April 12th, 2018: Philadelphia in Depth

We had a great day in Philadelphia today, with great weather to match.
After a later start this morning - time for a good rest - we walked from our hotel to Philadelphia's Historic District, centered around Independence Hall.
Our first visit, for the entire morning, was the National Constitution Center - focused on the document that laid the foundation for the nation.  After seeing the introductory performance the students split into groups with their chaperones to visit the various exhibits.
Next it was time for lunch & we walked back to yesterday's venue, the popular (& popular with the students) Reading Terminal Market, a huge covered farmer's market/food court.
In the afternoon we visited the National Mint, to see where much of the nation's coinage is made; saw Benjamin Franklin's grave; & ended with a ranger-led tour of Independence Hall, the site whether the founding father's signed the Declaration of Independence!
We had time for a souvenir-shopping stop, then enjoyed a great Italian dinner close to the Delaware River - from where we could see New Jersey.  Afterwards we rode the city subway, the SEPTA, back to our hotel.
There was an option this evening to visit Philadelphia's City Hall & Love Park, so a small group of 10 students joined tour leader Declan & Mr. Stacy.  We first visited City Hall, admiring the ornate sculptures & city map, then continued to nearby Love Park, home to Robert Indiana's iconic sculpture - just recently returned to it's traditional home after 2 years away due to construction.

April 11th, 2018: Valley Forge & Philadelphia

Today we traveled from Lancaster County in central Pennsylvania to Philadelphia on it's eastern state line, stopping along the way to visit another site where American history took a dramatic & decisive turn.
At Valley Forge we visited the Visitor Center & watched an explanatory movie, then made a short driving tour of the site of Washington's 1777 winter encampment, stopping to learn how a redoubt was constructed, what the huts that the army built were like, & finally to see the farmhouse that Washington used as his house & office during his 6 month stay.
From Valley Forge we traveled into the center of Philadelphia, arriving at our hotel at lunchtime.
After storing our luggage at the hotel we walked to nearby Reading Terminal Market, a huge farmer's market-style food emporium with all manner of different foods to choose from.
During the afternoon we took an extended walking tour of the city's historic core with our expert local guide Nonnie.  During our tour Nonnie showed us many historical locations, such as the Liberty Bell, Washington Square, the Second Bank of the USA, Carpenter's Hall, Franklin Court & the Printing Office, Christ Church, & the Betsy Roos House!
Dinner this evening was a quintessential taste of Philadelphia - Philly Cheese Steaks.  The students were given a choice of beef or chicken & different types of cheese, but many took our restaurant's advice to try the typical Philadelphian way - steak 'wit whizz'!
We arrived back at our hotel tired but happy at the end of a great but long day with lots of walking.

April 10th, 2018: Welcome to Pennsylvania!

The group landed in a chilly Maryland this morning just before 9:30am Eastern time, a full 30 minutes early.
At baggage claim they were met by their tour leader, Declan, then boarded the bus for the drive to Gettysburg, PA.

At Gettysburg National Military Park we learned about the July 1863 battle that proved a turning point in the Civil War.

Our visit began with an introductory movie, followed by a visit to the 'Cyclorama'.  After free time for lunch we 

reboarded our bus for a two hour tour of the battlefield with our local guide, Don.  

We ended our day with a great family-style Pennsylvania dinner, then made the short drove to our first hotel.