentic home with interpreters to answer your questions about the Amish. You will all see the traditional one-room schools and Amish people working in the fields with horses. In the evening, you’ll enjoy family style Pennsylvania Dutch cooking.

This morning, you’ll take a self-guided tour of the United States Mint that covers both the present state of coin manufacturing as well as the history of the Mint.

Next, you’ll explore Benjamin Franklin’s life and character in the Benjamin Franklin Museum. The museum features artifacts, computer animations, and interactive displays. The exhibits are geared toward visitors of all ages, with displays that are educational, challenging, and fun.

This evening you’ll begin your return trip home stopping on the way for a traditional Philly cheesesteak.