Authentic Tour & Meal with the Amish!

If you’re looking for more than just a quick snapshot of Lancaster’s Amish community, this tour offers a rare chance to connect with a real Amish family and learn about their way of life firsthand. We haven’t done it ourselves, but countless travelers rave about the authentic experience, friendly guides, and hearty home-cooked meals. It’s a small-group outing, which usually means more personal attention and meaningful conversations, especially when sharing a meal with local hosts.

Two things that stand out immediately: the opportunity to sit down for a traditional Amish meal that’s included in the price, and the guided drive through beautiful countryside that’s rich in character and history. That said, it’s worth noting that the tour is about 2 hours and 15 minutes long — a good chunk of time, but not overly lengthy — and some travelers mention that the value can vary depending on expectations. This experience is best suited for those genuinely interested in Amish culture, food lovers, or anyone seeking a meaningful local connection on their Lancaster trip.

Key Points

• Small-group format for a more intimate experience
• Guided drive through scenic Amish countryside
• Includes a sit-down, home-cooked Amish meal
• Vegetarian options available upon request
• Approximate duration of 2 hours 15 minutes
• Booking typically 29 days in advance
• Great for cultural exchange and authentic insights
• Price is $89 per person, with potential for additional purchases at the farm
• Well-loved by travelers for guides’ knowledge and warm hosts

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

This tour begins in central Lancaster, with an easy pickup point at Discover Lancaster, located at Greenfield Road. From there, your guide takes you on a narrated drive through the Amish countryside, where you’ll see the rolling fields, traditional farmhouses, and horse-drawn buggies that make the area so picturesque. The narration isn’t just a dry history lesson — it’s an engaging way to learn about Amish customs, daily life, and community values, making the scenery more meaningful.

What makes this part special: You get a glimpse of rural life in Lancaster without the crowds or generic tourist traps. Many reviews highlight how knowledgeable guides like Jamie make the drive lively and personable, answering questions and sharing stories that bring the culture alive. One traveler noted, “Jamie was great and knowledgeable. He was happy to answer questions,” adding that the drive itself was a highlight.

The main event is visiting a local Amish family’s home for a sit-down meal. The hosts, often described as warm and welcoming, serve a hearty, home-cooked meal that captures the essence of Amish cooking — simple, filling, and made with care. The menu usually includes traditional dishes, and vegetarian options can be requested, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied. One guest raved, “The food was amazing,” emphasizing that the meal is both delicious and plentiful.

What you can expect: You’ll sit at a table with your fellow travelers, sharing stories and asking questions in a relaxed atmosphere. Many reviews praise the friendliness of the family and their willingness to chat. Mrs. Sara, the host, is often called “so sweet” and “very kind,” making the meal not just about food but about connecting with real people.

A note on value: At $89 per person, this experience offers a good balance between cultural insight and entertainment. The inclusion of the meal means you’re getting more than just a sightseeing tour; you’re partaking in an authentic Amish tradition. Some travelers mention bringing cash to purchase homemade goodies or crafts from the hosts, which can be a nice keepsake or gift.

What’s Included and What to Consider

The tour’s logistics are straightforward. You’ll be picked up in Lancaster, transported comfortably in a small van, and returned at the end. Group size is capped at 14 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and allows everyone to participate actively.

Duration & Timing: At roughly 2 hours 15 minutes, the tour fits nicely into a day’s itinerary, especially if you’re combining it with other Lancaster attractions. Since most bookings are made about 29 days in advance, it’s wise to plan ahead, especially during peak travel seasons.

Transportation & Accessibility: The van has two steps up, so it’s less suitable for those who have difficulty with mobility. The tour is accessible for service animals, which is a considerate touch.

Weather & Cancellation: Since the experience is weather-dependent, poor weather could lead to cancellations or rescheduling. The policy allows free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand, which is convenient if your plans change unexpectedly.

Authenticity, Reviews, and Real Experiences

The high ratings—an impressive 5.0 based on 308 reviews—speak volumes about the consistency of this experience. Travelers often mention how knowledgeable and friendly the guides are, with many saying it’s “one of the best tours” they’ve been on. One reviewer noted, “Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and accommodating,” emphasizing the educational aspect alongside the hospitality.

Food and Host Interactions: Many reviews highlight the quality of the home-cooked meal, with some describing it as “delicious” and “more than enough.” The opportunity to chat with the Amish family is a standout feature, providing insights that you simply can’t get from a museum or a quick drive-by.

Potential Drawbacks: A few travelers found the experience somewhat expensive, feeling that the value didn’t fully match the cost. One noted, “It was just ok. But crazy expensive for what we experienced.” Another mentioned that timing was off in a recent trip, and the food wasn’t quite as good as previous visits. These are individual opinions, but they remind us to manage expectations and consider what the experience means to you.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour is ideal for anyone curious about Amish culture who prefers personal interaction over large-group sightseeing. It’s perfect for food lovers eager to taste traditional home-cooked dishes in a friendly setting. Also, it suits travelers who appreciate guided commentary and scenic drives, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination.

It’s less suited for those with mobility issues or those expecting a fast-paced, action-packed adventure. If you’re looking for a quick overview or a more commercialized experience, you might prefer other options.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a rare window into Amish life — not just through photos or brief encounters, but by sharing a meal and engaging with local hosts. The combination of scenic countryside, knowledgeable guides, and warm family hospitality makes it stand out among Lancaster experiences. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of a community that values simplicity and tradition, all while enjoying a satisfying home-cooked meal.

For those genuinely interested in Amish customs, eager to connect with locals, or simply wanting a delicious meal in a peaceful setting, this tour provides excellent value at $89. The small-group format helps foster authentic conversations, making the experience memorable and personal. If you’re after a meaningful cultural exchange, this tour is well worth considering.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes, including transportation, the drive, and the meal.

Where do I meet for the tour?
You’ll meet in Lancaster at Discover Lancaster, located at Greenfield Road.

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, vegetarian options are available upon request, ensuring everyone can enjoy the meal.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded.

Is transportation comfortable?
Transportation is in a small van with two steps up, so it’s best suited for travelers who don’t have mobility issues.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is 14 travelers, providing a more intimate experience.

What type of food will I be served?
You’ll enjoy a hearty, traditional Amish home-cooked meal, with vegetarian options available if requested.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted on the tour.

What should I bring?
Bringing cash for any additional goodies or crafts at the farm can be a good idea, but it’s not required.

To sum it up, if you value genuine cultural interactions, delicious homemade food, and a scenic drive through Amish countryside, this tour delivers in spades. It’s especially suited for travelers who want more than a quick snapshot — looking for meaningful connections and authentic experiences. For the modest price of $89, you’ll walk away with stories, tastes, and insights that are hard to find elsewhere.