Highlights

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• Customizable Comps
• Net Rates
• Luxury or First Class Hotels & Meals
• Motorcoach Transportation & Professional Tour Managers are available

Whatever you want, YankeeTrailsGroups by US Tours will be happy to structure tour prices to match your needs. Just let us know!

Itinerary

Day 1 – Shipshewana Flea Market – Menno-Hof Cultural Center – Amish Wedding Feat

Today your group ventures into the third largest Amish area in the United States. The first stop is at the Shipshewana Flea Market, the largest outdoor market in the Midwest with more than 1,000 vendors. After the Flea Market you have a chance to stroll through the charming shops in the center of Shipshewana or visit Menno-Hof Cultural Center to see and hear about the faith and life of Amish and Mennonites.

After checking in to your local hotel, visit an Amish home for a behind-the-scenes look at an authentic Amish wedding. While discussing their wedding traditions and customs is an interesting conversation, the authentic Wedding Feast is the real highlight. (D)

Day 2 – Amish Brown Bag Tour – Quilt Program – Elkhart County Historical Museum – Amish Farm Cooking Class

This day is an Amish Country Brown Bag Tour.  At every stop you fill you bag with goodies and treats as you visit the shops where the Amish shop.

Today also features a customized quilt program and trunk show in Nappanee. You will see quite an impressive display of quilts and fabrics before sitting with a noted quilt designer; who will share secrets and techniques about patterns and reveal how inspiration is found in the simple designs of Amish quilts.

A stop is made at the Elkhart County Historical Museum where there is an exceptional quilt display.  You will see, handle and hear the stories behind many of the rare quilts in their collection.

Ending the day you enjoy an Amish Farm Cooking Class.  Learn how to prepare a plain and fancy family-style meal in the kitchen on an Amish family farm, before pulling up you chair for dinner. (B,D)

Day 3 – Notre Dame University Tour – History Museum – Round Barn Theatre Dinner & Show

Start the day at the renowned Notre Dame University in South Bend. It may be known for the Fighting Irish, but there’s so much more to do when you pay a visit. Take a walking tour of the campus with its incredible architecture, visit the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and light a candle at the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes.

Pioneer roots run deep in South Bend and you can discover it in the city’s downtown museum district, from covered wagon days through enterprises that created millionaires. The History Museum chronicles the development of the St. Joseph River valley through a tour of Copshahaolm, a 38-room mansion built by local industrialist Joseph Oliver. Time permitting, visit the spectacularly collection of vintage automobiles and presidential carriages at the adjacent Studebaker Museum, and learn the history of this automaker that once called South Bend home.

This evening enjoy dinner and a show at one of three area venues known for quality theater and outstanding food. The Round Barn Theatre at Amish Acres is created from a 1911 round barn that was dismantled and resurrected at this historic farmstead. The Blue Gate Theatre is developing a reputation for producing original Amish-inspired, family-friendly theatrical productions, while the Das Dutchman Essenhaus’ Heritage Hall is the newest venue in town, with 160 seats. (B,D)

Day 4 – RV Factory Tour – Anderson’s Winery Tasting – Depart for Home

Check out of your hotel this morning and, after breakfast, get a small dose of the modern world again with a tour of a recreational vehicle factory. Four out of five of all RV’s in the United States are made in Northern Indiana Amish Country, so this is definitely the RV Capital of the World! This message is brought home on a self-guided tour of the RV Hall-of-Fame and Museum, with a fine collection of vintage RVs including Mae West’s. There’s also a rotating display of the latest models from manufacturers like Jayco and Nexus.

Later today you visit Anderson’s Vineyard & Winery. Winner of local and national winemaking competitions, this family owned vineyard offers wine tasting of more than 20 different wines.  They have grown fruit here in Valparaiso since 1927, but did not established the winery until 1994. Be sure to stop at the gift shop for baked goods, locally made jams and jellies, local crafts, beer and wine making supplies and more.

Afterwards, depart for home. (B)

Tour Map