Freewheeling Fun in Philly

Departure Points

Yankee Trails, Rensselaer - 7:00am
*Catskill, Exit 21 Commuter Lot - 7:45 am (No Long-Term Parking Available)
Kingston Plaza, Kingston - 8:15am

Tuesday, July 9

Today we will board the coach and head to Philadelphia, PA for our first stop at the Reading Terminal Market. One of America’s largest and oldest public markets, since 1893 the market offers an incredible selection of local goods, including art, crafts, gifts, bakery, flowers & plants, ice cream, confections and so much more! Lunch will be on your own at one of the many eateries within the market. Now’s your chance to grab that Philly Cheese Steak or just about any type of food you can imagine, everyone will find something to enjoy. Following our time at the Market we will head to our hotel accommodations for the next two nights at the Courtyard by Marriott Philadelphia City Avenue (215-477-0200) located minutes away from downtown Philly. Enjoy the indoor heated pool, The Bistro - an american restaurant on property open for breakfast and dinner, and refrigerators and single cup Keurig coffee makers in every room. After check in and some free time to relax and freshen up we will depart for Philadelphia’s Chinese Lantern Festival! This can’t miss illuminated fest in Philadelphia’s Historic District in Franklin Square features several large, intricate, handcrafted lanterns built by Chinese artisans. Experience live cultural performances, shopping, dining, a beer garden, and choreographed illuminated water shows at the fountain and more. Dinner will be on your own tonight at the festival with options ranging from traditional Asian cuisine to classic American options. Also part of Franklin Square (not included with festival admission), take a ride on the Parx Liberty Carousel, or try out the Philly-themed mini-golf course. After the event we will return to the hotel and the rest of the evening will be on your own.

Wednesday, July 10

Breakfast is included on property this morning before we depart for our next day of adventures starting at the Philadelphia Zoo! America’s very first zoo is an industry leader in setting standards for animal care and guest experiences for over 160 years. They are home to more than 1,900 rare and endangered animals. The Philadelphia Zoo offers incredible experiences to get up close and personal with some of their animals such as: Giraffe Encounters, Lemur Island, Wings of Asia, a carousel and train rides! (listed attractions at an additional cost to general admission ticket). After our time at the zoo we will depart for the Riverlink Ferry to enjoy a round trip ride from Philly, PA to Camden, NJ for our next destination, the Adventure Aquarium! Voted the Best Aquarium in the Northeast and in the Top 10 in the country by USA Today you’re sure to be impressed. Home to the largest collection of sharks in the Northeast, the only Hippos in the world at an aquarium, Green and loggerhead sea turtles as well as two species of warm weather penguins. Immerse yourself in underwater fun with their one of a kind attractions including the world’s longest V-Shaped Shark Bridge, New Jersey’s longest Shark Tunnel, up close animal encounters, VR experiences and more! Lunch will be on your own at either the Zoo or the Aquarium both have several food options available for you to enjoy. After a long day of exploring we will head to Spruce St. Harbor Park, an urban park at Penn’s Landing in Philly, featuring a boardwalk along the Delaware River with a beachfront atmosphere and filled with lighted technicolor trees creating the perfect summertime scene. Lounge on colorful hammocks, enjoy Philly-inspired eats on floating barges, cool off with craft brews in the beer garden and play arcade games along the waterfront. Dinner will be on your own at the park tonight. Later we will return to our hotel and the rest of the evening will be on your own.

Thursday, July 11

Breakfast is included on property this morning. Our first stop on our way back towards home will be the Philadelphia Magic Gardens, an immersive mixed media art environment that is completely covered with mosaics. Creator, Isaiah Zagar, used handmade tiles, bottles, bicycle wheels, mirrors, and international folk art to chronicle his life and influences. The gardens feature two indoor galleries and a bi-level outdoor sculpture garden. We will enjoy a guided tour upon arrival. Our last stop on the tour will be a step back in time for lunch included at the Nifty Fifties Restaurant on Grant Avenue in Philly. Please Note: Group seating is not offered so you will be seated on a first come first served basis, and will be given money to use towards your meal. Immerse yourself in this 50’s style landmark restaurant, enjoy one of their award winning milkshakes, famous hand-cut french fries and freshly pressed 100% beef burgers. The 1950’s will come alive as you experience the lively atmosphere and all-American menu of classic Philly favorites! We will depart after our meal with an approximate arrival in the Capital District at 4:00pm. One stop each way.