Explore Pennsylvania’s Revolutionary War history, visit Valley Forge National Historical Park, and immerse yourself in the peaceful traditions of Amish Country in Lancaster County. From the picturesque vineyards of Brandywine Valley and the enchanting beauty of Longwood Gardens to the historic and culturally rich city of Philadelphia, discover historical sites, foodie experiences and world-class museums with your fellow Solos.
Welcome to Philadelphia – the ‘City of Brotherly Love’ and the birthplace of the United States. On arrival, we transfer to our hotel for the next three nights.
We start the day with a guided tour of Philadelphia, heading to trendy Rittenhouse House Square and the district of Center City, with its many cultural institutions and galleries. A quick stop to see City Hall – the largest municipal building in the US before continuing on to Fairmount – home to Philadelphia’s world-class art museums, with the obligatory photo stop at the Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. We visit the University of Pennsylvania, founded by Benjamin Franklin, and then end the tour at Reading Terminal Market – the city’s historic and bustling food market.
We begin the day with a photo stop in front of the Hall of Independence. Dating back to 1732, this is where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States were signed. Nearby, we’ll see the Liberty Bell, an iconic symbol of American independence.
Embarking on a walking tour of the area, we’ll visit Carpenter’s Hall, where the first Continental Congress convened. We’ll pass the Arch Street Meeting House, the Betsy Ross Home, and Elfreth’s Alley – one of the oldest residential streets in the United States.
After the walking tour, we enjoy some leisure time for lunch (at your own expense) and the opportunity to explore one of the morning’s attractions in more detail.
Today’s itinerary includes a visit to Valley Forge National Historic Park – a significant site from the American Revolutionary War, and the place General George Washington’s Continental Army encamped during the harsh winter of 1777-1778.
Just a day’s march from the occupied city of Philadelphia (although we’ll be taking a more comfortable journey in our air-conditioned bus), Valley Forge is often considered the birthplace of the American army, where key military concepts like basic training and the professionalisation of officers corps, and the development of the army’s distinctive branches began.
Today we venture out to Lancaster County, home to America’s oldest Amish settlement, where tens of thousands still live a centuries-old ‘plain’ lifestyle. The Pennsylvania Amish are involved in agriculture as well as an array of businesses and cottage industries. Our visit to the Amish Country will allow us to step back in time and enjoy a slower, more tranquil pace – one where the horse and buggy remains a primary form of transportation, and where windmills dot the landscape, providing power harnessed from nature. We’ll take a guided tour of an Amish farm and farmhouses that will enable you to sensitively understand the lifestyle and history of the Amish community.
Today we will head out to the Brandywine Valley for a visit of the Longwood Gardens. A sanctuary for both flora and the human spirit, it’s a testament to the timeless beauty and calming influence of nature. Spanning nearly 1,100 acres of lush formal gardens, open meadows, and winding paths with breathtaking Brandywine Valley vistas, Longwood is one of the world’s greatest gardens. With mesmerising displays, feats of engineering, and science-based research and conservation work, Longwood Gardens will delight nature lovers.
Our final day will be spent at leisure in the city. Philadelphia has a thriving food scene with some must-try specialties. Alongside the famous Philly cheesesteak, the flavour-packed Hoagie with a crusty roll, and parmesan-topped tomato pie should also make your list of local tastes to try.
Although not specifically included in our itinerary, we would recommend a visit to the Eastern State Penitentiary. Take the audio tour and explore what was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, home to 85,000 prisoners over its long history, including the infamous ‘Scarface’, Al Capone.
With the morning free to do some final sightseeing or shopping, we meet back at the hotel before our transfer to the airport and our flight home.
Situated in the heart of downtown Philadelphia, a few steps from the lively and pretty Rittenhouse Square the Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse is in the perfect location for exploring this historic city. Offering modern interiors and casual sophistication, the hotel has been awarded a coveted AAA 3 Diamond rating.
The hotel has three in-house dining venues: The Breakfast Cafe, the Art Bar, and Ruth’s Chris Steak House (a famous name for steak lovers in the US).
The outdoor pool is only open from June-September, however there is a fitness centre for those wanting to keep up with good habits whilst away. Rittenhouse Square, just steps from the hotel, is home to some of the city’s finest restaurants and upscale shopping.
24/7 fitness centre, art collection in the lobby curated by The Center for Emerging Visual Artists, the Art Bar, The Breakfast Cafe, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Lobby Market offering quick and easy snacks.
Rooms feature mini fridge, Keurig coffee maker, safe, iron and ironing board, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen tvs, work desk and ergonomic chair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square is approximately 25 minutes transfer from Philadelphia International Airport.
Please note: At the beginning of your trip, your Tour Leader will ask if you would be happy to sign a photo permission form. This means that any photographs taken during your holiday can be used by Solos to share what the Solos experience is all about. It also means you have lots of memories to go home with! Details will be given at your welcome meeting.
WhatsApp Group: Just before the start of your trip, you will be sent an invite to the WhatsApp group which will put you in touch with your fellow Solos travellers and Tour Leader prior to your departure day. By choosing to join, you’re consenting to share your contact details with other members of your group. However, if you prefer not to join, that’s completely fine, and you can meet the group on your first day instead.
We recommend light layers in Philadelphia at this time of year, with comfortable walking shoes. Pack a light waterproof jacket just in case.
There is often confusion on the question of gratuities, since it frequently depends on the type of holiday, location and, of course, your attitude towards tipping, as to what is normally expected. To give you a rough idea, we have given appropriate guidance below.
The Tour Leader will be on hand to offer advice or suggestions if required but gratuities are offered entirely at the sole discretion of the individual. We suggest a group collection at the beginning of your holiday to cover drivers, guides, porters and hotel staff of approximately $50. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip.
To enter the US, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay.
To enter or transit through the US, you must have either an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) visa waiver or a visa.
You can Apply for an ESTA visa waiver through US Customs and Border Protection.
You cannot apply for an ESTA visa waiver if you have:
You cannot normally apply for an ESTA visa waiver if you were in the following countries on or after March 2011: Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen.
You cannot apply for an ESTA visa waiver if you travelled to or were in Cuba on or after 12 January 2021.
If you are not eligible for an ESTA, you must instead apply for a US visa.
More information can be found here
US Dollars
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“The feeling you have once you go away on your own is worth all the nerves before! I was so very anxious the first time but now having done it 4 times, I love it!”
