October 27, 1682
1,573,916
Trip Inclusions:
Welcome to your unforgettable adventure with A-Z Travels, a leading educational travel company. As your trusted educational travel agency, we’re here to make learning come alive.
Day 1: Arrival Day, The Philadelphia Museum of Art, Welcome Dinner, Paint Night
Morning:
Travel with your group to your destination: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and get ready for a city with both a unique artistic heritage and modern, compelling public art. As your group arrives around midday, have lunch en route to your hotel before for check-in. Students will meet their A-Z Travels Tour Guide and settle into their comfortable accommodations, allowing everyone a moment to refresh and prepare for an afternoon immersed in great art.
Afternoon:
Once settled, our first cultural powerhouse awaits: The Philadelphia Museum of Art. Here you will embark on a guided highlights tour, moving with sketchbook in hand through magnificent halls featuring the soft light of Impressionist works, the formidable presence of medieval armor, and the bold statements of contemporary galleries. Have students look for artwork that deeply resonates with them and encourage them to capture favorites on paper to forge a personal connection with the masterpieces. Before we leave, we’ll visit the Museum’s famous “Rocky Steps,” a cinematic landmark that’s perfect for film buffs, as well as an opportunity for a fun and energetic photo op that’s iconic to Philadelphia. Head back to the hotel to freshen up before dinner.
Evening:
Have your group get ready for the evening and make your way over to Max Brenner: Chocolate Bar and Restaurant in Center City for a unique welcome dinner! While it is globally known as a “chocolate bar,” it functions as a full restaurant with an extensive savory menu to complement its sweet offerings. The theme is one of industrial whimsy, and is dedicated to the love and consumption of chocolate—with a “chocolate shop” area and hot cocoa served in its famous “hug mugs”, the acutely crafted atmosphere is a great way to kick off your trip. Then, cap off your first night in the city with a guided Paint Night Workshop. Students will follow clearly laid out instructions to complete a Philadelphia-inspired canvas of their own. This artistic treat to end the night will guarantee every student will have a ready-to-hang piece of artwork to take home. Once finished, return to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Day 2: The Barnes Foundation, Museum of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Reading Terminal Market, Penn Museum, Hard Rock Cafe
Morning:
After breakfast at the hotel, our morning is dedicated to light and color at The Barnes Foundation, an architectural marvel housing one of the world’s most significant Impressionist collections. A guided tour will focus on iconic works by Renoir, Cézanne, and Matisse. Here, students will also discover Dr. Barnes’ revolutionary method of displaying art based on visual themes and arrangement. After our viewing, we’ll visit the Museum of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, an invaluable visit for students as it is the first and oldest art museum and school in the United States (founded 1805). It houses a world-class collection of American art from greats like Thomas Eakins, Winslow Homer, and Mary Cassatt. Students can study these original works and see collections and exhibitions specifically designed to expand the story of American art, nurturing students toward innovation and critical thinking.
Afternoon:
In the afternoon, we step into a vibrant, historic food hall for lunch: Reading Terminal Market. Students will love exploring this bustling culinary landmark, where they can choose from an impressive number of vendors, including a multitude of local delights, like warm soft pretzels and sweet Amish pastries. After lunch, we’ll head over to the Penn Museum to explore masterpieces of human history. Delight in artifacts of different cultures while appreciating art history and the development of material culture. From monumental Egyptian Sphinxes to intricate pieces from ancient civilizations, have students challenge their perspective on form, color, and narrative with this foray into ancient and global art.
Evening:
Following our global trek through antiquity, we’ll head back to the hotel to freshen up before dinner. Then, have your group get ready for an electric evening at the atmospheric Hard Rock Cafe. Here students can enjoy a menu of classic American favorites surrounded by authentic music memorabilia from icons like The Beatles and Elvis Presley to modern-day stars. Spend time browsing the guitars, stage costumes, and relics that celebrate music history while enjoying a high-energy dining experience. When full, return to your hotel for a comfortable night of rest.
Day 3: Rodin Museum, The Clay Studio Workshop, Cherry Street Pier, Spruce Street Harbor Park, Museum of Illusions Philadelphia, Farewell Dinner
Morning:
After breakfast, we visit the Rodin Museum to explore the exquisite beauty of the human form as captured in bronze and marble at the world’s largest Rodin collection outside of Paris, France. Here is a great spot to encourage students to engage in a gesture drawing exercise. Quick, expressive lines will lend themselves nicely to capture the intense emotion and dynamic poses of Rodin’s sculptures—including The Thinker the famous and instantly recognizable statue that will greets us outside. Then, we’ll get our hands dirty at The Clay Studio Workshop. This renowned facility for ceramic arts invites students to participate in hands-on pottery and ceramics workshops guided by a professional artist and teacher. They’ll experience the satisfying challenge of hand-building or wheel throwing to create their own ceramic art piece—a truly unique souvenir to take with them from their trip.
Afternoon:
For lunch, we dine at an innovative arts-focused public space right on the river, Cherry Street Pier. Students grab lunch from local food stalls and explore contemporary art installations and artist studios. If available, we’ll explore the Outdoor Exploration area at Spruce Street Harbor Park (seasonal). This urban oasis features floating gardens, interactive art displays, and bright hammocks, perfect for a moment of reflection. Before our evening gets underway, we’ll visit the Museum of Illusions Philadelphia, a place where students can mix creative self-expression with optical illusions. The interactive exhibits include holograms, stereograms, and captivating installations that challenge your vision, perception, and brain.
Evening:
As the night starts, gather your group back at the pier for a Farewell Dinner aboard the magnificent ship-turned-restaurant—Moshulu. Enjoy a truly spectacular fine dining experience aboard this historic, four-masted sailing ship permanently docked on the Delaware River. This unique send-off dinner aims to inspire as students enjoy a memorable and creative meal to celebrate a successful trip.
Day 4: Departure Day, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
Morning:
Fill up on one final breakfast at your hotel before check out. If time allows, partake in one last immersive experience at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens. Here you’ll explore this massive, kaleidoscopic mosaic environment created by artist Isaiah Zagar using countless pieces of recycled materials like tiles, bike wheels, and bottles. It’s an inspiring lesson in transformation and scale. If inclined, students can design their own mosaic sketches, focusing on shape and pattern to create intricate designs.
Afternoon:
Gather all personal belongings and bid a fond farewell to the city. Begin your safe journey home.
Thank you for considering A-Z Travels, your go to student travel company. We hope this experience will inspire lasting memories and learning.
