There are walking, buggy, and bus tours to give you an up-close look at Amish life.

A Historic Lancaster Walking Tour (100 S. Queen St., 717/392-1776) departs on select days April–October.

The Amish Experience (3121 Old Philadelphia Pike/Rte. 340, Bird-in-Hand, 717/768-3600, ext. 210, www.amishexperience.com) offers two-hour guided bus tours of the area, which can be combined with other attractions at a discount. They also have an “experiential” theater that features scenes from Amish history re-created with multiple projection screens, special effects, and a three-dimensional set (40 minutes).

The Mennonite Information Center (2209 Millstream Rd., Lancaster, 800/858-8320, www.mennoniteinfoctr.com, two-hour tour for up to 7 people $36) offers personalized guides that ride with you in your car while telling you everything you wanted to know about the local culture.

There are many different people offering buggy rides of the countryside by an Amish or Mennonite guide. Try Abe’s Buggy Rides (2596 Old Philadelphia Pike/Rte. 340, Bird-in-Hand, 717/392-1764, www.abesbuggyrides.com).

For an exhilarating tour experience, you can take in the beauty of Pennsylvania Dutch Country from up above in a hot-air balloon. The United States Hot Air Balloon Company (800/763-5987, www.ushotairballoon.com) offers a variety of flights from Bird-in-Hand; call to schedule.