Things to do in Lancaster, Pennsylvania (PA): The Best Tours

We’ll kick it off at the hub of Lancaster, our colonial square, and begin to explore the concentration of historical sites spanning three centuries – all within just a couple of blocks! The nation’s oldest continuously operating farmers market and theater, the birthplace of the Conestoga Wagon, homes of some of Lancaster’s most famous citizens, colonial churches, and much more will be brought to life through stories, characters, arts and architecture. You will learn the out-sized roll our small city played in the birth and growth of America as you stroll through charming streets and alleys and begin to understand the building blocks that take us to the present day. Sound great? Well there is still much more. After our old city history walk, we will whet our whistle at some of Lancaster’s finest craft beer establishments – and the history isn’t over. You will learn how much of our colorful past is tied to beer.

Inclusions: Alcoholic Beverages

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Experience historic sites while traveling the pathways of the Underground Railroad in Lancaster County across river valleys, farmland, cities and small towns. Located just north of the famed Mason-Dixon Line, Lancaster County was a magnet for freedom seekers due to its network of religiously-inspired Abolitionists, free African Americans and white sympathizers, including civil rights pioneer, US Congressman Thaddeus Stevens (1792-1868). Be inspired by a professional historian and storyteller who brings alive this little-known yet significant history from the years following the American Revolution to the outbreak of the Civil War. Gain new perspectives on social issues in America today.

Inclusions: Rest stops, scenic overlooks, short walks at various destinations along the tour route., Historical themed video can be shown on motor coach video player when available.

Exclusions: Motor coach expense not included in professional guide fee.

Your conductor is a former journalist, now a consulting historian and advocate for the preservation of historic sites associated with the Underground Railroad. Randolph Harris has been responsible for the research and documentation of 21 of the approximately 55 sites, programs and facilities included in the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This is a program of the US Department of the Interior/National Park Service. Four of these designated sites are visited on this walking tour of the City of Lancaster. The tour is conducted in the heart of the historic City of Lancaster, one of the most vibrant and attractive small towns in America.

Inclusions: Guided Tour

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Join our talented storyteller at Penn Square's visitors center, where you will begin your journey through historic Lancaster. Don't forget there will be food! This 3-hour walk through Lancaster's downtown showcases this city's diverse culture offering delicious food samples from several local family-owned eateries. No chain restaurants on this tour. This all-inclusive tour runs rain or shines during the Spring, Summer, and Fall. Sorry, no Winter tours (the guide is not a fan of the cold). Looking forward to meeting you!

Inclusions: Snacks

Exclusions: gratuities

If you are looking for a true "experience" this is the tour for you. You won't see tourists - or tour buses for the entire excursion. We visit and experience the real and remote areas of Lancaster County that only locals know, well off the beaten path of a typical PA Dutch Country tour. Our groups are never larger than 14 people and we provide inside access and information not known to the public through relationships we have with the Amish and Mennonites here in Lancaster. Our guides have Amish relatives, Mennonite roots, and are deeply connected to many people here in the county with a wealth of knowledge and information. This may not be the cheapest experience, but the access and one-to-one attention you'll get is priceless. We even stop on real Amish farms that the public doesn't have access to (not listed on the itinerary). We look forward to introducing you to new cultures among many other gems and informative nuggets you'll get from this experience!

Inclusions: Snacks

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All of our guides have individual and unique ties to the Amish community and have always enjoyed showing off the “true” Lancaster County. This rich, immersive experience is personally designed to give you a rare window into the authentic Amish culture. Every meal is an amazing experience! * Vegetarian meals are available. * Please note this tour is not confirmed until we secure an Amish Family host. * The PA Department of Agriculture requires us to inform you in advance that these meals are prepared in private homes, which are not licensed or inspected. * Please dress respectfully and adhere to their preferences to not photograph their faces.

Inclusions: Lunch

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Escape the hustle & bustle of the 21st century... visit Amish Country! Our three-part tour will give you an authentic glimpse inside the Amish Community. --Join us for a tour inside our 1805 farmhouse, which was last occupied by an Amish family. Your highly-knowledgeable guide will explain the history, customs, clothing, and culture as you visit the various rooms of the home. --Travel through the Amish countryside in our 14-passenger mini-buses. Keep your camera ready as you see Amish schoolhouses, buggies, barns, farms, historic homes, and beautiful farmland vistas. -- Meet with the Amish owners and purchase handmade souvenirs at quaint Amish stores along the way. (when available, no Sundays or Amish holidays.) --Enjoy a self-guided visit on our historic farm. Our 15-acre farm is home to an authentic Amish one-room school, Amish scooters and 12 different types of animals. We have various artisans and Amish craftsmen on our farm, seasonally.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Wheelchair accessible vehicle, 30-minute guided tour through our 1805 Farmhouse, 90-minute guided countryside bus tour through Amish Country, Self-Guided tour of our 15-acre farm + Amish schoolhouse

Exclusions: Gratuities, Language guides only available upon special request, contact us directly.

I am a Lancaster native, former professional baker and committed food lover who can't wait to share some of the hidden culinary gems of Lancaster City! My passion is food and hosting/meeting new people. We will visit unique and varied "off the beaten path" downtown purveyors on this door to door walking tour, where you'll get extra access and attention from owners and operators. Ask your questions and enjoy generous samples! Take home goodies are included in the price of the tour, AND a wealth of history about the city.

Inclusions: Snacks

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For this all day private tour, your driver-guide will take you Lancaster County in Pennsylvania - home to more than 40,000 Old Order Amish.  There, you will be joined for the morning by an Amish or Mennonite guide living in that community.  Your local guide will give you authentic first-hand exposure to the Amish.  After a lunch of Amish fare, your private driver-guide will take you for an afternoon of bargain shopping at a  designer and brand name outet center with more than 80 stores.  After shopping, you will return to New York for an arrival back in the early evening - just in time for dinner.

Inclusions: Private tour, Driver/guide, Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by private vehicle

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

We have worked in the food industry for nearly 20 years with local restaurants, national franchises, and food manufacturers. As lifelong Lancaster natives, we have grown to fall in love with our downtown restaurants and will take you behind the scenes of our gems. We will take you to some of the most iconic and popular restaurants in downtown Lancaster to sample some of their unique offerings, meet owners and chefs, and learn about the history and expertise of each location. This is a walking tour and will give you good sense of where you may want to go for lunch or dinner! Please also checkout our other experiences including a History of Lancaster City and Amish Country, Meal with an Amish Family, and Lancaster History & Craft Brew Walk!

Inclusions: Alcoholic Beverages, appetizers signature to the restaurant

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