PHILADELPHIA SIGHTSEEING TOURS
Saturday, February 1, 2025
9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Eligibility | All Registered Delegates
Cost | Included with registration but Limited to First Come, First Registered
All sightseeing tours will depart promptly from the Pennsylvania Convention Center on Saturday, February 1 at 9:00 a.m. and return by 1:00 p.m. Please note the walking and stairs requirements for each tour option.
ITINERARY INCLUSIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Sightseeing Tour Content Questions
Mark Beyerle
Specialty USA on behalf of Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau
Email: mark@specialty-usa.com
Sightseeing Tour 1: The Colonial Philadelphia Experience
The Colonial Philadelphia Experience is a fully-guided tour through America’s Birthplace — the heart of Philadelphia’s historic district.
Head towards Philadelphia’s modern day Market Street and learn how it got its name from the colonial market stalls
that bustled with life in the 1700s as you head towards Independence National Historical Park. Hear stories of the
people, places and things that made Colonial Philadelphia the seat of government for the young nation. Visit
neighborhoods where the Founding Fathers’ lived and see how contemporary Philadelphians have made them their own.
SITES INCLUDE: Liberty Bell Center, Independence Hall, Congress Hall, Old City Hall, First and Second Bank of the US,
Carpenters Hall, site of Benjamin Franklin’s home, Betsy Ross House, Franklin’s grave, Elfreth’s Alley and off-coach photo opportunities.
MINIMAL WALKING REQUIRED.
Sightseeing Tour 2: Philadelphia Then & Now: from Colonial Capital to Modern Metropolis
The most comprehensive full-city tour, Philadelphia Then & Now, is a fully guided tour by bus through four centuries of art, architecture and Philadelphia’s growth to a modern metropolis.
Beginning before 1776, we will hear stories of the people, places and things that made Colonial Philadelphia the seat of government for the young nation and one of the largest English speaking cities in the world.
SEE SUCH SITES AS: The Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Congress Hall, Carpenters Hall, First and Second Bank of the US, Betsy Ross House, Franklin’s grave, Elfreth’s Alley and the neighborhood of Society Hill. Embracing the modern day, we will visit neighborhoods where the Founding Fathers’ lived and see how contemporary Philadelphians have made them their own. Going beyond the colonial period, we will visit the bustling business district, “Museum Mile” of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the famous Rocky steps (complete with your own Rocky Run), Philadelphia’s vibrant theater district, majestic murals, public sculptures, the high definition Comcast Experience and much more.
OFF-COACH PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES WILL OCCUR WITHIN THE TOUR.
Sightseeing Tour 3: Experience Philadelphia’s Diversity
Explore America’s multicultural heritage in Philadelphia. Tour the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, the only museum in the country dedicated to telling the history of more than 350 years of
Jewish life in America.
Learn about the history of African-Americans and those of the African Diaspora at the African American Museum in Philadelphia … visit Mother Bethel Church, sitting on the oldest land in America owned by African-Americans. And visit the President’s House site where 9 enslaved Africans lived in the shadow of the now Liberty Bell Center.
You’ll also see the third largest Chinatown in America, where a 40-foot tall Chinese Friendship Gate stands as a welcome to this vibrant neighborhood of shops and restaurants. After the tour, stop by the Reading Terminal Market, a 131-year-old farmers market featuring a variety of ethnic foods from local vendors, including homemade baked goods from the Amish and the famous Philly cheesesteak.
A MEDIUM AMOUNT OF WALKING AND ASCENDING STAIRS REQUIRED.
Sightseeing Tour 4: PhilARTdelphia: An Art Lover’s Delight!
Begin with a visit to the Barnes Foundation, home to one of the finest collections of impressionist, post-impressionist and early modernist paintings in the world.
Next, visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art, a world of wonder showcasing 2,000 years of exceptional human creativity from all over the world.
Woven throughout the tour, learn why Philadelphia has been called “the mural capital of the world” as well as the “1% for art” program that helps adorn Philadelphia with public art – from murals, mobiles, sculpture and lighted displays. See how the public landscape has been beautified for both the citizens and visitors alike over the years.
Included in this unique tour is a stop at The Dream Garden, a breathtaking mural composed of hundreds of thousands of irreplaceable glass tesserae in more than 260 color tones and the only collaboration between Maxfield Parrish and glass master Louis Comfort Tiffany.
It’s a once-in-a-Philadelphia-visit opportunity to get up close and personal with the city’s art scene!
SIGNIFICANT WALKING AND ASCENDING STAIRS REQUIRED.
Sightseeing Tour 5: Historic District Museum Highlights
Dive in and stay warm with interior museum experiences in Philadelphia’s Historic District by getting a peek
inside some of the top sites and attractions:
- National Constitution Center and the award winning Freedom Rising
- Museum of the American Revolution
- Arch Street Meetinghouse
- The Betsy Ross House … with the chance to meet Betsy herself!
SIGNIFICANT WALKING AND ASCENDING STAIRS REQUIRED
Sightseeing Tour 6: Beyond the Bell Museum Highlights
Take a “highlights peek” inside some of the top museums and attractions that are “beyond the Liberty Bell” and far from ordinary … yet close to everything!
- Eastern State Penitentiary
- Franklin Institute Science Center
- University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
For operators, it’s a great way to enhance your Philadelphia itineraries … for suppliers, it’s the perfect tour for those who have been to Philadelphia before.
SIGNIFICANT WALKING AND ASCENDING STAIRS REQUIRED.
Sightseeing Tour 7: Sports of All Sorts
No matter which team is your home team, behind the scenes tours of Philadelphia’s sports facilities make for
an exciting day.
The gleaming Lincoln Financial Field Stadium — home of the Philadelphia Eagles and site of the Army/Navy football games — is every football fan’s dream. Visit* the Field, Eagles Locker Room, Team Tunnel, and post-game Eagles Interview Room, Press Box and the Broadcast Booth.
How about a look inside Wells Fargo Center, home of the Philadelphia Flyers (hockey) and 76ers (basketball) and star-studded concerts? Wells Fargo Center Tours are the only way to get behind the scenes* in one of the busiest arenas in the world. Learn about the rich history of Philadelphia Sports & Entertainment and the Wells Fargo Center’s day to day operations.
Get an inside look at the spectacular home of the 2008 World Champion Philadelphia Phillies’ Citizens Bank Park. Tour guests will be treated to a brief audio/visual presentation of Citizens Bank Park, followed by an up-close look at the ballpark. Tour stops include* the Phillies Dugout, the CP Rankin Club, the Hall of Fame Club, Broadcast Booth and Media Room.
- The Sports of All Sorts tour will include two of the three noted arenas (subject to final sightseeing tour registration size)
- Each tour lasts approximately 75 minutes
SIGNIFICANT WALKING AND ASCENDING STAIRS REQUIRED.
Sightseeing Tour 8: Treasures of Center Square
Take a fascinating tour around Center Square, one of Philadelphia founder William Penn’s original public squares. See Philadelphia’s iconic LOVE statue … the beauty of the Wanamaker Eagle … 200 sculptures adorning City Hall … the magnificent Masonic Temple (interior tour) … the art deco beauty of the Pennsylvania Railroad building (a Monopoly railroad) … the neoclassical grandeur of the Ritz Carlton … the Beaux Arts-styled Union League … the world’s largest clothespin … the ‘show’ that is the Comcast Experience … and majestic 4-story murals among other fascinating find.
End the tour with Macy’s Wanamaker Organ concert. The world’s largest playing pipe organ has 28,750 pipes encompassing the resources of three symphony orchestras; its String Organ alone has 7,000 pipes. A true Philadelphia ‘wow’ moment!
SIGNIFICANT WALKING AND ASCENDING STAIRS REQUIRED
PHILADELPHIA PRE-FAM TOURS
Eligibility | All Registered Tour & Bus Operator Delegates
Cost | Included with registration but Limited to First Come, First Registered
All pre-familiarization tours will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 29 and conclude on Friday, January 31 by 3:00 p.m. and will include two nights’ accommodations, all meals, an array of exciting inclusions and two evening activities. Guests will be transferred from PHL International Airport to your host hotel to begin the pre-FAM tours and transferred to your ABA Marketplace reserved hotel at the end of the preFAM. Itinerary inclusions are subject to change.
Philadelphia Pre-FAM Tour Content Questions
Mark Beyerle
Specialty USA on behalf of Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau
Email: mark@specialty-usa.com
PRE-FAM TOUR 1: CREATEPHL: ARTS, CULTURE, NIGHTLIFE AND A TASTE OF HISTORY
If you are an operator who sells to arts and culture focused groups, are looking to add new exciting elements to existing Philadelphia product or looking to create Philadelphia product for the first time, CreatePHL is for you!
This interactive ‘create’ FAM will include such exciting creating experiences as a hands-on dinner making evening and a make-your-own floral arrangement program with the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show.
On this FAM you’ll experience the Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Mural Arts tour, Ensemble Arts (Broadway shows and a wide array of cultural options), a Philadelphia Orchestra performance, Wonderspaces, dessert Illuminations Tour by night, the Museum of American Revolution (after all … we ‘created’ a country here in Philadelphia) … plus a few special surprises!
PRE-FAM TOUR 2: THE HEART OF PHILADELPHIA: THE HEARTBEAT BY DAY AND THE PULSE BY NIGHT
It is said the heartbeat of Philadelphia tourism is the historic district … but the pulse can be found in the nightlife and special events. This high energy FAM is for the operator looking to freshen up an itinerary and get a new perspective on ‘what makes Philadelphia tick’ – by day and by night! This FAM offers the opportunity to explore the ‘Triple Crown’ of Creating a Country:
- Independence Hall – The break from the Crown
- Museum of the American Revolution – Fight for the Right
- National Constitution Center – The Road to Self-Governance
Other highlights include Philadelphia Then & Now city tour, a wine tasting dinner, an evening program on Ancient Alcohol at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (with a chance to enjoy beer with a flavor profile inspired by an ancient recipe), a visit to Marian Anderson Hall (home of the Philadelphia Orchestra), a make-your-own floral arrangement with the Philadelphia Flower Show plus some special surprises!
PRE-FAM TOUR 3: ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 7TH GRADER? A STUDENT TOUR ADVENTURE
This FAM will focus on student-friendly attractions, restaurants and activities in an exciting ‘lesson plan’ format … and a chance for operators to see firsthand why Philadelphia needs more time in your student itineraries!
AMERICAN HISTORY
• Explore the “Triple Crown” of Creating a Country:
• Independence Hall – The break from the Crown
• Museum of the American Revolution – Fight for the Right
• National Constitution Center – The Road to Self-Governance
• Tour the Betsy Ross House
URBAN STUDIES
• Philadelphia Then & Now city tour
• Eastern State Penitentiary – learn about incarceration and rehabilitation from 1829 to present day
• Museum of Illusions – pure fun and photo ops
WORLD HISTORY
• Evening tour of University of Pennsylvania Museum
of Archaeology and Anthropology with an interactive game
show-style student experience
SCIENCE
• Visit the Franklin Institute science museum
MULTICULTURAL STUDIES
• Docent tour of the African American Museum of Philadelphia
PE
• Get your steps in with a night of bowling – the most fun
you can have in rented shoes!
ART APPRECIATION
• Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
… plus a few special surprises as well!
PRE-FAM TOUR 4: UNIQUE PHILADELPHIA SITES & DELIGHTS: FOR THE “BEEN THERE DONE THAT” OPERATOR
Whether you’re an operator looking to create Philadelphia tour product, or an operator looking to freshen-up and/or enhance your itinerary … add to your length of stay … find new restaurants … and find exciting new sites and special programs — this FAM is for you!
Exciting attractions and experiences include Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, a Mural Arts tour, Museum of Illusions, Eastern State Penitentiary, Simeone Automotive Museum, Wonderspaces, Mutter Museum (the mysteries and beauty of the human body), Arch Street Meetinghouse (learn about Philadelphia’s Quaker roots), the Masonic Temple (and its 7 unique architectural halls) and a few surprises thrown in as well!
A special highlight will be an evening program on Ancient Alcohol at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (with a chance to enjoy beer with a flavor profile inspired by an ancient recipe).
PENNSYLVANIA POST-FAM TOURS
Eligibility | All Registered Tour & Bus Operator Delegates
Cost | Included with registration but Limited to First Come, First Registered
Post-FAM Tour 5: Brandywine Valley
Post-FAM 5 Tour Contact Questions
Courtney Babcock
Chester County’s Brandywine Valley
Email: courtney@brandywinevalley.com
Come discover the magnificent Brandywine Valley overflowing with arts, culture, charming towns, delightful cuisine and more. Nestled in the bucolic countryside of Philadelphia, superlative experiences await in a region known as “America’s Garden Capital” and the “Mushroom Capital” plus a thriving wine region.
Explore renowned museums and gardens made famous by the legacy of the du Pont and Wyeth families including Longwood Reimagined: A New Garden Experience, an expansion that includes a stunning new crystal-peaked conservatory, seemingly floating on water- just imagine!
We welcome you to experience a taste of Brandywine Valley’s gracious hospitality, engaging attractions and delectable cuisine. We look forward to hosting you.
Post-FAM Tour 6: Americana Region & Explore York
Post-FAM 6 Tour Contacts Questions
Margo DeRouchie
PA’s Americana Region
Email: margo@visitpaamericana.com
Nicole Young
Explore York
Email: nicole@yorkpa.org
Day 1: Train & Treasure Tour
Following your visit to Philadelphia, take a short drive and discover the charm of Reading & Berks County, Pennsylvania’s Americana Region. Your stop in historic Boyertown will be anything but ordinary. Beautiful turrets and gabled and peaked roofs grace the town’s buildings while a colorful collection of bear statues prowl the streets. An eclectic shopping area sells everything from Taylor Backes Art Glass to retro penny candy at The Peppermint Stick Candy Shop. What it may lack in size, Boyertown makes up in nostalgic attractions like the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles, and the Edwardian-era Colebrookdale Railroad. Learn about the leading U.S. combat air commander in World War II and the first chief of staff of the independent U.S. Air Force with a visit to our newest museum, the General Carl Spatz National USAAF Museum. Not to be overlooked is Boyertown’s proximity to Daniel Boone Homestead. That’s right, America’s famous frontiersman was born in Pennsylvania’s Americana Region!
Day 2: Makers Spirit Mavens
Discover York County and celebrate the rich craftsmanship that thrives here in Pennsylvania. From delectable cheese, pasta, and pretzels to exquisite furniture, hats, historic beer, wine, and spirits, there’s something for everyone. Meet the incredible artisans who proudly call York County home.
Take an exclusive tour to see behind the scenes and understand how your favorite York County products are made. Engage with the makers, learn about their inspirations, and participate in hands-on demonstrations that will ignite your own maker’s spirit!
Post-FAM Tour 7: Keystone Crossroads
Post-FAM 7 Tour Contact Questions
Julie Dautrich
Discover Lancaster
Email: jdautrich@discoverlancaster.com
Continue your exploration of the history, food, & fun Pennsylvania has to offer by joining us in the Keystone Crossroads region! Just a short drive from Philadelphia, you can explore three iconic destinations in one trip: Gettysburg, Hershey, and Lancaster! You’ll travel through South Central Pennsylvania to experience the rich history of Gettysburg, the sweet treats of Hershey, and authentic Amish culture of Lancaster, with some surprises along the way.
Post-FAM Tour 8: Experience Valley Forge & Montgomery County, PA
Post-FAM 8 Tour Contact Questions
Tyler Gebhard
Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board
Email: gebhard@valleyforge.org
We invite you to join us to experience Valley Forge and Montgomery County, PA like you have never seen before! We will be touring around the county letting you experience some of the area’s top attractions and eateries. We will visit prime attractions that your groups will absolutely love such as Valley Forge National Historical Park, King of Prussia Mall, Bryn Athyn’s Historic District and so much more! We are excited to share with you even more about what is new and coming in 2025 and beyond as we prepare to celebrate the Nations 250th! We look forward to providing you with an amazing experience of Valley Forge and Montgomery County, PA!
Post-FAM Tour 9: VisitPittsburgh
Post-FAM 9 Tour Contact Questions
Laura Flanagan
VisitPITTSBURGH
Email: grouptour@visitpittsburgh.com and laura.flanagan@visitpittsburgh.com
Join us for an unforgettable trip to Pittsburgh, starting with a visit to the Flight 93 National Memorial to honor the heroes of United Flight 93, followed by lunch at the Visitor’s Center. Upon arrival in Pittsburgh, enjoy the stunning skyline from the Sheraton Station Square Hotel before dining at the historic Drury Plaza Hotel. Experience a captivating show in the Cultural District to end your first day.
The second day begins with a delightful breakfast at Pamela’s, renowned for its hotcakes, followed by a visit to the Andy Warhol Museum, showcasing the largest collection of Warhol’s art. Next, explore the Moonshot Museum to witness real spacecraft and interactive exhibits. Embark on a culinary adventure with the ‘Burgh Bits and Bites Food Tour, then unwind with vintage bowling and arcade games at Shorty’s Pins x Pints. Discover exotic birds at the National Aviary and enjoy dinner and networking at the Destination Greater Pittsburgh Marketplace.
On the final day, ride the historic Duquesne Incline for panoramic views of the city, and participate in a hands-on Metal Arts Workshop at the Carrie Furnace, where you can explore blacksmithing, welding, and sculpture. This trip promises a perfect blend of history, culture, cuisine, and creativity, making it an experience you won’t want to miss!
ABA FOUNDATION AFTERGLOW
Monday, February 3, 2025
9:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.
Eligibility | All Registered Delegates
$50 Ticket
Sponsored by Hard Rock Cafe
Band Sponsored by Prevost
The annual ABA Foundation Afterglow is a fundraiser for the ABA Foundation and supports the motorcoach, travel and tourism industry through scholarships and research programs. Join the fun and don’t miss one of the best parties of the week!