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.
Participant Reviews
Based on 63 Reviews
SHOWING
This trip was awesome! If the traveler is not comfortable walking on ice, though, I would recommend the trip be taken at a time different than the winter. The beginning history of our country, the museums, and so many cultural events make Philadelphia a must-go-to place. Wonderful restaurants, and an easy to navigate layout make this trip a winner.
— Review left December 21, 2025
Insightful dive into Philadelphia's role in our nation's evolution. This colony was unique and so influential.
— Review left December 8, 2025
Signature City Philadelphia program, Ben Franklin (AKA Mitchel Kramer) was an excellent guide, historian, teacher and dare I say comedian? He had us thinking, learning and laughing.
— Review left October 25, 2025
Mitchell was great. I recommend this tour.
— Review left October 19, 2025
This was one of the best Road Scholar programs of the eight I have experienced. Mitchell is a wonderful guide.
— Review left October 4, 2025
The Signature City Philadelphia program more that met my expectations. This is a city of history and is culturally diverse. I enjoyed trying local foods, visiting historic sites, and learning more about the City of Love.
— Review left September 22, 2025
wonderful trip with very knowledgeable leader
— Review left August 2, 2025
Signature City Philadelphia is a good way to learn about Revolutionary Times in the area while staying in a convenient hotel with access to easy ways to get around. We had a daily buffet breakfast on our own time which was nice. Group Leader Mitchell Kramer is a Ben Franklin interpreter, grew up in the area, and seems to know everyone in town. The other instructors were interesting, also. I added an extra day in the beginning and end to look around more and it is easy to take the Phlash Bus or to Uber around. I took the train from the airport and a city bus once and they were adequate. I heard the Double Tree is getting a renovation soon. The common areas are nice, but the bathrooms could use a facelift.
— Review left June 15, 2025
I recently completed the Road Scholar tour, "Signature City Philadelphia" and was thoroughly surprised and excited about what I learned. I'm a very senior citizen who loves American history and particularly the Jamestown Colony period and everything about the revolutionary period, the history of our founding fathers, the Declaration of Independence, the drafting of the Constitution and ultimately what happened to the founders and their families after 1783. That is why I picked Philadelphia to be my first Road Scholar tour and I was not disappointed except it just wasn't long enough for me. Five days was too short to cover roughly 10 years of history but, in reflecting on how much we saw each day, it's really amazing how much history was covered. In my opinion, the presentation of the material was excellent and our tour guide, Mitchell Kramer, made the historical period come to life. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone who is interested in this most important period in establishing the United States as a sovereign nation.
— Review left May 26, 2025
Nothing like having Ben Franklin be your guide to Philadelphia! Mitchell Kramer inhabited Franklin while he served as our Group Leader. Great fun!
— Review left May 17, 2025
This was an outstanding program due in large part to the program director Mitchell Kramer. He enhanced our experience with this deep knowledge of the subject matter, his enthusiastic demeanor and good humor.
— Review left May 12, 2025
The signature city, Philadephia, program is a must-do for the history buff. Because the city is on a grid, it was easy to get about in our free time. As an active senior citizen using a cane, I found walking the streets and the tour pace to be manageable.
— Review left November 5, 2024
This is the way American History should be learned.
— Review left October 26, 2024
The Signature Cities Tour of Philadelphia was excellent. We highly encourage everyone to take this tour.
— Review left October 2, 2024
I had heard great things about the Philadelphia Signature Cities tour and it did not disappoint! History, music, art and architecture intertwined with the major people of the times and meeting Ben Franklin resulted in a winning program!
— Review left September 28, 2024
My Philadelphia experience was amazing and I am so thankful I took the time to go, meet new friends and learn so much about the beautiful city. Loved it!
— Review left September 14, 2024
We had a great time in Philadelphia! It was my first RS trip and has encouraged me to want to explore more places this way. Our guide, Mitchell, was so knowledgeable and animated; he really brought history to life with his amusing stories as well as little-known bits of information about our Founding Fathers. He really kept us interested. There was also a very comfortable, friendly vibe among all the tour participants. It really couldn’t have been nicer. I would highly recommend this tour and Road Scholar to anyone.
— Review left May 22, 2024
If you love history and finding out more details about what was happening in Philadelphia during the Revolutionary War period, this is an excellent program.
— Review left May 5, 2024
Our tour guide, Tish, was amazing! She is entertaining and knows Philadelphia inside and out! Philly is such a walkable city and I felt very safe in center city. I took the “women’s only” tour and really loved that. Wish RS offered more of those, it encouraged me to take my first RS trip. There were several other solo first timers in the group.
I do wish that the Philadelphia Museum of Art was part of the itinerary. The hotel was not the best. It was in disrepair and the service was lacking.
— Review left May 4, 2024
Pride in the Founding and Development of America
— Review left May 4, 2024
I'd been to Philadelphia before, but this program really opened my eyes to so much of its history! This is a great way to get to know a place!
— Review left May 4, 2024
Philly has a lot to offer and I learned a lot of neat "stuff" that I really enjoyed.
— Review left April 23, 2024
This tour exceeded my expectations by being unique and fun! I'm telling everyone to check out RoadScholar!
— Review left April 17, 2024
This was my first “Signature City” trip. It was wonderful. Don’t miss the opportunity to travel to places you haven’t yet experienced. Road Scholar made it possible to visit an area of our country that I thought my “advancing age” would prevent me from experiencing and enjoying.
— Review left December 6, 2023
This was a great program for seniors like us. We learned a lot about the founding fathers, and saw so many historical sights in Philadelphia.
— Review left October 29, 2023
Best way to learn about the formation of the US Republic in Philadelphia
— Review left October 14, 2023
I’m too shy to share with real strangers. I would like you to tell your staff and the folks who shared their information and locations with us, however. People need to know their patrons appreciate their work.
— Review left October 13, 2023
My first trip to Philadelphia and my third Road Scholar program. Traveled to Philly by train and used Uber from the station to the hotel. The weather was excellent, the group was congenial, and our group leader was terrific. I even attended a Phillies baseball game on the free night!
— Review left June 19, 2023
If you've never been to Philadelphia, this is the tour for you. It will offer you a new perspective on the founding of the United States and the critical role Philadelphia played in it.
— Review left May 13, 2023
The Philadelphia signature city program was very interesting and enjoyable. I highly recommend it.
— Review left April 27, 2023
This trip exceeded expectations. Our hotel was centrally located and we could walk to so many sites. Our guide, Mitchell, was extremely knowledgeable and very enthusiastic about each subject. Philly is a beautiful city to explore and renew your excitement about American History and our democracy.
— Review left April 26, 2023
Signature City Philadelphia is an excellent program. I heartily recommend it to anyone who has an interest in history and U.S. cities!
— Review left April 26, 2023
Signature City Philadelphia exceeded my expectations! It was a profound experience to be at the place where the United States of America was created, and to have our Road Scholar guide to illuminate that experience.
— Review left April 26, 2023
Road Scholar is a very educational way to travel and meet new people.
The groups of participants are small which makes touring much easier.
The group leaders are very informed.
— Review left April 21, 2023
Philadelphia is a most wonderful large city that you will never appreciate without experiencing a program/your such as what Road Scholar offers.
— Review left October 22, 2022
Our group leader, Mitchell Kramer, was excellent. He is very knowledgeable about Philadelphia's past and present, and he has a large personality with a self-deprecating sense of humor. Hotel was in great location; walking distance to nearly everywhere. I enjoyed learning more about the Revolutionary War and the drafting of the Constitution. The dinners at outside restaurants were all excellent; I especially enjoyed the singing servers at Victor Cafe.
— Review left September 23, 2022
Meet Ben Franklin and hear his story. See the liberty bell and the Philadelphia National Park. Eat some delicious food at the Reading Terminal. Immerse yourself in living history. It’s a bustling and vibrant and walkable city. Loved having Mitchell as our guide. He was terrific.
— Review left September 13, 2022
You may think you know the history of the American Revolution and the founding fathers, but I think you'll be amazed at how much you will learn in this program. Our guide was extremely knowledge about the period, to the point that he actually is a Ben Franklin re-enactor. He brought people and events to life in such a way that I came away with an enriched understanding of our nation's founding fathers, their history, and the inspiration that drove them. In addition to visiting the historical sites, we also toured the city and I learned why Philadelphia, the Quaker city of "brotherly love" became the birthplace of our nation. The song "Philadelphia freedom" means a lot more to me now. Everyone in our country should do this tour!
— Review left June 12, 2022
The Philadelphia Signature City program provides a comprehensive view of one of our nation’s most historic locations. Anyone participating will be surprised at how much more he or she will have learned about the creation of the United States from the week spent in this great city.
— Review left June 11, 2022
A fantastic program! It was a wonderful introduction to Philadelphia. I hope come back again.
— Review left June 11, 2022
The Philadelphia Signature City Tour exceeded my expectations! I thought I knew quite a lot about our early history, but I learned so much more on this tour. Our group leader, Mitchell, was great...informative, funny, and interesting. All in all, a wonderful time spent steeped in history!
— Review left May 14, 2022
Go back in time to relive the founding of our country through this remarkable program.
— Review left March 26, 2022
Even if you think you already know about the founding of this country, this program will stretch your knowledge and increase understanding. Democracy can be “messy” and it has always been like that, but I found this quite reassuring and affirming.
— Review left March 19, 2022
I was so pleased with this Signature City trip to Philadelphia. I learned so much more about our country and now understand our people with a new perspective. Right? That’s why I love Road Scholar trips. I come away with a new understanding, a new sense, a new perspective and it enriches me in a way that is very meaningful. If you haven’t been to Philadelphia...put it on your bucket list! The art in the city is like no other - the murals! 4700 of them - the food well, I could go on and on. Just Do It. And if you can have Tish as your tour leader, you will be amazed. I’m a fairly recent widow. When your dream changes, don’t change the dream...go on a Road Scholar trip! Cindy Gum
— Review left March 18, 2022
Very historic city well worth visiting. The Masonic Temple is a must see. The presentation excellent. Our time there was cut short un fortunately. Several times key museums or historical places were closed during our free afternoons which could have been planned better. Downtown hotel was good but parking fees very expensive. Our guide was certainly informed but lacked overview or handouts to help us follow his varied train of thought. A variety of speakers may have helped. Our closing speaker was excellent but was needed earlier in the program sequence. Certainly an enjoyable trip.
— Review left November 12, 2021
History comes to life on this fun, interesting tour of Philadelphia.
— Review left November 7, 2021
Signature City: Philadelphia was just a wonderful, varied experience. Filled with lively history everywhere one goes, architecture, art, many beautiful wall murals, great food, tons of walking, enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides waiting to pack your day. The hotel is very well situated and staff most helpful. Was so pleased with the entire program and all I learned. Plan to stay a couple more days to experience the Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Mutter Museum, among other experiences. This is a well planned program and makes the most of your time. Wondered why it took me so long to visit here. Have been promoting Philadelphia the Road Scholar Way to friends and acquaintances. Just go!
— Review left November 5, 2021
A great overview of historic Philadelphia. Trish was an excellent guide and the restaurants were fantastic.
— Review left November 5, 2021
This was an excellent trip. I learned a great deal about American history, architecture and art.
I highly recommend it to anyone interested in these topics.
It was well paced, lectures were top-notch and restaurant choices very good as well.
— Review left November 3, 2021
This is a wonderful, in-depth look at one of the great cities of the world. Very nice combination of history, art, architecture, politics, media. Appropriate combination of bus and walking. Highly recommend!
— Review left October 30, 2021
Remarkable experience. Our guide was gifted, energetic, talented and every part of the trip was wonderful. Dinners, lunches, transportation all were a great value. Recommend this trip without reservation.
— Review left October 29, 2021
Great experience and value with small groups.
— Review left October 21, 2021
Great experience. Learned about historical events that included information usually not readily available.
— Review left October 16, 2021
Our guide, Mitchell...aka Benjamin Franklin…brought Philadelphia history alive in our Signature City tour. His wealth of knowledge, humor and depth of insights and details made this an exceptional experience. When we met him on our first evening as Benjamin Franklin, we knew we were in for a special treat. We highly recommend the tour.
Jim and Susan
— Review left October 15, 2021
If you like history, architecture, and/or good food, this is a trip for you. The field trips included take you to the iconic Philadelphia sites. The lectures set you up for what you will see and experience. And the hotel is right in the midst of it all.
— Review left March 16, 2020
I have never been very interested in history but this program brought it to life for me. And Philadelphia has so much more to offer in architecture, art, food and museums. The hotel, meals and logistics were top notch. Tish Byrne was a fabulous Group Leader and is a real ambassador for Philadelphia.
— Review left March 15, 2020
Decent website. But as most Road Scholar participants are senior citizens, use a larger font -- say, Georgia 16 point.
— Review left November 1, 2019
Incredible program! Learned so much about Philadelphia and the founding of our country.
— Review left September 25, 2019
This lived up to all my expectations of a Road Scholar tour. And then some. Great hotel, food, lectures, organization and fun people. Mitch was an incredible guide.
— Review left June 18, 2019
The Signature City Tour of Philadelphia is packed with the early history of Philadelphia and it's influence on the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the many "firsts" the city achieved along the way. The Museum of the American Revolution is one of the best I've been to -- enjoy!
— Review left June 15, 2019
Philadelphia was not on my list of places to visit but I am so glad I did. I learned so much and the city is wonderful. It was easy to get around, there were many wonderful places to dine, good museums and theaters and the history is vast. I would even return on my own just for a personal visit. Don't miss all the wonderful murals there.
— Review left June 4, 2019
This is a "must do" for American history buffs.
— Review left May 31, 2019
If you have never been to Philadelphia, take this trip. History comes alive and by understanding its origins, you are better to evaluate history today.
— Review left March 16, 2019