Philadelphia Favorites

Departure Points

Yankee Trails, Rensselaer - 7:00am
*Catskill, Exit 21 Park & Ride - 7:45am
Kingston Plaza, Kingston - 8:05am

No overnight parking is permitted in Catskill per the NYS Thruway Authority.

Monday, August 18:

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 Cheesesteak or just about any type of food you can imagine, everyone will find something to enjoy. Following our time at the Market we will spend some time 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). Finally 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. There are also a few dinner options within walking distance of the hotel.

Tuesday, August 19:

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. On the tour, lunch is included at Philly’s Gourmet Steaks. Your meal choices are 1) Philly Cheesesteak, 2) Chicken Cheesesteak, or 3) Veggie Cheesesteak & all come with fries, soda and a goodie. Following lunch, we will return to the hotel where 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 a few within walking distance of the hotel.

Wednesday, August 20

A full breakfast is included at the hotel this morning. First, we’ll 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..We will leave the area after lunch at 2pm, with an approximate arrival in the Capital District at 8pm. One stop each way.