NYC: Philadelphia, Washington DC & Amish Country 2-Day Tour

A Balanced Look at the NYC: Philadelphia, Washington DC & Amish Country 2-Day Tour

Planning a quick escape from New York to explore some of America’s most iconic sights? This 2-day guided tour covers everything from the liberty and history of Philadelphia to the political heart of Washington DC, topped with a unique Amish country visit. While it’s not a comprehensive deep-dive into each city, it offers a well-structured snapshot of American culture, history, and rural life in just a weekend.

What we particularly like about this tour is its focus on authentic experiences, like the Amish buggy ride and a guided walk through historical sites. The knowledgeable guides really help bring the stories alive, making the landmarks feel personal and meaningful. The included hotel stay in Washington DC adds convenience, especially for travelers who prefer not to commute back and forth.

However, one consideration is that the tour moves quickly — you’ll see many highlights, but some travelers might find the pace a bit rushed, especially if you’re hoping for more leisurely exploration. Also, since the Air and Space Museum is temporarily closed for renovation, the replacement visit to the Natural History Museum might not fully satisfy space enthusiasts.

This tour is best suited for travelers craving a rundown that balances history, culture, and rural charm — ideal if you’re short on time but want a taste of key American sites with guided insights and authentic activities.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Good To Know

• Includes a mix of urban and rural experiences covering Philadelphia, Washington DC, and Amish country.
• Guided tours provide expert insights into landmarks like the Liberty Bell, Capitol Hill, and the White House.
• Amish buggy ride offers a genuine glimpse into rural Amish life and their self-sufficient farms.
• Comfortable transportation and a 1-night hotel stay simplify logistics and reduce planning stress.
• Visit to major memorials and museums provides a well-rounded historical perspective.
• Tour is fast-paced, making it better suited for those who prefer quick highlights over in-depth exploration.

Experience Breakdown: What You Can Expect

Day 1: From New York to Philadelphia and Amish Country

Your early morning departure from New York kicks off around 6:30 AM from the Port Authority bus terminal, setting a manageable pace for a packed day. Traveling through New Jersey and Pennsylvania, you’ll arrive in Philadelphia—a city brimming with stories of independence and revolutionary spirit.

In Philadelphia, you’ll visit the legendary Liberty Bell, a symbol of freedom that’s surprisingly modest but profoundly moving. The Constitution Square and Congress Hall give visitors a sense of America’s founding moments. A stroll down Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest inhabited street in the U.S., offers a charming peek into early American life with preserved cobblestone streets and historic homes.

The panoramic tour also includes the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, which leads past cultural institutions and reflects Philadelphia’s proud intellectual heritage. We appreciate how the guide weaves stories about each landmark, making history come alive.

Next, the tour hits a more playful, energetic spot — the Rocky Steps. Seeing the famous staircase from the movie Rocky is a fun photo opportunity, and you might find yourself mimicking the iconic run for a quick laugh.

The highlight of the day? The journey eastward to Lancaster County, where you’ll experience the Amish community firsthand. The Amish buggy ride is authentic, taking you through serene farm fields, where you’ll learn how Amish households operate without electricity or modern sewage systems. The guide explains that Amish farms are highly self-sufficient, making use of renewable energy and traditional methods, which many modern farms could learn from.

After the buggy ride, you’ll have time at the Amish marketplace, where you can shop for handmade arts and crafts, cheese, and baked goods. It’s a rare chance to see Amish craftsmanship up close and support local artisans.

By late afternoon, you’ll leave Amish country and head east toward Washington DC, arriving in the evening. The journey itself is a good opportunity to rest after a full day of sightseeing.

Day 2: Exploring Washington DC’s Monuments and Museums

Starting bright and early, you’ll visit the Thomas Jefferson Memorial by the Tidal Basin, surrounded by the famous cherry blossom trees. The memorial’s marble façade and serene setting make it perfect for photos, and the guide’s anecdotes make Jefferson’s vision for America more personal.

Next, you’ll visit Arlington National Cemetery, where the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a solemn highlight. The tour takes you past the Kennedy family graves and gives insight into the country’s military history.

Moving into the political heart of DC, you’ll see Capitol Hill, the U.S. Capitol, and the White House — the symbols of American governance. While you won’t go inside the White House, the exterior view combined with the guide’s commentary helps you grasp the scale and significance of these landmarks.

Since the Air and Space Museum is temporarily closed, the tour now visits the Smithsonian’s Natural History Museum. While this shift might disappoint space enthusiasts, the Natural History Museum is also impressive, showcasing dinosaur skeletons, gems, and ancient artifacts.

You’ll then visit the Lincoln Memorial, an iconic symbol of unity and freedom, along with the Korean War Veterans Memorial and Vietnam Veterans Memorial — poignant sites that honor those who served. The guide’s stories breathe life into these monuments, making their significance more tangible.

In the late afternoon, you’ll begin your return journey to New York, arriving back in the evening — a long but fulfilling two days filled with history, culture, and rural charm.

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Practical Details: What You Need to Know

Transportation and Group Size

This tour uses round-trip transportation from New York, making it easy and stress-free. The journey is by coach, with free Wi-Fi available on all buses, so you can share your trip or catch up on messages during the drive.

Groups are typically kept manageable, allowing for personalized commentary from guides, like Carlo, who reviews often mention as helpful and professional. The tour is structured to maximize sightseeing without feeling overly rushed, but keep in mind the pace is brisk — perfect if you’re a history buff or a quick explorer.

Accommodation and Meals

Your hotel stay in Washington DC is included, which means you can relax after a busy day without worrying about finding a place to sleep. Breakfast is provided each morning, but meals are not included, so you’ll want to budget for lunch and dinner, especially in cities where dining options are plentiful and varied.

Cost and Value

While the price isn’t explicitly listed here, reviews suggest that, although not the cheapest option, the value aligns well with what’s included: guided tours, transportation, a buggy ride, museum entries, and a hotel night. Considering the convenience and breadth of sights covered, it’s a practical choice for those seeking an overview rather than an in-depth exploration.

Why This Tour Might Be Right for You

This 2-day guided tour is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive snapshot of American history, culture, and rural traditions, all without the hassle of planning multiple trips. It’s perfect if you’re short on time but eager to see key landmarks in Philadelphia and Washington DC, with the bonus of experiencing Amish country culture.

If you enjoy guided commentary and structured itineraries, you’ll appreciate the expert guides, who make each site meaningful. The Amish buggy ride and the variety of memorials ensure you also get some unique, memorable experiences that set this tour apart from typical city visits.

The pacing is designed to cover a lot in a short time, which works well for those who prefer an active, sightseeing-heavy trip. However, if you prefer slow strolls and more time at each site, you might find this tour a little rushed.

In summary, this tour offers a balanced mix of history, culture, and rural charm, providing a solid introduction to some of America’s most celebrated destinations — ideal for first-timers or those with limited days but big curiosity.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?
The tour departs at 6:30 AM from outside the Port Authority bus terminal on 42nd Street, so early risers should be prepared.

How long is each day’s sightseeing?
The first day involves visiting Philadelphia and Amish country, with the day starting early and ending in Washington DC in the evening. The second day features multiple memorials and museums before returning to New York late afternoon or evening.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the trip uses round-trip coaches with free Wi-Fi, making the long drives more pleasant. The guides are experienced in managing group comfort and timing.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included. You should plan to bring snacks or buy meals during the day, especially in Philadelphia and Washington DC where food options are plentiful.

Can I customize this tour?
This is a guided tour with a fixed itinerary, so customizations aren’t typically available. However, the guide’s commentary aims to enhance your experience at each stop.

What is the Amish buggy ride like?
It’s an authentic experience through Amish farm country, providing insight into how Amish communities live without modern technology. It’s a slow, scenic ride and a highlight for many.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour can be enjoyed by families, but keep in mind the pace and the long travel times. Kids interested in history and culture will find plenty to engage with.

Can I join the tour from other locations?
The meeting point is at the Port Authority bus terminal on 42nd Street, with no alternative pickup points listed. Check with the provider for additional options or private arrangements.

This 2-day tour offers a well-rounded, practical way to see several highlights of the East Coast, especially if you’re interested in American history, rural traditions, and iconic landmarks — all with the ease of guided travel.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby