Philadelphia and the Pocono Mountains

7 night self drive tour from £799 per person

Day 1: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Step back into Colonial times and learn about the birth of this nation, then live in the moment at one of Philadelphia's trendiest nightspots.  Study American artists at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts before embarking on a Mural Arts Tour to learn how some of today's most modern artists beautify the city.  Shop for treasures on Antique Row, or hit Old City's funky boutiques for something more contemporary.  From museums and architecture, to tax-free shopping and scrumptious dining, Philadelphia offers you countless ways to make the most of your stay.

Despite being the 2nd largest city on the east coast Philadelphia is truly a walking city, and many of its attractions are readily accessible by foot so the city is perfect for a city break.  The city offers an extensive, easy-to-navigate transit system that includes buses, subways, trains, and trolleys.

Day 2

Experience the city's renowned museums along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, including The Franklin; the Rodin Museum; and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where you can run up the steps made famous in the "Rocky" film series. 

Fill some shopping bags in only-in-Philadelphia retail districts such as Rittenhouse Row, Antique Row and South Street.  Take in dinner and a show along the Avenue of the Arts, the city's premier arts and entertainment district.  Choose from more than 25 restaurants ranging from Sushi to soul food followed by a jaw-dropping opera, jazz, or dance performance.

Day 3

Tour Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia's famous prison-turned-museum that once held Al Capone and "Slick" Willie Sutton.  Visit Fairmount Park and its 18th-and early 19th-century mansions and then tour the mansions of historic Germantown and the nearby Victorian gardens of Morris Arboretum.  Have dinner in Chestnut Hill, a National Historic District north of Centre City, where you'll find more than 200 boutique shops, art galleries, antique stores, cosy cafes, and fine restaurants.

3 nights in Philadelphia

Days 4, 5, 6, & 7: To Poconos, Pennsylvania (125 miles)

Pick up your car rental from 30th Street Station conveniently located downtown and head out of the city North to the amazing scenic Pocono Mountains. Famous for its breathtaking views and rushing  waterfalls, the Pocono Mountains are a year-round holiday spot. For a fun-filled Poconos experience in the winter, ski the slopes, ride s snowmobile or mush your own dogsled team. Enjoy the laurel blossoms that bloom in the spring or shop at the outlets or speciality stores. Orienteer your way through the mountains on horseback or by bike in the Pocono Mountains this summer. Tee off at a golf course or sample a micro brew this fall. Choose any, or all, of these activities for your perfect Poconos escape. With 2,400 square miles encompassing northeast Pennsylvania's Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne counties, the Pocono Mountains region is home the Pocono Mountains are a year-round holiday spot. For a fun-filled Poconos experience in the winter, ski the slopes, ride s snowmobile or mush your own dogsled team. Enjoy the laurel blossoms that bloom in the spring or shop at the outlets or speciality stores. Orienteer your way through the mountains on horseback or by bike in the Pocono Mountains this summer. Tee off at a golf course or sample a micro brew this fall. Choose any, or all, of these activities for your perfect Poconos escape. With 2,400 square miles encompassing northeast Pennsylvania's Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne counties, the Pocono Mountains region is home to rolling mountain terrain, breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls, thriving woodlands and 170 miles of winding rivers. Winters offer guests the opportunity to ski, snowboard, snow tube and even snowshoe their way through snowy wonderlands encompassing over 163 ski trails, while summers also cater to the active traveller allowing exploration of 261 miles of hiking and biking trails, over 35 golf courses, white-water rafting, boating, fishing and open access to nine state and two national parks.

4 nights in the Pocono Mountains

Day 8: To Philadelphia Airport via Valley Forge, Pennsylvania (150 miles)

En route to Philadelphia Airport, stop by Valley Forge where you can pick up some last minute shopping at either the King of Prussia Mall boasting seven world class department stores and more than 400 stores, boutiques, and restaurants, The King of Prussia has more pure retail shopping space than any other attraction in American or if you like a bargain head for the Philadelphia premium outlets in Limerick feature more than 150 designer and brand-name outlet stores in an astounding 425,000-square-foot space. Upscale merchants such as Calvin Klein, Coach, J.Crew and Sony are among the outlet stores tempting shoppers. 

For those who don’t want to shop but want a piece of American history be sure stop by Valley Forge Historical Park. The picturesque, rolling hillsides of 3,600-acre Valley Forge National Historical Park are a peaceful reminder of freedom won by men’s sacrifices long ago. It was here that General George Washington forged his Continental Army into a fighting force, during the winter encampment of 1777-78. No battles were fought, no bayonet charges or artillery bombardments took place. Nonetheless, some 2,000 soldiers died – more Americans than were killed at the battles of Brandywine and Germantown combined. Valley Forge is the story of an army’s epic struggle to survive against terrible odds, hunger and disease.

All done – it’s time to head for Philadelphia Airport which is approx 1 hour drive, drop the car and check in for your flight home.