Thinking about exploring Lancaster County’s Amish communities? This Amish Experience SuperSaver Package offers a well-rounded, budget-friendly way to learn about Amish culture in just four hours. It’s particularly appealing if you want a taste of the countryside, a dash of storytelling, and an honest look at Amish homes and farms — all wrapped into one tour.
What really makes this experience stand out are the knowledgeable guides who bring the stories to life and the variety of activities included—farm tours, a short theater film, and a walk through a replica Amish home and school. It’s a smart choice if you’re after good value for your money and don’t want to spend hours on each individual attraction.
One thing to keep in mind is that the tour’s scheduled stops can sometimes vary, especially on Sundays when some farms or Amish stands may be closed. This is worth noting if you’re particularly eager to visit certain Amish businesses or take part in hands-on activities. This tour suits those who want a comprehensive, engaging overview without the hassle of planning multiple separate visits — perfect for first-timers or travelers with limited time.
Key Points
- All-in-one experience combining farmland, theater, and Amish home visits
- Very affordable at just under $35 per person, offering excellent value
- Small group size (maximum 14 travelers), ensuring a more personal experience
- Guided tours with knowledgeable guides who can answer questions and provide context
- Flexible timing with multiple departure hours for the farmland tour
- Family-friendly with some considerations for small children and car seat requirements
What’s Included and How It Works
The Amish Experience SuperSaver Package is designed to give you an accessible, layered look into Amish life. For just $34.95 per person, you get three main activities, all within a four-hour window. It’s a straightforward way to tick off key Lancaster attractions without the hassle of booking each separately.
The experience kicks off with a 90-minute Amish farmlands tour on a small, air-conditioned 14-passenger bus. This part of the tour is what most travelers rave about, offering scenic views of rolling fields and traditional Amish farms. Your guide will explain the Amish way of life, pointing out interesting details and stopping at an Amish store for authentic goods, like homemade treats and crafts.
Next, you’ll catch a 35-minute theater film titled “Jacob’s Choice”, which uses five screens and special effects to tell the story of an Amish young man contemplating his future. It’s a quick but impactful way to understand some of the internal and external pressures faced by Amish youth, adding a personal and emotional dimension to the experience.
Finally, the guided walk through the Amish Homestead is about 45 minutes and takes you through a replica Amish house and school. Here, you’ll get to see how Amish families live day-to-day, offering a glimpse into their traditions, community, and education system. Reviews highlight that this part of the tour is especially enlightening and provides a tangible connection to Amish life.
Planning more time in Lancaster? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
The Farm Tour: Scenic and Informative
The cornerstone of the experience is undoubtedly the Amish farmlands tour. Traveling in a small, air-conditioned bus, you’ll glide through the countryside, passing several farms, each with its own character. The guides are praised for their knowledge and ability to share stories that make the scenery come alive.
One review mentions that the bus stops at Amish farms and stands—though, depending on the day, some stops like visiting farms or Amish markets can be affected by seasonal hours. For example, on Sundays, some stops may be unavailable, which can be a disappointment if those experiences are a priority for you. The guide Jim, for instance, did an excellent job explaining life in the Amish community, even when certain stops were limited.
Travelers often enjoy seeing the Amish way of life up close, including seeing animals, traditional farm equipment, and Amish-made products. The scenery itself — lush fields, winding country roads, and horse-drawn buggies — makes for a peaceful, picturesque drive.
A highlight for many is the stop at an Amish goods stand, where you can pick up homemade peanut butter, root beer, and other local treats. This gives you an opportunity to support Amish artisans and get some souvenirs directly from the community.
The Theater Experience: Engaging and Thoughtful
Next, the “Jacob’s Choice” film offers a different perspective — a short but captivating story that humanizes Amish youth. Using multiple screens, the story follows a young Amish man faced with choices about his future, highlighting the internal conflict about modernity and tradition.
Travelers have found this film both entertaining and insightful. It helps contextualize the Amish lifestyle in a way that’s accessible and emotionally resonant. It’s a neat way to diversify the experience and give you a break from the outdoor scenery.
Walking Tour of the Amish House and School: Realistic and Educational
The final part of the tour is a guided walk through a replica Amish house and school. This is, perhaps, the most tangible part of the experience, where you’ll see how Amish families live, learn, and organize their community. Visitors describe it as enlightening and authentic, providing a clearer picture of their daily routines.
The Amish Homestead is designed to be interactive and informative, offering insights into simple living, traditional dress, and community values. Many reviews praise Rosine, the guide, for bringing a lot of perspective and answering questions thoughtfully.
The Tour’s Strengths and Limitations
Strengths:
– The low price point makes this tour accessible for many travelers. For under $40, you get a comprehensive look at Amish life.
– The small group size ensures a more intimate experience, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and interact with guides.
– Knowledgeable guides like Jim, Rosine, and Bill receive high praise for their storytelling skills and expertise.
– The combination of outdoor scenery, storytelling, and hands-on insights caters well to those wanting variety within a limited timeframe.
– Several travelers mention that the experience is educational, with many noting how much they learned about Amish culture, lifestyle, and values.
Limitations:
– Scheduling can be a bit tricky on Sundays, with some stops not available due to Amish community hours. This has been addressed since some reviews mention that the 2 PM tour may not include farm visits on certain days.
– The duration is relatively short, so if you’re seeking an in-depth or immersive experience, this might feel like just a quick overview.
– Food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring snacks or plan to buy Amish treats during stops.
– For families traveling with small children, car seats are required on the bus, which could be an inconvenience for some.
– The non-refundable policy means you need to be confident about your plans, as cancellations can’t be changed or refunded.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is ideal for first-time visitors to Lancaster who want a broad but manageable introduction to Amish culture. It’s also great if you’re on a budget but want quality insights and scenic views. Travelers who appreciate stories and visual learning will find the film and guided tours appealing.
If you’re interested in exploring Amish life without committing to a full-day tour or multiple separate bookings, this is a practical and enjoyable option. It can also serve as a good family activity, provided you’re comfortable with the small group size and schedule constraints.
Final Thoughts
The Amish Experience SuperSaver Package offers remarkable value considering the variety of activities packed into a four-hour window. It’s a well-rounded overview combining scenic drives, storytelling, and educational walking tours, all led by guides who know their stuff. Many travelers leave feeling they gained a genuine glimpse into Amish life, paired with a better understanding of their traditions and daily routines.
While it may not satisfy those seeking an in-depth, day-long immersion, it’s perfect for those who want a concise, engaging introduction at an affordable price. The experience’s small group size and knowledgeable guides make the journey more personal, which adds to its overall appeal.
If you’re curious about Amish culture, enjoy scenic countryside, and like stories that give life to what you see, this tour is likely to meet your expectations — and maybe even surprise you.
Amish Experience SuperSaver Package
“Excellant value. Very educational. Knowledgeable and entertaining guide. Would have liked if the bus tour could have stopped at an Amish busines…”
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour can be suitable for children, but note that small children and babies require car seats on the bus. All children must have their own ticket, and parents can’t hold or share a seat with them.
How long is the farm tour?
The farmlands tour lasts about 90 minutes, giving you a good chance to see the countryside and learn about Amish farming practices from a guide.
What’s included in the tour?
You get a guided Amish farmland drive, a short theater film called “Jacob’s Choice,” and a walking tour of a replica Amish house and school. Admission to the house and school is included.
Are food and drinks part of the package?
No, food and drinks are not included, but you can visit Amish goods stands during the farm stops to purchase homemade items.
What if I want to visit an Amish farm or business?
On Sundays, some stops like farms or Amish stands might be unavailable due to community hours. The tour guide will do their best to adapt, but check with the provider if you have specific stops in mind.
How many people are in each tour group?
The maximum group size is 14 travelers, which encourages a more personal and engaging experience.
Can I cancel or reschedule?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed, so be sure about your schedule before booking.
When should I book?
Most travelers book about 11 days in advance, which helps secure your preferred time — especially during busy seasons.
In the end, the Amish Experience SuperSaver Package is a straightforward, cost-effective way to dip your toes into Amish culture. With friendly guides, scenic views, and a variety of activities, it offers a snapshot that many find both enjoyable and educational. Just be aware of the scheduling nuances, and you’ll be set for a memorable Lancaster visit.
