Pennsylvania

Signature City Pittsburgh

Program No. 19287RJ
Learn how Pittsburgh grew from its humble origins to the great city of today, discovering neoclassical architecture, renowned museums, unique cuisine and the stunning Duquesne Incline.

Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

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

At a Glance

Experience Pittsburgh’s revitalized urban landscape and bustling local economy and find out what makes it “America’s Most Livable City.” A city once known for its rough edges is now revered for its world-class museums, rich historical narrative and spirited cultural scene. Follow the paths of history as you stroll through the Botanical Gardens and examine brushstrokes from Italian Renaissance Masterpieces.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking 1-2 miles a day and 60-90 minutes of standing for museum visits; stairs.
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

  • Take an uphill ride on the storied Duquesne Incline and discover Pittsburgh from atop Mount Washington.
  • Absorb the history of the Steel City by studying noblemen like Andrew Carnegie, Henry Clay Frick and John Heinz.
  • Gain a thorough understanding of the city’s vibrant past and promising future with experts at the Phipps Conservatory, Carnegie Museum of Art, Frick Art and Historical Center and Rivers of Steel National Heritage Center.

General Notes

Select dates are designated for small groups and are limited to 24 participants or less.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Alan Irvine
Alan Irvine is a well-known storyteller in Pittsburgh. He is an outreach performer for the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. For libraries, he creates Summer Reading Club programs for kids, ghost stories for teens, and tales of Pennsylvania history and current events for adults. In addition to performing, Alan teaches workshops and classes on storytelling. In 1988, he helped found the storytelling group StorySwap. He has produced numerous storytelling shows, and was the chair of the 2006 National Storytellers Conference, held in Pittsburgh.

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

Profile Image of Alan Irvine
Alan Irvine View biography
Alan Irvine is a well-known storyteller in Pittsburgh. He is an outreach performer for the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. For libraries, he creates Summer Reading Club programs for kids, ghost stories for teens, and tales of Pennsylvania history and current events for adults. In addition to performing, Alan teaches workshops and classes on storytelling. In 1988, he helped found the storytelling group StorySwap. He has produced numerous storytelling shows, and was the chair of the 2006 National Storytellers Conference, held in Pittsburgh.
Profile Image of Woody Cunningham
Woody Cunningham View biography
Woody Cunningham has been leading visitors through Pittsburgh, the "Paris of the Appalachia," for 30 years. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in history, and winner of the Greater Pittsburgh Convention and Visitors Bureau's annual Travel and Tourism Advocate Award, Woody is an experienced Road Scholar Group Leader and one of Pittsburgh's most treasured raconteurs.
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.





Recommended For You

loading spinner