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Pennsylvania

Signature City Philadelphia

Program No. 10238RJ
Experience the best of Philadelphia’s history and landmarks, as you explore this vibrant city with local experts who provide an insider’s look at its present and past.

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Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Apr 7 - Apr 12, 2024
Starting at
1,849
Apr 28 - May 3, 2024
Starting at
1,849
May 5 - May 10, 2024
Starting at
1,849
Jun 9 - Jun 14, 2024
Starting at
1,849
Sep 8 - Sep 13, 2024
Starting at
1,849
Sep 29 - Oct 4, 2024
Starting at
1,849
Oct 6 - Oct 11, 2024
Starting at
1,849
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Apr 7 - Apr 12, 2024
Starting at
2,519
Apr 28 - May 3, 2024
Starting at
2,519
May 5 - May 10, 2024
Starting at
2,519
Jun 9 - Jun 14, 2024
Starting at
2,519
Sep 8 - Sep 13, 2024
Starting at
2,519
Sep 29 - Oct 4, 2024
Starting at
2,519
Oct 6 - Oct 11, 2024
Starting at
2,519

At a Glance

Philadelphia is America’s most remarkable hometown, enriched by centuries of history, heritage, culture and connections. Led by experts, experience its lively diversity as we explore neighborhoods such as Society Hill, Independence National Park and elegant Rittenhouse Square. Learn about the role of civic institutions and architecture of different eras, and savor the flavor of a flourishing dining renaissance. You’ll even meet Ben Franklin himself.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles. Standing on field trips and getting on/off buses and public transportation.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Retrace the footsteps of our Founding Fathers — and Mothers! — from William Penn to Ben Franklin and Betsy Ross as we walk to Olde City sites including Independence Hall and Elfreth’s Alley.
  • Marvel at distinctive architecture spanning three centuries of achievement on Society Hill, at City Hall and the Masonic Temple.
  • Experience the rich tradition of the arts and culture of Philadelphia at a public event.
Featured Expert
All Experts
Profile Image
Tish Byrne
An artist and historian, Tish Byrne is passionate about all aspects of her native city and its environment after having lived in and led explorations at the Physick House, which belongs to Philadelphia Landmarks. She is a graduate of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts later becoming an administrative assistant to the Director of the school. Presently, she leads excursions for the mural arts program, is a docent at Historic Christ Church and leads explorations of Philadelphia landmarks.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Tish Byrne
Tish Byrne View biography
An artist and historian, Tish Byrne is passionate about all aspects of her native city and its environment after having lived in and led explorations at the Physick House, which belongs to Philadelphia Landmarks. She is a graduate of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts later becoming an administrative assistant to the Director of the school. Presently, she leads excursions for the mural arts program, is a docent at Historic Christ Church and leads explorations of Philadelphia landmarks.
Profile Image of Mitchell Kramer
Mitchell Kramer View biography
Mitchell Kramer has a B.A. in playwriting from Hampshire College and attended Circle in the Square acting conservatory. He has worked off-Broadway and in regional theater including the New York Theater Workshop and Dorset Theater Festival. He is a costumed Historic Interpreter portraying Benjamin Franklin in Old City Philadelphia. Mitchell has written and produced plays for children and adults and a series of historically accurate stories about 18th century Philadelphia for Historic Philadelphia, Inc. He is on the Board of Directors of Mount Sinai Cemetery.
Profile Image of Warren Williams
Warren Williams View biography
Warren is a retired architect with over 30 years of experience. Much of his career was spent at the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority in Philadelphia. In his professional career, he has worked on several historic projects in the Philadelphia region. Warren is an avid photographer of historic buildings and urban streetscapes. He has led groups exploring Philadelphia’s historic architecture and city planning for over 25 years and occasionally lectures on Philadelphia’s historical development.
Profile Image of Lauren Kain
Lauren Kain View biography
Lauren Biddle Kain is the site coordinator for Philadelphia Landmarks Road Scholar. She received her BS/BA from Randolph Macon College in Ashland, Virginia. After marriage and transfer to the San Diego area, she began working at EVENT NETWORK, a leading experiental retail operator, on behalf of cultural attractions such as zoos, botanical gardens, aquariums, museums, science centers and other cultural attractions. Lauren and her family now reside in the Philadelphia area. She started working with Road Scholar as a junior Group Leader for Grandparent Programs.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
The Perennial Philadelphians
by Burt, Nathaniel
Autobiography
by Franklin, Benjamin
Philadelphia Then & Now
by Mauger, Edward Arthur
William Penn's Holy Experiment
by Bronner, E.B.
Philadelphia - Portrait of an American City
by Wolf, Edwin 2nd





Important registration tip:
If you want to attend the live lecture, please do not wait until the last minute to enroll.
If you enroll after a lecture is complete, we’ll send you a recording of the event.