Tour Philadelphia

Philadelphia, a dynamic place where big city excitement meets hometown charm, awaits your arrival. Famous as the birthplace of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, the cradle of liberty offers much more than cobblestone streets and historical landmarks. Cultural, culinary, artistic and ethnic treasures abound in this city and its surrounding countryside.

Visit the greatest concentration of American history at Independence National Historical Park, including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.

New and one-of-a-kind attractions, a wealth of art and culture, renowned performing arts companies, awe-inspired architecture, a walkable downtown, seemingly endless shopping (with no tax on clothes) and a restaurant renaissance that has caught the world’s attention all promise to create an unforgettable Philadelphia experience.

A short ride from Philly brings you to Lancaster County, the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country and one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. Wherever you are in Lancaster, you’re only minutes away from some of the most beautiful countryside in the US and America’s oldest Amish settlement, where thousands still live a centuries-old lifestyle. It’s a place where the horse & buggy remains a primary form of transportation, and where windmills dot the landscape, providing a nature-harnessed power source. Many Amish-themed attractions, events, foods and crafts are available for your education and enjoyment.

ATTRACTIONS

Independence Hall
Independence Hall was the birthplace of our nation. This historic site, originally built as the Pennsylvania State House, is where the Declaration of Independence was first adopted and where the U.S. Constitution was written.

Liberty Bell
The new Liberty Bell Center offers a video presentation and exhibits about the Liberty Bell, focusing on its origins and its modern day role as an international icon of freedom. Taped presentations about the history of the Liberty Bell are offered in a dozen languages for the convenience of foreign visitors. The Liberty Bell itself is displayed in a magnificent glass chamber with Independence Hall in the background.

Constitution Center
A new attraction featuring interactive exhibits, movie theater and programming brings to life the U.S. Constitution and how it affects our everyday lives.

Colonial Philadelphia
Visit historic locations such as Christ Church, Elfreth Alley, Franklin Court, and the home of Betsy Ross.  Sit in the same pews as Jefferson, walk century’s old cobblestone streets, visit Franklin’s printery as America’s Colonial history comes  to life.

Adventure Aquarium (Camden New Jersey Aquarium)
The sights and sounds of the marine and animal world surround visitors as they adventure through barrier-free environments designed to provide up-close and interactive experiences. Formerly the Camden NJ Aquarium, the 40 million dollar renovation re-opens as the Adventure Aquarium.

Franklin Institute
The Franklin Institute is a national memorial to Benjamin Franklin that includes exhibits of his personal effects, a planetarium, an IMAX theatre and a hands-on science museum. The mission of The Franklin Institute Science Museum is to stimulate interest in science, to promote public understanding of science, and to strengthen science education. Exhibits on display cover several subjects such as science and industry, physics, astronomy and history. Some of the more engaging exhibits include a flight simulator, virtual reality soccer, and simulated wheelchair races.

 US Mint
The United States Mint presents a Virtual Tour of its facilities that illustrates how the United States Mint fulfills its mission to make, sell, and protect United States circulating coins.  The tour includes a description of the design process and a visit to the engraving rooms and production floors.

Carpenters’ Hall
Home of the First Continental Congress.

Philadelphia Museum of Art
Showcasing more than 2,000 years of human creativity, the collections and special exhibitions present masterpieces of painting, sculpture, decorative arts and architectural settings from Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The striking neoclassical building is an oasis of beauty and enriching activities including family programs, lectures, concerts and films.

African American Museum
Founded in 1976 as the Afro-American Historical and Cultural Museum in celebration of the nation’s Bicentennial, the Museum was the first institution funded and built by a major municipality to preserve, interpret and exhibit the heritage of African Americans.  Throughout its evolution, the Museum has presented the achievements and aspirations of African Americans from pre-colonial times to the current day.

National Museum of American Jewish History
Established in 1976, and situated on Philadelphia’s Independence Mall, the National Museum of American Jewish History is the only Museum in the nation dedicated exclusively to collecting, preserving and interpreting artifacts pertaining to the American Jewish experience.

Atwater Kent Museum
The Atwater Kent Museum, located just around the corner from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, is the gateway to Philadelphia history. Founded over 60 years ago as the city’s history museum, it provides many ways to learn about the city. Interactive exhibits use hands-on experiences with historical objects to create a genuine experience of history.

The National Liberty Museum
The National Liberty Museum located in the heart of historic Philadelphia, was created to celebrate our nation’s heritage of freedom and the wonderful diverse society it has produced.  The museum honors 1,000 men, women and young people of all walks of life who dared to step beyond their comfort zones to help make the world a better place. It explores the concept of freedom, the fragility of liberty and provides hands-on experiences in peaceful conflict resolution.

Independence Seaport Museum
Explore the science, history and art of boats and boat building in our new interactive exhibit! Step inside a fantasy backyard garage and experiment with water, wind and boat shapes. Explore historic war ships, see real ship being built and learn about the conditions on board the immigrant ships that brought millions of Americans to this historic city.

Tour the Amish Countryside in Lancaster
Part of Lancaster County’s old-fashioned charm and homespun warmth stems from its Amish population.  The families, farmers and craftsmen follow a deeply religious, family-centered lifestyle that has maintained tradition for 300 years through a simple way of life that has not adopted the mainstream culture.

SAMPLE ITINERARIES

Philadelphia – 2 Nights

Day 1

• Independence Hall and Liberty Bell
• Constitution Center film and tour
• Lunch at the Bourse
• Colonial Philadelphia walking tour
• Christ Church, Elfreth Alley, Franklin Court, Betsy Ross home
• Hotel check in and group dinner
• Delaware River cruise or  Spirit of Philadelphia dinner  cruise

Day 2

• Adventure Aquarium
• Franklin Institute
• Philadelphia Mint
• Philadelphia Museum of Art

Extensions:

Lancaster

Visit a real, working Amish Farm and Home
Narrated Amish countryside tour with stop at Bird in Hand Farmers Market
Miller’s Smorgasbord or Penn Dutch family style dinner
Kitchen Kettle crafts market
Hershey Park
Crystal Caves
Valley Forge National  Monument