While the Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks is known for its stewardship of four historic house museums, Landmarks also sponsors the Landmarks Road Scholar Program.

Almost 2,000 out-of-town tourists  from across the US and Canada attend Landmarks Road Scholar programs annually, contributing significantly to the Philadelphia region's burdgeoning hotel & tourist industry! 

Road Scholar, Inc., headquartered in Boston, is the worldwide leader among education and travel organizations for adults. Nearly 200,000 participants go on Road Scholar programs a year; 35,000 of which go overseas.  Exploritas is affiliated with more than 2,300 of the world's leading colleges, universities, conference centers, museums and many other educational and cultural institutions.  More than 11,000 educational programs are offered on a vast array of subjects, at the lowest tuition possible. 

Elderhostel, Inc has recently implemented a new series of program offerings that provides exciting trips and tours for partipants of all ages. 

Landmarks Road Scholar conducts close to 60 Exploritas program sessions annually that include site visits to attractions throughout the City of Philadelphia and the greater Philadelphia region.  The sessions encompass almost 20 different themes and are designed to educate participants about the vast cultural resources in the region.  The duration of most program sessions are 6 days/5 nights, 4 days/3 nights, and 3 days/2 nights. 

Local residents are invited to attend parts of these sessions as "commuter" attendees - please call us (215-925-2251) for customized details on schedules and fees.

Most important, Road Scholar programs are all-inclusive - your accommodations, all meals, trips, tour entries, transportation, taxes and gratuities are included in the single fee!

The following are programs that are scheduled for the 2010 Fall/Winter and 2011 Spring.

Prices start at $625 for 4 day/3 night Snapshots and $1020 to $1400 (Signature City) for 6 day/5 night programs, depending on the hotel for the program.  Please call for details. 
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On and Off the Beaten Track: Walking Philadelphia's Historic Neighborhoods
Program #15155 
2010 Dates: Oct 10-15
2011 Dates: May 8-14

Barnes Foundation/Philadelphia's Great Art Museums/Colonial Philadelphia
Program #6983
6 days/5 nights
Date(s): 09/29/10 through 10/04/10

Visits to the renowned and restricted-entry Barnes Foundation will take your breath away with its astounding collection of Renoir, Cezanne, and Picasso paintings, revealing the vision of Dr. Albert Barnes, the man who began it.  Pre-visit lectures will enhance your knowledge and understanding.  Field trips and lectures examine the collections of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and the Rodin Museum.  In addition, you will study the most historically significant city in America in 1776. Engaging lecturers will focus on the legacies of Washington and Franklin and site visits to Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell Center and various other sites in the Old City section of Philadelphia will truly illuminate the past. 

Accommodations: The Club Quarters Hotel - a private hotel not available to "walk-in" guests and located in the heart of downtown Philadelphia in the fashionable Rittenhouse Square neighborhood.  All modern amenties are featured, including exercise room and laundry facilities.  All meals included.

The Barnes Foundation, Great Philadelphia Art Museums, and Ben Franklin and the Age of Enlightenment
Program #8594
6 days/5 nights
Dates: Sept 2010 and May 2011 
     
This restricted-entry foundation will take your breath away with its astonishing post-impressionism collection of Renoir, Cezanne, Picasso, revealing the incredible vision of Dr. Barnes, the man who began it. Lectures enhance your knowledge. Field trips and lectures examine the magnificent art collections at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Site visit to The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, and the Rodin Museum. Study one of America's most significant figures. Engaging lectures discuss Franklin's legacy from his print shop at Franklin Court to his inventions. Take field trips to Powel House and Independence Hall. Come celebrate Ben's 300th-plus anniversary.

Accomodations: Full-service private hotel (entrance restricted to guests) conveniently located in the fashionable Rittenhouse Square neighborhood of downtown Philadelphia; modern amenities include exercise room, laundry facilities. Meals at hotel, some lunches out. Explore local restaurants to enjoy one dinner on your own (excluded from the program cost).


Signature Philadelphia: A Renaissance
Program #7533
6 days/5 nights
Date(s):

Philadelphia is a "complete" US city: three centuries of American architecture, social history and culture, all in this walkable and livable metropolis.  A "City of Neighborhoods," this program features Society Hill, the Italian Market and Independence National Historical Park, just to name a few.  From your hotel on Philadelphia's "Avenue of the Arts," experience the city's new performing arts district.  Discover the city's "French Connection" - the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, reminiscent of Paris' Champs Elysees, and see the French Impressionist galleries at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.  Your week will also include a visit to the extraordinary Barnes Foundation, unique repository for an astounding collection of Renoir, Cezanne and Picasso paintings.  Another special highlight will be entry to the magnificent "King Tut" exhibit at the Franklin Institute & Science Museum.  Enjoy the city at night and its restaurant renaissance with tasty tastings at some of its trendy eateries.  In short, experience the very best Philadelphia has to offer!

Accommodations: The Doubletree Hotel - located in the heart of Philadelphia's performing arts district - "The Avenue of the Arts" - across from the Academy of Music and the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.  All modern amenities are featured, including and in-door, rooftop swimming pool.  All meals included: at hotel and area restaurants.

National Treasures: Introducing Historic Philadelphia
Program #10238
6 days/5 nights

Engage in lively discussions on such famous Philadelphians as William Penn and Benjamin Franklin.  Enjoy guided tours through Independence National Historical Park, home to the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and the National Constitution Center.  Study the lifestyles of the 18th century "rich and famous" as well as the history, architecture and furnishings of the period.  Retrace the footprints of our foundings fathers in the historic part of town, as well as the footprints of Rocky on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.  Learn about Philadelphia's industrial contributions from the 19th century into the 20th century.  To understand America, you must explore Philadelphia!

Accommodations: The Club Quarters Hotel - a private hotel not available to "walk-in" guests and located in the heart of downtown Philadelphia in the fashionable Rittenhouse Square neighborhood.  All modern amenties are featured, including exercise room and laundry facilities.  All meals included.

 

Taste of Philadelphia: Snapshot
Program #4003
4 days/3 nights
Date(s): October 2010 and April, May 2011

Enjoy this unique opportunity to savor a taste of Philadelphia where sophistication intermingles with Old World charm.  Begin with an over view of the city to better understand the significance of our culturally rich neighborhoods.  Visit Independence National Historical Park, the "Birthplace of the Nation" and home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.  Experience the flavor of the 100-year old Italian Market in South Philadelphia and strut your stuff at the Mummers Museum and learn about this famous New Year's Day parade tradition.  You will also explore Chinatown and dine at some of Philadelphia's charming restaurants and enjoy some fun nightlife!

Accommodations: The Club Quarters Hotel - a private hotel not available to "walk-in" guests and located in the heart of downtown Philadelphia in the fashionable Rittenhouse Square neighborhood.  All modern amenities are featured, including exercise room and lundry facilities.  All meals included.

A Culture Feast: Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia Museum of Art and Philadelphia Orchestra
Program #10408
6 days/5 nights

Gain classroom knowledge from lectures by professional musicians of the acclaimed Philadelphia Orchestra and faculty of the renowned Curtis Institute of Music.  You will also be enriched by performances of The Philadelphia Orchestra in its home - the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts - and student recitals at the Curtis Institute.  Discover the rage, the joy, the tears and the passion of opera - from Rossini to Verdi - taught by an outstanding musicologist.  In addition, you will explore the collections of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, as well as the Barnes Foundation's incredible collections of Impressionist paintings!

Accommodations:  The Doubletree Hotel - located in the heart of Philadelphia's performing arts district - "The Avenue of the Arts" - across from the Academy of Music and the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.  All modern amenities are featured, including and in-door, rooftop swimming pool.  All meals included.

A Cultural Bouquet Snapshot: Barnes Foundation & Philadelphia Orchestra
Program #9068

Experience the very finest of Philadelphia's art and music traditions.  A visit to the renowned and restricted-entry Barnes Foundation will take your breath away with its astounding collection of Renoir, Cezanne, and Picasso paintings.  Pre-visit lectures will enhance your knowledge and understanding.  You will also tour the magnificent galleries of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.  Join in the ovations after hearing the Philadelphia Orchestra in concert at its home in the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.  In addition to superb lectures and field trips, you will also visit the National Constitution Center, the newest addition to Philadelphia's vast cultural resources.
Accommodations: The Club Quarters Hotel - a private hotel not available to "walk-in" guests and located in the heart of downtown Philadelphia in the fashionable Rittenhouse Square neighborhood.  All modern amenities are featured, including exercise room and laundry facilities.  All meals included.

New Year's Mummery & New Year's Revelry
Program #13589
5 days/4 nights
Dates: Dec 29-Jan 2

See Philadelphia as it partakes of its seasonal treasures from the galleries of the Philadelphia Museum of Art to Christmas "past and present" at Longwood Gardens and the Winterthur Museum.  Delight in the performance halls of the Kimmel Center as you join the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra for its New Year's Eve gala concert.  Enjoy the traditions of merrymaking on New Year's Day at Philadelphia's Mummers' Parade, a 10-hour spectacle with up to 10,000 marchers prancing and playing the sounds of banjo, saxophones and accordians.  Then attend an inside, afternoon Mummers' performance in the warmth of the nearby Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Accommodations: The Ritz Carlton Hotel - this five star hotel provides a new level of luxury and is within easy walking distance of downtown Philadelphia's premier retail, dining and cultural attractions.  In addition, its main entrance opens on to South Broad Street, route of the Mummer's Parade.

Philadelphia Flower Show and Longwood Gardens, the Philadelphia Sampler and 18^th Century Lifestyles
Program #7970
6 days/5 nights
Dates: 03/06/11 through 03/11/11

Explore "All about Jazz" at this renowned flower show amassing the world's greatest gardeners and floribunda under one roof. Includes early morning private tour, and a field trip to Longwood Gardens. Explore and learn about the most historically significant city in the colonies. Discussions on famous Philadelphians, William Penn to Franklin. Visit Society Hill, Olde City, and Independence Park. To understand America, you must visit Philadelphia. Lifestyles as well as history, architecture, furnishings, and distinctive homes will be discussed and viewed. Step back in time when entering an historic property such as Winterthur in Delaware noted for its premier American decorative arts. Most meals at the hotel's excellent restaurant featuring fine dining and Northern Italian cuisine; some lunches out at selected eateries. Explore local restaurants to enjoy one dinner on your own (excluded from the program cost).

Accomodations:  Private, recently renovated, European-style, full-service hotel (entrance restricted to guests) conveniently located in the fashionable Rittenhouse Square neighborhood of downtown Philadelphia; modern amenities include exercise room, laundry facilities. All meals included. Most at the hotelÃ??????¢??s excellent restaurant featuring fine dining and Northern Italian Cuisine. Some lunches out to enjoy local eateries.

Philadelphia Flower Show and Longwood, Barnes Foundation Philadelphia Museum of Art and Sculpture
Program #7386
6 days/5 nights
2010 Dates: Mar 6-11, Mar 9-14

Explore "Springtime in Paris" at this renowned flower show amassing the world's greatest gardeners and floribunda under one roof. Includes early morning private tour, and a field trip to Longwood Gardens as well as the Brandywine River Museum. Be one of the last to explore the Barnes Foundation before it moves from its original home. Explore the galleries at the incomparable Philadelphia Museum of Art and learn about the "art of casting" from a noted sculptor who will finish his lecture at The Rodin Museum.

Accomodations:  Club Quarters Hotel, a recently renovated private hotel (not available to "walk-in" guests) in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood of downtown Philadelphia; modern amenities include exercise room, laundry facilities. Meals at hotel, some lunches out. Explore local restaurants to enjoy one dinner on your own (excluded from the program cost) during your free evening.

Philadelphia's Jewish History and Culture
Program #16529
6 days/5 nights
2010 Dates: Nov 14-19, Nov 28-Dec 3
2011 Dates: Apr 24-29

Accomodations: Raddison Warrick Hotel, a private, recently renovated, European-style, full-service hotel conveniently located in the fashionable Rittenhouse Square neighborhood of downtown Philadelphia; modern amenities include exercise room, laundry facilities. All meals included.

Taste of Philadelphia
Program #1896
6 days/5 nights
Dates: October, April, May

Enjoy this unique opportunity to savor a taste of Philadelphia, where sophistication intermingles with Old World charm. Begin with an overview of Philadelphia to better understand the significance of our culturally rich neighborhoods and in preparation for a visit to the birthplace of our nation, Independence National Park District, home of the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Get an inside look at the historic Italian Market in South Philadelphia, where things have changed little from a century ago. Learn about the Mummer's String Band and its 100-year-old New Year's Day parade tradition. Explore the ethnicity of Chinatown with a guided field trip, dine at some of Philadelphia's charming restaurants and enjoy a little nightlife.

Accomodations:  Private, recently renovated, European-style, full-service hotel (entrance restricted to guests) conveniently located in the fashionable Rittenhouse Square neighborhood of downtown Philadelphia; modern amenities include exercise room, laundry facilities. All meals included except one dinner on your own. Most at the hotel's excellent restaurant featuring fine dining and Northern Italian Cuisine. Some lunches out to enjoy local eateries.

The Philadelphia Flower Show, Philadelphia Orchestra, Art and Architecture
Program #7972 6 days/5 nights
Dates: 03/04/11 through 03/09/11

Experience the world renown Philadelphia Orchestra at the Kimmel Center at a concert with a guest soloist. Supporting music lectures from orchestra members and other musicologists are tailored to the scheduled performance. Explore fabulous gardens in full bloom at the world's largest indoor flower show highlighting great garden exhibits and floribunda under one roof. Includes early morning private tour and demonstrations. Discover the Impressionists at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and at The Barnes Foundation still located in its original site and still has limited attendance. Enjoy learning about urban architecture styles dating from 300 years to the present.

Accomodations:  Hotel in the heart of Philadelphia's arts district along the Avenue of the Arts, across from the Academy of Music and Kimmel Center; indoor roof swimming pool. Meals at hotel and area restaurants. Program cost excludes one dinner so you may enjoy local fare.

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