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Colonial City – Philadelphia Walking Tour

Activity Schedule

  • When does it run?

    Friday & Saturday

  • Duration

    3 hours

  • Start time

    Start time: 10:00am

  • Meeting Point
    Meet your guide in front of the City Tavern, one of Philadelphia's most historic restaurants,located at 138 South 2nd Street (corner of Walnut)
    Please reach the meeting point 15 minutes earlier.
  • Ending Point

    The tour ends in the vicinity of Independence Hall.

Key Highlights

  • Step into one of the most important phases in American history
  • Insights into the fascinating story of Philadelphia
  • Tour Philadelphia’s historic buildings
  • Exclusive tour allows more interaction with the guide

Overview

This walking seminar led by an experienced tour guide explores the major sites in old city south of Market Street and is a fascinating introduction to Philadelphia during the colonial period.

Founded in the 17th century by William Penn as a haven for persecuted Quakers, Philadelphia quickly became the most important city in America. By the dawn of the revolution it was the largest English-speaking city in the world outside of London.

During the course of this 3-hour walk through Philadelphia's Old City and Society Hill neighborhoods, you’ll explore the social and political mechanisms that defined the city and set the stage for the Declaration of Independence and the Continental Congress.

This small group tour has a maximum of six participants so you will have plenty of chance to interact with your guide.

Itinerary

To join the Colonial City – Philadelphia Walking Tour, make your way to the City Tavern, one of Philadelphia's most historic restaurants, located at 138 South 2nd Street (corner of Walnut). Your guide will be waiting for you in front of the restaurant.

This fascinating tour led by a tour guide charts the rise of Philadelphia from its origins in the 17th century to its glory days in the 18th century when it was the most important city in America.

Your tour began where the city began, along the wharves, and with a discussion of the critical figure of William Penn, founding father of the colony of Pennsylvania and architect - in a very real sense - of the city of Philadelphia. As you make your way through the well-preserved historic core of the city, past buildings that still stand after more than 200 years, we'll look at some of the key themes that defined Philadelphia in those early years including Quakerism and religious tolerance and unfettered trade.

The walk will take you into several historic houses and house museums along streets dating to the 18th century, and into some of the churches that played a role in the founding of the U.S.As you walk you move forward through history to discuss how the city evolved social, architecturally, and politically through the colonial period until the dawn of the revolution.When you reach Independence Mall your tour guide will put into context the ground-breaking developments of the 1770s and 1780s that took place here.

Although Independence Hall, which is only accessible on a National Park Service tour, is not included, you will spend time dealing with the building from the outside and looking at some of the recent archaeological discoveries on the mall and elements of various structures, including the West Wing and the so-called "President’s House”.

The tour ends in the vicinity of Independence Hall and you are then free to make your way back to your accommodation or onward to your next destination.

Inclusions

  • English-speaking tour guide

Exclusions

  • Admission to Powel House (approx US$5)

Please note

Please call the activity operator at least 24 hours prior to start of the tour for reconfirming departure details.

Additional info

The confirmation voucher includes the local activity operator’s contact details and local telephone numbers at the destination. They will happily answer any logistical questions you may have.

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