History in HD
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
Forget watching History Channel documentaries, why not see the landmarks that shaped America in real life on this Philadelphia tour? From the building where the US Constitution was signed to George Washington's house, and a church where America's founding fathers once sat, this tour even includes a craft beer to help you digest all the history.
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Highlights
- Explore this history-drenched neighborhoods and view some of the iconic sights of Philadelphia with a local guide
- Get a whistle-stop tour of all the major Philadelphia sights, as well as a couple of hidden gems, too!
- Absorb the rich historical significance of landmarks like the Betsy Ross House, Franklin Court, Old City Hall, the Second Bank of the US, and more.
- Visit local businesses and watering holes such as a local coffee house and a local brewpub, where we treat you to a locally-brewed ale or another drink of your choice.
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Schedule details
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Meeting point:
Inside Independence Visitor Center at 6th & Market Streets, at the very back of the building.
- Find the exact meeting point with what3words:
- Starting time: 2.30 PM
- Ending point:
2nd & Chestnut Streets.
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, admission to various historic buildings, and snacks.
Exclusions: Items of a personal nature, tips and gratuities for your guide.
Visit those unmissable Philly sights on this historical Philadelphia tour that ditches the guidebooks and gives you a dose of history from a local perspective. After all, this is the history that shaped the people of this city, so why not learn about it from them?
Start your Philadelphia tour at the Independence Visitor Center, where you'll meet your guide and walk out the door to be greeted with instant views of Independence Mall, the National Constitution Center, and the U.S. Mint. Walk down the Mall and across the street into the President's House Site, home to George Washington and John Adams during Philly's tenure as our nation's capital.
From there we pass the Liberty Bell, where we might get a chance to go inside for pictures. We then continue this Phildelphia city tour to a spot where, on weekdays only, we can grab a view of Maxfield Parrish's Dream Garden mosaic mural. Then off to Washington Square for stories of William Penn and possibly visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
We continue through Independence National Park and the must-see front yard of Independence Hall, sight of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution. Your guide will also share knowledge of Congress Hall, Old City Hall, the Philosophical Society, the 2nd Bank of the US, and Carpenter's Hall as you make your way through the park. With all these local stories from your guide, you'll get a truly unique perspective on the much-visited spots in Philadelphia.
You'll get some great views of the site of Ben Franklin's home as the tour continues into the Old City neighborhood. Get a taste of this vibrant neighbourhood as you pass some of the trendiest pubs, clubs, cafes, and shopping in Philly. You'll also get a chance to see some great art galleries and fantastic historic, industrial architecture along the way. The next stop on the tour comes at a little local coffee shop, where you can grab a quick snack or a drink and relax with your guide - the perfect opportunity to ask any pressing questions you may have about Philadelphia history!
From here, the tour heads past the largest Quaker Meeting House in the world. You'll pass the Betsy Ross House and hear stories of the birth of the American Flag. From there, we weave through the charming back alleys of Old City, and wind up walking down the street famous for being the oldest continuously occupied residential street in the country.
As this Philadelphia tour winds down, you'll be treated to a visit inside Christ Church. Inside the church, you'll hear stories of our founding fathers, sit where they sat, and learn about the birth of the Episcopal Church in America.
We end the tour at a local brewpub. You'll get a craft beer brewed in-house (or soft drink if you wish) included in the price of the tour, and we'll say a cheers to the beautiful city of Philadelphia!
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, admission to various historic buildings, and snacks.
Exclusions: Items of a personal nature, tips and gratuities for your guide.
Dress standard: A good pair of comfortable walking shoes is advisable. Make sure to check the weather report for rain!
Your Trip: This tour is offered on a "join-in" basis. Maximum group size is 12.
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.
Additional Information: A beer or soft drink is provided at the end of the tour. All other purchases are paid by the traveler.
Closure of sites: Some churches may not be open to us on a Sunday. The Fisher Library hosts students final exams twice a year. We have restricted access (late April to early May and late November to early December) during finals.
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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