Philadelphia Hospitality presents

Philadelphia In Full Bloom
featuring the
2009 Philadelphia Flower Show, Bella Italia
March 5-8, 2009

Program Itinerary

DAY 1 THURSDAY, MARCH 5
Check into the Inn at the Union League, a distinguished private club conveniently located on Philadelphia's dynamic Avenue of the Arts. Truly in a class by itself, The inn offers an incomparable mix of distinctive history and old-world hospitality.
Join your group of garden enthusiasts for a welcome reception and tour of the Union League of Philadelphia's unrivalled collection of historical writings and important art.
Following the tour, you will enjoy dinner in one of the League's elegant private dining rooms.

DAY 2 FRIDAY, MARCH 6
Depart for a special early-morning tour, before the doors open to the public, of the Philadelphia Flower Show, the largest annual indoor flower show in the world.
The 2009 show, titled Bella Italia, pays tribute to the cities and regions of Italy including Milan, Florence, Rome, Venice, Tuscany and the Italian Riviera capturing its natural beauty, art and music.
Enjoy lunch in the historic district at City Tavern, a reconstructed 18th century tavern featuring colonial fare, served by authentically costumed waiters.
The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
You may wish to remain in the area and explore on your own Independence Historic National Park; return to the Flower Show or visit the many galleries, museums and shops located near your hotel. Or, you may wish to participate in the optional excursion to the Barnes Foundation (advance reservation required).

DAY 3 SATURDAY, MARCH 7
Enjoy a full day's excursion in the beautiful Brandywine Valley, a region renowned for its fine gardens and museums. Two famous names -Wyeth and du Pont- have left their mark on this charming region.
Victoria Wyeth, granddaughter of Andrew Wyeth, will lead you on a special tour of the Brandywine River Museum. The museum was created from a Civil War-era grist mill and converted into a modern museum showcasing American art. The museum houses one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of works by N.C., Andrew and Jamie Wyeth in the country.
Enjoy lunch at the Greenville Country Club, a private club set amid the "Chateau Country" of the Brandywine Valley.
Proceed to Longwood Gardens, regarded as one of the world's great gardens. Once the private estate of Pierre S. du Pont, today's Longwood Gardens is a magnificent horticultural showplace. There are more than 1,000 acres of formal gardens, woodlands, and meadows, and 20 indoor gardens housed in 4 acres of greenhouses.
Dinner this evening is on your own.  After dinner, you may attend a performance of the Philadelphia Orchestra at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts (optional selection, advance reservation required).

DAY 4 SUNDAY, MARCH 8
Depart for a VIP tour of the exhibition, Cézanne and Beyond, at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Paul Cézanne is considered by many to be the father of Modernism and an inspiration to 21st century artists. The exhibition will feature paitings and watercolors by Cézanne, displayed alongside works by Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso and Jasper Johns-whose work reflects Cézanne's extraordinary legacy.
Return to your hotel for individual departures.

Optional Tours
Barnes Foundation, Friday, March 6, 1:00-4:30 p.m. Join an excursion to Philadelphia's fabled Main Line for a visit to the Barnes Foundation, one of the finest private collections of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and early-modern art in the world. The Barnes's collection includes 181 Renoirs, 69 Cezannes, 46 Picassos in addition to African, American and decorative arts. ($80 per person, limited space available)
Philadelphia Orchestra, Saturday, March 7, 8:00 p.m. Enjoy a performance of the Philadelphia Orchestra at the acclaimed Kimmel Center for the Performing Art. This evening, London Philharmionic Music Director Vladimir Jurowski conducts Mahler's Das Klagende Lied. ($75 per person, limited tickets available).

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