Lancaster , United States

Truly Authentic Lancaster Experience!

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About this experience

If you are looking for a true, overall "Lacaster experience" this is the tour for you. We begin with a walking tour of Lancaster City, where our knowledgable guides provide an overview of the rich and multifaceted history of our beautiful city. Next, we depart in our tour van to visit and experience the real and remote areas of Lancaster County that only locals know. Our guides are deeply connected to many Amish people here in the county and will provide a wealth of knowledge and information along the way. We'll make two stops at Amish properties, giving you an insight into their world, and some ice cream to top it off. We look forward to introducing the unique and fascinating culture and history of Lancaster!

Available options

Authentic Amish Country Tour!

What's included

Snacks

Detailed itinerary

Penn Square is the center of our city and the site of many historical events, and a great place to view our beautiful and varied architecture. We'll discuss Lancaster's outsized role in the history of our country, some of the most prominent figures in that history, as well as tell you a couple of surprising stories about impactful people and events from our past.

Stop 2

Learn about the rich history of this iconic and historic theater.

Stop 3 Pass by

We'll share a brief history of the Central Market - the oldest continuously operating farmers market in the U.S. On Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays when the market is open we will have the chance to go inside for a brief tour.

See where Milton Hershey got his start in the candy business!

We will then visit the oldest settlement in Lancaster County, followed by a trip to one of our 19 remaining covered bridges...

You'll get to choose from more than a dozen homemade ice cream varieties included in the experience (full scoop in a cone or dish), followed by stop at a scenic looking spot for pictures....

Learn about the life and works of Charles Demuth, Lancaster's most famous artist and view the Demuth Tobacco Shop, the oldest in the U.S.

Learn about the Steinman Hardware store - the first hardware store in the U.S. - and the history of the Steinman family publishing business as well as many other notable printers and publishers in the history of our country who were from Lancaster.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

18 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

95 reviews

5★

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Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Guest should be able to walk approximately 6 city blocks at a leisurely pace and be able to enter and exit our touring van.

Meeting point

Please park in the East King Street Parking Garage. We will be meeting out front at the Entrance of the building.

About Lancaster

Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is a charming city known for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and proximity to Amish country. It offers a unique blend of urban and rural experiences, making it a fascinating destination for travelers seeking both cultural and outdoor activities.

Top Attractions

Central Market

One of the oldest continuously operating farmers' markets in the U.S., Central Market offers a variety of local produce, Amish goods, and delicious food vendors.

Market 1-2 hours Free to enter, prices vary by vendor

Lancaster County Amish Country

Experience the unique lifestyle of the Amish community, known for their simple living, horse-drawn buggies, and traditional crafts.

Cultural Half-day to full-day Free to explore, prices vary for tours and shops

Lancaster Arts Hotel

A unique boutique hotel featuring contemporary art and a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city.

Architecture Varies Expensive ($$$)

Hersheypark

A popular amusement park featuring thrilling rides, water attractions, and Hershey's chocolate-themed experiences.

Entertainment Full-day Expensive ($$$)

Lancaster County Park

A beautiful park offering hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views of the surrounding countryside.

Nature 1-3 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Shoofly Pie

A traditional Pennsylvania Dutch dessert made with molasses and a crumbly streusel topping.

Dessert Contains gluten and sugar

Scrapple

A pork-based dish made with cornmeal and flour, often served sliced and fried for breakfast.

Breakfast Contains pork and gluten

Chicken Pot Pie

A hearty and comforting dish made with tender chicken, vegetables, and a flaky crust.

Main Course Contains gluten and dairy

Popular Activities

Hiking in Lancaster County Park Biking on the Lancaster County Central Railroad Trail Zip-lining at Adventure Link Picnicking in Lancaster County Park Shopping at Central Market Dining at farm-to-table restaurants Visiting Amish Country Exploring historic sites in downtown Lancaster

Best Time to Visit

May to October

This period offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities and festivals. It's the best time to explore the city's parks, markets, and nearby Amish country.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Pennsylvania Dutch (among the Amish community)
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Eastern Time Zone (ET) - GMT-5:00

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Lancaster is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, it's always important to take standard precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps
• Avoid isolated areas at night

Getting there

By air

Harrisburg International Airport • 30 miles (48 km)

By train

Lancaster Amtrak Station

By bus

Lancaster Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The RRTA bus system is affordable and convenient for getting around Lancaster. Buses are clean and punctual.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Lancaster Gay Street Lancaster County Amish Country

Day trips

Hershey, PA

15 miles (24 km) • Half-day to full-day

Hershey is a charming town known for its chocolate-themed attractions, including Hersheypark and Hershey's Chocolate World. The town also has a rich history and offers a variety of museums and historic sites.

Strasburg, PA

10 miles (16 km) • Half-day

Strasburg is a historic town offering a glimpse into the Amish community's lifestyle. The town is home to the Strasburg Rail Road, a historic steam train that offers scenic rides through the countryside.

Gettsburg, PA

35 miles (56 km) • Full-day

Gettsburg is a historic town known for its role in the American Civil War, particularly the Battle of Gettsburg. The town offers a variety of museums, historic sites, and guided tours.

Festivals

Lancaster Jazz Festival • June Lancaster County Farmers' Market • Year-round (Tuesdays and Saturdays) Christmas & Holiday Market • November - December

Pro tips

Visit Central Market on Tuesdays or Saturdays for the best selection of fresh produce and local goods
Explore the city's vibrant arts scene by visiting local galleries, theaters, and museums
Take a buggy ride through Amish Country for an authentic and unique experience
Try local specialties, such as shoofly pie, scrapple, and Hershey's chocolate treats
Support local businesses and farmers' markets to experience the region's farm-to-table dining scene