Journey to the Ark Encounter

7 days
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Group Tour
Experience the Bible like never before on this journey that brings you face to face with Genesis and the life-size recreation of Noah’s Ark and the Creation Museum. Cruise through the glorious Allegheny Mountains; experience the charming lifestyle of Amish Country in Ohio and the Mennonite and Amish people of Pennsylvania on this enriching trip of a lifetime.
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Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • See Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpiece Falling Waters
    • Go back to simpler times in Ohio Amish Country and experience Amish hospitality with dinner at a local Amish farm
    • Watch biblical history come alive with your reserved orchestra seat at Sight & Sound Theater in Lancaster, PA
    • Be marveled and amazed at the Ark Encounter - a full-size Noah’s Ark, built according to the dimensions given in the Bible
    • Taste your way through Kitchen Kettles locally sourced shops.

What's this trip about?

    Experience the Bible like never before on this journey that brings you face to face with Genesis and the life-size recreation of Noah’s Ark and the Creation Museum. Cruise through the glorious Allegheny Mountains; experience the charming lifestyle of Amish Country in Ohio and the Mennonite and Amish people of Pennsylvania on this enriching trip of a lifetime.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal transport included (including local flights)
Start CityBedford, PA
End CityLancaster, CA

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Education / Learning

Destinations

  • North America
  • United States

Activities

  • Culture
  • Educational/ learning
  • History

Trip includes

    • Roundtrip Motor-coach Transportation
    • 6-Nights’ Accommodation
    • 14 Meals: 6 Breakfasts / 2 Lunches / 6 Dinners
    • Tour of Falling Waters
    • Guided Tour of the Ohio Amish Country
    • Tour of the Warther Museum
    • Admission to the Creation Museum
    • Admission to the Ark Encounter
    • Reserved Orchestra Seats at Sight & Sound Theatre for ‘Queen Esther’
    • Guided Tour of Lancaster’s Amish Country
    • Tours of Distinction Tour Director
    • Roundtrip Baggage Handling
    • Gratuities for Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides

Popular Trips

Itinerary

 Day 1 - Arrive Allegheny Mountains Arrive in the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania and overnight in New Stanton, PA. Dinner is included this evening. (D)  Day 2 - Ohio Amish Country Breakfast is included this morning, before we head out to visit renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece home called Falling Waters. From here we continue to the Ohio Amish Country and spend two nights at the Berlin Grande Hotel. Tonight, we have a tour of the David Warther Museum, where the artist himself will take us on a tour of his masterpieces. A fifth-generation carver of Swiss heritage, who creates his works from antique ivory, ebony wood, and abalone pearl. After the tour, we have the pleasure of joining David and his wife for dinner in the Museum. (B, D)  Day 3 - Ohio Amish Country After breakfast, we head out on a full day of sightseeing in Amish Country. Our guide knows all of the scenic byways and the human-interest stories, legends and lore tied to Ohio’s Amish country. This will be a relaxing day of sightseeing and shopping and tonight we sit down to dinner with an Amish Family. (B, D)  Day 4 - Williamstown, KY Enjoy breakfast before we head to Petersburg, KY to visit the Creation Museum. A state-of-the-art Museum that allows you to venture through biblical history, see stunning exhibits, and so much more! A lunch voucher is included for your convenience. Our overnight this evening will be at the Doubletree Cincinnati Airport. Dinner is included. (B, L, D)  Day 5 - Petersburg, KY From breakfast we board the bus for Williamstown, Kentucky to visit The Ark Encounter. What a sight as we approach the Ark. It’s over 50 feet tall (about the height of a 4-story building).   It’s 510 feet long (nearly 2 football fields) and 80 feet wide. This is a full-size Noah’s Ark, built according to the dimensions given in the Bible. It’s a modern engineering marvel that amazes all who see it, and makes you wonder how Noah ever did it. From the moment you turn the corner, the towering Ark comes into view, to the live animals and the jaw-dropping exhibits inside the Ark, you will experience Biblical times like never before. This afternoon we travel to Washington, PA where we will overnight at the DoubleTree Pittsburg-Meadow Lands. Dinner is included this evening. (B, D)   Day 6 - Lititz, PA From breakfast, we travel to Lancaster County, home of Pennsylvania’s Amish and Mennonite people. Lunch is scheduled in Lititz, PA at the Appalachian Brewing Co., before checking into our historic hotel, The Cork Factory. This 19th Century building once housed the historic Armstrong Cork and Kerr Glass Companies. There will be time to freshen up before heading to dinner at Miller’s Smorgasbord. After, we take our reserved orchestra seats at Sight & Sound Theatre to see their production of Queen Esther. (B, L, D)   Day 7 - Depart Lancaster, PA After breakfast, we meet a local guide who will take us on a tour of Lancaster’s Amish Country. A visit to Lancaster wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Kitchen Kettle Village before our tour ends. (B)

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Dates & Availability

Price From $1,605
Price per day$229
Last Updated: 3/15/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Tours of Distinction.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Tours of Distinction Reviews & Ratings

4.9/5  Excellent
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Other Tours of Distinction Reviews

J

J Lamb

Aug 2023

Written on

Great Itinerary and Value

We loved this trip. Our guide was excellent. We really enjoyed all th...

S

Suzie

Sep 2022

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The trip itself was amazing!

The trip itself was amazing! The Venus were interesting and beautiful. The food was delicious (especially the buffet at The Grand on Mackinac Island). We enjoyed get...

M

MISLED

Feb 2024

Tours of Distinction Company Reviewsby Tours of Distinction

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TOURNAMENT OF ROSES PARADE DECEMBER 29, 2023 - JANUARY 3, 2024 I have wanted to attend The Rose Bowl Parade since I was a kid. Happened to spot the L.A./Pasadena tri...

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Since 1971, Tours of Distinction has offered a diverse collection of escorted and customized individual tours, carefully crafted by our professional travel team to over 500,000 travelers. We are one of the best tour companies that specialize in everything from carefree Day Trips, Land & Multi-day Tours and Cruises. From the USA, Canada and all over the world, whether you are a first-time traveler or a seasoned globetrotter, if you love life-enriching moments and experiencing the heart, soul, and adventure of a destination, then traveling with Tours of Distinction is the right vacation for you.

We’ve been providing life-enriching experiences putting you at the heart of the destination and creating lasting memories for 50 years. Our expert service, guidance and years of experience help make all the difference.

Most tours are fully inclusive of airfare, superior accommodations, most meals, all gratuities, and the highlights of each destination. Mixed with a balance of free-time and the leadership of a professional Tours of Distinction Tour Director, you will see what you have dreamed to see in safety and security.

For Tours of Distinction, our goal is to make sure your journey is as distinct as you, and the best it can be.

Our name says it all.

Distinct Commitments:

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Here at Tours of Distinction we believe in delivering on the commitments we make – to our colleagues, to our clients, to our community, and to our fellow travelers. Everything we do is done with purpose, passion, and a promise to always do the right thing.

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We know because we’ve been there. Here at Tours of Distinction we are passionate about travel! With more than 45 years as a respected tour operator and more than 100 years of combined travel & tourism expertise, we know what’s important to consider when booking a tour. What’s more, many of our staff have traveled to the destinations we promote and are well-equipped to handle different situations as they may arise.

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We pride ourselves on being responsive and easy to work with from the very first point of contact to post-trip.

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Whether you are a solo traveler or part of a pre-formed group, our dedicated staff of professional Tour Planners and Tour Directors work hard to finesse all the details of custom planning, booking, and escorting your trip to ensure that you have the smoothest, most memorable experience possible.

Community Focused

Tours of Distinction is a close-knit bunch. Creating enjoyable tour experiences, along with a history of shared memories with our colleagues, clients, and fellow travelers is what unifies us and encourages loyalty. We value our clients and reward loyalty through several programs.

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Keeping up with the latest trends in travel and, more important, how you prefer to travel is paramount to how we operate. We are always leveraging the feedback we receive and industry data to deliver unique tour packages that inspire the imagination, offer relaxation, and promote optimal well-being.

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It's all in the details. Our Tour Directors are constantly working behind the scenes to ensure every moment matters. Hotel check-ins, porterage, meals and all our other tour inclusions are coordinated so everything runs right on time. Not only will your experience be seamless, but we promise you top-of-the-line accommodations, restaurants, and even more exclusive ways to witness first-hand the must-see sights of each and every area!

Professional & Passionate

Each of our Tours of Distinction Tour Directors has over 20 years of experience. They know how to make each tour safe, fun and inclusive. Sit back and relax - you are in good hands!

Knowledge

Been there and done that. Our Tour Directors know the road, and what works to really make each trip extra special and memorable. Their local knowledge of special sights, sounds and smells make every moment fun and the journey smooth.           

Local Guides

At times, our Tour Directors enlist the assistance of local guides in order to give our clients a more in-depth and authentic experience. Local guides are thoughtfully chosen for their insider's knowledge of local customs and traditions that gives visitors a glimpse of how life is really lived.

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Your time and money are valuable! Guided travel offers you the unique value of saving precious time. Don't spend even a minute stressing over every aspect of your getaway, such as missing flights, the best attractions and incredible cuisine. Instead, we plan out every detail so you never have to think twice about your vacation running smoothly.

Get the most out of your travel experience traveling at the right time of year and getting the best experiences with the best people. We know the perfect time of the year to visit each of our unique locations around the world, for the very best value. Plus, our tour vacation packages are fully inclusive.

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There are so many rewards to small group travel, which is the reason why Tours of Distinction specializes in this type of travel experience. As a general rule of thumb, small group travel means that group sizes are limited and normally do not include more than twenty people.

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One of the basic advantages to small group travel is that you will visit a destination with like-minded travelers. Traveling with people and sharing interests as well as experiences often bond travelers together. Small group travel is not only sharing life-changing experiences with others, but you also come away with fabulous memories and new friends!

Just Enjoy

Another perk of small group travel is that you get a more in-depth look at a destination without the logistical hassles of traveling completely on your own. In short, with a small group, you are able to enjoy more time experiencing a destination rather than organizing and haggling when in it.

Authentic Experiences

Much of the time, small group itineraries offer more authentic off the beaten path experiences that you would not find on your own. Special local guides take you into the heart of a destination allowing you to see more with the added benefit of sharing the delights of the adventure with like-minded others.

More Personalized

An experienced guide often makes a destination come alive by providing first hand, on the spot travel experience, knowledge and stories. Small group travel is more personalized and will make you feel more like a traveler and less like a tourist.

Safe

If safety is on your mind, when traveling with a small group you are most likely less likely to be blend-in with the local atmosphere. Plus, it is much easier for our Tour Directors to get know everyone.

We have partnered with the World Travel and Tourism Council with our Ready, Set Travel campaign highlighting our new safety policies and hygiene guidelines.

Economical

Economically small group travel is an excellent value for your money. In addition to the non-tangible benefits of a small group, on a Tours of Distinction tour the cost is calculated up front so once you have paid for your trip, all you need to bring along is some spending money for personal items and souvenirs.

Eco-Friendly

If you are concerned about the environmental footprint, small group travel is structured to leave a lighter footprint on a destination. For example, traveling in a group leaves a much lighter carbon footprint than if each person in the group hired an individual car. A small group also offer the added benefit of utilizing more local restaurants, guides, and hotels giving a little more back to the community we are visiting.

Tours of Distinction offers small group tours nationally and internationally.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel Insurance, Alcoholic Beverages, Items of a Personal Nature
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
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Meals Included

6 Breakfasts | 2 Lunches | 6 Dinners

Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
tourso-ArEnDis

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