Philadelphia & Amish Tour

A Practical Look at the Philadelphia & Amish Tour

This full-day tour from New York City offers a blend of American history and rural culture in one package. It’s designed for those who want to tick off top Philadelphia sights like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, while also gaining insight into the Amish way of life in Lancaster. With a price of $169 per person, it aims to deliver a comprehensive experience, complete with transportation, some included tickets, and a buggy ride.

What we most appreciate about this tour is the chance to see both urban and rural sides of the United States in one day. The itinerary covers essential Philadelphia landmarks and offers an opportunity to learn about the country’s founding moments. The visit to Lancaster’s Amish community is a lovely contrast, providing a glimpse into a slower-paced, traditional lifestyle. However, the trip’s full-day length and some logistical limitations mean it might not suit everyone, especially those looking for a more in-depth or personalized experience.

This tour is ideal for travelers with a keen interest in American history, art, or rural traditions, who don’t mind a packed schedule and are prepared for a long day. It’s also a good option for those wanting an easy, guided way to see multiple sights without the hassle of planning on their own. Just keep in mind that the overall experience depends heavily on the guide and weather conditions.

Key Points

• History and Landmarks: Enjoy prominent Philadelphia sites like Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and Benjamin Franklin’s grave.
• Cultural Insights: Gain knowledge about the Amish community, their traditions, and way of life.
• Convenience: Skip ticket lines at major attractions and benefit from included admission to Philadelphia Museum of Art.
• Logistics: The tour includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and a buggy ride, making the long day more comfortable.
• Time Management: The schedule is fairly tight, with brief stops at each site—perfect for a quick overview but less ideal for in-depth exploration.
• Price & Value: At $169, it’s a reasonable cost considering the transportation, some entry fees, and guided commentary, though some may find the experience somewhat rushed.

In-Depth Review of the Philadelphia & Amish Tour

Starting Off in New York City

The day begins quite early at 6:30 am from a meeting point at Carve Cafe & Pizza in Manhattan. Given the 14-hour duration, travelers should prepare for a long, energetic day. The vehicle is air-conditioned, which is a relief after the early start, especially in warmer months. The inclusion of a buggy ride in Lancaster adds a fun, authentic touch to the Amish part of the tour, giving visitors a taste of traditional transportation methods.

Philadelphia Landmarks

The first stops are designed to give you a solid dose of American history and patriotism. Visiting Benjamin Franklin’s grave offers a quick but meaningful introduction to one of the nation’s founding fathers—fun fact, this is just a 10-minute stop, but it’s enough to appreciate Franklin’s contributions.

Next, the visit to Independence Hall takes about 30 minutes, where you can stand where the Declaration of Independence was debated and signed. The site is iconic, and most guides will share stories about the founding fathers’ debates and struggles. The Liberty Bell Center follows, giving you a chance to see the bell that became a symbol of liberty. With 30 minutes allocated, it’s enough time for photos and a brief visit, though some reviewers mention that the pace can be rushed.

The Betsy Ross House is included as well, where you’ll learn about the woman believed to have sewn the first American flag. It’s a brief 15-minute stop, but enough to get a picture and some background.

Love Park offers a quick snapshot of Philadelphia’s vibrant street art and public vibe. Just five minutes here, but it’s a fun, quick photo opportunity.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art rounds out the city portion of the trip, where you’ll visit the outside of the museum, see Rocky’s famous staircase, and snap some photos. The 15-minute visit is brief, but the highlight is definitely climbing those stairs—if you’ve seen the movie, you know what we mean.

Transition to Lancaster and the Amish Experience

After a morning packed with city sights, the tour heads to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, about a 2-hour drive away. This segment offers a relaxing change of pace. The focus here is on understanding Amish culture, their traditions, and way of life.

Visitors will spend around two hours in Lancaster, which is enough to get a good overview without feeling overwhelmed. The guide might share insights into Amish customs, their focus on community, faith, and a simple lifestyle that contrasts sharply with bustling city life. The reviews mention that the guide, Hector, was particularly appreciated for his engaging manner and helpfulness—one traveler even noted that Hector went above and beyond, returning a lost item the following day.

The Amish Lifestyle

The highlight of this part of the tour is the buggy ride, which adds an authentic touch to the experience. While some travelers might not get to see Amish residents directly (since they often avoid tourism), the overall atmosphere provides a respectful, informative look into their traditions. It’s a short but meaningful glimpse into rural life, especially when contrasted with the historic and artistic elements of Philadelphia.

Lunch at Golden Corral

The included 40-minute stop at a Golden Corral buffet for lunch is a practical choice for refueling. While not gourmet, it’s a familiar option for many travelers, offering a variety of comfort foods. If you’re a foodie looking for local Amish cuisine, this won’t be it, but it gets the job done for a quick, filling meal.

Overall Experience and Reviews

One reviewer, JoseCarlos_P, summed up their experience by saying, “Bueno la cancelaron por eso lo digo, pero nos cambiaron por la de Boston que estuvo bien, lo único que hizo un día fatal,” indicating some issues with cancellations, which can happen with tours relying on weather or other factors. However, the tour provider responded promptly, offering alternatives.

Another traveler, JOSELUIS_G, praised the day, mentioning the guide Hector’s hospitality and the overall memorable experience, especially noting the vehicle’s comfort and the personal touch of the guide.

Practicalities and Logistics

The tour is suitable for most travelers, with confirmation received at booking and the ability to cancel free of charge up to 24 hours ahead. The maximum group size of 50 helps keep the experience manageable, although some may prefer smaller groups for more personalized attention.

The inclusion of tickets for key sites like Independence Hall and the Philadelphia Museum of Art is a significant value, saving travelers both time and money. The buggy ride and air-conditioned vehicle make the long day more comfortable, especially in hot weather.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is perfect for history buffs, art lovers, and curiosity-driven travelers eager to see key American landmarks without the hassle of planning. It offers a good balance of sightseeing and cultural insights, suited for those who don’t mind a packed schedule. The Amish segment, while brief, provides a genuine glimpse into rural traditions, making it appealing to those interested in American cultural diversity.

However, if you’re seeking a deeply personal or immersive Amish experience, this tour might feel somewhat superficial. The scheduled stops are quick, and the focus is more on overview rather than deep exploration. Also, the long day might be tiring for some travelers, especially if weather conditions are less than ideal.

FAQs

Is transportation provided?
Yes, the tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, which helps in managing the long hours comfortably.

Are tickets included for the attractions?
Most of the major Philadelphia sites, like Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, and Philadelphia Museum of Art, include admission tickets, helping you skip lines.

How long is the Amish portion of the tour?
You will spend about two hours in Lancaster exploring Amish culture and participating in a buggy ride, giving a brief but authentic look into rural life.

What’s the meal situation?
Lunch is not included in the price, but the tour stops at a Golden Corral buffet for about 40 minutes, offering a variety of buffet-style foods.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but the full-day schedule and walking/standing involved might be tiring for very young children or those with mobility issues.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a camera are recommended. It’s also wise to carry some cash or cards for optional purchases or tips.

How much time is spent at each stop?
The stops range from 5 to 30 minutes, with the longest being the Philadelphia landmarks, so prepare for a quick-paced experience.

Final Words

This tour offers a practical way to see some of the most iconic parts of Philadelphia and get a taste of Amish tradition—all in one day. It’s a good choice for travelers who want a guided, organized experience without the stress of planning. You’ll gain a broad overview of American history, art, and rural culture, making it an efficient and enjoyable day trip from New York City.

While it may feel a little rushed at times, especially at the city sites, the included tickets, comfortable transportation, and the unique Amish experience make it a solid value. Just keep in mind that weather and guide quality can influence the day’s flow, so be flexible and ready for a full schedule. Overall, it’s best suited for curious travelers eager to maximize their sightseeing in one go, especially if you enjoy a mix of history, culture, and scenic countryside.

Enjoy your adventure—this tour promises a rewarding glimpse into America’s heart and soul, all packed into one memorable day.