Day trip from New York to Philadelphia and Amish with Hebrew instruction
Every once in a while, we all yearn for a change of pace, to exchange for a moment the steel and glass of the urban jungle for streets steeped in history and picturesque rural spaces. Yes, even from the amazing New York City you can take a break, and that is exactly what a day trip from New York to Philadelphia and Amish guarantees. It is not just a journey between US states, but a journey through time, one day full of adventures, all with a Hebrew-speaking guide.
Discovering Philadelphia: The Birth of a Nation
Your journey begins early in the morning when you say goodbye to the hustle and bustle of the vibrant city of New York and go on a journey in a comfortable and luxurious bus. You will make your way through picturesque New Jersey, and the destination - Philadelphia, the 'city of brotherly love'. Here, every brick and stone echoes stories about past times, legends about pioneering spirits and revolutionary ideas.
Your first encounter with the city of Philadelphia takes place on Elfreth's Alley, not just any old street but the most inhabited and oldest street in the entire United States. This is the perfect introduction to the city of Philadelphia, inside a cobbled alley full of historic buildings.
But what's a trip to Philadelphia without paying homage to the symbols of American freedom? After a fascinating guide on Alpert Street, your journey continues to two iconic sites in the city - the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.
The Liberty Bell and Independence Hall: Pillars of American Heritage
In the heart of Philadelphia resides a symbol of American freedom and resilience - the Liberty Bell. The bell, which was cast in 1752, once rang in the belfry of the Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall. The ringing of the bell was heard for the last time in 1846, and on it is imprinted the verse from the Bible "And you called a sparrow in the land, to all its inhabitants."
The bell is considered a symbol of the American Revolution, when it rang in 1776 to call the city's residents to come hear the call of the US Declaration of Independence. Since then, the bell has become an important and central site in the state of Philadelphia.
A stone's throw from the Sparrow Bell stands Independence Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of two of America's most important documents. The American Declaration of Independence of 1776 was adopted within the walls of the historic building.
Visiting these historical sites is like a pilgrimage for those who cherish the ideals of democracy and freedom. A visit to the Independence Hall transports the tour participants to a historical and fascinating era in which visionary ideas shaped the destiny of the American nation. The Assembly Chamber, where both the Declaration and the Constitution were signed, remains unchanged from the 18th century.
Together, the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall offer a deep journey into the soul of America, reminding visitors of the principles upon which the United States was founded. When visiting the two historical sites, you will receive a comprehensive overview in Hebrew about the history and importance of these places.
Rocky stairs - live in a Hollywood movie
For movie buffs and sports fans alike, the next stop will take you to the Rocky Steps, an informal nickname for the 72 stone steps that lead to the entrance of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The same grads appeared in the iconic movie 'Rocky', symbolizing the underdog spirit and determination of Rocky Balboa, Sylvester Stallone's character in the movie. The scene where Rocky climbs those steps is considered unforgettable, which made those stone steps a cultural landmark. Here you'll find crowds of tourists and locals reenacting Rocky's winning streak while enjoying a panoramic view of the city's skyline.
A glimpse into Amish culture
After a wonderful journey through the historic city of Philadelphia, it's time to leave the modern world and historical landmarks behind, and embark on a journey through Lancaster County, home of Pennsylvania's Amish community.
The Amish community in Pennsylvania, is a Protestant Christian community, which sanctifies the simple and authentic way of life, with a reluctance to embrace the modern comforts of our world. The community began its journey at the end of the 19th century, in the city of Pennsylvania, and since then it dedicates its life to a simple life, avoiding the modern worlds of technology. This stems from a desire to keep the community cohesive and religious. Your first stop on the journey through this special community is Amish market, a delightful historic market where you'll find rows upon rows of fresh baked goods, antique furniture and traditional Amish clothing. This is the perfect opportunity to savor country cooking, with dishes that have been passed down through generations and embody the simplicity and richness of Amish life.
Here, you will also receive fascinating instructions about the special community from your guide, who will tell you, among other things, about the Rumspringa ceremony that every boy from the community goes through at the age of 14-18, during which time he is allowed to explore the modern world, after which he will have to decide whether to dedicate his life to the Amish community Or who leaves the community and goes to the modern life outside.
At the Amish market you will have a local lunch, after which you will board the An authentic Amish carriage and go on a journey through the farms of the community. While the horse is galloping and the carriage wheels are screeching, you will be presented with views of green fields, colorful barns and children playing, everything is so authentic and magical.
An intriguing part of this part of the journey is understanding the lifestyle of the Amish. Imagine a world without electricity, without the hum of electrical appliances, without being glued to the WhatsApp conversations or the Instagram page. Imagine the experience of drawing water from a well instead of simply turning a faucet, or using the stars and the sun as your clock. This is the life of the Amish, a community that has endured for hundreds of years keeping its traditions and beliefs intact, alongside the world that is developing around them. The experience you will have on this authentic tour is undoubtedly one of the highlights of your vacation.
important information
The duration of the tour is 14 hours, and it includes a Hebrew-speaking guide (Along with many other languages, you must select the desired instruction language when purchasing the tickets).
The cost of the tour is 169 dollars per person.
The tour includes travel in a comfortable and air-conditioned bus, an attached Hebrew-speaking guide, a ride in a horse-drawn carriage and a visit to many sites.
The tour does not include the cost of lunch which you can purchase during your free time at the Amish market.
The meeting point for the tour is outside the side entrance to the Port Authority bus terminal building on 42nd Street (between 8th and 9th avenues) at 06:30.
The tour must be booked in advance!
concluding thoughts
Today's trip from New York to Philadelphia and Amish Country is a delightful adventure that serves as a reminder of the milestones of a civilization, the roots of a nation, and the allure of a technology-free life.
Whether you are history buffs who want to learn about the founding of a nation, culture buffs who want to be exposed to a mysterious and authentic community, or anyone who wants to get out of the busy New York City for a moment and be exposed to a different and special world, this day trip promises to provide a delightful experience, all alongside a fascinating guide in Hebrew that guarantees that you will feel the most at home in the world
