Day 1
Day 1
Tuesday June 21st, 2022
We begin our travel to PA aboard a fully equipped motorcoach. Our first stop is the home of our nation’s independence Philadelphia, PA. Enjoy a fully narrated, educational, and enjoyable overview of the historic section of Philadelphia. We’ll learn about the people and places that had such an integral impact on our fight for independence and freedom. Some of the historic landmarks in the historic mile include The Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Benjamin Franklin’s grave site, and more. After our orientation tour of the area we will have ample FREE time to explore. During this time Tour the U.S. Mint - The Mint offers tours of the Philadelphia facility, which covers the present state of coin manufacturing and the history of the Mint. Visitors learn about the craftsmanship required at all stages of the minting process, from the original designs and sculptures to the actual striking of the coins. We will also have FREE Time for lunch on our own at the historic Bourse: Founded in 1891 by George Bartol, The Bourse was the first in the world to house a stock exchange, maritime exchange, and grain-trading exchange simultaneously. Today, the historic space has been repurposed into an internationally inspired food hall with deep local roots. After our time here we continue with our afternoon arrival in the heart of Penn Dutch Country, Lancaster, PA. Settle into the Sleep Inn Hotel in Mountville, PA our home for the next two nights. The perfect retreat to enjoy friends at the end of our days touring the Dutch countryside. Tonight the show Summer - The Donna Summer Musical at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre. She was a girl from Boston with a voice from heaven, who shot to stardom from gospel choir singer to dance floor diva. What the world didn’t know was how Donna Summer risked it all to break through barriers, becoming the icon of an era and the inspiration for every music diva who followed. With a score featuring more than 20 of Donna Summer’s classic hits including, “Love to Love You Baby,” “Bad Girls,” and “Hot Stuff,” this electric experience is a moving tribute to the voice of a generation. (D)
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Day 2
Day 2
Wednesday June 22nd, 2022
Enjoy a Deluxe Continental Breakfast before we begin our exploration of the Dutch Country. Enjoy a Full Commentary Back Country Tour of the Farmlands of Lancaster Country. See the life of the Amish from a whole different perspective as our tour director brings their traditions to life during this fabulous riding tour. We will make a number of stops throughout the Dutch Country such as an Amish Bakery, Farm Stand, Winery, the Kitchen Kettle Shops in Intercourse, and more as time permits. Lunch will be on our own at the Kitchen Kettle Shops. As an added Bonus enjoy a ride & tour on America’s Oldest Operating Railroad - The Strasburg Railroad. Travel directly through the heart of Pennsylvania Amish Country with a view of more than 2,500 acres of untouched farmland. Comfortably seated aboard an authentically restored passenger car, your group will embark on a 45-minute, fully narrated ride behind a real, operating steam locomotive. Later this afternoon we head to Millenium Sight and Sound Theatre for the outstanding, Biblically-based theatrical production of “DAVID” - truly a sight and experience to behold. Included this evening is a magnificent smorgasbord at Hershey Farm Smorgasbord. (B, D)

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Day 3
Day 3
Thursday June 23rd, 2022
Enjoy a Deluxe Continental Breakfast before we depart from the PA Dutch Country. We end our tour in PA at the famous Longwood Gardens - one of the premier botanical gardens in the United States and consists of over 1,077 acres of gardens, woodlands, and meadows for our botanical enjoyment. We will have plenty of time to explore the Gardens in their spring glory along with time to get lunch on our own at the gardens cafe. (B)
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Day 1

Tuesday June 21st, 2022

The trip was spoiled by a detour from Marblehead (which is 2 hrs to Newport) to westborough a 1 1/2 hr detour on a bus..left MBHD at 630 am arrived in Newport,RI 10am Our time in Newport was nice, seeing 2 mansions and lunch.we left Newport at 345pm Arrived in Marblehead at 715 another 3 1/2 hrs on the road..why were the Marblehead clients put in the position for both detours??? Should you have brought the Marblehead people directly back and detoured to westborough on the way back. Also the tour guide was not educated in the history of the area. Would to use this company again.

By Nancy M for Marblehead COA - Newport Christmas Mansions - Monday 12/8/25 on Dec 18, 2025

Thank you for a fun experience. A few items. The bus driver was great, unfortunately we were seated in the back and it took about an hour to warm up on a chilly morning. That bus was cold. (Understand you have to turn off heat going thru Boston tunnel but it shouldn't have taken that long to warm up.) The guide was kind, considerate with a warm friendly way about her and also nice enough to bring water and energy bars which we appreciated very much - thanks. We did feel our guide lacked information. We had done some research fortunately on the Newport Mansions before the trip. Our guide promised "lots of juicy gossip, stories" and instead told the same story twice and missed out on a lot of amazing Vanderbilt history that we felt she really should have known. Certainly it's available online, using the app and at the house so it IS available but we were a little surprised how little the guide shared in person and did think she should be more knowledgeable. Fun outing overall, great homes, lovely views. Thanks.

By Clare W for Marblehead COA - Newport Christmas Mansions - Monday 12/8/25 on Dec 17, 2025

Just got back from a wonderful trip to Nashville. It was our first time traveling with Best of Times and we would not hesitate to travel with them again. Everything was taken care of from flights to transportation to tickets for shows. Kevin and Rebecca were fantastic. A really fun time.

By Jayne D for Bay Path Eve Sch -Nashville's Ctry Xmas 2025 - w/Vince Gill, Amy Grant on Dec 17, 2025

Our guide and driver were great but it was a very long day. I was not made aware that this trip included other groups which had to be collected before we headed to the final destination. However I felt adequate time was allowed to visit both houses and to have lunch/shop.

By Maria F for Salem, MA Sr. Ctr- Newport Christmas Mansions - Monday 12/8/25 on Dec 17, 2025

Had a good time. Kevin gave clear explanations and repeated several times so everyone understood. Hotel accommodation was very good and the Rockettes fantastic!