Old Fashioned Christmas - Itinerary
Explore Pennsylvania Dutch Country – home of the second-largest Amish population in America. Discover the unique and simple way of life of these gentle people as you dine in the home of a local Amish family. Tour the area’s farmlands to learn about their fascinating history and traditions. Admire the magnificent furniture and quilts for sale at an Amish store – perhaps you will want to do some Christmas shopping here.
Tour the 1,000-acre American country estate of Winterthur and see its remarkable collection of over 85,000 objects made or used in America between 1640 and 1860. Winterthur's founder, Henry Francis du Pont, collected antiques to furnish his elegant country home, and you will marvel at this picture-perfect setting beautifully decorated for the holidays. Visit the Brandywine River Museum and see its matchless collection of works by three generations of Wyeths, and take in the fantastic poinsettia display at Longwood Gardens.
The sequence of touring and days may be altered to adjust to religious holidays, special closings of sites, air schedule changes, etc. Hotels listed subject to availability. Meal inclusions may vary by departure.
Day 1: Lancaster, PA - Tour Begins
Experience the enchantment of yesteryear and the spirit of the holiday season when you visit charming Pennsylvania Dutch Country - home of the second largest Amish population in America. From their plain clothes to their horse-and-buggy carriages, they are renowned for keeping things simple. Discover more about their unique way of life during your old-fashioned holiday!
Day 2: Amish Farmlands
A tour of the area's farmlands leads you on a discovery of the fascinating history and traditions of the Amish people. Experience an authentic Amish feast* in the home of a local family for a first hand look into their way of life. Later, visit the Farmer's Market and Kitchen Kettle Complex where you can shop for traditional holiday decorations and pick up unique, hand-crafted gifts for everyone on your list! (B,L,D)
Day 3: Lancaster - Brandywine Valley - Lancaster
Today is filled with some of America's greatest treasures of art, objects and flowers. Travel to Brandywine Valley and visit the 1,000-acre American country estate of Winterthur. Boasting over 85,000 objects made or used in America between 1640 and 1860, the exquisite Du Pont home and gardens are beautifully decorated for the holidays. Visit the Brandywine River Museum, which is internationally known for its unparalleled collection of works by three generations of Wyeths and its fine collection of American illustration, still life and landscape painting. The museum's annual exhibition, "A Brandywine Christmas", is sure to delight! Next, enjoy a visit to Longwood Gardens to see the famous flower displays in the largest indoor conservatories in the world. You'll be amazed at the size of their gorgeous poinsettia display as well as the many specialty arrangements. Dinner this evening is at the lovely Terrace Restaurant, located at Longwood Gardens. (B,D)
Day 4: Lancaster - Paradise - Lancaster
Visit an authentic Amish store and enjoy the unique furniture and quilt displays. This is a wonderful place for holiday shopping! Later, visit Paradise and the National Christmas Center nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. The National Christmas Center is dedicated to preserving and sharing precious memories of Christmases past and present, near and far. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a dinner show at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre. (B,D)
Day 5: Lancaster - Tour Ends
Like the memories of your favorite holiday traditions, the moments on this old fashioned journey will stay with you forever. (B)
