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.
Meals
11 Meals
5 Breakfasts
2 Lunches
4 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Low Fat, Vegetarian, Low Salt, Gluten Free
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
Oct 06, 2024 - Oct 11, 2024
  • Oct 06, 2024 - Oct 11, 2024
  • Apr 28, 2024 - May 03, 2024
  • May 05, 2024 - May 10, 2024
  • Jun 09, 2024 - Jun 14, 2024
  • Sep 08, 2024 - Sep 13, 2024
  • Sep 22, 2024 - Sep 27, 2024
  • Sep 29, 2024 - Oct 04, 2024
  • Oct 06, 2024 - Oct 11, 2024
  • Mar 10, 2025 - Mar 15, 2025
  • Apr 27, 2025 - May 02, 2025
  • May 04, 2025 - May 09, 2025
  • May 11, 2025 - May 16, 2025
  • Jun 01, 2025 - Jun 06, 2025
  • Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025
  • Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025
  • Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025
  • Oct 19, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025
  • Dec 11, 2025 - Dec 16, 2025
5 nights
Philadelphia
Located in the heart of Philadelphia's arts district along the Avenue of the Arts, the Doubletree Hotel Philadelphia sits just across from the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the Academy of Music, and Merriam and Wilma Theaters. Walk from our hospitable downtown hotel to South Street, the Italian Market, Antiques Row, Rittenhouse and Washington Squares, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the Historic Waterfront District, world-class dining and shopping, and all the unique historical sites that make Philadelphia a national treasure. With easy access to I-95, Philadelphia International Airport is only 20 minutes from our hotel. AAA Diamond Rating Hotel.
5 nights
Philadelphia
Located in the heart of Philadelphia's arts district along the Avenue of the Arts, the Doubletree Hotel Philadelphia sits just across from the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the Academy of Music, and Merriam and Wilma Theaters. Walk from our hospitable downtown hotel to South Street, the Italian Market, Antiques Row, Rittenhouse and Washington Squares, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the Historic Waterfront District, world-class dining and shopping, and all the unique historical sites that make Philadelphia a national treasure. With easy access to I-95, Philadelphia International Airport is only 20 minutes from our hotel. AAA Diamond Rating Hotel.
5 nights
Philadelphia
Located in the heart of Philadelphia's arts district along the Avenue of the Arts, the Doubletree Hotel Philadelphia sits just across from the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the Academy of Music, and Merriam and Wilma Theaters. Walk from our hospitable downtown hotel to South Street, the Italian Market, Antiques Row, Rittenhouse and Washington Squares, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the Historic Waterfront District, world-class dining and shopping, and all the unique historical sites that make Philadelphia a national treasure. With easy access to I-95, Philadelphia International Airport is only 20 minutes from our hotel. AAA Diamond Rating Hotel.
5 nights
Philadelphia
Located in the heart of Philadelphia's arts district along the Avenue of the Arts, the Doubletree Hotel Philadelphia sits just across from the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the Academy of Music, and Merriam and Wilma Theaters. Walk from our hospitable downtown hotel to South Street, the Italian Market, Antiques Row, Rittenhouse and Washington Squares, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the Historic Waterfront District, world-class dining and shopping, and all the unique historical sites that make Philadelphia a national treasure. With easy access to I-95, Philadelphia International Airport is only 20 minutes from our hotel. AAA Diamond Rating Hotel.
5 nights
Philadelphia
Located in the heart of Philadelphia's arts district along the Avenue of the Arts, the Doubletree Hotel Philadelphia sits just across from the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the Academy of Music, and Merriam and Wilma Theaters. Walk from our hospitable downtown hotel to South Street, the Italian Market, Antiques Row, Rittenhouse and Washington Squares, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the Historic Waterfront District, world-class dining and shopping, and all the unique historical sites that make Philadelphia a national treasure. With easy access to I-95, Philadelphia International Airport is only 20 minutes from our hotel. AAA Diamond Rating Hotel.
5 nights
Philadelphia
Located in the heart of Philadelphia's arts district along the Avenue of the Arts, the Doubletree Hotel Philadelphia sits just across from the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the Academy of Music, and Merriam and Wilma Theaters. Walk from our hospitable downtown hotel to South Street, the Italian Market, Antiques Row, Rittenhouse and Washington Squares, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the Historic Waterfront District, world-class dining and shopping, and all the unique historical sites that make Philadelphia a national treasure. With easy access to I-95, Philadelphia International Airport is only 20 minutes from our hotel. AAA Diamond Rating Hotel.
5 nights
Philadelphia
Located in the heart of Philadelphia's arts district along the Avenue of the Arts, the Doubletree Hotel Philadelphia sits just across from the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the Academy of Music, and Merriam and Wilma Theaters. Walk from our hospitable downtown hotel to South Street, the Italian Market, Antiques Row, Rittenhouse and Washington Squares, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the Historic Waterfront District, world-class dining and shopping, and all the unique historical sites that make Philadelphia a national treasure. With easy access to I-95, Philadelphia International Airport is only 20 minutes from our hotel. AAA Diamond Rating Hotel.
5 nights
Philadelphia
Located in the heart of Philadelphia's arts district along the Avenue of the Arts, the Doubletree Hotel Philadelphia sits just across from the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the Academy of Music, and Merriam and Wilma Theaters. Walk from our hospitable downtown hotel to South Street, the Italian Market, Antiques Row, Rittenhouse and Washington Squares, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the Historic Waterfront District, world-class dining and shopping, and all the unique historical sites that make Philadelphia a national treasure. With easy access to I-95, Philadelphia International Airport is only 20 minutes from our hotel. AAA Diamond Rating Hotel.
5 nights
Philadelphia
Located in the heart of Philadelphia's arts district along the Avenue of the Arts, the Doubletree Hotel Philadelphia sits just across from the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the Academy of Music, and Merriam and Wilma Theaters. Walk from our hospitable downtown hotel to South Street, the Italian Market, Antiques Row, Rittenhouse and Washington Squares, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the Historic Waterfront District, world-class dining and shopping, and all the unique historical sites that make Philadelphia a national treasure. With easy access to I-95, Philadelphia International Airport is only 20 minutes from our hotel. AAA Diamond Rating Hotel.
5 nights
Philadelphia
Located in the heart of Philadelphia's arts district along the Avenue of the Arts, the Doubletree Hotel Philadelphia sits just across from the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the Academy of Music, and Merriam and Wilma Theaters. Walk from our hospitable downtown hotel to South Street, the Italian Market, Antiques Row, Rittenhouse and Washington Squares, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the Historic Waterfront District, world-class dining and shopping, and all the unique historical sites that make Philadelphia a national treasure. With easy access to I-95, Philadelphia International Airport is only 20 minutes from our hotel. AAA Diamond Rating Hotel.
5 nights
Philadelphia
Located in the heart of Philadelphia's arts district along the Avenue of the Arts, the Doubletree Hotel Philadelphia sits just across from the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the Academy of Music, and Merriam and Wilma Theaters. Walk from our hospitable downtown hotel to South Street, the Italian Market, Antiques Row, Rittenhouse and Washington Squares, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the Historic Waterfront District, world-class dining and shopping, and all the unique historical sites that make Philadelphia a national treasure. With easy access to I-95, Philadelphia International Airport is only 20 minutes from our hotel. AAA Diamond Rating Hotel.
5 nights
Philadelphia
Located in the heart of Philadelphia's arts district along the Avenue of the Arts, the Doubletree Hotel Philadelphia sits just across from the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the Academy of Music, and Merriam and Wilma Theaters. Walk from our hospitable downtown hotel to South Street, the Italian Market, Antiques Row, Rittenhouse and Washington Squares, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the Historic Waterfront District, world-class dining and shopping, and all the unique historical sites that make Philadelphia a national treasure. With easy access to I-95, Philadelphia International Airport is only 20 minutes from our hotel. AAA Diamond Rating Hotel.
5 nights
Philadelphia
Located in the heart of Philadelphia's arts district along the Avenue of the Arts, the Doubletree Hotel Philadelphia sits just across from the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the Academy of Music, and Merriam and Wilma Theaters. Walk from our hospitable downtown hotel to South Street, the Italian Market, Antiques Row, Rittenhouse and Washington Squares, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the Historic Waterfront District, world-class dining and shopping, and all the unique historical sites that make Philadelphia a national treasure. With easy access to I-95, Philadelphia International Airport is only 20 minutes from our hotel. AAA Diamond Rating Hotel.
5 nights
Philadelphia
Located in the heart of Philadelphia's arts district along the Avenue of the Arts, the Doubletree Hotel Philadelphia sits just across from the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the Academy of Music, and Merriam and Wilma Theaters. Walk from our hospitable downtown hotel to South Street, the Italian Market, Antiques Row, Rittenhouse and Washington Squares, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the Historic Waterfront District, world-class dining and shopping, and all the unique historical sites that make Philadelphia a national treasure. With easy access to I-95, Philadelphia International Airport is only 20 minutes from our hotel. AAA Diamond Rating Hotel.
5 nights
Philadelphia
Located in the heart of Philadelphia's arts district along the Avenue of the Arts, the Doubletree Hotel Philadelphia sits just across from the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the Academy of Music, and Merriam and Wilma Theaters. Walk from our hospitable downtown hotel to South Street, the Italian Market, Antiques Row, Rittenhouse and Washington Squares, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the Historic Waterfront District, world-class dining and shopping, and all the unique historical sites that make Philadelphia a national treasure. With easy access to I-95, Philadelphia International Airport is only 20 minutes from our hotel. AAA Diamond Rating Hotel.
5 nights
Philadelphia
Located in the heart of Philadelphia's arts district along the Avenue of the Arts, the Doubletree Hotel Philadelphia sits just across from the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the Academy of Music, and Merriam and Wilma Theaters. Walk from our hospitable downtown hotel to South Street, the Italian Market, Antiques Row, Rittenhouse and Washington Squares, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the Historic Waterfront District, world-class dining and shopping, and all the unique historical sites that make Philadelphia a national treasure. With easy access to I-95, Philadelphia International Airport is only 20 minutes from our hotel. AAA Diamond Rating Hotel.
5 nights
Philadelphia
Located in the heart of Philadelphia's arts district along the Avenue of the Arts, the Doubletree Hotel Philadelphia sits just across from the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the Academy of Music, and Merriam and Wilma Theaters. Walk from our hospitable downtown hotel to South Street, the Italian Market, Antiques Row, Rittenhouse and Washington Squares, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the Historic Waterfront District, world-class dining and shopping, and all the unique historical sites that make Philadelphia a national treasure. With easy access to I-95, Philadelphia International Airport is only 20 minutes from our hotel. AAA Diamond Rating Hotel.





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