Discover the rich history of Philadelphia on the Revolution and the Founders: History Tour. This captivating tour takes you to iconic landmarks such as The Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the homes of George Washington and Alexander Hamilton. You'll also visit the sites of numerous Founding Fathers, including Adams, Jefferson, Franklin, Madison, Monroe, and more. Every guide on this tour has a history degree, ensuring that you'll receive a thorough and engaging experience. Learn about the creation of The Liberty Bell and its significance to American independence. Explore Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated and adopted. Marvel at the first "White House," where Presidents Washington and Adams once served. As you journey through the city, you'll gain a deep understanding of the remarkable individuals who shaped American history. Book this tour now and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the American Revolution.
About this experience
Free Cancellation
For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
2
hours
Suitable for
1-15
Participants
Private Tour, Small Group Tour
Guided Experience
Visit the iconic Liberty Bell
Explore Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were debated and adopted
See America's first "White House" where George Washington and John Adams served as presidents
Learn about the historic Congress Hall, where presidential inaugurations took place
Discover the life and times of Benjamin Franklin at Franklin Court
Runs every morning and every afternoon rain or shine
Short 2-hour introduction to historic Philadelphia with a historian to walk with and orient you
Every Guide Has a History Degree
Essential tour of Revolutionary Philadelphia historic sites and highlights
Liberty Bell, Franklin; Sightseeing- best of Phila for first-time-visitors
Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option not selected)
Gratuities
Independence Hall Timed Tickets (2hrs/free of charge)
Interior of Liberty Bell Pavilion (1 hr/free of charge)
Popular Hotels Closeby
More about this experience
Introduction:
Welcome to the Revolution and the Founders: History Tour of Philadelphia! Immerse yourself in the rich history of America on this captivating tour that takes you through the iconic landmarks of Philadelphia. Explore the birthplace of American democracy as you visit The Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the homes of famous Founding Fathers such as George Washington and Alexander Hamilton.
What to expect?
Prepare to be transported back in time as you delve into the stories and events that shaped the nation. With a total duration of 120 minutes, this tour guarantees an in-depth experience that covers all the essential highlights. From learning about the creation of The Liberty Bell and its iconic inscription to exploring the building where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated and adopted, you'll gain a deep understanding of the foundation of American democracy.
Who is this for?
This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, patriots, and anyone eager to uncover the untold tales of America's founding. Whether you're a local looking to rediscover the charm of your city or a visitor craving a historical adventure, this tour is tailored to satisfy your curiosity. Our guides, each equipped with a history degree, ensure that the tour is informative and engaging for all age groups.
Why book this?
Through this tour, you'll have the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the Founding Fathers and witness firsthand the birthplace of American independence. The experienced guides will bring history to life, sharing intriguing stories and providing unique insights into the lives of these legendary figures. By going beyond the surface-level facts, this tour offers a deeper understanding of the values and ideals that built the nation.
Good to know
For those planning to join this tour, it's important to note that the meeting point is located just outside the Market Street doors of the Independence Visitor Center. The tour covers multiple locations, so wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. Be prepared for a journey through time and immerse yourself in the captivating stories of the Revolution and the Founders.
Reviews
Participants of this tour have raved about the knowledgeable guides who effortlessly weave together historical facts and anecdotes, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. Many have praised the comprehensive itinerary that covers major landmarks while still allowing time for exploration. Overall, visitors have left feeling inspired and with a newfound appreciation for the pivotal role Philadelphia played in shaping American history.
How long before the event do I need to book?
You can book at any time before the event
Vouchers accepted in the following formats
Mobile
Is an adult required for the booking?
At least one adult or senior required per booking
We'll meet you directly "outside" the Market Street doors of the Independence Visitor Center, one block to the north of Independence Hall and across the street from The Liberty Bell and President's House in the heart of historic Philadelphia.
Grim Philly Twilight Tours,
523 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106,
US
Tour ends just behind City Tavern and Merchants Exchange where The Continental Congress met every Saturday just aside Alexander Hamilton's Philadelphia home.
Merchant Exchange Building,
143 S 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106,
US
Your Itinerary
Liberty Bell Center
(Pass by)
Come with us as we visit The Liberty Bell, perhaps the most famous symbol of American Liberty in the National Historic Park. Peak tourist season can often see lines of destination seekers stretched well around the corner for this monumental icon of American Independence taking close to one hour to traverse. Our historians give to you all of the essentials of The Liberty Bell’s creation and formation in to an icon of liberty from the exterior of the Liberty Bell pavilion, with clear and detailed directions to enter the interior should you choose to invest the additional hour on return.
Commissioned in 1752 the bell cracked on its initial test ring and was re-casted two years later by local workman John Pass and John Stow with the lettering, "Proclaim LIBERTY Throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants Thereof," a quote from the King James Bible referring to the jubilee when enslaved persons were freed and debts forgiven every fifty years.
Independence Hall
(Pass by)
We will visit Independence Hall: the building where both the United States Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were debated and adopted.
An essential icon of American democracy and founding of These United States the Independence Hall complex is a bastion of tourism and requires (free) timed entry passes and a recommended two hours additional time for exploration of the center of the complex’s interior chambers. We keep your tour moving quickly, to give you the best, most important essential highlights and significant points of the structure including clear and simple instruction on traversing the complex further on return should you choose. Subject to crowds and closures we pit-stop quickly inside of the East Wing of the Independence Hall Complex: the very oldest and most historic part of the structure: which served as The Supreme Court Chambers while Philadelphia was our nation’s capital.
The President's House
(Pass by)
We will visit America's first "White House" where President's George Washington and John Adams both served tenure when Philadelphia was capital of the United States from 1790 to 1800. Foreign dignitaries and members of congress and senate frequented The President House for official and unofficial business. Benedict Arnold lived also in the structure as Military Governor in Philadelphia after the British evacuation of the city during the American War for Independence.
Congress Hall
(Pass by)
We will visit Congress Hall, a historic structure which hosted two presidential inaugurations (Washington and Adams) and was the home of U.S. Congress from 1790 to 1800, when Philadelphia was the capital of the United States.
Franklin Court
(Pass by)
We will visit Franklin Court, a complex of museums, structures, and historic sites within Independence National Historical Park, and home to Benjamin Franklin during his tenure in the Constitutional Convention. We will discuss there the life and times of one of America's most prolific individual's and statesman (Benjamin Franklin) who when contemplating revolution against the British crown said, "Gentleman we must hang together, or surely we will all hang separately."
New Hall Military Museum
(Pass by)
We will visit the location of America's first Pentagon, where American military strategy and intelligence was formulated during the American Revolution.
Benjamin Franklin Museum
(Pass by)
We will discuss the life and times of American Patriot Benjamin Franklin, from his electrical experiments, printing and publishing activities, to his life as a statesman.
B. Free Franklin Post Office
(Pass by)
We will visit the Benjamin Franklin Post Office & Museum, the only Colonial-themed post office operated by the United States Postal Service. It is a living portrayal of a bygone Colonial lifestyle, and it is the only active post office in the United States that does not fly the American flag (because there was not yet one in 1775 when Benjamin Franklin was appointed Postmaster General). The postmark "B. Free Franklin" is still used to cancel stamps. The museum on the second floor features displays of postal history and memorabilia.
Carpenters' Hall
(Pass by)
We will visit Carpenters' Hall, the site of the First Continental Congress in 1774, where on three nights in December 1775 Benjamin Franklin meet in secret meetings with John Jay, Fancis Daymon, and the French spy Julien Achard de Bonvouloir. The meetings eventually led to negotiations for French support of the colonists. The colonies likely would not have been able to win the Revolutionary War without French aid. Over the winter of 1777 British forces occupying the American capital during the War for Independence and occupied this building.
First Bank of the United States
(Pass by)
We will visit the First Bank of the United States. Championed by Alexander Hamilton, first Secretary of the Treasury, the First Bank of the United States was founded in 1797 and is significant for its architectural design.
Second Bank of the United States
(Pass by)
Modeled on Alexander Hamilton's First Bank, the Second Bank of the United States was chartered by President James Madison in 1816 and lost its charter under Andrew Jackson's presidency in 1834. We will discuss here Alexander Hamilton and Andrew Jackson: and famous duels fought by both men among other things.
American Philosophical Society Museum
(Pass by)
The American Philosophical Society was founded in 1743 by Benjamin Franklin two years after the University of Pennsylvania, with which it remains closely tied. Early members included George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Paine, David Rittenhouse, Nicholas and Owen Biddle, Benjamin Rush, James Madison, and others. We will discuss here as we walk by, Franklin, University of Pennsylvania, and America's first surgical center adjacent to the structure here.
Library Company of Philadelphia
(Pass by)
Founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1731, the Library Company is the first institution in the world to lend materials to members of the public. We will discuss, as we walk by, the history of the site and historic location...and early statesman frequenting the location.
Todd House
(Pass by)
We will see the home of future First Lady Dolley Madison, where she lived with her first husband, John Todd, from 1791-93.
Built in 1775, the Dolley Todd House site reflects the lifestyle of the middle class in 18th century Philadelphia which we will get a glimpse in to.
Independence Visitor Center
(Pass by)
Check-in and revolutionary history introduction at the beginning of our historic walking tour.
Grim Philly Twilight Tours
(Pass by)
Every guide has a history degree. Most are history teachers and American History Professors.
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Reviews
(1184)
4.8(1184)
Brandon_P
I'm very mixed on this one on one hand I felt the guide was really trying and was passionate about his craft and pretty knowledgeable to a point but the whole time it felt rushed and none of the talking points concluded in a satisfactory way we were just rushed on to the next point I appreciate the fact the tour guide made sure to take time and answer questions but half the questions were answered with an i don't know(most of the questions were obscure and prolly don't have a definitive answer but at that point an opinion would be appreciated over an i don't know) but that also made what was already a rushed tour feel even more rushed, he started to set some roleplay but out of the 5 characters he had set up for roleplay he only assigned 3 characters and none of it was gone into any depth besides to give you a small idea of what the person you were given was like (jefferson was book and writting smart creative type person)I was told the role play would help with the learning and show some of the contrast of each of the personality of our founding father that contrast never happenned and was just left scratching my head on why that element took 30 minutes to set up and never got any pay off, I felt none of the information went beyond the first few sentences you would read in a textbook about it or a wiki, I went in hoping to learn a new fact or tibit about America's founding and was left desperately clenching for one fun fact that would make the tour feel worth it but on the other hand their was nothing horrible or outragous tht makes this tour bad it just felt unsubstantial and left me wondering if the tour bus wouldnt have given me the same skim of info for an hour over the 2 i spent maybe it was on me for having high expectations this review was like pulling teeth to write as i was looking for any excuse to give a big thumbs up
Pam_W
Seeing the liberty bell, independence hall, and learning more about Ben Franklin. Our guide, Ben, did an amazing job with his passion, knowledge and animation throughout the tour. Love it!
Nomad802455
Very good historical tour. Kyle was very knowledgeable and kept our interest. Not too much walking, just around Independence National Historic Park. Geared much towards history than just seeing the sights.
Cruiser52358869656
We had Joseph as our tour guide and he was amazing! He knew so much about the history of Philadelphia and kept us engaged the entire tour. Highly recommend!!
DBF951
It was excellent! Bill makes the tour supremely interesting and brings to life the people and realities of those times. It was a real pleasure to have him lead us and teach us. The time flew by. He was also very conscientious of the group and safely moving us through the route. I was very pleased, because I booked the tour for my friend and I in honor of her citizenship and was very happy when she told me how much she got from it and enjoyed the experience.
975sanjeeva
Amazing guided tour held by experts in American history. The tour guide had patience, was engaging, and helpful with answering questions.
V2648FZsherylm
The historical tour was great. Bill was knowledgeable and entertaining. He made history come alive. Two hours went by quickly. I would do it again.
S7492QPnataliaf
Bill was extremely knowledgeable about Philadelphia’s history and the history of the American Revolution. I did enjoy it very much.
Curious14727453082
We absolutely loved our tour, rain and all! Rain was no problem with umbrellas. We thought that it might be redundant after visiting Independence Hall, Museum of the American Revolution, and Valley Forge. Boy were we wrong! Vince, our guide was entertaining and knowledgeable. We learned about Philadelphia from its beginnings through the Revolution and beyond and saw things that we would certainly have missed without our guide! He managed to keep our two elementary school aged boys entertained! Thanks Vince and Thanks Grim Philly!
Just a quick note...not too much walking on this tour, but there is quite a bit of standing - this can be tough when all the seating surfaces are wet - my boys wished they had a plastic bag to sit on 😉...
Expedition555614
We took our 8th grade trip to Philadelphia and had a great time on this tour. Our guide was engaging, knowledgeable, and entertaining.
Collected by Evendo & our supplier partners
2024-06-03 03:57
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