Today we make our way to Pennsylvania’s largest city, Philadelphia. Whether we reflect back to the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution or more recently to Rocky Balboa’s triumphant run up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, this city brings lots of iconic events to mind. Prepare to see some familiar sights and visit some brand new places during our four days and three nights in this historic city.

This morning, we are joined by a local guide for a tour of Philadelphia to hear the history and see historical sights such as The Rocky Statue, Washington Monument, City Hall, and the Liberty Bell. Next we visit the Reading Terminal Market where more than 80 merchants offer a variety of lunch options, fresh produce, meats, flowers, baked goods, crafts, books, clothing, as well as hardto- find specialty items. Our next stop, Eastern State Penitentiary, was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world. We explore the crumbling cellblocks, empty guard towers, and see the vaulted, sky-lit cells which held nearly 85,000 people over its long history, including notorious criminal “Scarface” Al Capone. Our visit to Christ Church is especially meaningful as this is where many founding fathers, including George Washington and Benjamin Franklin worshiped. We have dinner tonight at one of Philly’s popular restaurants. (D)

We begin our day on a selfguided tour of Philadelphia’s Mint. View the coining operations from 40 feet above the factory floor. See the first coining press, used to strike our nation’s first coins in 1792, and meet Peter the Mint Eagle, a real Bald Eagle who made the First United States Mint his home. At the National Constitution Center we see the Constitution come to life through interactive exhibits. Walk alongside 42 life-size, bronze statues of the Founding Fathers in Signers Hall. See how women won the right to vote and experience America’s founding documents up close. Next we visit Independence Hall, a historic landmark where both the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were debated and adopted, symbolizing the birthplace of American democracy. The Museum of the American Revolution offers a journey through the rich and inspiring story of our nation’s founding and the complex events that brought us together. We finish out our day at Citizens Bank Park, the home of the Philadelphia Phillies, to watch them go “head-to-head’ or “bat-to-bat” with another National League team.

Nestled in the heart of Delaware’s beautiful Brandywine Valley is Winterthur, the premier museum of American decorative arts, with an unparalleled collection of nearly 90,000 objects made or used in America since 1640. We see the collection displayed in this magnificent 175-room house, much as it was when the family of founder Henry Francis du Pont called it home. A delicious Italian dinner is included before we check into our hotel, south of Baltimore. (D)

We journey home through the gorgeous mountains of Virginia arriving home later this afternoon.