Philadelphia & Amish Country

7 night self drive tour from £449 per person

Day 1: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Step back into Colonial times and learn about the birth of this nation, then live in the moment at one of Philadelphia's trendiest nightspots.  Study American artists at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts before embarking on a Mural Arts Tour to learn how some of today's most modern artists beautify the city.  Shop for treasures on Antique Row, or hit Old City's funky boutiques for something more contemporary.  From museums and architecture, to tax-free shopping and scrumptious dining, Philadelphia offers you countless ways to make the most of your stay.

Despite being the 2nd largest city on the east coast Philadelphia is truly a walking city, and many of its attractions are readily accessible by foot so the city is perfect for a city break.  The city offers an extensive, easy-to-navigate transit system that includes buses, subways, trains, and trolleys.

Day 2

Experience the city's renowned museums along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, including The Franklin; the Rodin Museum; and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where you can run up the steps made famous in the "Rocky" film series. 

Fill some shopping bags in only-in-Philadelphia retail districts such as Rittenhouse Row, Antique Row and South Street.  Take in dinner and a show along the Avenue of the Arts, the city's premier arts and entertainment district.  Choose from more than 25 restaurants ranging from Sushi to soul food followed by a jaw-dropping opera, jazz, or dance performance.

Day 3

Tour Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia's famous prison-turned-museum that once held Al Capone and "Slick" Willie Sutton.  Visit Fairmount Park and its 18th-and early 19th-century mansions and then tour the mansions of historic Germantown and the nearby Victorian gardens of Morris Arboretum.  Have dinner in Chestnut Hill, a National Historic District north of Centre City, where you'll find more than 200 boutique shops, art galleries, antique stores, cosy cafes, and fine restaurants.

3 Nights in Philadelphia

Days 4, 5, 6, & 7: To Lancaster County/Pennsylvania Dutch Country (80 miles)

Known as the Garden Spot of America or Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Lancaster County is located in the south central part of the Pennsylvania. Lancaster County is a popular tourist destination, and is well known due to the many plain sect residents, known as the Amish or Pennsylvania Dutch.  The term 'Pennsylvania Dutch' comes from the earlier use of "Dutch" to apply to all immigrants from Europe speaking German. They are the descendants of Germans ("Deutsch") who immigrated in the 18th and 19th centuries for the freedom of religion offered by William Penn and were attracted by the rich soil and mild climate of the area. Freedom from poverty and political uncertainty also was a major factor. Also attracted to promises of religious freedom, French Huguenots fleeing religious persecution with significant numbers of English, Welsh and Scotch-Irish settled this area in 1710.

Many folks are drawn to Lancaster County for the Amish community, but you will soon discover and enjoy all the other things to see and do when you visit Pennsylvania Dutch Country.

During your stay remember you are just over 1 hour away from Historical Gettysburg which is well worth a visit.

4 Nights in Lancaster/Dutch Country

Day 8: To Philadelphia Airport Via Valley Forge, Pennsylvania (80 miles)

En route to Philadelphia Airport, stop by Valley Forge where you can pick up some last minute shopping at either the King of Prussia Mall boasting seven world class department stores and more than 400 stores, boutiques, and restaurants, The King of Prussia has more pure retail shopping space than any other attraction in American or if you like a bargain head for the Philadelphia premium outlets in Limerick feature more than 150 designer and brand-name outlet stores in an astounding 425,000-square-foot space. Upscale merchants such as Calvin Klein, Coach, J.Crew and Sony are among the outlet stores tempting shoppers. 

For those who don’t want to shop but want a piece of American history be sure stop by Valley Forge Historical Park. The picturesque, rolling hillsides of 3,600-acre Valley Forge National Historical Park are a peaceful reminder of freedom won by men’s sacrifices long ago. It was here that General George Washington forged his Continental Army into a fighting force, during the winter encampment of 1777-78. No battles were fought, no bayonet charges or artillery bombardments took place. Nonetheless, some 2,000 soldiers died – more Americans than were killed at the battles of Brandywine and Germantown combined. Valley Forge is the story of an army’s epic struggle to survive against terrible odds, hunger and disease.

All done – it’s time to head for Philadelphia Airport which is approx 1 hour drive, drop the car and check in for your flight home