Historic Philadelphia
Middlesex Middle School 8th Grade Class Trip
3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Journey to Philadelphia and Exploring the Nation’s Birthplace
Morning:
Depart from Darien, CT to Philadelphia, PA.
Mid-Morning:
Upon arrival, start with an energizing run up the Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, with a group photo at the top featuring the city skyline.
Late Morning:
Head to Independence Hall for a guided tour of the Assembly Room, where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed, diving into pivotal moments of America’s founding. Visit the Liberty Bell, learning about this powerful symbol of freedom and its significance through American history.
Lunch:
Head to Reading Terminal Market for lunch, where students can explore diverse food options and sample Philly classics like cheesesteaks in a lively market atmosphere.
Afternoon:
Take a walking tour through Philadelphia’s historic district, with highlights including:
Congress Hall – the original home of the U.S. Congress from 1790 to 1800, where Washington’s and Adams’s presidential inaugurations were held.
Old City Hall – former home of the U.S. Supreme Court, offering insight into the early judicial system.
Carpenters’ Hall – site of the First Continental Congress, where the foundations for independence were laid.
Elfreth’s Alley – stroll along America’s oldest continuously inhabited residential street, featuring charming 18th-century homes and colonial architecture.
Christ Church and Burial Ground – visit the resting place of Benjamin Franklin and other notable figures, with stories of Philadelphia’s early influential residents.
Evening:
End the day with your 8th grade dinner and dance cruise on the river. Enjoy dinner, dancing with your friends, and the stunning views of the Philadelphia skyline from the water!
Day 2: Museums and Cultural Discovery
Morning:
Begin with a visit to the National Constitution Center, where students will engage in interactive exhibits on the U.S. Constitution, with activities that bring its history and impact to life.
Lunch:
Head to Reading Terminal Market for lunch, where students can explore diverse food options and sample Philly classics like cheesesteaks in a lively market atmosphere.
Afternoon:
Students can choose their own cultural adventure from these options:
Philadelphia Museum of Art – home to renowned art collections and world-famous works by artists like Van Gogh and Monet.
Mütter Museum – a medical museum offering unique insights into the history of medicine, anatomy, and pathology.
Eastern State Penitentiary – explore this iconic prison and learn about the history of incarceration and prison reform.
Museum of the American Revolution – uncover stories and artifacts from the Revolutionary War and learn about the roots of American independence.
The Franklin Institute – a leading science museum with interactive exhibits covering topics like physics, engineering, and natural science.
Evening:
Cap off the day with a Phillies baseball game at Citizens Bank Park! Experience the excitement of America’s favorite pastime with your friends and teachers!
Day 3: Exploring Liberty and Ellis Island or Valley Forge, and Return to Darien, CT
Morning:
Option 1: Liberty and Ellis Island
Depart early for a short drive to New Jersey, where you’ll take a ferry to Liberty Island. Visit the Statue of Liberty, exploring its history as a symbol of hope and freedom. Continue to Ellis Island to learn about the immigration experience and its impact on American culture, with exhibits that tell the stories of millions who passed through this gateway to the United States.
Option 2: Valley Forge National Historical Park
For a deep dive into Revolutionary War history, travel to Valley Forge National Historical Park. Explore this significant site, where Washington’s army camped during the harsh winter of 1777-1778. A guided tour will cover key historical locations, including Washington’s Headquarters, giving insight into the resilience and sacrifices made by the Continental Army.
Late Afternoon:
Depart for Darien, CT.
Included Meals:
Breakfast - Day 2 & 3
Lunch - Day 3
Dinner - Day 1 & 2
2-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Journey to Philadelphia and Exploring the Nation’s Birthplace
Morning:
Depart from Darien, CT to Philadelphia, PA.
Mid-Morning:
Upon arrival, start with an energizing run up the Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, with a group photo at the top featuring the city skyline.
Late Morning:
Head to Independence Hall for a guided tour of the Assembly Room, where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed, diving into pivotal moments of America’s founding. Visit the Liberty Bell, learning about this powerful symbol of freedom and its significance through American history.
Lunch:
Head to Reading Terminal Market for lunch, where students can explore diverse food options and sample Philly classics like cheesesteaks in a lively market atmosphere.
Afternoon:
Take a walking tour through Philadelphia’s historic district, with highlights including:
Congress Hall – the original home of the U.S. Congress from 1790 to 1800, where Washington’s and Adams’s presidential inaugurations were held.
Old City Hall – former home of the U.S. Supreme Court, offering insight into the early judicial system.
Carpenters’ Hall – site of the First Continental Congress, where the foundations for independence were laid.
Elfreth’s Alley – stroll along America’s oldest continuously inhabited residential street, featuring charming 18th-century homes and colonial architecture.
Christ Church and Burial Ground – visit the resting place of Benjamin Franklin and other notable figures, with stories of Philadelphia’s early influential residents.
Evening:
End the day with your 8th grade dinner and dance cruise on the river. Enjoy dinner, dancing with your friends, and the stunning views of the Philadelphia skyline from the water!
Day 2: Museums and Cultural Discovery
Morning:
Begin with a visit to the National Constitution Center, where students will engage in interactive exhibits on the U.S. Constitution, with activities that bring its history and impact to life.
Lunch:
Head to Reading Terminal Market for lunch, where students can explore diverse food options and sample Philly classics like cheesesteaks in a lively market atmosphere.
Afternoon:
Students can choose their own cultural adventure from these options:
Philadelphia Museum of Art – home to renowned art collections and world-famous works by artists like Van Gogh and Monet.
Mütter Museum – a medical museum offering unique insights into the history of medicine, anatomy, and pathology.
Eastern State Penitentiary – explore this iconic prison and learn about the history of incarceration and prison reform.
Museum of the American Revolution – uncover stories and artifacts from the Revolutionary War and learn about the roots of American independence.
The Franklin Institute – a leading science museum with interactive exhibits covering topics like physics, engineering, and natural science.
Late Afternoon:
Regroup and begin the drive back to Darien, CT, with time to reflect on Philadelphia’s rich history and cultural diversity, sharing highlights and memories from the trip.
Included Meals:
Breakfast - Day 2
Dinner - Day 1
1-Day Itinerary
Morning:
Depart from Darien, CT to Philadelphia, PA.
Mid-Morning:
Begin your journey with a visit to Independence Hall, the heart of America’s founding story. Here, students will tour the Assembly Room, where pivotal discussions took place, leading to the creation of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Guides will provide insights into the debates that shaped America’s government, bringing history to life.From Independence Hall, make your way to the Liberty Bell, where students will learn about the bell’s symbolic role in the fight for freedom and justice, and its connection to movements from abolition to civil rights. A presentation explains its iconic crack and how it became a lasting emblem of liberty.
Lunch:
Head to Reading Terminal Market for lunch, where students can explore one of America’s oldest and largest public markets. They can sample local Philly specialties like cheesesteaks, pretzels, and Pennsylvania Dutch desserts while experiencing the lively atmosphere of this historic marketplace.
Afternoon:
Take a walking tour through Philadelphia’s historic district. Highlights include:
Congress Hall – the original home of the U.S. Congress, where students will learn about the early days of American governance and the inauguration of George Washington and John Adams.
Old City Hall – where the U.S. Supreme Court met in its early years, giving insight into the origins of the American judicial system.
Carpenters’ Hall – where the First Continental Congress met in 1774 to organize colonial resistance, a key step towards American independence.
Benjamin Franklin’s Grave at Christ Church Burial Ground – a chance to pay respects to one of America’s most influential Founding Fathers, with a discussion of Franklin’s contributions to science, diplomacy, and society.
Elfreth’s Alley – America’s oldest residential street, showcasing 18th-century architecture and offering a glimpse into colonial life..
Departure:
Board the bus for your return trip home.
What’s Included:
Private Round Trip Motor Coach from Darian to Philadelphia
Teacher-Leader Chaperones (10-1 student to teacher ratio)
School Nurse and Assistant Nurse
Full Time Professional Program Directors in Philadelphia
Hotel Night Security
Triple/Quad Student Room Accommodations
Entrance to Attractions and Activities Listed on Itinerary
All Tips and Gratuities
24-Hour Support
All Taxes and Fees
Standard Cancelation Policy:
Cancel 75 days or more prior to departure: $150 cancelation fee
Cancel 45-74 days prior to departure: $300 cancelation fee
Cancel 15-44 days prior to departure: $500 cancelation fee
Cancel 14 days or under prior to departure: No refund.
Optional - Cancelation Protection Plan
$95.00
This medical cancellation protection plan is provided by The Global Citizen Program. The plan provides a full refund (less $95 paid for the plan) if your child needs to cancel their program up to 24 hours prior to departure for medical reasons. A doctor’s note is required. This plan must be purchased when you enroll on the program.
