Philadelphia Hospitality presents

Homes For The Holiday
December 11-13, 2009
featuring the
mansions of the Brandywine Valley and historic homes of Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park.

Program Itinerary

DAY 1 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11
Check into Wilmington’s elegant Hotel du Pont, which has been a symbol of the du Pont family since its opening in 1913. The hotel’s Italian Renaissance structure is a showcase of polished marble, coffered ceilings, carved walnut, oak paneling and original artwork.
This evening you will travel to Longwood Gardens for their spectacular Holiday Festival featuring acres of lighted outdoor displays and an atrium filled with holiday decorations and flowers.
Prior to your departure for Longwood, join your fellow travelers for a welcome reception in one of the Hotel du Pont’s elegant private rooms.

DAY 2 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12
Depart for Philadelphia and a unique yuletide event: the Fairmount Park Houses Holiday Tour. These park homes served as country estates for prominent Philadelphians during the late 1700s and early 1800s and rank high among the finest groups of authentic early American houses in the nation. Take a trip back in time as your view these architectural masterpieces decorated in Christmas splendor.
Before returning to the Brandywine Valley enjoy lunch the Water Works Restaurant located in the stunning 1812 neoclassical building set atop a picturesque cliff overlooking the Schuylkill River.
Spend the remainder of the afternoon at Nemours Mansion and Gardens, a modified Louis XVI-style French château that was once the home of Alfred I. du Pont. The house is furnished with fine antique furniture, as well as rare rugs and tapestries. Following the mansion tour, enjoy a guided bus tour through the elegant French-style gardens that include fountains, pools, and statuary.
Dinner this evening is on you own.

DAY 3 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13
Delight in a tour of Yuletide at Winterthur a celebration of the beauty and joy of holiday gatherings. The former home of Henry Francis du Pont, today Winterthur is a sprawling, nine-story museum with an unrivaled collection of American decorative arts dating from 1640 to 1860. There are 175 period-room displays in the museum and approximately 85,000 objects.
The du Pont’s celebrated the holidays with panache and you will be transported to a world of holiday entertaining inspired by well-loved traditions and stylish gatherings.
Return to your hotel for individual departures.

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