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
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800-454-5768
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Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Sep 29 - Oct 4, 2024
Starting at
1,849DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Sep 29 - Oct 4, 2024
Starting at
2,519Not seeing the date you're looking for?
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6 days
5 nights
11 meals
5B 2L 4D
1
Check-In, Registration, Orientation, Dinner, Ben Franklin
Philadelphia, PA
2
Independence Hall & Liberty Bell, American Revolution Museum
Philadelphia, PA
3
Old City, Christ Church, Betsy Ross House, City Field Trip
Philadelphia, PA
4
18th Century Founders, Constitution Center, Free Time
Philadelphia, PA
5
City Hall, Reading Terminal, PAFA
Philadelphia, PA
6
Built History, Program Concludes
Philadelphia, PA
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
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
What You'll Learn
- 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 trip experts
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.
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.
Mitchell Kramer
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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.
Warren Williams
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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.
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.
Suggested Reading List
(5 books)
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.
Signature City Philadelphia
Program Number: 10238
Philadelphia Then & Now
Philadelphia - Portrait of an American City
William Penn's Holy Experiment
The Perennial Philadelphians
Autobiography