PH Travels: Philadelphia

Join us as we explore the history, culture and architecture of one of America’s most fascinating cities from September 17 to 21, 2025

Since its founding in 1682, Philadelphia has been the cradle of American democracy, a manufacturing center and an innovator: it was home to the country's first lending library, hospital, art museum, zoo and computer. Today, visitors enjoy a rich history, beautiful setting and approachable, human-scaled urban landscape that combine to make the Quaker City a thoroughly engaging destination.

Join Preservation Houston in Philadelphia from September 17-21, 2025, as we launch PH Travels, a new program that will offer curated visits to historic sites and preservation projects beyond the Bayou City. Each PH Travels trip will include accommodations, meals, special behind-the-scenes access and personalized tours that will help you see your favorite places in a whole new light. We're happy to have PH member and veteran trip planner Lynn Kelly helping us get this exciting program off the ground.

About our Philadelphia visit

During our five days in Philadelphia, we’ll enjoy a guided walk through the city’s Colonial heart; exclusive tours of the famed Barnes Foundation and Philadelphia Museum of Art; a look inside one of America’s first modern skyscrapers and the country’s largest city hall; introductions to the work of renowned architects such as Horace Trumbauer, Julian Abele, Paul Cret and Louis Kahn; and private receptions that will take us from a South Philly rooftop to one of the city's most architecturally notable homes.

Preservation Houston Programs Director Jim Parsons and tour coordinator Lynn Kelly will guide you through charming neighborhoods, introduce you to local preservationists, and explore how approaches to history and preservation have evolved through the years. (And yes, there will be plenty of cheesesteaks and soft pretzels — not to mention a Rocky photo op.)

The trip includes:

  • Four nights’ accommodation at the Kimpton Hotel Palomar (located in the 1929 Architects Building, an Art Deco tower designed by Paul Cret)

  • Pre-tour educational information and a pre-tour reception in Houston, plus a welcome reception and additional private events in Philadelphia

  • Excursions, activities, sightseeing and site visits led by local specialists and highly qualified guides

  • Two lunches, one brunch and three dinners

  • Transportation in Philadelphia


Pricing and eligibility

$3,900 per person / double occupancy
$4,410 per person / single occupancy

Prices do not include airfare, which is the responsibility of each traveler.

PH Travels is a benefit of Preservation Houston membership. If you are not a current member, please join prior to registering for the trip.


Registration

A completed registration form, a signature indicating acceptance of terms and conditions, and a deposit of $1,500 per person are required to complete your reservation (unless you’re taking advantage of the early registration discount, which requires payment in full at the time of registration). The balance of your payment is due by June 15, 2025.


Cancellation and refunds

Payment is due in full by June 15, 2025. If full payment is not received by that date, your reservation will be canceled and your deposit will be forfeited. If you need to cancel your reservation for any reason, you must notify Preservation Houston in writing.

  • If you cancel your reservation by March 20, 2025, all payments minus a $500 cancellation fee will be refunded.

  • If you cancel your reservation between March 21 and June 15, 2025, all payments minus a $750 cancellation fee will be refunded.

  • There will be no refunds for cancellations after June 15, 2025, but you may transfer your reservation to someone else with no penalty after that date.


Questions?

We’re happy to help! E-mail us or call (713) 510-3990.