THE GARDENS OF PHILADELPHIA
APRIL 25 to 28, 2024
$1395 per person, double occupancy
Includes 3 nights accommodation, 1 lunch, all trip-related admissions, guides, transportation and gratuities. Does not include transportation to Philadelphia, alcoholic beverages or meals unless specified in the itinerary.
Supplement for single occupancy is $480.
ACCOMMODATIONS: SOFITEL PHILADELPHIA RITTENHOUSE SQUARE
THURSDAY APRIL 25
Tour begins at 12:30 p.m.
We begin with a guided tour of one of Philadelphia’s great treasures, Shofuso, the Japanese garden and tea house located in Fairmount Park. Its history is as fascinating as its outstanding beauty and authenticity. Prepare to be charmed, dazzled—and transported to another time and place.
Chanticleer is considered one of the great gardens of America with a beguiling intimacy that only adds to its charm. This stunner is worth a lingering visit—and it was Chanticleer’s staff that suggested the dates for our tour so that we may visit the garden at its very best. We enjoy a guided tour and a then a bit of time to wander on our own.
FRIDAY, APRIL 26
We start early this morning to make our date with a special house tour of Andalusia, the extraordinary country residence of the renowned Biddle Family. Andalusia’s director has graciously offered to open early so that our group can have an uninterrupted private tour of this iconic Greek Revival home before we then move on to self-guide through the equally iconic formal gardens along the banks of the Delaware River.
WILLIAM WOYS WEAVER & LUNCH AT ELWOOD
We are in for a rare treat with a lunch hosted by William Woys Weaver and prepared by Elwood’s chef, Adam Diltz. For three decades, Philadelphia-area native, William Woys Weaver has been a leader in promoting and preserving heirloom vegetables through seed saving and garden design. To showcase the flavor and delight of his work, Dr. Woys Weaver is partnering with Chef Adam to host our lunch focused on the truly native cuisine of the region.
We end our busy day at Morris Arboretum & Gardens, yet another example of a garden of extraordinary scale and beauty, resulting from the personal vision of siblings John and Lydia Morris and begun over a century ago. Our tour will focus on the garden’s highlights and if time allows we will also tour the Arboretum’s unparalleled collection of specimen trees from around the world.
SATURDAY, APRIL 27
Mt Cuba is a special treat for even the most inveterate garden aficionado. This large and mature botanical garden has been developed with a modern sensitivity to native plants and sustainable practices—and lucky us—we are there at the height of wildflower season!
The former estate of Pierre S. du Pont, Longwood's 1007 acres are filled with transporting pleasures including its vast outdoor gardens and an incomparable conservatory and palm house complex. After our guided tour we will have some time to explore on our own…
…before returning to Philly and a round of farewell drinks!
SUNDAY, APRIL 28
Tour ends
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