Center City Holiday Tour
Philadelphia, USA
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
Experience the American festive season on this limited edition Philadelphia tour that celebrates all things Christmas. From outdoor yuletide villages, to holiday-themed light and sound shows, and the greatest window displays in town, it's enough to make the Grinch run and hide.
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Highlights
- Get into the holiday spirit in the heart of Philadelphia!
- Enjoy a festive light and sound show featuring the world’s largest pipe organ
- Learn all about Christmas traditions in Philadelphia from your local guide
- Delight in the lights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the holidays
- Experience some of Philly’s greatest holiday traditions, including an indoor market and traditional Christmas village market
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Schedule details
- Duration: 3 hours
- Meeting point:
The Clothes Pin sculpture at the corner of Market and 15th Streets, opposite Philadelphia's City Hall.
- Starting time: 11.45 AM
- Ending point:
Rittenhouse Square, Intersection of 18th St. & Walnut St.
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, a small snack.
Exclusions: Personal items, food and drink other than stipulated in inclusions, tips or gratuities for your guide.
Get into the festive spirit in this Christmas tour in Philadelphia that will have you Ho Ho Ho-ing all the way home! If you have trouble getting into the swing of the season, we'll have you feeling festive in no time - trust us!
Your Philly tour begins at the Clothes Pin sculpture at the corner of Market and 15th Street, opposite Philadelphia's City Hall, the cultural and geographic heart of Philadelphia's city centre. After you've met your guide, we'll walk into a holiday light and sound show featuring the world’s largest pipe organ. No messing about on this tour, we'll throw you right into Christmas! This show has delighted generations of Philadelphians during the holiday season, and it's sure to have the same effect on you. After the show, we enter a historic railroad terminal and head downstairs to one of the country’s largest and most historic indoor markets. Here, you’ll see a seriously impressive model train set displayed for the holidays, which is sure to take you right back to your childhood and fill you with that festive feeling of wonder!
As we continue to tour Philadelphia, we head to an iconic public park for one of Philly's fastest growing traditions. Here you’ll visit a traditional outdoor Christmas village, where you’ll have a chance to explore this winter wonderland. You’ll definitely be tempted by the many holiday food and drink choices, no doubt about that! After the village, we’ll treat you to a sweet holiday snack as we walk past the Ben Franklin Parkway with views of the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul, a Christmas destination for many Catholics in the Philadelphia area.
Your Philadelphia city tour continues to one of the newest attractions in Philly. You’ll be treated to a spectacular holiday show from one of the world’s largest LED TV screens inside one of Philly’s newest skyscrapers. From there, we enter one of Philly's biggest shopping and restaurant districts. This neighbourhood is always buzzing at this time of year, and while you stroll around you'll catch some views of the fantastic holiday window displays.
The tour concludes at Rittenhouse Square, where you’ll see the beautiful Christmas tree and a view of the church where one of our favorite Christmas carols was written and first performed. From here, you'll have a chance to continue eating, shopping, and exploring, basking in the holiday spirit of Philadelphia.
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, a small snack.
Exclusions: Personal items, food and drink other than stipulated in inclusions, tips or gratuities for your guide.
Dress standard: A good pair of comfortable walking shoes is advisable. Bring a waterproof jacket and umbrella in case of rain.
Your Trip: For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Child Policy: This is a child-friendly tour. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour. Children younger than 6 are permitted at no extra cost, but please make sure you inform our guides of this before you take the tour.
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Local contact
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