Philadelphia Foodie Foray

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Priced From

$1,498 USD *

(For One Person, Double Occupancy)

* Plus taxes. Tours sold on an availability basis.

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4 days | 3 nights

Culinary Independence in Philadelphia

It may seem as though Philly blossomed into a culinary wonderland just in the past few years. The truth, though, is that its food history started long before America was born, and local gastronomic geniuses have been dreaming up enticing delights ever since. Invented in Philadelphia in the 1930s, the cheesesteak is the most well-known icon of the city, and soft pretzels have become a part of everyday Philadelphia culture. Your visit to Philadelphia will take you from fresh local markets to the kitchens of some of the cities more revered chefs and culinary personalities.

Philadelphia Foodie Foray

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Itinerary Accommodations Map FAQ

VACATION HIGHLIGHTS

Please note: Our tours are designed with flexible itineraries to accommodate seasonality and desired dates of travel.

•3 Nights Accommodation

•Welcome Dinner

•Vetri Tasting Experience with Wine

•Guided Tour of Philadelphia

•3-Course Dining at Talula’s Garden

•Philadelphia Foodie Tour

•Fresh Market Cooking Class

While our tours are designed as soft adventure experiences, walking, climbing stairs, and in rare cases mild hiking may be required. If you have mobility issues, you should speak with one of our culinary travel specialists to determine if this tour is appropriate for your situation.

AVAILABLE DATES

Year-Round, Based on Your Travel Dates

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Please note: Actual itineraries are subject to change due to seasonality.

(click item for details)

Day 1

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Arrival and Check-In

Your hotel is located in the historic 1907 Lafayette Building, and sits at the center of the historic district. Within mere steps are exciting pieces of our revolutionary past—Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and the Betsy Ross House. After you check in, take a little time to get acquainted with the City of Brotherly Love.

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Welcome Dinner I Vetri Tasting Experience with Wine

Vetri has the longstanding reputation as being one of the most respected and influential Italian restaurants in the country. After years of working in some of the finest kitchens in Italy and the U.S., Chef Marc Vetri returned home to his native Philadelphia to bring new life to this jewel box townhouse that was once home to the lauded Le Bec Fin. Your dinner will consist of outstanding rustic fare, handcrafted pastas, innovative flavor combinations and artful presentation, along with custom wine pairings. Vetri has gained a fast following amongst diners, critics and fellow chefs alike. Vetri has earned Philadelphia Inquirer's highest restaurant rating, and Chef Vetri was named one of Food & Wine magazine’s “Ten Best New Chefs,” and a James Beard Award for "Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic.

Day 2

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Guided Tour of Philadelphia

Take to the streets on your own terms. A private guided tour will be designed, based on your own specifications. This 3 hour morning tour is your day to design, relax and enjoy as your guide Lois shows you the history, culture, monuments and neighborhoods according to your own preferences.

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Fresh Market Cooking Class

Enjoy all that is fresh, local and in season during this hands-on cooking experience. Chef instructor Florio, is a Philadelphia native and the daughter of Italian-born parents from the Campania region of Italy. Her family brought their love of food and rich traditions with them and Anna grew up speaking Italian in a family where the kitchen was the center of the house. When people came together in their home there was always cooking, talking, laughing and sharing of their passion for food. During her childhood she spent summers in Benevento where she played and worked in the kitchens of family trattorias and cafés. In this hands-on class you may learn about fresh pastas and sauces, and many other dishes that represent the essence of Southern Italy. The cuisine and dishes that you will learn change based on the season.

Day 3

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Flavors of Philadelphia Foodie Tour

Discover Philly's most popular food favorites while getting a taste of the city's rich history and culture! Eat like a local on this fun, casual, Philadelphia-themed tour that you are sure to enjoy. This delicious and entertaining tour takes place in the heart of Philadelphia and includes 5 stops. Make room – this is not only a tasting adventure, but a meal that includes classic Philly eats like cheesesteaks and cheese whiz fries, tomato pie, soft pretzels, chocolate-covered hard pretzels, and decadent cake truffles. We’ll keep you off the tourist beat, introduce you to places locals love, and immerse you in the culinary experiences that have made Philly foods world-famous.

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Talula’s Garden, Seasonal American Food Inspired by the Farm and the Garden

Enjoy a 3-course dinner with wine at Talula’s Garden to end your day. One of the most recognized personalities in Philadelphia dining, Aimee Olexy truly understands what hospitality means. Talula's Garden, her inspired Washington Square collaboration with Stephen Starr, is blessed with the ability to send the "fine-dining elite into effusions of breathless adjectives," according to Philadelphia Magazine. Charles Parker, Executive Chef at Talula's Garden, has developed a unique infrastructure of craft cheese making, bread baking, Sunday brunch, and seasonal tasting menus. Parker is insistent that the guest experience is paramount. Every day he questions, "Is it delicious, is it regional, does it reflect the season, is it satisfying to eat?" He believes it is at the heart of the Chef's role to communicate that passion in each menu item. What distinguishes Talula's; the farm to table mission, personal and humble service, and inspired quality, making his kitchen an enduring home away from home.

Day 4

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Check-Out and Departure

Time flies when you’re having so much fun, but alas…it is time to check out and depart this delicious, “Edible Destination.” Should you desire an extended stay, please let your culinary travel specialist know prior to check-in. May your future travels come from sweet dreams, and create tasty memories!

Hotel Monaco - Philadelphia

Located in the historic 1907 Lafayette Building, the hotel sits at the center of the historic district. Within mere steps are exciting pieces of our revolutionary past—Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and the Betsy Ross House. The deluxe king room, includes daily wine reception and morning coffee and tea service. Each room boasts 300-thread count Frette linens, 37” flat panel HDTV, docking station, fully stocked honor bar, and C.O Bigelow bath amenities.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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What Currency is being quoted?

The Currency Code is listed directly after the published amount. If it states USD, then the quoted price is in United States Dollars. If it states CAD, then the quoted price is in Canadian Dollars. If it states EUR, then the quoted price is in European Union Dollars…etc. However, please note that all charges are processed in USD, and Epitourean’s Merchant Bank automatically calculates the currency conversion on the day of the charge.

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What does Double Occupancy mean?

Two persons traveling together, and staying in the same room. Tour prices are normally quoted as “per person, double occupancy” in case two people are traveling together and staying in the same room, but paying separately. The cost of the lodging is also shared by two people, thereby reducing costs. This could be a married couple, two friends or relatives.

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What is a Single Supplement?

Whenever a person travels alone, the cost of their lodging cannot be shared by another person. When tour products are priced, they are normally stated as “per person, double occupancy.” Whenever a guest occupies a room as a solo, the whole cost of the lodging must be incurred by that one individual. Tour companies accommodate this by charging a Single Supplement. Epitourean does its best to keep the single supplement as low as possible, but it is a real cost that tour companies must absorb, and must pass along to the single traveler.

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If I am a Solo Traveler, will I be paired with another person?

Epitourean never pairs a solo traveler with another person without a special request. If you book Single Occupancy, you will have a room entirely to yourself. However, should you wish to be paired with another solo traveler to save on the single supplement, you may make this request. We cannot guarantee that we can accommodate such requests, since it would take another solo traveling on the same tour for the same dates. But if requested, we will certainly try.

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Is a Deposit required to book a tour or getaway?

Yes. We require a 30% refundable deposit for all our domestic (USA and Canada) getaways and tours, and a 50% refundable deposit for international destinations outside of the USA and Canada. Reservations made for destinations within the USA and Canada must be paid in full 30 days prior to departure. Reservations made for destinations outside of the USA and Canada must be paid in full 60 days prior to departure.

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Are flights included in the tour price?

No. Flights are never included in the price of our land-only tours. Epitourean does not provide air, rail or sea travel, unless expressly noted in the itinerary.

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May I give a culinary tour as a gift?

Yes. Epitourean has a special program designed specifically for this purpose. Our Gift Packages come with features such as special messages to the recipient, gift box option, gift link (without pricing), and floating dates (should you not know when the gift recipient wants to travel). Contact a Culinary Travel Specialist at 800-390-3292 or customerservice@epitourean.com to receive additional information about this unique offering.

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May we request separate beds if sharing a room?

Yes. In most cases, Epitourean can accommodate a request for two beds to be placed in one room. Just make sure to make this request in the comments section of the reservation process.

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Does each guestroom have a private bathroom?

Yes. Epitourean partners with the best lodging options in each destination, and private (en suite) bathrooms are a requirement. However, you should inquire as to the configuration of bathrooms should you have a special need. For example, some tours include accommodations in medieval villages, where either a shower or bath(but maybe not both) are present.

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Can your tours accommodate my dietary restrictions?

In almost all cases, Epitourean can accommodate dietary choices and restrictions. But we do request that you ask a Culinary Travel Specialist prior to making your reservation so that we can assess your individual situation.

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What is your Cancellation Policy?

Generally, you may cancel any tour or getaway package within 30 days of making a reservation, and receive a full refund of any deposit or payments made, as long as the cancellation is made at least 31 days in advance of departure for domestic tours or 61 days in advance of departure for international tours. Cancellations made after 30 days incur a 10% cancellation fee (10% of the deposit amount paid, not the full price of the tour package). Cancellations made 30 days or less in advance of departure for domestic packages (60 days or less for international packages) cannot be refunded due to loss of inventory.

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If I am unable to use a portion of the tour, can I get a partial refund?

Unfortunately, due to vendor and supplier contracts, we are unable to provide partial refunds for unused portions of any tour or tour component.

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Are Transfers included in the Itinerary?

Round-trip transfers from the airport or train station are normally included in our international tours. Transfers to the destination (for both international and domestic tours) are not included in the tour price. Please see the Sample Itinerary. If it mentions that transfers are included, then yes, transfers are included at no additional cost.

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What meals and excursions are included in the tour?

The Sample Itinerary should be your reference. If the meal or excursion is described in the Sample Itinerary, then it is included at no additional charge. For those days where it expressly notes Free time, then any optional activities you elect to participate in might have an additional cost. In addition, if the itinerary states "evening on your own," it would imply that you have the opportunity to visit a restaurant of your own choosing, and at your own expense. If you have any question about inclusions, please submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button under the price section.

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Is it possible to book pre or post tours or stays through Edible Destinations?

Yes, we often do have optional 2 and 3 night excursions that are priced separately from the tour. We can also assist with pre and post night stays in a hotel if you choose to come in early before the tour starts, or stay on after a tour ends. The price of those hotel stays are not included in the price of the tour, but we would be happy to provide a quote. Simply ask your Culinary Travel Specialist, or submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button.

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Are Guide or Host Gratuities included in the price of the tour?

Since tipping guidelines and customs vary widely between countries, we do not include gratuities in the price of the tour. Your Culinary Travel Specialist can provide you with recommendations. But the general rule is to tip modestly when you are pleased with a guide’s services, either at the end of the tour, or at the conclusion of a specialty day excursion where you will only be with that guide (or chef) on that day.

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Should we plan on any personal expenses during the tour?

All lodging, meals, transfers, classes and excursions mentioned in the Sample Itinerary and Vacation Highlights are included in the price of the tour. However, we highly recommend taking local currency for purchasing personal items, souvenirs, tipping, etc. You can either get the local currency at an airport exchange service, ATM or from your local bank prior to travel. However, you should note that many hosted destinations do not accept credit cards for personal purchases.

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Do you recommend Travel Protection?

We recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans can include coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay and more. For more information on the available plans or to enroll, click on the link below or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792 and reference location number 06-0248.

The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company (formerly known as Stonewall Insurance Company), 1314 Douglas Street, Suite 1400, Omaha, NE 68102. 11.17 E7N

Winner
OUTSTANDING
CULINARY TRAVEL
Category Member of ASTA