Trains & Trolleys of Northeastern PA

Duration: 3 Days | Meals: 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 1 Dinner

 

Trip Highlights:

 

Steamtown National Historic Site

Step back in time at Steamtown National Historic Site, where the golden age of steam railroading comes to life. Explore the rich history of America’s railroads through engaging exhibits, a working roundhouse, and a fascinating collection of steam locomotives and vintage rail cars. Learn about the mechanics of steam power and the people who built, operated, and maintained these powerful machines. Climb aboard an authentic steam engine and enjoy a train excursion.

 

Scranton Limited Train Excursion

Climb aboard for a 30-minute, 3-mile round-trip ride through Scranton’s storied rail history. This scenic journey winds through the rail yard, crosses the Lackawanna River, and passes the Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel—once a grand railroad terminal. The train continues past the University of Scranton before looping back to the Steamtown boarding area.

 

Electric City Trolley Museum with Trolley Ride

At the Electric City Trolley Museum, the legacy of Scranton’s rail history comes to life. Known as Pennsylvania’s first city to successfully operate an electric trolley line in 1887, Scranton earned the nickname “The Electric City.” This impressive museum offers a fascinating look at the region’s electric railway past, with a diverse collection of historic trolleys and exhibits that span from Philadelphia to Northeast Pennsylvania. After exploring the museum, enjoy a trolley ride.

 

Pittston to Jim Thorpe Train Excursion

All aboard the Pittston to Jim Thorpe Train Excursion, departing from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Regional Railroad Station. Presented by the Reading & Northern Railroad, this scenic journey takes passengers through some of NEPA’s most breathtaking landscapes. The route climbs out of the Wyoming Valley, over the rugged Penobscot Mountain and into the stunning Lehigh Gorge before arriving in the historic town of Jim Thorpe. Guests will ride in comfort aboard Crown Class Coaches featuring large reclining seats, operable windows and clean restrooms. The onboard dining car offers snacks and beverages for purchase.

 

Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway

Relax and ride comfortably in vintage coaches built as early as 1917 pulled by diesel engines. This narrated, round-trip journey follows the majestic Lehigh River over bridges, through Glen Onoko, and into the Lehigh Gorge State Park. High-rising cliffs, mountain scenery, and wildlife surround the train along the forested route to Old Penn Haven.

 

Choo Choo Barn

Step into a tiny, animated world filled with whimsy and wonder. This 1,700-square-foot model train display recreates the heart of Lancaster County in stunning detail—with more than 150 hand-crafted scenes and 22 working trains. From Amish barn raisings to bustling town squares, this charming stop is a favorite among travelers of all ages.

 

Strasburg Rail Road

Take a 45-minute narrated journey aboard the historic Strasburg Rail Road, powered by a real steam locomotive. Travel through the heart of Amish Country, where you'll see over 2,500 acres of untouched farmland dotted with Amish homesteads, a one-room schoolhouse, and farmers tending their fields. As the oldest continuously operating railroad in the United States, Strasburg offers a glimpse into early 20th-century steam railroading.

 

The Red Caboose Restaurant

Enjoy a unique dining experience in an authentic 1920s-era Pennsylvania Railroad dining car at Casey Jones' Red Caboose Restaurant. The restaurant is surrounded by thousands of acres of gorgeous Amish countryside, overlooking the neighboring Strasburg Rail Road.

 

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of railroading at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, home to a world-class collection of 100 historic locomotives and railroad cars. Uncover the captivating personal stories, art, and artifacts of our nation’s rich railroading heritage. Climb aboard a caboose, step into an authentic freight engine cab, explore a 62-ton locomotive from underneath, and stroll through a 1915-era Main Street scene and Steinman Station passenger depot. Enjoy interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and watch model trains in action.

 

Meal Information:

 

Lunch on day one is included at Cooper's Seafood House. Choices are:

• Broiled Haddock: broiled to perfection served with a light herb butter

• Cavatelli Primavera: homemade cavatelli & fresh vegetables tossed with a creamy Alfredo sauce

• Chicken Franchise: chicken tenders dipped in egg and sauteed covered in a hollandaise sauce

Lunch is served with a garden salad, fresh baked rolls, potatoes, vegetables, and chocolate mousse for dessert. Also included are coffee, tea, soda, iced tea, and lemonade.

 

Dinner on day two is included at Fenicci's. Choices are:

• Broiled Salmon

• Chicken Parmigiana

• Tortellini Pomodoro with Chicken and Sausage

• Crab Tortellini Alfredo

Dinner is served with a field greens salad with crumbled bleu cheese, rolls and butter, cookies, soft drinks, coffee, and tea.

 

Lunch in day three is included at Casey Jones' Red Caboose Restaurant. Choices are:

• Chicken Caesar Salad: romaine lettuce with shredded Parmesan, garlic croutons, and grilled chicken

• Casey's Pulled Pork: A heaping pile of slow-roasted pork tenderloin, shredded and doused in signature birch beer BBQ sauce, served on a brioche bun, with potato chips and a pickle.

• Flame Broiled Burger with cheese: 8 oz. Certified Angus beef burger topped with lettuce, tomato, onion and American cheese. Served with potato chips and a pickle. (Burgers are prepared medium-well).

• Grilled Reuben: 8 oz. of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing on grilled rye bread. Served with potato chips and a pickle.

• Fish & Chips: Beer-battered cod (2) served with french fries, coleslaw, and a pickle.

Lunch is served with homemade crumb cake for dessert, iced tea, lemonade, and coffee.

 

Menus are subject to change.

 

Important Information:

• Scranton Limited train excursion: Steamtown train rides utilize antique railroad cars from the early 20th century. These cars are not climate controlled.

• Sturdy walking shoes are recommended for this tour.

• One-way train excursion aboard Pittston to Jim Thorpe: train car features operable windows, these cars are not climate controlled.

• Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway: Train car is climate controlled.

• Every Eyre trip includes deluxe round-trip motorcoach transportation from one or more of our departure locations.

• An Eyre Tour Director will accompany you on this trip.

• NOTE: There will not be baggage service at the Holiday Inn Wilkes Barre at East Mountain Inn hotel. Please be prepared to handle your own luggage. Baggage handling at Heritage Hotel in Lancaster is included.

 

Accessibility:

• Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway: Passengers must climb one flight of stairs to access the seating area.

• One-way train excursion aboard Pittston to Jim Thorpe train: there is a step box with car host (to assist) and about 3 steps with a handle when getting on/off the train.

• Eyre Tours has a select quantity of wheelchair accessible motorcoaches available; therefore, we suggest you contact a Travel Advisor to discuss any needs you may have before reserving your trip.

Day 1: Holiday Inn Wilkes Barre East Mountain (Wilkes Barre, PA)

The hotel features an indoor pool and fitness room. Guest rooms include a coffee maker, mini-fridge, hair dryer, and iron/board. Baggage handling services are not available at this hotel; guests will need to manage their own luggage during their stay.

 

Day 2: Heritage Hotel (Lancaster, PA)

The Heritage Hotel Lancaster is conveniently located adjacent to Dutch Apple Dinner Theater and other Lancaster attractions. The hotel features a fitness room. Guest rooms include a coffee maker, mini-fridge, microwave, hair dryer, and iron/board.