Print Full Itinerary
Itinerary: Subject to change due to local conditions, unforeseen events, or more interesting as yet unplanned awesome experiences that become available
Overview:
Say hello to small town charm, rolling hills filled with Amish farms, fresh country breezes and historical treasures. Let’s escape to Lititz in the heart of Lancaster County, a place where historic log, brick, and stone homes in a variety of architecture styles are intertwined with fanciful shops, restaurants, and cafes in a perfect blend of old and new.
This quaint little town is surrounded by Amish countryside where we’ll explore a working Amish farm and pay a visit to a unique monastic settlement. There will also be a chance to get up close to and feed red deer, meet a variety of farm animals and cute miniature horses along with a ride straight into a mountain and aboard a 1920s Steam Locomotive.
Best of all we start and end our daily adventures at none other than The Wilbur, a spectacular renovation done to the former Wilbur Chocolate Company factory. The Wilbur’s design that is sleek and modern but keeps history alive will leave you pleasantly surprised and you’ll enjoy the short walk to all the treasures of downtown.
Day One: Old Windmill Farm
We’ll make our way through the picturesque countryside of Lancaster County straight to the Old Windmill Farm, a working Amish farm where we’ll meet the animals and experience Amish Farm life with everything from gathering eggs to milking a cow.
Miniature Horses:
The Lil’ Country Store is right nearby with everything from Amish crafts to baked and canned goods as well as homemade root beer! Don’t miss the farm where miniature horses are ready to meet you.
Walk through the barn with special stalls designed for easy petting and pictures where you’ll see little horse’s heads peeking out at you.
Amish Lunch:
Hopefully you worked up an appetite because we’re having lunch with the Lapps and that means a smorgasbord of PA Dutch and Amish delights made fresh from family recipes served family style in their home.
Sit back and relax and enjoy the delicious hearty meal (you may not want to eat for a week after this!).
Wildflowers:
As we make our way along this picture-perfect country scenery, we must stop at the Wildflower Lookout on Pleasant Paradise Farm, a place of absolute beauty.
Take a deep breath of fresh country air as you gaze across the stunning colorful field filled with blooms, find a spot to sit or gently meander through this magical place and take it all in.
The Wilbur:
Onto lovely Lititz where we’ll get comfy in our rooms for the night. It’s a short walk to the shops and restaurants in the charming downtown, so spend the night at your leisure strolling or just relaxing. Sweet dreams!
Day Two: Pioneer Tunnel
Our day’s adventure is north in the small town of Ashland, deep in the anthracite coal region of Pennsylvania. Here we’ll travel 1800 feet into Mahanoy Mountain by open mine car through the Pioneer Tunnel where we’ll find ourselves in an authentic coal mine.
Our miner-guide will teach us about deep mining methods and will point out numerous coal seams through the passageways.
Steam Train Ride:
Now we’ll take a ride outside the mountain on the narrow-gauge steam train pulled by Henry Clay, a steam saddle tank engine of 30 tons used years ago to haul coal cars.
Our scenic ride will take us past an area of strip mining and across the valley from Centralia where we’ll see smoke rising from the ground from the ongoing mine fire.
Centralia:
Lunch will be included before our next adventure that will take us right through the burning town of Centralia, such an eerie sight to see.
Deer Farm:
At the Rolling Hills Deer Farm, home to over 400 red deer, a fun summertime hayride will guide us through 200 acres of rolling landscape where we can hand feed deer and connect with these beautiful creatures up close.
The rest of the evening will be spent at your leisure in lovely Lititz with a great place for dinner on your own.
Day Three: Ephrata Cloister
This morning there will be time to run back downtown to see anything you might have missed in lovely Lititz before making our way to the Ephrata Cloister, a unique monastic settlement founded in 1732 by German religious leader, Conrad Beissel. Beissel escaped religious persecution in Europe and was drawn to Pennsylvania due to the promise of religious freedom offered by William Penn and found his dream here in Ephrata.
Our guided tour in two of the most significant buildings, the Meeting house and Sisters’ House will reveal the ideas, lifestyle, and achievements of this unique early American community. Take your time to wander the grounds of this picturesque historic site and in the 7 self-guided historic buildings along the way.
Local Lunch:
Now onto an included lunch at a nearby local, historic tavern before our ride back home to New Jersey.
Pricing & Departures:
Departs Ridgewood’s Graydon Pool at the corner of Linwood Ave & Northern Parkway at 7:00 AM and returns at approximately 7:00 PM
Departs Madison’s Kings Road Parking Lot, 62 Kings Rd. at 7:45 AM and returns at approximately 6:15 PM
Departs South Plainfield High School at the end of Lane Avenue at 8:30 AM and returns at approximately 5:30 PM
Price per person is $1,025 Twin & $1,235 Single. No reservations accepted without a deposit of $150 per person. Make checks payable to Group Tours & Travel and mail to the above address. Final payment is due March 1, 2023. Deposits are fully refundable if cancellation occurs on or before March 1, 2023. There are no refunds if cancellation occurs after March 1, 2023. Travel protection/cancellation coverage is available and highly recommended (cost is approximately 10% of the total cost of the tour) but not included. One piece of luggage per person and one small carry-on is permitted. Group Tours is not responsible for any delays, cancellations, injuries or circumstances beyond its control and reserves the right to change this itinerary. All trip components are subject to change in accordance with Government, State and Local guidelines and/or mandates. This tour will run rain or shine.
The Educated Wanderer
Group Tours & Travel
1710 E. Lancaster Ave. #319 Paoli, PA 19301
973-513-9001
