UNICORN TOURS

4 Days / 3 Nights

Experience Pennsylvania Dutch/Lancaster County like you have never seen it before – through the eyes of all three ethnic groups that influenced the settling of this rich cultural region of our country beginning with:

   The Amish Settlers

We’ll explore the unique traditions of The Amish settlers with a visit to “Amish Experience” for a film “Jacob’s Choice” about a young man’s struggle with the decision over becoming a member of this sect that was first established in Switzerland over 100 years ago.  Our local guide will take us through Jacob’s country homestead before heading out to explore the back roads and beautiful farmlands of Lancaster County that has been home to the “Plain People” for generations.

There will be time to browse in shops brimming with handmade local crafts including exquisite quilts lovingly stitched together in “sewing circles” that have traditionally served as social gatherings for Amish women and as a means of passing on their artistic skills to young girls in their community.

We’re invited to attend an “Amish Wedding” held in an historic chapel followed by a wedding feast with all the traditional foods found on the table of every Amish wedding celebration.

The German Settlers

Another day will be spent learning all that the German Immigrants contributed to the region with a visit to “Landis Valley Museum”.  This living history village focuses on the rich German cultural influence exhibited in 29 historic buildings.  During our visit we will have a guided tour of several of the main structures including 1856 Landis Valley House Hotel where we will be treated to famous homemade sticky buns made daily in the village kitchens.

 We’ll board horse drawn wagons for a tour of the surrounding farmland to learn about the nationally recognized Heirloom Seed Project that continues to be a thriving industry in the village.

Following a driving tour with a local guide to see farmhouses that were “stations” along the historic Underground Railroad, we’ll attend a live performance of “Living the Experience” for an interactive spiritual journey back to the time of the Underground Railroad told through the eyes of “the passengers”.

April is a wonderful time of year to visit the Penn Dutch region when, on every farm, young Amish boys are at the reins of horse drawn seed planting equipment in preparation for the next harvest.

We’ll divert from this scene for a guided tour of a local foundry where giant bronze statues and monuments are created for display in our nation’s capital – even in Massachusetts!  We’ll even rush the season a bit celebrating “Christmas in April” with a visit to the National Christmas Museum!  A no trip to this area is complete without some outlet shopping!