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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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.

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
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.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
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6 days
5 nights
11 meals
5 B 2 L 4 D
DAY
1
Check-In, Registration, Orientation, Dinner, Ben Franklin
Philadelphia, PA
D
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City

Activity note: Hotel check-in from 4:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Program Registration: 4:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the lobby to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. Orientation: 4:30 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, COVID-19 protocols, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and requirements throughout the program. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: Benjamin Franklin welcomes you to Philadelphia!

DAY
2
Independence Hall & Liberty Bell, American Revolution Museum
Philadelphia, PA
B,L,D
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 1 mile, approximately 1/2 hour riding time. Walking up to 2 miles; city streets.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will board our motorcoach ride ten blocks to the Colonial City, America’s most historic square mile, for a field trip to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. These are national treasures and icons of American democracy. The old cracked bell still proclaims “Liberty” and Independence Hall echoes the words “We the People.” As we explore what has been called Ben Franklin’s Philadelphia, we’ll learn about America’s past and continuing struggle to fulfill the Founders’ Declaration that “all men are created equal.”

Lunch: At the Museum of the American Revolution, we will have vouchers provided.

Afternoon: Next, we will set out on a self-directed exploration of the Museum of The American Revolution. The impressive collection includes several thousand objects from works of art and manuscripts to printed works from the period of the American Revolution. There are also objects that span the scope of the war from British, French, and American arms used in battles to a soldier’s wooden canteen branded “UStates” — at a time when the phrase was merely an aspiration. The genesis began more than a century ago when a history-minded minister in Valley Forge raised funds from around the nation to purchase the original tent George Washington used as his command center during the revolutionary war. It was the beginning of a rich and diverse collection that continues to grow.

Dinner: At a nearby restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
3
Old City, Christ Church, Betsy Ross House, City Field Trip
Philadelphia, PA
B,L,D
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 1 mile, approximately 1/2 hour riding time. Walking up to 2 miles; city streets.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: For our next field trip, we will board a motorcoach with an educator and ride to the Historic District — Old City — and explore Christ Church, Elfreth’s Alley & the Betsy Ross House.

Lunch: At a local restaurant

Afternoon: After lunch we'll then board a motorcoach with an educator for a ride through the city to learn more about its history and culture.

Dinner: At a nearby restaurant.

Evening: Returning to the hotel — taking a public bus or walking for those who prefer — the remainder of the evening is at leisure.

DAY
4
18th Century Founders, Constitution Center, Free Time
Philadelphia, PA
B
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City

Activity note: Activity Notes Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 1 mile, approximately 1/2 hour riding time. Walking up to1 mile; city streets.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will be joined by a local historian who will give us a presentation on 18th Century Philadelphia history and the story of our Founding Fathers. After the lecture, we will ride to the National Constitution Center. The National Constitution Center’s permanent exhibition — The Story of We the People — traces development of the Constitution, its history, and contemporary relevance through more than 100 multimedia exhibits, film, photographs, text, sculpture, and artifacts. It also features a powerful, award-winning theatrical performance we will see, “Freedom Rising,” and Signers’ Hall with 42 life-size, bronze statues of the Founding Fathers. We’ll learn more about the three branches of our government as we explore giant models of the Capitol, White House, and Supreme Court. The movie will lead us through an entertaining look at the buildings, the people who work in them, and the checks and balances of our government.

Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Afternoon: Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions as well as restaurant ideas for tonight’s dinner. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration.

Dinner: On your own to have what you like. Dine with new friends and perhaps explore a new neighborhood or cuisine.

Evening: At leisure. You might like to attend a performance of theater or music (as available), see more of the city on your own, or simply relax.

DAY
5
City Hall, Reading Terminal, PAFA
Philadelphia, PA
B,D
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 1 mile, approximately 1/2 hour riding time. Walking up to 3 miles; city streets.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: With our educator, we will set out on a walking field trip to Philadelphia's City Hall. Once we arrive at City Hall we will have an educated visit of the building, learning about its history. We will gain an appreciation for the outstanding 19th Century architecture for which Philadelphia is famous. City Hall, in the elaborate French Second Empire style, is the largest municipal building in the world.

Lunch: On your own at Reading Terminal Market, a short walk from City Hall.

Afternoon: Next, we will walk to the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA). Charles Wilson Peale, one of America’s most famous 18th Century artists, founded PAFA in 1805. The first art school in the United States, it is also a museum that houses art by American painters from the 17th Century to the present. An art historian will show us works by Peale, Gilbert Stuart, Thomas Eakins and Andrew Wyeth as well as some by Philadelphia native Mary Cassatt. We’ll walk back to the hotel with some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.

Dinner: We will dine at a local restaurant.

Evening: This evening we will provide a cultural experience. Please check back for details closer to the start of the program.

DAY
6
Built History, Program Concludes
Philadelphia, PA
B

Activity note: Hotel check-out 11:00 a.m.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Our closing lecture will focus on the city’s built history through architecture. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!






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