Pocono Mountains and Jim Thorpe

Today we travel through the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. We visit the Pocono Mountains offering 2,400 square miles of wooded peaks and valleys with numerous sparkling lakes, rushing rivers with some of the loveliest waterfalls in the east, great shopping and interesting historical tours. We enjoy the food at a local restaurant before checking into our hotel in Harrisburg, PA. (D)

We step back in time to the Victorian town of Jim Thorpe. Stories of the famous and infamous are featured in this delightful day. Our fi rst stop is the Old Jail Museum, as you hear about the ill-fated Molly Maguires. We then visit the Mauch Chunk Museum, the incredible Asa Packer Mansion and St. Mark’s Church to hear stories of the town’s wealthy forefathers. With this town’s narrow streets & neat boutiques, you won’t believe you’re not in Europe! Our overnight accommodations await us for a three night stay. Dinner is included this evening. (D)

The Dorflinger Glass Museum is a tribute to the life and accomplishments of Christian Dorflinger, known throughout the world as the creator of fine crystal and exquisite cut glass. The museum gift shop is stocked with an assortment of glass souvenirs, gifts and collectibles; everything from colorful paperweights and miniatures to jewelry, American Studio Glass and lovely hand-crafted ornaments. Today we enjoy more of the beautiful Poconos aboard the Stourbridge Train for a scenic ride along the Lackawaxen River Gorge. Bushkill Falls is among the Keystone State’s most famous scenic attractions. You’ll want to hike the trails to view the towering 100- foot Main Falls, affording fabulous views of the falls and the surrounding forest. Our day isn’t complete without taking time to shop at Crossings Premium Outlets. We return to our hotel for the night.

For 40 miles the Middle Delaware River passes between low forested mountains with barely a house in sight. Then the river cuts through the mountain ridge to form the famed “Water Gap.” Our driving tour includes the Delaware Water Gap and Shawnee on the Delaware, discovering the spectacular beauty. The Water Gap has been designated as the “Eighth Scenic Wonder of the World.” We’re in for a treat today at Penn’s Peak, showplace of the Poconos. After our lunch we enjoy Islands in the Stream, a musical tribute to Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers. Our day continues with a tour of the Number 9 Mine, the world’s oldest continuously operated anthracite coal mine. You’ll be led on a walking tour filled with amazing sights and fascinating stories! See the underground mule-way, miner’s hospital, and the 900–foot deep original elevator shaft, which once hauled loaded coal cars to the surface! We return to our hotel for the evening. (L)

This morning we visit Martin & Company. The museum features more than 200 rare, vintage instruments, from the Stauffer and Ditson models to the D-45 Pre-War and sustainable wood models. The museum honors the artists who created music history, from Gene Autry and Johnny Cash to Elvis and John Mayer. On the factory tour we witness firsthand the detail of exquisite craftsmanship that goes into each and every guitar. This afternoon we have time to check in our hotel and freshen up before our evening out. This evening we enjoy a delicious dinner and show at Toby’s presenting Ain’t Misbehavin,’ the Fats Waller Musical Show! (D)

Sit back and relax as we make our way home. We’ve seen so many beautiful and interesting sights we never even knew existed until this week. You’ll want to talk to your tour director and your new found friends to plan your next trip.