Nestled in the countryside of Pennsylvania, Lancaster County is home to one of the oldest and largest Amish communities in the United States. Known for its picturesque farmlands, traditional way of life, and rich history, this region offers a rare glimpse into a culture that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. An immersive 2-day journey explores the traditions, hospitality, and craftsmanship that make Lancaster a unique destination.
Begin at the Amish Experience Theater with a viewing of the film Jacob’s Choice, which offers a moving look into the traditions and challenges of Amish life. Follow it with a guided tour of an authentic one-room schoolhouse and homestead to better understand Amish education and daily life. A bus ride through the scenic countryside takes the group past rolling fields, horse-drawn buggies, and farms. Stop at the home of an Amish family, who share insights about their way of life, values, and customs in a conversation with tour participants.
During the afternoon, learn about traditional cheese-making at a goat farm and explore the skills and heritage behind Amish goods at a quilt shop, a bakery, and the workshop of a leather craftsman. The day concludes with an Amish dinner in a private home. Sit down to a hearty, homemade family meal prepared with fresh ingredients in traditional style and served with warm hospitality. Settle in for the night at the Lancaster Country Inn, a local family-owned hotel.
The following day, step back in time at the historic Ephrata Cloister, an 18th-century religious community known for its distinctive Germanic architecture, printing press, and unique way of life. Discover the cloister’s spiritual traditions, artistry, and impact on early Pennsylvania history. A city tour with a local guide includes Lancaster Central Market, the oldest operating public market in America. Conclude at a local distillery and learn about the region’s small-batch spirits, which range from rye whiskey to craft liqueurs. Enjoy a guided tasting and hear how agricultural roots influence modern distilling techniques.
Know Before You Go
- Cost includes all meals (1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner), hotel, transportation, services of a Smithsonian study leader and representative, entrance fees, taxes, and all gratuities.
- Overnight accommodations are at the Lancaster Country Inn.
- Tour departs by bus from the Mayflower Hotel, Connecticut Ave. and DeSales St., NW, with a pickup at the DoubleTree Hilton, 15101 Sweitzer Lane, Laurel, Maryland, at about 8:40 a.m.
- Single-room supplement $75 (factored into the Single Room Member and Single Room Nonmember pricing).
- Singles registering at the double-room rate are paired (on a nonsmoking basis) if possible, but must pay the single-room supplement otherwise.
- Detailed information is emailed to registrants about four weeks prior to departure.
- Participants are advised to purchase travel insurance for overnight and multi-day tours from a provider of your choice. Travel insurance provides additional coverage against unforeseen incidents that require last-minute cancellations.
General Information
- The tour departs by motorcoach from downtown Washington, DC with a designated secondary pick-up outside the city. Content delivered by the study leader on the way to the destination, after the secondary pick-up, is an integral part of the study tour experience. Meeting the group once the tour is en route is discouraged.
- Smithsonian Associates is a mask-friendly environment. Please feel free to bring and wear a mask at any time during a tour, both for your safety or the safety of others.
- As we aim to move away from single use water bottles, guests are strongly encouraged to get in the habit of bringing their own reusable water bottle on tour.
- For additional tour information:
