Arrival & Check-In, Registration & Orientation, Opening Dinner, Introductory Lecture on Philadelphia

Afternoon: HOTEL CHECK-IN: From 4:00pm.

PROGRAM REGISTRATION: 4:30pm. After you have your room assignment, come over to the Road Scholar desk in the lobby to pick up your arrival packet containing the most up-to-date schedule that we'll review during orientation.

ORIENTATION: We'll gather in our private meeting room (posted in the lobby) for welcome, introductions, and an an informative overview of the program. We'll review the up-to-date schedule and any changes, responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, Q&A, and talk about what's going on in Philadelphia this weekend. (If you arrive late, please pick up your packet at the hotel front desk.)

In this CITY HIGHLIGHTS WEEKEND, you will have the kind of expert-led learning opportunities you expect from Road Scholar, designed to showcase some of Philadelphia's most notable attractions. There is also a significant amount of free time for personal independent exploration. The program includes two meals per day so that you can enjoy local dining options on your own for lunch or dinner (depending on the day). Your arrival packet will include recommendations for free time activities and dining options.

The Group Leader will be available during free time to lead optional informal activities and dining out that you may join at your own cost if you wish. Please don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions.

Dinner: Your included dinner this evening is at a local restaurant

Evening: Attend an outstanding new rendition of the opera La Boheme at the Academy of Music. The Academy of Music was opened in 1858 and its interior is modeled after la Scala in Milan, Italy

Lodging: Radisson Warwick Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast is included at the hotel.

Morning: Morning lecture on Philadelphia: Past to Present.

Lunch: Lunch is on your own

Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Our next field trip is led by a local muralist who will provide expert insights into the Mural Arts Program that began in 1984 as a component of the campaign to eradicate the graffiti crisis then plaguing the city. Muralist Jane Golden was hired to reach out to graffiti writers and to redirect their energies from destructive graffiti writing to constructive mural painting. The Mural Arts Program has since produced more than 3,000 murals that have become a cherished part of the civic landscape and a great source of inspiration to millions of residents and visitors.

The field trip will conclude at approximately 3:00pm. The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to continue exploring on your own.

Dinner: ON YOUR OWN. Take this opportunity to savor the cuisine(s) of your choice from the city's many fine restaurants.

Those who wish may join the Group Leader and any other like-minded participants for dinner at your own cost.

Evening: FREE EVENING to explore all Philadelphia has to offer on your own. Check out the official visitor site at www.visitphilly.com/

Those who wish to do so may accompany the Group Leader on an optional activity TBA at your own cost.

Lodging: Radisson Warwick Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Dead Sea Scrolls Exhibit at The Franklin Institute/Afternoon & Dinner on your own

Breakfast: Breakfast is included at the hotel.

Morning: Mid morning we will walk to The Franklin Instute to view the outstanding exhibit "The Dead Sea Scrolls"

Lunch: Lunch is on your own. the Franklin Institute does have a cafeteria, if you wish to eat there

Afternoon: This afternoon you are free to explore the Franklin Institute as long as you wish.

Dinner: Dinner is on your own this evening. Your group leader will assist you in selecting from one of the different restaurants located in the area

Evening: You are free this evening to enjoy other offerings of Philadelphia nightlife or to take the time to visit with friends

Lodging: Radisson Warwick Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast: Breakfast is included at the hotel.

Morning: FIELD TRIP: The program concludes with an exploration of two of America's most significant icons, Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Deepen your understanding and appreciation of our American democracy here in the birthplace of the Constitution.

The program concludes with this field trip. We will return to the hotel by 11:30am in time for hotel check-out at 12:00 Noon. We hope you have enjoyed this new CITY HIGHLIGHTS WEEKEND and will join us for other rewarding Road Scholar learning adventures in the future. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Meals Included: Breakfast