Sun, Dec 3: Depart Indianapolis for a visit to the charming Northern Indiana communities where you will experience warm hospitality and unique Amish experiences just in time for the holidays! Your first stop is in South Bend for a delicious brunch at the Tippecanoe Place Restaurant. Also known as the Studebaker Mansion, this historic manor has an elegant atmosphere perfect for a fine dining experience. Then take a guided museum tour that celebrates a brand from days past – the Studebaker National Museum. From Conestoga Wagons to the modern automobiles they produced up until 1966, tour the collections of priceless vehicles and other artifacts. Take a short drive to Elkhart to do some shopping (or simply enjoy the surroundings) at Linton’s Enchanted Gardens, Indiana’s largest Home and Garden Center. Continue to your accommodations for the next two nights, the Farmstead Inn located in the picturesque countryside of Shipshewana. This evening enjoy dinner at the hotel with your fellow travelers. (Meals: Lunch, Dinner)

Mon, Dec 4: After breakfast at the hotel embark on journey into the simpler side of life in Amish country. Begin with a short, guided tour to several one-of-a-kind Amish business to stuff your stocking with a variety of included goodies. You’ll have plenty of time for independent shopping and exploration in downtown Shipshewana. You’re sure to find the perfect gift for your family, friends, or even a few treats to keep for yourself! After lunch at your leisure join back up with the group and transfer to the Blue Gate Performing Arts Center. See Daniel O’ Donnell take the stage in a production featuring all of the hits and favorites of the Christmas season. You may recognize him from his time on PBS but Daniel is also one of the most prolific and successful recording artists in the United Kingdom. Immediately following the show fill up on a delicious homestyle dinner before viewing Shipshewana’s Lights of Joy from the comfort of the motorcoach. The display that grows every year features a mile and half of colorful lights and animatronics. (B,D)

Tue, Dec 5: Check out of the hotel and be welcomed into the workshop of Teaberry Woodproducts, another unique, local, family-owned business. Get an authentic woodworking experience with the personal touch of the Miller family and watch a wooden nativity come to life. Have once last chance to get your gift shopping wrapped up at the Essenhaus Village Shops heading over for one last meal at Der Dutchman Essenhaus. Known as Indiana’s largest restaurant, they use genuine recipes that have been passed down for generations, including for their famous pies. Return to Indianapolis in the early afternoon. (B,L)