NEWS
For Immediate Release
Contact: Jim Murphy: Cell: 610-506-3024
Email: murfman1@comcast.net
Bus tours limited to first 50 people; Walking tours to just 25 each
PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 5, 2024 – The Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides (APT) is offering step-on bus training to Philly guides for the first time ever.
So says Marianne Ruane, president of APT, who’s been certified since 2016 and guiding since 2012.
“With large crowds expected in Philly in 2025 and 2026,” Ruane says, “we want to be sure we have enough certified tour guides to provide interesting, accurate information for visitors … whether they’re on foot on or a bus.”
Bus tour training sessions are limited to 50 people; walking tour training sessions to just 25.
Reply now to get the tours you want
If you’re interested in attending either or both, you should go to: https://phillyguides.org/shop/ right now. The spots will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.
The 2024 Fall Training Program includes walking tours on Nov. 16 and step-on bus training tours on Nov. 17 and 18.
For the complete schedule, go to: https://phillyguides.org/training-2/ .
Anyone interested in taking tour guide training can apply. Non-members can join APT now and get early-bird discounts at: https://phillyguides.org/2025-membership-drive/, plus save money on the training.
Thanks to our sponsors, Visit Philly and Hard Rock Café, the cost to members for the complete package is about $11 per event or $30 per day, including free lunch on the final day.
Making difficult bus tours easy
Newer guides will learn the ins and out of narrating a bus tour while directing drivers who don’t know Philly’s narrow colonial streets, a difficult task.
Veteran guides will also share their past experiences and discuss what mistakes not to make.
The training includes:
— A walking tour of Old City and Independence National Historical Park
— Center City tours – a choice of city architecture or secrets & scandals
— An overview of bus step-on guiding and school-tour training including tips for airport runs and private driving tours
— Demonstration and practice bus tours, trial-by-fire panel sessions, best and worst practices, and more
Certified Philly tour guides can do local bus tours, over-the-road tours or walking tours.
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