Tour Details

History in HD

From: £12.17

Duration: 2 Hours

Categories: Culture & History, Food, Drink & Markets, Cruises & Sailing, Outdoors

Group size: 1 - 12

Experience the best of US History with a modern twist!  We take you through the Historic District where you'll see some of the most iconic, historic sights in the country.  You'll also take in the dynamic Old City neighborhood, passing by art galleries and visiting a local coffee shop.  You'll end your experience with a beer or beverage of your choice (included in the tour price!) at a local brewery. 

Highlights

  • Explore this history-drenched neighborhood and view some of the iconic sights of Independence National Park, including Independence Hall, the National Constitution Center, and the Liberty Bell (even going inside if queues allow).
  • Admire Carpenter's Hall and the Arch Street Meeting House, and head inside Christ Church and the Curtis Center (weekdays only).
  • Absorb the rich historical significance of landmarks like the Betsy Ross House, Franklin Court, Old City Hall, and the Second Bank of the US.
  • Visit local businesses and watering holes like Old City Coffee Shop and a local brewpub, where we treat you to a locally-brewed ale or another beverage of your choice.
Pick up:
Independence Visitor Center at 6th & Market Sts., inside at the very back of the building.
Drop off:
2nd & Chestnut Sts.
Included:
English speaking guide, admission to various historic buildings and snacks.
Not included:
Items of a personal nature, tips and gratuities.
Clothing:
A good pair of comfortable walking shoes is advisable. Make sure to check the weather report for rain!
Tipping:
If you are happy with the services provided by your local guides and drivers a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid Urban Adventures destinations. Please consider this when budgeting for your extra expenses on this tour
Notes:
A beer or soft drink is provided at the end of the tour.  All other purchases are paid by the traveler.

Tour Itinerary

Start at the Independence Visitor Center and walk out of the door 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 walk past the Liberty Bell, perhaps with a chance to go inside for pictures.  We then continue to the Curtis Center and walk inside (weekdays only) for a view of Maxfield Parrish's Dream Garden mosaic mural.  Then off to Washington Square for stories of William Penn and a 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.  

You'll get some great views of the site of Ben Franklin's home as the tour continues into the Old City neighborhood.  The energy level is high 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 Old City Coffee shop where you can grab a quick snack or beverage.

From the Coffee Shop, the tour heads to Arch Street Meeting House, the largest Quaker Meeting House in the world with a possibility of visiting inside.  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 Elfreth's Alley, the oldest continuously occupied residential street in the country.

As the 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 included in the price of the tour!  The kids are welcome to a beverage of their choice as well.

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Culture Shock Rating

We have a wide range of tours designed to give you an insight into the destination you're travelling in and there is something for everybody. The culture shock ratings considers the destination visited, transport used, activities undertaken and that "Wow, I'm really not at home now!" factor. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

20%

This is the least confronting of our tour range. Transport used on the trip is either private or a very comfortable public option, the activities included are usually iconic sites and locations that are not all too confronting.

40%

The tour can include a mix of private and public transport providing a level of comfort that is slightly below what you would experience at home. Sites visited are usually iconic sites, tours can also include market visits, visits to communities etc that provide the traveller with a fantastic insight into destination.

60%

Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether it's a packed public bus where you are forced to stand, a visit to a local market, a local community, you are sure to have an experience that is very different from what you're used to at home.

80%

The comforts of your home town and the environment you are used to are more of a rarity. Expect some challenging transport options, visits to local sites and areas that don't resemble anything at home.

100%

You're out there in the global community! You are likely to be exposed to the elements, travel in whatever means of transport is available and basically take it as it comes, whatever comes! It can be tough.

Physical Rating

Our physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

20%

These tours have very limited physical activity. Usually climbing in and out of the transport provided, walking through sites, markets etc included in the itinerary.

40%

These tours have a bit of physical activity but nothing that should challenge you too much. This could be climbing on and off public transport through to a walk through the destination you're travelling in, they can include walking only tours or a combination of walking and transport.

60%

These tours involve a bit of physical activity from walking up and down hills in the destination you're travelling in or the surrounding areas. Climbing on and off local transport or riding a bike up to 30 kms along predominantly flat terrain or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.

80%

These Tours will provide you with some solid physical activity. Whether its bike riding, walking, trekking, kayaking or riding on public transport you will need to have a good level of fitness to enjoy this tour.

100%

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. These tours are our most challenging and involve some serious walking, hiking or bike riding. Can involve step climbs by foot or pedal and some challenging public transport options in the destination you are travelling.

Luxury Rating

Some trips are like a stroll on the beach, while others have you trekking alpine passes. Some of you thrive on camping out on the savannah, while others may prefer a hot shower and a comfortable bed in a lodge. Follow the grading systems below to find the right trip for you.

To help you choose the trip that's right for you, we've broken all of our trips down into four service levels. Measuring the comfort level of the accommodation and transport. So whether you're travelling on a budget and want to save money by using public transport, or prefer upgraded accommodation and are happy to pay a little more, then we have a level for you.

25%

This is grassroots travel at its most interesting

50%

Authentic experiences with some of the comforts of home

75%

For those who like to travel in comfort

100%

All the unique experiences wrapped up with a gold ribbon