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Pennsylvania

The American Revolution from Philadelphia to Trenton

Program No. 22708RJ
Follow in the Revolutionary footsteps of George Washington from Philadelphia to the Delaware River, visiting a battlefield, national landmarks and his tactical headquarters on the way.

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At a Glance

Follow in the footsteps of George Washington and the Continental Army from Philadelphia to Valley Forge and across the Delaware River. Learn about Washington’s strategy and role in commanding troops in America’s fight for independence on visits to iconic locations of the American Revolution in Philadelphia and beyond including a battlefield, 18th-century landmarks and Washington’s tactical headquarters. You'll even meet Ben Franklin himself.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Lots of walking, stairs and climbing on and off buses.
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 field trips in Philadelphia to private libraries, explore Independence Hall, see the Liberty Bell and visit the new Museum of the American Revolution.
  • Walk with a historical interpreter through Valley Forge National Park and imagine the Continental Army camped there in the winter of 1776.
  • Visit the Delaware River crossing site, where Washington launched his troops and crossed on that fateful icy night of December 24, and travel to New Jersey to see where the troops began the nighttime march to Trenton.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
John Becton
Joe Becton was introduced to history by his father, a history teacher in the Philadelphia School District. After attending Philadelphia public schools, he went on to earn associate degrees in social work and social science and a B.A. in history education at the University of West Florida. He is a noted Philadelphia musical artist who performs a repertoire of 19th century spirituals and Civil War songs. He also interprets the styles of music developed by Africans in America and the collision of cultures that created the music we call gospel, jazz and blues. Joe is a retired National Park Service Ranger at Independence National Historical Park.

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

Profile Image of John Becton
John Becton View biography
Joe Becton was introduced to history by his father, a history teacher in the Philadelphia School District. After attending Philadelphia public schools, he went on to earn associate degrees in social work and social science and a B.A. in history education at the University of West Florida. He is a noted Philadelphia musical artist who performs a repertoire of 19th century spirituals and Civil War songs. He also interprets the styles of music developed by Africans in America and the collision of cultures that created the music we call gospel, jazz and blues. Joe is a retired National Park Service Ranger at Independence National Historical Park.
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
13 Meals
6 Breakfasts
3 Lunches
4 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Gluten Free, Low Fat, Vegetarian, Low Salt
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
Oct 13, 2024 - Oct 19, 2024
  • Oct 13, 2024 - Oct 19, 2024
  • Oct 13, 2024 - Oct 19, 2024
  • Apr 06, 2025 - Apr 12, 2025
  • May 18, 2025 - May 24, 2025
  • Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025
6 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.
6 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.
6 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.
6 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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