Welcome to Pennsylvania Tourism

The state of Pennsylvania features some of the most spectacularly unique attractions in North America and offers attractions that appeal to a wide variety of interests.  While exploring the diverse regions of the Keystone State, your group may enjoy a visit to the Johnstown Inclined Plane which is the steepest of its kind in the world.

Along the highways and roadways of Pennsylvania, discover places full of diversity, rich in culture and filled with surprises.  Applaud outstanding performances of world-renowned symphonies and theater.  Relax at a quaint hotel tucked into a secluded corner of Pennsylvania’s Wilds.  Pass through wooded forests, picturesque covered bridges and towns full of antique stores and quaint shops.  Enjoy sandy beaches along Lake Erie or the historic battlefields of Gettysburg.  Visit the Amish or float away on one of many meandering rivers through Pittsburgh.  Come and visit the State of Independence.

Pennsylvania boasts 17 million acres of forest with breathtaking views, at places such as Pine Creek Gorge, and unique wildlife including hundreds of roaming elk in Elk County.  The state is home to more than 83,000 miles of rivers and streams, many of which are brimming with trout or prime for white water rafting and outdoor adventure.  The undeveloped region of north central Pennsylvania, the “Pennsylvania Wilds,” covers more than two million acres of public land and is larger than Connecticut, Rhode Island and part of Massachusetts combined.

No matter where your trip takes you, your group will have a beautiful view.  National Geographic named Route 6 one of the top 10 scenic drives in the country.  USA Weekend Magazine rated the “Nighttime view from Mount Washington in Pittsburgh” second on its list of the 10 most beautiful places in America.  National Geographic rated Sunset Point, located in Erie’s Presque Isle State Park, as having the second most beautiful sunsets in the world.  Field and Stream magazine recognized Raystown Lake in its May 2003 issue as one of the top 25 hottest American fishing destinations.

Pennsylvania has a wide range of sights, sounds, activities, and attractions that are vital in creating tours that are easy, exciting and – most importantly – profitable.

Lancaster
Lancaster is the oldest inland city in the United States of America. It is 71 miles west of Philadelphia and is snuggled along the north and west by the mighty Susquehanna River.

German immigrants, known as Pennsylvania Dutch (from “Deutsch” meaning German), were the first to settle in the area in 1709. At that time it was known as “Hickory Town”. The Honorable James Hamilton laid it out in building lots and out lots, and in May 10, 1729, it became the county seat. John Wright, a prominent citizen, gave it the name “Lancaster” after Lancaster, England where he formerly lived. The city is known as the “Red Rose City” due to its link to Lancaster, England. Lancaster became a borough in 1742, a charted city on March 10, 1818, and surrendered its ancient city charter and became a Third Class City under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on May 27, 1924.

The farmlands of the Pennsylvania Dutch Country are among the most productive in the nation. But many of the farmers here are different from most Americans; different by choice. For these are the Old Order Amish and Mennonites, also known as the “Plain People”.

The Amish are very devout in their faith. They believe in the literal interpretation and application of Scripture as the Word of God. They take seriously the Biblical commands to separate themselves from the things of the world. They believe worldliness can keep them from being close to God, and can introduce influences that could be destructive to their communities and to their way of life.

Sight & Sound Theatres (Lancaster, PA)

 

See the Bible come to life at Sight & Sound Theatres

 

Sight & Sound Theatres is the nation’s largest professional Christian theatrical company and one of the most-attended live theatres on the East Coast. Experience great stories of the Bible through spectacular shows filled with dozens of gifted actors, elaborate sets up to 40 feet high, hundreds of costumes, live animals, and incredible special effects.

Now playing Daniel and the Lions’ Den February 16 – May 17

Back by popular demand, Daniel and the Lions’ Den returns after a five-year hiatus.  This beloved Bible story has been updated and revised for the Sight & Sound stage to be a new favorite of children and adults alike.  Your faith will be encouraged as you witness Daniel stand against the evil of his day.  You’ll meet Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and cheer at their miraculous deliverance from the fiery furnace.  Then follow Daniel into the lions’ den and watch in amazement as dozens of roaring lions lie down at Daniel’s feet!

To view more information, upcoming shows and group tours visit:

Sight & Sound Theatres Group Tour / Bus Trip

The Alleghenies Mountains
For nearly a quarter century, The Alleghenies has been offering group tour services through this region of quiet towns, picturesque covered bridges and historic sites dating back to when these lands were America’s first frontier.

Packaged itineraries of one day or more provide the opportunity to cruise on Pennsylvania’s largest inbound lake, ride on the only narrow-gauge steam railroad east of the Mississippi, or stop to pay tribute to the heroes of 9/11 at the Flight 93 National Memorial site.  Ever-popular dine-around tours through colonial and Victorian-era towns are also available as are visits to the newly-restored Bedford Springs Resort, a five-star property housed in an historic 19^th century grand hotel.

Gettysburg
Known as the “turning point of the American Civil War,” Gettysburg today is transformed into a destination beyond the battlefield.  New tours and attractions are opened, providing guests with more tour options and expanded accommodation offerings.  A few “must-see” new attractions include the restored Historic Lincoln Train Station, Guided Historic Downtown Walking Tours, Church Walking Tours, and Fields of Freedom.  The Majestic Theater offers 850 seats for first-run theater, vocalists, and musicals.

Pocono Mountains
The Pocono Mountains central location and interstate access combine to make it a great destination that is easy to reach and easy to tour.  During every season, the Pocono Mountains offer groups a variety of places to stay, attractions, recreational activities, restaurants, shopping and historic sites.  As an added value to tour operators, Pocono Mountains facilities offer comp tickets to the driver or escort, usually at a ratio of 1:10.  Whether you are looking for a day tour, overnight stopover or a destination for three, four, five nights or more, the Pocono Mountains are the ideal location.

Reservations or prior notice at any Pocono Mountains facility is required for guests to receive the best service.  Most of the dining facilities offer a group menu, if desired, to meet the group’s needs and budgets.  Meet-and-greets can be arranged with prior notice so facilities have sufficient staff available.

York County
From motorcycles to potato chips, York, the Factory Tour Capital of the World, offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the making of some of America’s favorite products.  American craftsmanship is on display at more than 15 area tours.

Indulge your senses as creamy milk chocolate gently enrobes peanut butter centers at the Wolfgang Candy Company, voted one of the “Top 5 Tasty Tours” in the nation by the Food Network, or sample warm potato chips fresh off the line at Martin’s Potato Chips.

York County is located in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Dutch Country Roads Region, just a short drive to Lancaster, Gettysburg, and Hershey (Hershey Chocolate World).  A great group destination that offers tremendous value, York was voted as one of four cities in the nation with the lowest first-class lodging rates.

For Pennsylvania (PA) group touring information please email grouptours@oleta.com

Some of the information from this post taken from the Bus Tours Magazine January 2008.

 

Let’s Tour Williamsburg, VA

A VISIT FIT FOR A QUEEN, A PRESIDENT
AND YOUR GROUP.

History and one of America’s favorite destinations, enjoyed a new awakening during this past year as Virginia’s Historic Triangle hosted dignitaries, group tours, and individuals from throughout the entire world during Jamestown’s 400th Anniversary Commemoration.

In May 2007 Queen Elizabeth II made a return trip to Jamestown, 50 years after her visit commemorating our 350th anniversary.  There she found a richer, more complex depiction of the people, politics and importance of Jamestown made possible by recent archaeological discoveries and compelling new research.

While in the Historic Triangle, Her Majesty visited the Historic Area of Colonial Williamsburg and the College of William & Mary.  Retracing the steps of her 1957 carriage ride down the Duke of Gloucester, she was greeted heartily by throngs of onlookers as well as the national and international press.

During America’s Anniversary Weekend, May 11-13, President George W. Bush and Mrs. Bush joined other dignitaries in this landmark American milestone.   Speaking during the 3-day event, President Bush said, “The story of Jamestown will always have a special place in American history.  It’s the story of a great migration from the ‘Old World’ to the ‘New.’  It is a story of the Tidewater settlement that laid the foundation of our great democracy.”

ATTRACTIONS 

A Brief Overview of Virginia’s Historic Triangle 

 

Williamsburg, Virginia- centrally located 150 miles south of Washington, DC midway between Richmond and Virginia Beach.  Virginia’s Historic Triangle of Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown is connected by the 23 mile long Colonial National Historical Parkway.  Both the James and York Rivers flow on opposite sides of the Parkway enhancing this scenic drive through history.

Colonial Williamsburg- the restored capital of colonial Virginia.  The Historic Area is not just restored buildings and artifacts.  It is a living community where merchants sell their wares, craftspeople ply their trades, and brave patriots whisper plans for revolution.  Located on 301 acres, Colonial Williamsburg is an outdoor living museum with more than 500 public buildings, Great Hopes Plantation, homes, stores and taverns; craftsmen practicing 30 historic trades and domestic crafts; historical interpreters and character actors; and gardens and greens.  Some highlights are the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum; Basset Hall, the Williamsburg home of John D. Rockefeller, Jr.; the Governor’s Palace; and the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum.

Jamestown Settlement - where in 1607, 104 brave adventurers from the Virginia Company of London established the first permanent English settlement in the New World.  Jamestown Settlement features full-size replicas of the Godspeed, the Discovery and the Susan Constant, the three ships that arrived in 1607, the reconstructed James Fort, Powhatan Indian Village, Riverfront Discovery Area and museum exhibits. 

Yorktown- where General George Washington defeated England’s General Cornwallis in 1781 in the decisive battle of the American Revolutionary War.  Today the Yorktown Battlefield is a national park and the battlefield tour includes earthworks, Washington’s Headquarters and Surrender Field; Moore House, scene of the negotiations for the surrender of Yorktown; Nelson House, home of Governor Thomas Nelson, Jr., signer of the Declaration of Independence; and the Yorktown Monument.  The Yorktown Victory Center recaptures the drama of the American Revolution through powerful galleries that tell the stories of the everyday people who lived during the war.

EMAIL grouptours@oleta.com or call 757-253-1008 FOR TICKETS!

Presidents Parks- an outdoor museum of the United States presidents, features monuments of all 43 United States presidents in a garden setting.  The creation of internationally known artist, David Adickes, Presidents Park offers a patriotic, educational and inspiring experience. (Located across from Water Country USA)

Williamsburg Pottery - offers an unusual shopping experience through 200 acres of pottery, furniture, china, glass stemware, cheeses, plants, and many unique items.

Prime Outlets at Williamsburg - Ranked within the top 10 of the industry, Prime Outlets at Williamsburg is the largest shopping facility in the area with more than 90 brand name designer outlet stores.  Shop in a boutique-style atmosphere where you will enjoy incredible savings of 25%-65% off brand name merchandise.  Some of the stores include but not limited to: Ann Taylor, Coach, Banana Republic, Jones New York, Timberland, Jones New York, Liz Claiborne, Nine West, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, OshKosh, The Children’s Place, Bose and more.  In addition to apparel for the whole family, shop for cookware, cosmetics, china, crystal, handbags, luggage or shoes.

Merchants Square- Situated adjacent to Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area, Merchants Square is recognized nationally for its merchandise and cuisine, with shops offering everything from traditional and designer clothing to handmade candies, antique quilts, folk art, and a variety of exclusive Williamsburg linens, reproductions and other products.  In this uniquely re-created atmosphere of 18th-century architecture and tree-lined streets, Merchants Square furnishes a selection of quality services, from entertainment and nationally rated restaurants to quality banking and investment services.  More than 40 privately owned & operated shops and restaurants in Merchants Square offer the highest quality merchandise and friendly service.

Busch Gardens Europe- Voted the world’s “Most Beautiful Theme Park” for 17 consecutive years, Busch Gardens is a European-themed park bursting with adventure at every turn.  Brave guests can get their fill of thrills on Busch Gardens Europe’s, Curse of Darkastle.  Using cutting edge theme park technology, guests board golden sleighs for a mesmerizing journey through an ice bound world.  Busch Gardens boasts more than 50 thrilling rides and attractions, nine main stage shows, a wide variety of award-winning cuisine and world-class shops.

Water Country USA - voted one of America’s best water parks by the Travel Channel, and is the Mid-Atlantic’s largest and most exciting water-play park with more than 35 super soaking water rides and slides and attractions to amuse and entertain visitors of all ages.

Mystery Dinner Playhouse- Now in their 15th smash year, Mystery Dinner Playhouse is Williamsburg’s popular comedy murder mystery dinner theatre.  Fun for all ages.  Solve a comedy murder mystery while enjoying a delicious four-course dinner.  The shows are fully scripted, hilarious mystery spoofs that take place in five scenes.  Between the scenes of the show, dinner is served to you at your table by the characters/suspects, who all the while are providing clues to help you solve the evening’s crime.

The Muscarelle Museum of Art- The Muscarelle is the only fine arts museum in the Historic Triangle so each season they bring a different show to the galleries, shows from around the United States and beyond.  Opening January 25, 2008 for eight weeks is Painting the Italian Landscape: Views from the Uffizi, followed by a full series of shows celebrating our Twenty-Fifth Anniversary Year.  In March 2008, we will reinstall the permanent collection of the College of William and Mary.

The Mariners’ Museum- America’s National Maritime Museum offers a captivating look at centuries of seafaring adventures.  Experience the dramatic new USS Monitor Center that brings to life the historic battle between the Civil War Ironclads USS Monitor and CSS Virginia in over 63,500 square feet of space.  The Center also boasts one of the largest state-of-the-art conservation centers on the East Coast.  Other features of the Museum allow you to escape to the eras of early exploration and mahogany Chris-Crafts and delight in the displays of intricate miniature ship models and fascinating figureheads.  Groups can spend an entire day at the Museum and enjoy the beautiful 550-acre park with a 5-mile walking trail, as well as the Museum Shop.  Boxed lunches are available upon request.

West of Williamsburg on historic Route 5 are the famous James River Plantations:

Berkeley Plantation- In 1916 it was the site of the first Thanksgiving and birthplace of Benjamin Harrison, signer of the Declaration of Independence, and three time Governor of Virginia. 

Sherwood Forest Plantation - a 1730s house, was President John Tyler’s last home from 1842 until his death in 1861.  It is the home of President Tyler’s grandson and family today.

Shirley Plantation- Settled in 1613, Shirley Plantation has been home to the Hill-Carter family for 12 generations.  This 18th-century mansion features the famous square-flying staircase, which has no visible means of support, and a unique Queen Anne forecourt.

There are many more attractions in Williamsburg including but not limited to: Candlelight Ghost Tours, Go-Karts Plus, National Park Service Colonial Parkway, The Glebe, Student Educational Programs of Colonial Williamsburg, Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, Student Dinner Theater.  So why not visit Williamsburg now and let us customize a tour for your small and/or large group? We can provide tickets and/or additional information for virtually any of the attractions in Williamsburg.  Email grouptours@oleta.com or call 757-253-1008 for tickets and/or additional information.

This blog is brought to you by Oleta Coach Lines and Oleta Tour and Travel.  Providing charter bus service & package group tours to individuals, small groups, and/or large groups anywhere in The United States and Canada.

Please click on the links below for two of our many tour packages available.  If you don’t see the tour you are looking for, we can customize one for you.

 Jamestown / Yorktown 4-Site Excursion Bus Group Tour

Williamsburg Historic Triangle Bus Group Tour

Information from this post taken from Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance Group Tour Planner 2008.

Free Information on Group Travel

GOD BLESS YOU!

Welcome to the National Group Travel Blog.  The purpose of this blog is to provide FREE information about various sites across The United States and Canada for group travel.  Some of the groups include but are not limited to:  church groups, student group travel, senior group travel, business group travel, family vacation packages, group tours, shopping bus trips and more.

God willing, we will provide weekly updates to this blog with FREE information on various places around the United States and Canada.  Links to other related sites will be located on the right side of the weblog.  Thank you for visiting our blog, have a blessed day!

This blog is brought to you by Oleta Tour and Travel.  

Oleta Tour & Travel, Inc is a sister company of Oleta Coach Lines, Inc.  Oleta Tour & Travel offers a variety of customized packages for various Clubs, families and organizations.  Our customers no longer have to hassle with booking hotel rooms,  making restaurant reservations, looking for various attractions & tickets.  We also offer multi-day cruises.  Let Oleta Tour & Travel plan your next chartered bus / motor coach trip to and from anywhere in the United States and Canada.

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