Tours

CANCELLEDHISTORIC PHILADELPHIA & MURAL ARTS ACTIVITYCANCELLED

Saturday, September 29, 8:30a – 1:30p, $185

Guests will be transferred to the Historic District for a highlights tour of the area. A professional guide will share the history and lore of Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, President’s House, Franklin Court, Christ Church, Betsy Ross House and Elfreth’s Alley.

Following the immersion into historic Philadelphia, guests are transferred to the Asian Arts Initiative where they will work with Mural Arts Philadelphia to create a mural. A muralist works with participants on painting panels of parachute cloth of an actual mural in process. This activity gives a sense of the mural-making process and offers participants an interesting perspective into the notion that art ignites change. Half the group will start with a modified walking tour and the others will start with the mural; groups will then switch rolls. The tour will give participants some history and context on the significance of the painting activity. Guests will literally be leaving their mark on Philadelphia!

BREWS & SPIRITS OF PHILLY

Saturday, September 29, 2:00p – 5:00p, $195

Discover the modern-day beer and spirits renaissance happening in Philadelphia. While navigating the fascinating streets of Philly’s Kensington neighborhood, your group will experience both a tour and tasting at each location. Learn about the incredible history and resurgence of the area -from its past as the manufacturing hub of the city to today’s thriving artist and creative community revitalizing the area. You’ll have the opportunity to speak to the creators and learn about their history and passion for what they do. Many brewers and distillers take direct inspiration from the drinks of the past, paying homage to brews made by some of the Founding Fathers of our country.

EASTERN STATE PENITENTIARY & CITY GHOST TOUR

Sunday, September 30, 8:00a – 12:30p, $85

Eastern State Penitentiary was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, but stands today in ruin, a haunting world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers. Known for its grand architecture and strict discipline, this was the world’s first true “penitentiary,” a prison designed to inspire penitence, or true regret, in the hearts of prisoners. Its vaulted, sky-lit cells once held many of America’s most notorious criminals, including bank robber “Slick Willie” Sutton and Al Capone. After a guided tour of the Eastern State Penitentiary, guests will be transferred to the Historic District for a ghost tour. The tour features a combination of history, folklore, and ghost stories based on the book, Ghost Stories of Philadelphia, PA. Tours are led by a costumed storyteller, and all stops on the tour are documented historic sites.

ITALIAN MARKET FOOD TOUR & SOUTH PHILLY TOUR

Monday, October 1, 9:30a – 1:30p, $90

This tour weaves through both the unique 9th Street Italian Market and the neighboring streets, to discover the essence that is Philadelphia. Guests will be treated to a celebration of tastes as they move from store to store, meeting owners and workers and discovering the rich heritage that typifies the last 4 or 5 generations, since many of these immigrants’ ancestors arrived in the country. Sample the cheeses, balsamic, pasta, olives, prosciutto, preserves and meats, mixed with gelato, pastries and other sweet treats. You certainly won’t leave the Market hungry. After walking through the Italian Market, discover the hidden gems in South Philadelphia. Admire Isaiah Zagar’s beautiful one-of-a-kind mosaics at Magic Gardens, get to know the real South Philly from a local perspective, and wander among the colorful stalls. Guests will love taking a glimpse into one of the city’s most charming neighborhoods and eclectic streets.

CANCELLED MUSEUM OF AMERICAN REVOLUTION & COLONIAL CHOCOLATE DEMO CANCELLED

Monday, October 1, 1:00p – 5:00p, $100

During the highlights tour, followed by free time, at the Museum of American Revolution, guests can check out the Immersive galleries, dynamic theaters, and recreated historical environments that bring to life the events, people, and ideals of our nation’s founding and engage people in the history and continuing relevance of the American Revolution.

Next, guests are transferred to the Betsy Ross House to experience colonial chocolate making. Meet an 18th-century chocolate maker and learn about the history of chocolate in colonial Philadelphia. The demonstration features techniques that were used in the 18th century and includes a sample of American Heritage hot chocolate drink, inspired by a colonial recipe.

CANCELLEDPENNSYLVANISA DUTCH (AMISH COUNTRY) TOURCANCELLED

Monday, October 1, 8:15a – 6:00p, $160

Let our tour guide take you “off the beaten path” to sites, you probably would not find on your own in Lancaster County. You will see the beautiful countryside and learn about the history, traditions, and culture of the simple, unique way of life of the Amish within Lancaster County. First, travel deep into the heart of the oldest Amish community in the world where you’ll marvel at some of the most beautiful farmland you’ll ever set eyes upon. Inside the Homestead, learn of Amish traditions and practices, plain clothing and life without electricity. The dramatic tale of “Jacob’s Choice”, an Amish family’s effort to preserve a lifestyle and a culture is unforgettably told through a high-tech, multi-media production; experience “400 years of history in 40 minutes of magic.”

A short ride to Intercourse, PA for a stroll through the quaint Kitchen Kettle Village where you can visit the 42 shops built around the nationally celebrated Jam & Relish Kitchen, following a lunch at Kitchen Kettle Village. While touring Kitchen Kettle Village, sample pepper jams, watch fudge being rolled, go for a horse drawn carriage ride or listen as Banjo Jimmy plays a tune.

Post-Convention Tour

TO BE HELD IN PHILADELPHIA’S BRANDYWINE VALLEY OCT. 3-6

NECA 2018 Philadelphia attendees will get a chance to experience the history and culture of the Brandywine Valley during this fall’s post-convention tour.

The optional tour will be held on Wednesday, October 3 until Saturday, October 6.

NECA 2018 Philadelphia is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 29-Tuesday, October 2.

Brandywine Valley is rich in beauty and American history. The Valley Forge encampment is a reminder of George Washington’s winter of hardship. Hagley Powderworks will motivate those who are new to any endeavor, as the storied DuPont family once was. Guests will also enjoy museums filled with art of famous natives to the area (such as Andrew Wyeth) and curated collections.

Hotel accommodations will be made for the three nights at Delaware’s Montchanin Inn, a collection of historic houses forming a village with 28 unique rooms and suites. Because there are limited rooms in each category, as well as certain bed types, send NECA a reservation form as soon as possible to get your first choice. Check out this video on the Inn »

Click here for a detailed itinerary, pricing and reservation form »