Philadelphia Flower Show
February 29 - March 4, 2020

Saturday, February 29 ~

Arrival in Philadelphia and time to explore before our included welcome dinner

Depart your city and arrive in Philadelphia early afternoon and make your way to the perfectly located Philadelphia Marriott Downtown (connected to the flower show location!) This is the perfect opportunity to explore the near-by Reading market, a fabulous indoor marketplace with all varieties of shops, wonderful food and restaurants. Later, join your tour escorts and fellow travelers for a nice glass of wine and welcome dinner at a great restaurant steps from our hotel.

Dinner included today.

Sunday, March 1 ~

Visit Brandywine Valley including Longwood Gardens and Winterthur Museum

Today we visit Delaware’s Brandywine Valley, home of renowned museums made famous by the legacy of the du Ponts. Our private motorcoach's first stop will be the incredible and much-admired Longwood Gardens, once the private estate of Pierre S. du Pont and regarded as one of the world’s greatest gardens. With more than four acres of breathtaking indoor conservatories, you will enjoy the seasonal floral displays and lush tropical plants that grow year-round.

Afterward, we’ll visit Winterthur Museum and Gardens, once the home of Henry Francis du Pont. Today Winterthur is a nine-story building filled with more than 90,000 American decorative art objects. Our visit will include a guided tour of the house, a garden tram ride and entry to the galleries. You will also have plenty of time to browse the wonderful Winterthur Museum Stores.

Monday, March 2 ~

City Tour, Lunch, Docent Tour of Barnes Foundation

We begin the day with a leisurely and enjoyable private city tour of the historic and modern elements of Philadelphia. Enjoy stops at the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, and if you feel up for it, take a quick run up the steps at the Art Museum (famous from the movie 'Rocky.') You will gain new appreciation for our founding fathers, and our Nation's history, as you explore Philadelphia's fascinating past through its streets of stunning and diverse architecture.

Following our city tour, we'll enjoy a nice lunch together before our private tour of the incredible Barnes Foundation.

The Economist called The Barnes Foundation "The greatest private collection of post-Impressionist and early modern art in America." This is a fabulous addition to our tour, and fits in beautifully with the gardening theme! The collection includes work by Gauguin, Degas, Matisse, Renoir, Cezanne, Lipchitz, van Gogh, and Goya, among others. To get a feel for the depth of this collection, and for what you'l be seeing on your private tour, have a look at the foundation's "highlights" page. Past Huron travelers who have visited the Barnes have been amazed and overjoyed by the their visits, as will you.

We'll transfer back to our hotel having a new appreciation for Philadelphia, for a leisurely night on your own. Please consult the well researched and personally compiled restaurant list included with your final tour documents for dining ideas (a favorite of 2019's group was The Dandelion - an authentic multilivel British "gastro-pub").

Lunch included today.

Tuesday, March 3 ~

The Philadelphia Flower Show

Just a short walk away is the Philadelphia Flower Show, and you have the entire day to enjoy all that this well-respected show has to offer. You will quickly understand why this is America's premier flower event, with some even daring to say that it is better than England's Chelsea Flower Show (if you've never been to Chelsea the Philly show is a nice substitute, but we don't agree that it's better!). This year’s theme "Riviera Holiday" is sure to be a perfect reminder that winter is bound to end! Don’t miss the fabulous market place with over 150 vendors. Foodies will love the International Wine and Spirits Garden and the International Dessert and Coffee Bar. The more studious gardeners will want to take advantage of the many lectures and workshops taking place throughout the day. Feel free to leave and return as often as you wish.

Special Huron Additions:

We include the ‘Flower Show V.I.P.’ package which includes: An early morning guided tour of the Flower Show before it is open to the public - (great time to take photos), a flower arranging demonstration by award winning floral designers, 10% off purchases at the Flower Show Shoppe, a free gift bag, and access to the private members lounge at the Show!

Just when you are ready for a break, meet us for our included Bloomin' Brunch.New for 2020 PHS's Bloomin' Brunch suggests an "Escape to Saint-Tropez with a flowerful and indulgent Mediterranean-inspired brunch experience. A perfect “getaway”, the all-new Bloomin’ Brunch takes place in a breathtaking garden setting and features a 3-course menu of salad, quiche entrée and fruit tart dessert." You'll enjoy this perfect setting in which to reflect on the wonderful day so far, and to plan your next few hours at the show.

Garden Brunch included today.

Wednesday, March 4 ~

Departure

Sadly, all great things come to an end! You'll depart Philadelphia for home with new friends and wonderful memories from another fabulous Huron Tours & Travel excursion. Or, extend your stay in Philadelphia and add additional hotel nights using our specially priced rates. Call for pricing and availability.