Between Historic Capitals and Amish Country

Departure from NY City crossing New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia. Upon arrival in the city, in the historic district, we visit the famous Liberty Bell, one of the symbols of freedom in America, Independence Square and the Congress Hall. The tour continues with a walk along Elfreth's Alley, the oldest continuously inhabited street in America. Then, a panoramic tour of the city - including the Financial District, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the historic part of Philadelphia, and more.

Before leaving Philadelphia, we also see the famous "Rocky" steps before heading to Lancaster County. We begin the visit with a ride on an authentic Amish carriage through the village to learn how this community has managed to survive for decades without technology, electricity, plumbing, and many other services that modern society takes for granted. We learn how the Amish community has adapted by incorporating technology to create self-sufficient farms and by using renewable energy sources.

After the carriage ride, we visit the Amish market where we can purchase handcrafted products. In the late afternoon, we depart to arrive in the early evening in Washington DC.

The day begins with a visit to the monument dedicated to Thomas Jefferson, in the area known as the Tidal Basin, surrounded by the famous Japanese cherry trees. The tour continues with a visit to the Arlington National Cemetery where you can witness the changing of the guard and visit the Kennedy mausoleum.

We continue with an exterior visit of the Capitol, the Senate, and the White House, the heart of the American government. The tour then proceeds to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (as long as the Air and Space Museum remains closed for renovations), the Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King, and the war memorials for Korea and Vietnam.

In the late afternoon, we head north for an evening arrival in New York.