Tour Highlights:
- Two Evenings of Heroic Theater
- Josiah for President at Bird-in-Hand Theater
- David at Sight & Sound
- Amish Family-Style Dinner
- Heirloom Garden Tour with Hands-on activities
- Victorian Bouquet or Potpourri craft
- Victorian Tea Luncheon
- Classroom on History & Origins of Quilting
- Amish Baked Goods Demonstration
- both Shoofly and Whoopies Pies
- Snack Stops for the trip home
- Two Nights First Class Lodging
- Two Hotel Breakfasts
- Two Dinners
- One Luncheon
- All Taxes, Tips and Luggage Handling
"Josiah for President" is on stage August 18 to October 21, 2022
"David" runs March 12 to December 31, 2022
We are happy to accommodate Groups who want to add a night or two, or further customize their trip.
Southern Express Flexible Pricing:
- Customizable Comps
- Commissionable or Net Rates
- Luxury or First-Class Hotels & Meals
- Southern Express Motorcoach Transportation & Professional Tours Managers are available
Whatever you want, Southern Express will be happy to structure tour prices to match your needs. Just let us know!
Day 1 - Lancaster, PA - Amish-Family Style Dinner - "Josiah for President"
Arriving in Penn Dutch country this after your group will check into a comfortable first class hotel. Your dinner tonight is a traditional Amish Family-Style at the Bird-In-Hand Family Restaurant. It’s fresh wholesome Penn Dutch Food served with large platters of meat, bowls of vegetables, breads and Grandma Smuckers Desserts. So pull up your chair, sit down and enjoy a friendly family dinner.
After dinner you enjoy “Josiah for President” a musical comedy at the Bird-in-Hand Theater. The plot begins with a politician, a disenchanted Presidential candidate and his meeting with Josiah Stoltzfus an Amish Farmer. The Congressman decides that Josiah’s old-fashioned common sense, and roll-up-your sleeves work ethic is just what this Country needs and he is determined to run him as a candidate for the Presidency. But can Josiah get elected? Can a man of plain faith turn the tide of politics? And what will he have to risk to do it? In the 2020 election year, it’s our guess that Josiah’s Campaign will be the most fun. (Josiah For President runs August 18 – October 21, 2022.) (D)
Day 2 - Heirloom Garden Tour - Quilting Class - Shoofly Pie Demo - "David" at Sight & Sound Theatre
Today begins with a stroll through the Heirloom Gardens of Landis Generations. These herb, vegetable, and flower garden strolls, from the 1700s and 1800s are interlaced with tales of early garden folklore. You will learn how heirloom vegetables are making a big comeback in culinary and gardening circles. Take a backstage tour of the Seed Building and watch how they are packaged. Your Visitor Experience includes a demonstration on how to make a Victorian Style bouquet or Potpourri craft.
Your visit ends with a Victorian Tea featuring tea's made in the region. There is an Earl Grey and lemon lavender often served with tea sandwiches, scones, fruit, and a dessert.
Also today you hear about the history and origins of quilting in both Amish and Mennonite communities while adding a few of your own stitches in a keepsake patch. Each person in our group can choose their own fabric, trace a pattern and practice the art of hand quilting. Then add your group's stitches to a quilted wall hanging to be sold at the PA Mennonite Central Committee Relief sale held each spring. Your quilting will be part of a demonstration of love and giving to all humankind.
This afternoon your group attends a Baked Goods Demonstration a culinary professional will guide your group step by step through the recipes to create two signature Amish bakery treats: Shoofly and Whoopie Pies. a few volunteers from your group will receive hands-on experience and everyone will receive complimentary whoopie pies to cap off the demonstration. This is followed another Family-style meal at the Hershey Farm Restaurant.
Next, head to Sight & Sound Theatre for a performance of their newest show, “David." Master Poet. Fearless Warrior. Anointed King. From still waters to shadowed valleys, David’s ascent to the throne is filled with towering giants, wild animals, and Philistine soldiers. After unprecedented victories lead to devastating failures, this passionate warrior will face the biggest battle of all: the one within himself. Come alongside this young shepherd on his journey to become a man after God’s own heart.
With original music inspired by the Psalms, DAVID is a state-of-the-art theatrical experience for the whole family. Witness one of the most legendary Bible stories as it comes to life with spectacular special effects, massive sets, and live animals in this brand-new stage production. (David runs March 12 to December 31, 2022 ) (B,D)
Day 3 – Snack Stops - Depart for home
After breakfast, depart Lancaster. We are happy to help you schedule a visit to Herr's Snack Factory, Hershey’s Chocolate World, Turkey Hill Ice Cream, or the Sturgis Pretzel Bakery - so that you have snacks for the ride home. (B)