River to River
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
Walk in the footsteps of the Founding Fathers, pass iconic landmarks such as the Betsy Ross House, Elfreth's Alley, Christ Church and Independence Hall, take a tour around City Hall, enjoy lunch at the Reading Terminal Market, see the steps made famous by Rocky, admire the boathouses on Schuylkill River, relax in Rittenhouse Square.
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Highlights
- Experience Philadelphia’s highlights from river to river.
- Start in its historic heart and visit many of its famous sights.
- Board a bus to the Avenue of the Arts, and then lunch at Reading Terminal Market.
- Walk past City Hall, through the grand museum district.
- See the Schuylkill River boathouses and finish in Rittenhouse Square.
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Schedule details
- Duration: 7 hours
- Pickup location:
Independence Visitor Center at 6th & Market Streets, inside at the back of the building next to the video wall.
- Pickup time: 9.00 AM
- Drop off location:
Rittenhouse Square, 18th & Walnut Streets
Language: English
Inclusions: English speaking guide, all transportation.
Exclusions: Personal shopping, snacks, food, tips and gratuities.
Begin by walking in the footsteps of the Founding Fathers. View famous historic landmarks such as the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Betsy Ross House and Elfreth’s Alley, before ending up at the Delaware River. Learn about the city’s history and discover why local residents love this city as much for its culture as for its historical beginnings. Landmarks such as the City Tavern, Carpenter’s Hall and Washington Square can be seen along the way.
Take a local bus along Walnut Street and past its famous theatre to the Avenue of the Arts, home of theatres, restaurants and grand hotels. After touring around City Hall and its huge number of statues, head over to the Reading Terminal Market. Here discover a huge variety of food and gift stalls; the perfect place to stop and enjoy some lunch. Perhaps take this opportunity to try a Philly cheese steak.
In the afternoon continue on with a short walk via Masonic Hall, past superb examples of public art. Then walk on through Love Park, to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. There are many museums in this area, the Academy of Natural Sciences and Franklin Institute to name just two. Be sure to come back here later to explore these further.
From here we can either take a bus or walk up to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and run up the steps that Rocky made famous. Then to the Schuylkill River and its well-known boathouses and Waterworks.
After a ride back along the Parkway the day will continue with time in the busy City Center and then back to beautiful residential streets before ending with a short walk to Rittenhouse Square. Take time to enjoy the beautiful central park surrounded by wonderful restaurants, adjacent to great shopping, and close to many of the city’s hotels.
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Additional information
Inclusions: English speaking guide, all transportation.
Exclusions: Personal shopping, snacks, food, tips and gratuities.
Dress standard: A good pair of comfortable walking shoes is advisable. Make sure to check the weather report for rain!
Your Trip: This day tour in Philadephia is offered on a "join-in" basis. Maximum group size is 12, but we can add another guide if the group exceeds this number.
Confirmation of booking: Please contact our office at 215-280-3746 to confirm your day tour in Philadelphia 24 hours prior to departure.
Closure of sites: There are times when certain sites close and we can't visit. We will attempt to give you this information at the start of the tour where possible.
Child Policy: Children are defined as those between the ags of 6 and 12 years of age.
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Local contact
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