From the birthplace of American independence to the rolling farmland of Lancaster County and the powerful stories of Gettysburg, this thoughtfully paced journey explores Pennsylvania’s most meaningful historic sites and charming countryside. Carefully balanced days allow time for discovery, learning, and relaxation while traveling in comfort with your OregonWest Tour Director.

Your journey begins with a flight from Portland to historic Philadelphia, where America’s story comes to life.

Upon arrival, we transfer to our Center City hotel and settle in before enjoying a welcome dinner together just a short walk away.

Settle in at our Center City hotel in Philadelphia.

Enjoy a welcome dinner together just a short walk away.

After dinner, take in your first impressions of the city on a brief orientation drive before turning in for the evening and preparing for a full day of exploration ahead.

This morning we visit Independence National Historical Park, home to Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were debated and signed.

We’ll also see the Liberty Bell and step inside Carpenters’ Hall, the meeting place of the First Continental Congress.

We continue with a visit to Franklin Court and the Benjamin Franklin Museum to learn about one of America’s most fascinating founding figures.

We’ll also visit the Betsy Ross House before returning to the hotel for time to rest and freshen up.

Dinner this evening is on your own, with many excellent restaurants within easy walking distance.

Overnight: Philadelphia

This morning we explore Philadelphia’s historic neighborhoods, beginning with charming Elfreth’s Alley — the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in America — and a guided look at Old City.

We’ll see the exterior of Christ Church, where many founding fathers worshiped, before continuing to the National Constitution Center for an engaging and interactive look at the creation and ongoing story of the U.S. Constitution.

Continue to the National Constitution Center for an engaging and interactive look at the creation and ongoing story of the U.S. Constitution.

After lunch, we visit Eastern State Penitentiary, a fascinating and atmospheric historic prison that once housed infamous inmates and pioneered a revolutionary approach to incarceration.

We visit Eastern State Penitentiary, a fascinating and atmospheric historic prison that once housed infamous inmates and pioneered a revolutionary approach to incarceration.

We return to the hotel mid-afternoon for rest and free time before an evening at leisure.

Departing Philadelphia, we travel to Brandywine Battlefield, site of a pivotal Revolutionary War engagement. A local interpreter joins us for a guided overview, bringing the history of the campaign to life.

We continue into the scenic farmland of Lancaster County for lunch at the famous Shady Maple Smorgasbord before visiting an authentic Amish farm and home for a guided tour and insight into Amish life and traditions.

Visit an authentic Amish farm and home for a guided tour and insight into Amish life and traditions.

Later, we check in to our Lancaster hotel and enjoy dinner nearby.

Enjoy dinner nearby after checking in to the Lancaster hotel.

We begin with time at Kitchen Kettle Village, known for its local foods, crafts, and small shops.

Afterward, we enjoy a guided visit to the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania before boarding the historic Strasburg Railroad.

Board the historic Strasburg Railroad for a scenic steam-train ride through the countryside.

This evening we gather for a hearty dinner at a beloved local restaurant before returning to the hotel.

Overnight: Lancaster

We begin at Hershey’s Chocolate World for a fun and interactive experience, including a trolley tour and time for shopping and lunch.

Later we stroll through the beautiful Hershey Gardens.

Enjoy dinner at the elegant Hotel Hershey before returning to Lancaster for the evening.

Overnight: Lancaster

We depart for Gettysburg, where one of the most significant battles of the Civil War unfolded. Upon arrival, we spend the day with a licensed battlefield guide who brings the events of July 1863 vividly to life. Our immersive experience includes key battlefield sites and time to reflect at the National Cemetery.

Dinner is included this evening before we check in to our Gettysburg hotel.

Overnight: Gettysburg

This morning we depart Gettysburg and return to Philadelphia for a final visit to the outstanding Museum of the American Revolution. Through immersive exhibits and artifacts, the museum provides a powerful conclusion to our journey through early American history.

After time to explore and enjoy lunch on your own, we continue to the airport for our afternoon flight home to Portland.

We continue to the airport for our afternoon flight home to Portland, arriving this evening with wonderful memories of Pennsylvania’s heritage, countryside, and stories.