Philadelphia
“The City of Brotherly Love”
One of the US’ Most Historic Cities
Birthplace of the Constitution, the Cheesesteak, and Rocky
The largest city during Independence, the “City of Brotherly Love” and the “Keystone State” were the logical locales for our founding fathers to gather in order to unite, defend, and define our national government and our enduring values.
Highlights
Independence Hall
Liberty Bell
Museum of the American Revolution
National Constitution Center
Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest residential street
Rocky Steps
Information About Your Destination
CLICK THE TABS TO FIND OUT MORE
What to Expect
What to Expect
Personalized Planning
We customize each expedition to create a unique educational experience for your group.
Prime Amenities
Our trips include premium transportation, centrally located hotels, and generous, healthy meals.
Full-Time Guides
Our professional expedition leaders seamlessly integrate practical logistics into the content-rich educational program.
See our Standard Tour Features(opens in a new tab) for more details.
Things To Do
As the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution, Independence Hall is one of the most recognizable historical landmarks, not only in Philadelphia but the entire nation. The hall is the centerpiece of a building complex that also includes a room showcasing the original prints and Congress Hall, where the US Senate and House of Representatives met for 10 years while Washington, DC was being constructed.
The old Pennsylvania Statehouse bell engraved with the words, “Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the Land unto all the inhabitants thereof” rang to call citizens to the first reading of the Declaration of Independence, and was later dubbed The Liberty Bell by abolitionists and other movements who adopted the bell as a symbol of their fight for freedom.
Who are “We the People”? The National Constitution Center is a modern museum that explores and explains the Constitution through high-tech exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays.
Built and owned by America’s oldest trade guild, Carpenters’ Hall hosted the First Continental Congress in 1774.
The former site of Ben Franklin’s home contains and underground museum, archeological displays, and a recreated print shop and post office to showcase his versatile life as publisher, politician, postmaster, printer, and inventor.
Known as “The Nation’s Church” because of the famous Revolutionary-era leaders who worshiped here, Christ Church was founded in 1695. It is also the church where the American Episcopal Church was born.
The Burial Ground is the final resting place for some of our most prominent leaders, including Benjamin Franklin and four other signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Known as the oldest residential street in the country, the narrow Elfreth’s Alley boasts nearly 30 tiny houses dating from the early 18th to 19th centuries.
While the legitimacy of Betsy Ross’s flag making is debated, this house is still worth a visit as an example of colonial living conditions.
Witness the coin-currency making process at the US Mint from an enclosed gallery overlooking the workers and machinery.
The Graff House is the location where Thomas Jefferson, Virginia delegate to the Continental Congress, rented a room in 1776 and drafted The Declaration of Independence in three weeks.
This colonial square served as a burial ground for both American and British soldiers and white and black victims of the 1793 yellow fever epidemic. Today it’s the location of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the Revolutionary War.
The Franklin Institute is a modern science museum reflecting Franklin’s creativity through hundreds of hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, high-tech theaters and special programs.
This impressive museum houses a collection of more than 400,000 works of art. But many visitors are more familiar with the outside, as they run up the steps just like “Rocky” did in 1976.
Opened in 2017, the Museum of the American Revolution explores the dramatic, surprising story of the American Revolution through its collection of Revolutionary-era weapons, personal items, documents, and works of art. You can see in person the General George Washington’s War Tent.
If you’re still looking for more to explore, consider some of these other less-visited and off-the-beaten path sites:
Philadelphia City Hall, Rittenhouse Square, Gino’s and Pat’s famous Philly Cheese Steaks in the Italian District, Old Quaker Meeting House, Free Quaker Meeting House, First US Bank, Second US Bank / Portrait Gallery, Independence Seaport Museum, Academy of Natural Science, Civil War Library & Museum, Fireman’s Hall, Museum of Jewish American History, New Hall Military Museum, Masonic Temple, Philadelphia Zoo, Fort Mifflin.
Nearby Destinations
Valley Forge (about one hour outside of Philadelphia):
It was here that General George Washington forged his struggling Continental Army into a fighting force during the difficult winter encampment of 1777-78. While no battles were fought here, 2,000 soldiers died of sickness and hardship. Today, the park is a lush, 3,600-acre expanse of rolling hillsides dotted with monuments, recreated cabins, and original homes that served as headquarters.
Lancaster County / Amish Country (2 hours outside of Philadelphia):
Lancaster County’s old-fashioned charm and homespun warmth stems from the well-rooted Amish population of farmers and craftsmen who follow a deeply religious, family-centered lifestyle based on humility and simplicity. Discreetly observe their farms and buggies as they go about their lives while enjoying some of the finest dining and shopping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Because we care. It’s as simple as that. Our commitment to quality, integrity, and value is the heart of who we are and what we stand for. The level of personalized attention we provide for our groups sets us apart in this industry and is the number one reason why our schools return year after year. Read more on our Why Travel With Us page.
Safety is our highest priority. We work only with the highest quality vendors and will not run a trip if we feel the safety of our clients and guides is compromised. From full-time staff & logistical support, to 24-hr emergency phone access for all travelers, we’ve got you covered. Read more on our Standard Tour Features page.
Actually, no. We are a privately owned company that doesn’t need to answer to stockholders’ bottom lines, and with the advantages of mobile technology, our family-oriented team of versatile professionals avoids corporate overhead costs. This allows us to offer better quality tours at a more reasonable price and value than many of our competitors. We never have, nor ever will skimp on the quality of the goods or services we offer and will strive to keep our prices competitive and affordable.
Education is our primary goal. Our unique model learning through travel truly opens our participants’ eyes and minds to new ideas, cultures, and understandings. All of our customized educational content complies with school-based curriculum guidelines and is designed to meet teacher expectations and student learning objectives. Our curriculum is based on national and/or state standards and employs higher order critical thinking and develops real life connections for students.