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DESTINATIONS — THE US


The ‘Rocky Steps’ at the Philadelphia Museum of Art


Independence Seaport Museum


Philadelphia Museum of Art


l DAY TWO 09.30: The easiest way to see a multitude of attractions is on board a Big Bus Tours double-decker. There are 21 stops along its circular route and tickets can be pre-booked through attractionworld.com. From the upper deck you’ll get a great view of Philly’s finest architecture, including City Hall, which is built in the very grand and dramatic French Second Empire style. It contrasts nicely with the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul with its Roman Corinthian-style columns and dome. 10.00: Jump off at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway stop. This broad, tree-shaded boulevard is lined with flags of the countries of the world. This is also the road to mecca for art lovers, home to the Barnes Foundation, the Rodin Museum and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. 10.30: Head inside the Barnes Foundation and submerge yourself in the world of the impressionists and post-impressionists. This vast and astonishing collection was gathered in the early 1900s by Albert Barnes. He spent the


fortune he made as a pharmacist on pieces by Van Gogh, Cézanne, Matisse, Picasso, Renoir, Monet and Seurat before these titans of the art world became famous. 12.00: The works at the Barnes are only trumped by those at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It’s like a treasure chest spilling over with more than 2,000 years’ worth of paintings, decorative art and sculptures from Asia, Europe and the Americas. The steep run of 72 steps leading up to the museum’s gargantuan entrance is


a cultural icon of a different


kind. Made famous in Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky movies, you’ll see many people trying to copy the character’s athletic sprint to their summit, and at the base of the ‘Rocky Steps’ is a statue of the infamous fictional boxer. 14.00: Head to Rittenhouse Square for a late lunch. Parc Brasserie is a good choice. It looks out on to the leafy square and serves salads, sandwiches, moules and steak frites. You’re now in the heart of the main shopping district, too. Along Chestnut and Walnut Streets you’ll find designer stores and high street names with almost everything cheaper than back


home. Dedicated bargain hunters could instead hail a cab and head to Philadelphia Premium Outlets for up to 65% off regular prices on brands such as Calvin Klein and Kate Spade. 16.00: Swap retail therapy for naval history at the Independence Seaport Museum on the banks of the Delaware River. A great one for kids, there are plenty of interactive exhibits including a Second World War submarine and USS Olympia, the oldest steel warship in the country dating back to 1892. 18.00: End your day on a high with cocktails at XIX Bar. Located on the 19th floor of the Hyatt at Bellevue, if you visit between 5pm-7pm, Monday to Friday, you’ll find a happy-hour bargain to go with your view. Afterwards, make for the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, which has a year-round calendar of opera, ballet, classical concerts, rock bands and plays. TW


For more info, head to: discoverphl.com


SAMPLE PRODUCT


North American Travel Service offer a three-night city break staying room-only at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel from £953 including British Airways flights from Heathrow. A 14-night Colonial America Fly Drive, which includes two nights in Philadelphia plus stops in Gettysburg, Richmond and Washington DC, costs from £1,599 for travel in January with room- only accommodation, flights, car hire and GPS rental. northamericatravelservice. co.uk


Funway Holidays offer four nights at the Embassy Suites, Philadelphia Center City, with breakfast from £839 including BA flights from Heathrow on January 8. funway4agents.co.uk


27 November 2014 — travelweekly.co.uk • 67


TOP TIP


100 agents will get to experience


Philadelphia next year – it will host Brand USA’s MegaFam finale in 2015


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