September 13-18, 2026
Six Days | 5 Nights

America is celebrating 250^th years so let’s go visit one of the most important historic sights in our nation’s history.  We’ll also celebrate the unique history of the Amish, who have been in this part of Pennsylvania since the 1760’s.   There is so much history here and so many fun places to visit! Here’s our plans:

We’ll overnight on the way there and on the way home in the Roanoke, Virginia area.  On our journey we’ll take in two included lunches as we travel.  Once we arrive in Pennsylvania we have a great itinerary planned.

Lancaster is the oldest Amish settlement in the US.  While there we will experience authentic Amish culture and see how they live and work today.  Our guide will help us discover life with no electricity & learn about their faith as we explore backroads and farmlands.  Several Amish meals are planned too!  A visit to the Bird-In-Hand Farmers Market and the Kitchen Kettle Village are also planned.   You’ll want to take back some of their authentic crafts.  Not to be missed in this area is a performance at the Sight and Sound Theatre.  This year is an all-new production of Joshua!  Their stage is huge and features dozens of actors, live animals, and incredible music and staging.  It’s really a sight to see.  The play tells the story of Joshua who from the Banks of the Jordan River helps his people of Israel navigate their freedom in the wilderness.  It’s a wonderful story of redemption and faith.   It should be amazing! While in the area we have two other fun stops planned.   First up is the Turkey Hill Experience.  You’ll have the opportunity to sample their famous ice cream and ice tea!  You’ll learn their history and see how their products are made.   You can create, taste, explore and shop!  Then we visit the town of Lititz to visit the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery.  He purchased this historic stone house in 1861 at the age of 26.  The bakery was started and is the oldest commercial bakery in the country!  It’s now run by Tom and Bruce Sturgis who keep the baking traditions alive.  We’ll watch their bakers making pretzels by hand and have the chance to shop for tasty treats!

Now on to Gettysburg National Military Park.  It was the turning point in the Civil War, as General Lee’s army was defeated.  Afterwards, President Abe Lincoln made his immortal Gettysburg Address here, on the site of what is now a National Military Cemetery.   You’ll hear history come alive as a guide takes us through the park and shares the stories of these heroic soldiers.  We’ll stop at the visitor center and will see a short film, as well as visit their Cyclorama which depicts the battle of Pitchett’s Charge, a pivotal time in the war.  You’ll also have time to visit the Gettysburg Museum as well. Looking forward to sharing all these places with you!