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PHILADELPHIA, September 8, 2015 - At least 1.5 million people are expected to converge upon the city for the 8th World Meeting of Families, September 22nd-25th. The event will be highlighted by Pope Francis’ first visit to the United States, and a Papal Mass on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway September 26th-27th. Hotels located within 10 miles of downtown Philadelphia have been sold out since late last year, with people seeking to get as close as possible to the city for the event. Those who are forced to find accommodations further away face a challenge with transportation and parking.
TravelPHL, LLC, a local tourism marketing company, has several solutions to help visitors avoid many of the transportation challenges, enjoy this historic event, and visit some of Philadelphia’s signature family friendly venues. The company is offering transportation to city designated areas for the Papal Visit September 26th-27th. In addition, several tour and transportation packages are being offered to some of the Philadelphia area’s most popular tourist destinations during the entire week of the World Meeting of Families Congress. Bus transportation and van shuttle service will be offered. All vehicles are air conditioned and depending upon the tour selected, seat approximately 15-48 individuals. Buses are equipped with restroom accommodations. All packages can be purchased at www.popephiladelphia.net
Tour Packages:
***** Transportation to Center City/Saturday-Sunday ****
Details: The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security has designated Pope Francis’ visit to Philadelphia as a National Security Special Event (NSEE). This means the United States Secret Service will serve as the lead agency for the operational security plan. As a result, there will be extreme transportation restrictions. This package provides transportation to and from various locations, as yet to be determined, to city designated restricted zones during the Papal visit. PLEASE NOTE: Our service will get individuals as close to the restricted zones as allowable but visitors should anticipate having to walk some distance to access the Benjamin Franklin Parkway for Papal activities.
Available: September 26th-27th only.
• PACKAGE PRICE: $100.00 PER PERSON
• TWO-DAY SPECIAL (SATURDAY & SUNDAY): $150.00 PER PERSON
• CHILDREN 12 AND UNDER: $50.00 PER PERSON
**** Tour the City of Philadelphia ****
Details: Provides transportation to and from any of the designated pick-up locations to Center City to ride the Big Bus Tour of Philadelphia. The Big Bus Tour of Philadelphia is a hop-on/hop-off double decker bus for a 90+ minute guided tour with 27 stops throughout the city including Old City, Society Hill, Penn’s Landing, Center City, Independence National Park, and Philadelphia Zoo.
Package Price: $25 per person, ticket only; $60 per person for ticket and transportation. Available: September 18th-25th.
**** Go shopping at the King of Prussia Mall ****
Details: Transportation to and from any of the designated pick-up locations to King of Prussia Mall, the largest mall on the East Coast. King of Prussia has seven world class department stores and more than 400 stores, boutiques, and restaurants. Coupon booklets will be distributed.
Package Price: $55 per person.
Available: September 18th-25th
**** Visit the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa ****
Details: Transportation to and from any of the designated pick-up locations to The National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa. The National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa is a Polish-American Roman Catholic church that houses a reproduction of the Black Madonna icon of Czestochowa, Poland.
Package Price: $55 per person
Available: September 18th-25th
**** Explore the Underwater World at Adventure Aquarium ****
Details: Transportation to and from any of the designated pick-up locations to the Adventure Aquarium, as well an admissions ticket. Visitors will be able to get up close and personal with sharks, stingrays and starfish. Explore one-of-a-kind exhibits including the hippos, penguins, and the shark tunnel. Adventure Aquarium was named among the best aquariums in the United States in 2013 by the Travel Channel.
Package Price: $60 per person
Available: September 18th-25th
**** Visit Longwood Gardens ****
Details: Transportation to and from any of the designated pick-up locations to Longwood Gardens, as well as an admissions ticket. Longwood Gardens is one of the premier botanical gardens in the United States that consists of more than 1,070 acres of gardens, woodlands, and meadows. Longwood Gardens also has an Indoor Children’s Garden that is surrounded by tree-covered seating and Longwood’s famous fountains. The Indoor Children’s Garden provides a safe and engaging space where children can learn about nature with amazing plants and fun activities.
Package Price: $60 per person
Available: September 18th-25th