Hershey & Lancaster Pennsylvania

Depart from Southgate with your Custom Holidays tour leader to a sweet place, Hershey, PA. As you travel down the freeway going east, watch out the window as the trees begin to produce their summer green glory. This is a pretty full day of travel. Arrive at the Hilton Garden Inn and enjoy a pizza party at the hotel. (D)

Today, we have a delectable day planned for you as we enjoy the town that Chocolate built. We plan to start with a tour of the beautiful Hershey Hotel with Old World Luxury. Enjoy the circular dining room, terrace and ballroom. This hotel was built in the 1930s when Mr. Hershey's company was flourishing. He wanted to keep his employees busy and one way was to build great buildings. The hotel is one of his architecturally stunning buildings. Then move to Chocolate World where chocolate is at every turn. Enjoy the ride showing how chocolate is made. The tour sweetens with a step on guide taking us around the city showing us how philanthropic Mr. Hershey really was. Lunch is provided at Lisa's Cafe in the Chocolate Story Museum. After visiting the museum, taste 6 flights of chocolate. By now we have enjoyed the immersive tour of chocolate and it is time to move on to Lancaster. You may choose to visit the QVC Outlet Store or go directly to the hotel to freshen up. QVC is a shopper's paradise. Tonight's dinner is at the home of Ruth and Samuel, where an Amish feast awaits. Our hotel is the Country Inn and Suites, Lancaster for 2 nights. (L,D)

Breakfast is included at the hotel. This morning enjoy an Amish experience at Plain and Fancy Farm. Compelling best describes the emotional story of "Jacob's Choice". Witness young Jacob's struggle in choosing the Amish church, or leaving behind family and community for the allure of the modern world. Also experience the religious persecution of their forefathers and take part in the perilous voyage to America. Jacob's challenges with faith, tradition, and loved ones in a fastchanging world is a story that touches each of us, young and old. Next, tour the Amish Country Homestead and One-Room School for a guided look at how Lancaster's Amish of today live at home. Discover life without electricity, plain dress, and one-room school education. Now it's time for a little shopping at the Li'l Country Store and Miniature Horse Farm. They offer handmade merchandise, created locally. See wood furniture, Amish crafts, and more. Poke your head in the 10 stall barn and pet the miniature horses. Lunch is on your own at the Agape Grill which offers sandwiches, soups, salads and more. Time permitting, make a stop at the Pleasant Valley Amish Furniture and Gift Shop. This afternoon's production at the Sight & Sound Theatre is "Moses" and includes the spectacular crossing of the Red Sea. Enjoy the narrative as well as singing, dancing and live animals. Sight & Sound Productions makes the Bible come to life. After the show we will stop at Bird-In-Hand for dinner on your own. (B)

Breakfast is included at the hotel. Depart this morning for an enjoyable ride back home. No doubt you will visit with new found friends and compare all the fun and interesting things done on this trip. (B)