Amish Country, Wild Ponies & Virginia International Tattoo | April 22-28

April 22 | Departure for Philly

Welcome to Philadelphia! Upon arrival you will be met and assisted by a Universal Travel representative and  depart for Pennsylvania’s Amish Country! The Pennsylvania Amish of Lancaster County is America’s oldest Amish settlement, where thousands still live a centuries-old “Plain” lifestyle. Step back in time and enjoy a slower, more peaceful pace – one where horse & buggy remain a primary form of transportation and windmills dot the landscape, providing power harnessed from nature. Check into the Eden Resort, Lancaster, PA. After some time to freshen up, meet your fellow travelers for a delicious Amish Smorgasbord/ Family-Style dinner.

Overnight: Eden Resort & Suites, Lancaster, PA           (D)

April 23 | Amish Country ~ Buggy Ride, Farm visit, Amish Lunch & Sight & Sound Theatre

After breakfast this morning, set off for a fun-filled day in Amish Country! Travel like the Amish, too, with an authentic horse and buggy ride through the countryside. Your friendly driver will enlighten you with stories, history, and facts about the Amish,  offering an authentic look at how the Amish live! Visit a working Amish Farm and, if time permits, an Amish Quilt shop or Bakeshop! Later, enjoy lunch at an Amish home. This afternoon, delight in an amazing performance at the Sight & Sound Theatre! What started 45 years ago as a traveling multimedia show has today become a destination for over 25 million people. This inspiring family experience includes a majestic 2000-seat theatre, a massive 300-foot wrap-around stage, a professional cast, spectacular sets up to 40 feet high, and a variety of live animals. Go back in time and witness the greatest stories of the Bible as they come to life right before your eyes! Tonight’s dinner is on your own.

Overnight: Eden Resort & Suites, Lancaster, PA             (B,L)

April 24 |Longwood Gardens & Ocean City, Maryland

Enjoy breakfast, check out, and depart for Longwood Gardens, one of the world’s premier horticultural showcases and home to the largest fountain garden in the US! On a guided 60-minute stroll, explore the highlights of Longwood’s diverse gardens while gaining an appreciation of our heritage and horticultural excellence. The walk is designed to tell how one man’s vision turned Longwood into one of the world’s greatest gardens. An included lunch is served in the Garden Cafe. This afternoon, continue to Ocean City, MD and check into the Hilton Hotel Oceanfront for the evening. Enjoy the evening at leisure, taking in the beautiful ocean scenery and having dinner on your own at one of the great oceanfront restaurants, within walking distance of the hotel.

Overnight: Hilton Oceanfront Suites, Ocean City, MD             (B,L)

April 25 | Assateague Island & Wild Pony Cruise

After breakfast, you depart with your local step-guide for beautiful Assateague Island, a 37-mile-long barrier island famous for its beautiful beaches, wild ponies, and abundant birds. Enjoy a visit to the Visitors Center before venturing out to the park in hopes of encountering at least a few of the island’s most popular residents – the wild ponies! Next,  journey south to the sleepy coastal village of Chincoteague. Upon arrival, board the Assateague Explorer Pontoon Boat for a private Pony Express Nature Cruise! The cruise itinerary will take you from Chincoteague Island, along the beautiful southern part of Assateague, to places the legendary wild horses and migratory birds call home (boxed lunch provided). This evening, arrive in Virginia Beach and check into the Hampton Inn Virginia Beach – Oceanfront North Boardwalk, for a beautiful, three-night stay. Enjoy dinner on your own at one of the many wonderful restaurants, strolling the boardwalk while listening the sounds of the ocean!

Overnight: Hampton Inn, Oceanfront North, Virginia Beach, VA                  (B, BOXED LUNCH)

April 26 |Virginia International Tattoo

Following breakfast at the hotel, depart for an exciting day of Military Pageantry! Begin with an early visit to the Nauticus, a nautical museum, and Battleship Wisconsin, the largest battleship that served in WWII, the Korean War, and the Persian Gulf War. From here, venture a short distance to your reserved seating at the NATO Parade of Nations, featuring marching bands, Tattoo performers, decorative floats, and decorated NATO officials, all representing NATO Nations. Next, board Victory Rover for an exciting cruise to view the Naval Station Norfolk, the largest naval installation in the world. This cruise offers front row views of these magnificent Naval ships in all their glory! (boxed lunch is provided on the cruise). After your cruise you’ll have free time at NATO Fest at Town Point Park to enjoy all the festivities, including the International Village where the 29 NATO Countries    showcase their unique cultures, food vendors, and entertainment along the waterfront. Later it’s on to a fun-filled evening at the Virginia International Tattoo. Enjoy an included early dinner before the main event – The Tattoo! Arrive early and experience the outdoor festival, Hullabaloo, on the Scope Plaza! The Hullaballoo features the American Pipe Band Championship, music, dancing, drill routines, drumming exhibitions, and more! The Virginia International Tattoo performance is the largest of its kind in the United States. The International Tattoo celebrates with an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime cast of over 800 performers, from 5 to 6 international countries, in one voice, honoring the incredible service and sacrifice of the US Armed Forces. This is a truly awe-inspiring performance, unlike any other!

Overnight: Hampton Inn, Oceanfront North, Virginia Beach, VA                     (B,BOXED LUNCH,D)

April 27 |Virginia Beach touring | Dolphin Cruise

After breakfast, depart for a guided morning tour of the Virginia Beach area. Visit First Landing Cross, where English Settlers first landed in 1607 (13 years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock). Next, enjoy a picture stop at the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse, which silently guards the entrance to Chesapeake Bay, before embarking on a thrilling 90-minute narrated Dolphin Cruise to view dolphins and other marine life! The afternoon is at leisure to explore, shop, relax, or to put your toes in the sand! Tonight, gather for a delicious grand finale dinner.

Overnight: Hampton Inn, Oceanfront North, Virginia Beach, VA                  (B,D)

Apr 28 | Departure Return flight home    

After breakfast you depart for the Norfolk Airport and check in for your flight home, taking with you many wonderful stories of your amazing Universal Travel vacation to Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia!               (B)