New Pennsylvania Group Travel Itineraries

and Travel Resources Available

Philadelphia

To assist group tour operators with planning itineraries, the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PCVB) has expanded itinerary options in the group tour section of its Web site, www.PhiladelphiaUSA.travel/itineraries . Eighteen unique tours, from historical and cultural itineraries to gardens, religious attractions, educational, student and interactive itineraries, allow tour operators to offer packages geared to the interest of any group. Each program offers a list of suggested activities for groups visiting Philadelphia. Options range from a half-day visit, to three days.

Among the new itinerary choices is a “Girlfriend Getaway,” which includes botanical garden tours, ballet or opera performances, a relaxing spa retreat, and of course, plenty of shopping. For the men, there is a “Guys Getaway” featuring sports, local brew pubs, and classic cars.  For the “foodies,” groups can discover the tastes of Philadelphia with a Culinary Tour

“More and more group tours are being built around specific interests,” said Fritz Smith, vice president of tourism, PCVB. With so many sightseeing possibilities and new group product attractions, we will continue to create innovative itinerary suggestions based on the needs of the tour operator’s customers.” 

Tour operators can follow the suggested itineraries or mix and match to create their own. For more information about Philadelphia’s group tour itineraries, visit www.PhiladelphiaUSA.travel/itineraries.

Hershey

From the history of the town built on chocolate to unforgettable group activities and year-round attractions, Hershey Groups can customize tour experiences for groups of 15 or more people. With so many memories just waiting to be wrapped up in one sweet place, the community created by chocolate magnate Milton S. Hershey is the ideal spot for a custom-made travel experience found “Only in Hershey.”

Visitors can choose from a variety of experiences, including Hersheypark, ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park, Hershey’s Chocolate World, Hershey Gardens, the Chocolate Spa, history tours of The Hotel Hershey, a Spotlight Tour at Hershey Theatre, chef demonstrations and much more.

Groups also can choose from pre-designed tours, including the following:

• Hershey History Tour: An all-inclusive tour of the town of Hershey to learn about its founder, Milton S. Hershey
• Chocolate-Covered Tour: A cocoa-filled journey throughout the destination, including a trip to Hershey’s Chocolate World
• Green Thumb Tour: A look at the botanical and cultural side of the town, including Hershey Gardens
• Progressive Tour of Hershey: An opportunity for guests to eat their way through the sweet destination

Hershey Groups offers a wide range of year-round and seasonal activities and services designed for group-tour visits to Hershey, The Sweetest Place On Earth. From culinary experiences to history and from cultural activities to entertainment, and additional information on all the group travel opportunities available “Only in Hershey,” visit www.HersheyGroups.com, phone (877) 323-6903 or e-mail:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

York County

York County is home to more than 15 free factory tours that invite you behind the scenes and onto the production floor to witness the making of America’s favorite products. Taste a warm potato chip fresh from the fryer, get a sneak peek into the intricate art of crafting stringed instruments and watch as master craftsmen hand-etch glass on a stone wheel. With their newest free tours, “The Factory Tour Capital of the World” celebrates the art of keeping time, going green and playful alpacas.

The York Time Institute offers your group an up-close glimpse at the hub of activity in a master timekeeper’s shop. For more than 30 years, York Time Institute founder, Dan Nied, has kept perfect time with the conservation, restoration and repair of antique timepieces, as well as, manufacturing of custom watches and clocks.

Groups will discover saving the planet is not just for guys in capes when you tour the First Capital Federal Credit Union’s new gold LEED registered building. Get an up-close look at a common-sense approach to going green with geo-thermal heating, rainwater capture, natural light enhancement, locally-sourced wood and recycled materials.

Visitors are invited to take a tour of a working alpaca farm at Painted Springs. Meet the friendly alpacas and get a glimpse into these ancient creatures’ gentle and playful nature. After your guided tour, take a spin around the shop to see Beth’s prized fibers, yarn and fleeces.

The interactive 2010-2011 York County Group Tour Planner is now available online at www.yorkpa.org. The Web site also features videos, virtual tours, coupons, getaway packages and detailed calendars of great year-round events.