Founding Philly

Departure Info:

Yankee Trails, Rensselaer - 7:00am
Pet Smart, Crossgates Commons - 7:30am
Catskill, Exit 21 Park & Ride - 8:15am
Kingston, Exit 19 Park & Ride - 8:35am

Sunday, July 26:

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 go to the National Constitution Center. The Center, located on Independence Mall, is dedicated to increasing public understanding of the U.S. Constitution and its relevance to Americans’ daily lives. Lunch will be on your own in the food court at the center. This afternoon, we will view “Freedom Rising,” which is a state-of-the-art multimedia theater experience dedicated to connecting visitors with the story of the U.S. Constitution - sure to be an unforgettable experience. Then we’ll head to our hotel accommodations for the next two nights at the Holiday Inn Express Midtown (215-753-9300) located blocks from Independence Hall. Enjoy the outdoor rooftop pool as well as microwave, mini-fridge and single-cup Keurig coffee makers in every room. You will be on your own for the remainder of the day. We will provide transportation into the city center for the evening for those wishing to explore the city on their own. There are plenty of dinner options there as well as some within walking distance of the hotel.

Monday, July 27:

A full breakfast is included at the hotel this morning. Today a local guide will join us for an optional 3-hour tour of Philadelphia. Highlights will include the Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross House, Congress Hall, Franklin Court, Carpenter's Hall, and Christ Church. After our tour, we will visit the Museum of the American Revolution. Through its unmatched collection of Revolutionary-era weapons, personal items, documents, and works of art, the Museum considers the complexities of our nation’s history and uplifts stories that have gone untold. After our tour, you’ll have some free time to relax and freshen up before we 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.

Tuesday, July 28:

A full breakfast is included at the hotel this morning. Then we will head to one of Center City’s southernmost neighborhoods, the South Street Headhouse District, a melting pot of cultures, attracting the ultimate cross-section of Philadelphia residents and visitors with art, entertainment, food and fashion. Teenagers and adults, preppies and punks, artists and attorneys all mix seamlessly together while exploring iconic landmarks, like the historic Headhouse Shambles, and more than 400 independent eateries, shops, galleries and small businesses including Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, a funky folk art venue with mosaicked galleries and sculpture garden maze. We will leave the area at 2pm with an approximate arrival in the Capital District at 8pm. One stop each way.