(800) 814 COOL Questions? Call Us Now!

Revolution and the Founders: History Tour of Philadelphia

1,993 Reviews 4.88 out of 5 stars Based on 1,993 reviews collected by Cool Philadelphia and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 97% of reviewers
97% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Philadelphia, USA
Book online or call us
Chat now

from $29 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
Liberty Bell in Philadelphia - History and Sightseeing Walking Tour
Revolution and the Founders: History Tour of Philadelphia Image 2
Revolution and the Founders: History Tour of Philadelphia Image 3
Revolution and the Founders: History Tour of Philadelphia Image 4
Revolution and the Founders: History Tour of Philadelphia Image 5

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 13 (3.70) days in advance.
2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation

Overview

This tour visits The Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, George Washington and Alexander Hamilton's homes, and sites of numerous Founding Fathers including Adams, Jefferson, Franklin, Madison, Monroe, and others. Every guide has a history degree.

What's Included

  • 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
  • Essential tour of Revolutionary Philadelphia historic sites and highlights
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option not selected)
  • Gratuities
  • Independence Hall Timed Tickets (2hrs/free of charge)
See 3 moreSee 4 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

South 3rd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA

Tour ends just behind City Tavern and Merchants Exchange where The Continental Congress met every Saturday just aside Alexander Hamilton's Philadelphia home.

Options & Pricing

What To Expect

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.
Read more

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.
Read more

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.
Read more

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.
Read more

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."
Read more

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.
Read more

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.
Read more

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.
Read more

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.
Read more

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.
Read more

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.
Read more

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.
Read more

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.
Read more

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.
Read more

Independence Visitor Center (Pass By)

Check-in and revolutionary history introduction at the beginning of our historic walking tour.
Read more

Grim Philly Twilight Tours (Pass By)

Every guide has a history degree. Most are history teachers and American History Professors.
Read more
Show 14 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Revolution and the Founders: History Tour of Philadelphia?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Questions?

Our friendly customer support is here to help.
Activity code: C-6263P7

Traveler Photos

See more
See more

Reviews

4.88
1,993 reviews

Average 4.88 out of 5 stars based on 1,992 traveler reviews collected by Cool Philadelphia and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
1,841
4 stars
95
3 stars
32
2 stars
17
1 star
7

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 13 (3.70) days in advance.
Philadelphia Tours
Attractions
Guides
Calendar
View more
View more

Similar Tours & Activities

Chinatown Guided Food Tour

Chinatown Guided Food Tour

1
 2 hours 30 minutes  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$105
The Great Comedy Magic Walk
Likely to Sell Out

The Great Comedy Magic Walk

118
 60 to 90 minutes  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$35.29
The Philadelphia Sightseeing Day Pass: 35+ Historic Attractions & Tours

The Philadelphia Sightseeing Day Pass: 35+ Historic Attractions & Tours

5
 1 to 5 days  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$59
The Illiad South Philly Food/Culture Tour

The Illiad South Philly Food/Culture Tour

1
 3 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$45

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Dark Philly Adult Night Tour

Dark Philly Adult Night Tour

3,838
 2 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$38
Philadelphia Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour

Philadelphia Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour

2,043
 1 hour 30 minutes  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$36
Philadelphia Old City Historic Walking Tour with 10+ Top Sites
Likely to Sell Out

Philadelphia Old City Historic Walking Tour with 10+ Top Sites

1,722
 1 hour 30 minutes  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$43.50
BYOB Historically Hilarious Trolley Tour of Philadelphia

BYOB Historically Hilarious Trolley Tour of Philadelphia

598
 2 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$48.50

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Philadelphia customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Revolution and the Founders: History Tour of Philadelphia?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT).
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • 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.
  • Essential tour of Revolutionary Philadelphia historic sites and highlights.
  • Liberty Bell, Franklin; Sightseeing- best of Phila for first-time-visitors.
  • Every Guide Has a History Degree.
The following is NOT included:
  • 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).
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Revolution and the Founders: History Tour of Philadelphia is as follows:

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Revolution and the Founders: History Tour of Philadelphia will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Philadelphia. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024

What's Included

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • 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
  • Essential tour of Revolutionary Philadelphia historic sites and highlights
  • Liberty Bell, Franklin; Sightseeing- best of Phila for first-time-visitors
  • Every Guide Has a History Degree
  • 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)

Additional Info

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 24 travelers

Report Product Issue

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Lowest Price Guarantee

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

We guarantee the lowest price on all the tours available to book on our site. We'll refund the difference if you find the exact tour cheaper online until 48 hours before your tour starts.

We Make It Easy!

Gather your information

Locate your Cool Philadelphia Booking Number and the proof of the lower price you found.

Send it to us

Email [email protected] with the documents, your name, and your home address.

We'll review

We'll review your materials and get in touch as soon as possible.

Receive your refund

If everything checks out, we'll refund you the price difference.

Refund Terms & Conditions

The following conditions apply to all lowest price guarantee refund requests:

  • The lowest price guarantee is available to any customer who makes a qualifying purchase through our website. The qualifying purchase must be a minimum of US$20 (or equivalent).
  • The lowest price guarantee covers retail and prepaid rates available to the general public. This does not include discounts or promotions you may receive (or be eligible for) from third-party sites or organizations such as AAA or AARP or special offers made as part of a membership program, corporate discount, daily deal, group, or rewards program.
  • Cool Philadelphia promotions cannot be combined with the lowest price guarantee.
  • If you find a lower retail or prepaid rate for the same tour, offered on the same date, time and priced in the same currency as your original purchase, on any other website between the time you book on Cool Philadelphia and 48 hours before your trip starts, we will refund the difference.
  • The lowest price guarantee does not apply where a lower overall price is found by breaking down the purchased tour into one or more parts sold separately.
  • Cool Philadelphia reserves the right to verify the lower price details. Examples of acceptable forms of verification include a web screenshot or a web address.
  • All refund decisions will be made at the sole discretion of Cool Philadelphia.

Cancellation Policy

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Free cancellation
100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Sorting, ranking, and search results

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Cool Philadelphia wants to make your searches as relevant as possible. That's why we offer many ways to help you find the right experiences for you.

On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You'll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.

If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through Cool Philadelphia over a 12-month period.

The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We're always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.

Chat with us

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Concierge