Philadelphia city tour: private driving with guide + museum

Summary

Philly’s stories, flavors & faces from a local’s seat

Step into Philadelphia’s living history on a private city tour with your own guide and comfy minivan. Wander Old City’s streets, taste your way through Reading Terminal Market, climb the Rocky Steps (if you want), and see Washington’s tent at the Museum of the American Revolution — all with hotel pickup included. It’s a day full of stories you’ll remember long after you leave Philly.

What’s the experience like?

We were already rolling down Market Street when our guide, Sam, pointed out a mural I’d never noticed before — something about Ben Franklin in sunglasses. The van smelled faintly of coffee (someone spilled theirs early on, no one confessed), and outside, Philly was waking up: vendors setting up at the Italian Market, steam rising from manhole covers. I didn’t expect to laugh so much hearing about the rivalry between cheesesteak shops — Sam had opinions, trust me — or to feel weirdly moved standing by the Liberty Bell, even with tourists everywhere snapping selfies.

At Reading Terminal Market, we wandered off for lunch. The air was thick with frying onions and sweet pastries; I tried a roast pork sandwich that dripped down my wrist. There was this moment where an older guy behind the counter winked at me after I butchered “prosciutt’” — he just grinned and handed me extra napkins. After that we drove through Center City, past City Hall’s stone lions and the LOVE statue (smaller than you think). The keyword here is “private driving tour Philadelphia” but honestly it felt more like tagging along with a friend who knows every shortcut.

I’d seen the Rocky Steps in movies but climbing them with my niece — she insisted on running — was different. We were both out of breath at the top, laughing at ourselves while some guy played Eye of the Tiger on his phone nearby. Later at the Museum of the American Revolution, Sam got quiet showing us Washington’s tent. It’s just canvas and wood but somehow it made everything else feel realer? Maybe it was how hushed everyone got inside. We finished back by Penn’s Landing as dusk settled in; I kept thinking about all those layers of history under our feet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Philadelphia Highlights

• Explore historic district and iconic sites
• Climb Rocky Steps and visit Rocky Statue
• Lunch and shopping at Reading Terminal Market
• Visit Philadelphia Italian Market
• Tour Museum of the American Revolution
• See City Hall and LOVE Statue

Top questions

How long does the private driving tour in Philadelphia last?

The full day private driving tour typically lasts around 7–8 hours.

Is hotel pickup included for this Philadelphia city tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

Does this tour include admission to any museums?

Admission to the Museum of the American Revolution is included.

Can we customize stops based on our interests?

Yes, you can customize parts of your itinerary based on interests like food or history.

Is lunch included during the day trip?

No, lunch is not included but there is time to buy food at Reading Terminal Market.

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; strollers are welcome in the van.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Philadelphia, a private minivan just for your group (up to six people), an expert local driver-guide who shares stories along every stop, plus entry tickets for everyone to visit the Museum of the American Revolution before heading back in comfort at day’s end.