Overview
Discover American history with your students on this three-day exploration of Philadelphia. Your students will visit Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, tour the U.S. Mint and The Franklin Institute, and recreate the famous Rocky stair climb.
Itinerary
Day 1
Travel to Philadelphia, PA
Lunch
Ghost Tour of Philadelphia
Explore Philadelphia’s haunted past on a moonlit stroll through centuries-old alleys in Old City and other historic sites. Hear spooky tales from your guide of restless patriots, haunted houses, and local ghost lore that’s been passed down for generations.
Historic Old City Philadelphia visit
Discover the birthplace of American democracy, where cobblestone streets lead to historic colonial landmarks. Explore Franklin Court and 18th-century homes on Elfreth’s Alley, and uncover stories of revolutionaries, debates, and significant milestones in American history.
Independence Hall visit
Explore the birthplace of American democracy, where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were debated and signed. Visit the historic chambers where founding delegates met, admire colonial architecture, and learn about the revolutionary leaders who shaped the nation’s ideals.
Candlelight Tour
Experience Old City Philadelphia by candlelight as you walk historic cobblestone streets once traveled by the Founding Fathers. Your guide shares captivating tales of Revolutionary legends and the fight for independence that still echoes through the city’s streets.
Day 2
Breakfast
Liberty Bell visit
Get an up-close view of the iconic bell that symbolizes American freedom and marvel at its large famous crack. Learn about its history as the second version cast in 1753, and the role it played in inspiring revolution, independence, and civic pride.
National Constitution Center visit
Experience immersive galleries, multimedia exhibits, and artifacts that bring the Constitution’s history to life. Explore 42 life-size statues of the Founding Fathers during the signing, hands-on activities, and live performances that connect early ideals with modern democracy.
Lunch
Philadelphia Mint visit
Step inside the world’s largest mint and watch the coin-making process from a glass catwalk 40 feet above the factory floor. Learn about the Mint’s history and role in producing currency, and explore interactive exhibits on U.S. coinage, artifacts, and rare coins.
Museum of the American Revolution visit
Experience American Revolution history through authentic artifacts, immersive galleries, and films. Step inside George Washington’s war tent, design your own flag, and learn about the soldiers, leaders, and courageous citizens whose vision created a new nation.
Dinner
Penn's Landing and Wharf visit
Admire sweeping views of the city while strolling along this vibrant waterfront, honoring the 1682 landing of Philadelphia’s founder. Explore bustling piers with public art, historic ships, and seasonal parks as you learn about the city’s rich maritime legacy.
Day 3
Breakfast and hotel check-out
Valley Forge National Historic Park visit
Experience George Washington and the Continental Army’s winter campsite of 1777-78. Discover reconstructed huts and landmarks, hike scenic trails, and learn about the daily life, sacrifices, and resilience of Revolutionary War soldiers at this historic encampment.
Lunch
Rocky Statue and Steps photo stop
Strike a victorious pose with the legendary Rocky statue and climb (or run!) up the iconic 72 steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Take in sweeping skyline views as you capture must-have shots at this world-famous cultural landmark.
The Franklin Institute visit
Visit The Franklin Institute, one of the nation's oldest and most renowned science museums. Don’t miss the hands-on Franklin…He’s Electric exhibit, celebrating Benjamin Franklin’s genius and featuring historical artifacts like his lightning rod.
Dinner
Travel home
Already Included
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Meals (unless otherwise noted on your itinerary)
WorldStrides Course Leader - a dynamic destination expert who brings learning to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Professional development credits (CEUs) for educators
Field Research Guide (Discovery Journal)
Scenes from Philadelphia
Health & Safety
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
WorldStrides provides over $2.5 million in financial assistance each year to thousands of families. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of less than $85,000 may qualify. One simple call to Customer Service and you’ll know how much may be available for your trip even before signing up. Please note: financial assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.