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June 9-13, 2014

Uncover the former Steel Capital's history and architectural treasures with visits to Frank Lloyd Wright's iconic Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob, unique structures of University of Pittsburgh's campus, various museums, including the Carnegie Museum of Art, the Car and Carriage Museum, and the Frick Art Museum, with the Pittsburgh and Fallingwater tour operated by National Trust Tours.

Accommodations
History defines elegance at the Omni William Penn Hotel, a leading member of the Historic Hotels of America, that opened in 1916. A recent multi-million dollar renovation has only enhanced the hotel’s beauty and luxury. The Omni boasts a great location in the heart of Pittsburgh’s Golden Triangle, within walking distance of the city’s best restaurants, shops, and theaters.

Highlights

  • Visit the world famous examples of architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s work at Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob
  • Admire Pittsburgh’s dramatic skyline from the summit of Mount Washington
  • Follow a local guide for a stroll through historic Grant Street, including a visit to H.H. Richardson’s Allegheny County Courthouse
  • Marvel at the beautifully preserved Clayton House, once home of industrialist and art collector Henry Clay Frick
  • Explore architecturally unique academic buildings at the University of Pittsburgh Campus
  • Enjoy the leadership of Scott Gerloff, Director of National Trust Tours and a long-time preservationist.
  • Learn about Pittsburgh’s famous steel industry heritage while cruising the city’s rivers on a privately chartered boat
  • Sojourn at the Omni William Penn Hotel, an elegant luxury hotel located in downtown Pittsburgh, and a member of Historic Hotels of America

Study Leader Information
A 30-plus-year historic preservation professional, Scott Gerloff has held numerous leadership positions with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which allows him to provide perspectives on historic preservation, heritage tourism, and architectural history. A founder of the National Trust’s transformational Main Street Program and Historic Hotels of America, Mr. Gerloff has assisted numerous communities and organizations in developing and utilizing their architectural and historical resources to provide travelers with authentic and meaningful experiences. Mr. Gerloff is currently President of Heritage Travel, a subsidiary of the National Trust.

Tour Itinerary
June 9 - Monday - Welcome to Pittsburgh
Transfer independently to the elegant Omni William Penn Hotel, before setting out on a late afternoon walking tour of historic Grant Street to explore the architectural highlights of the area surrounding the hotel, including a stop at H.H. Richardson’s Allegheny County Courthouse. Later, join study leader and National Trust Tours Director Scott Gerloff for an introductory talk about Pittsburgh’s architectural heritage. At night, get to know fellow travelers during a welcome dinner at a hot downtown restaurant.

June 10 - Tuesday - History, Art, and Architecture
Begin the day with a guided tour of Clayton, the home of industrialist and art collector Henry Clay Frick and a wonderfully preserved example of Gilded Age architecture. It is one of the few intact homes from Pittsburgh’s lost “Millionaire’s Row.” Explore the Frick Art Museum or the Car and Carriage Museum before continuing to the University of Pittsburgh’s main campus to visit two architectural masterpieces: the graceful, light-filled Heinz Chapel and the Gothic fantasy of the Cathedral of Learning, the tallest educational building in the Western Hemisphere. After lunch at a local spot, take in the Carnegie Museum of Art’s collection before enjoying free time at the Museum of Natural History, which houses one of the largest collections of Jurassic dinosaurs.

June 11 - Wednesday - Pittsburgh's Industrial Heritage
In the morning, delve into the fascinating history of Pittsburgh during a private, “Steel City”-themed cruise along the Monongahela River on a specially chartered boat. The captain will regale us with stories about Pittsburgh’s industrial heritage, including the infamous clash between steel workers and Henry Clay Frick, manager of Andrew Carnegie’s Homestead Steel Works, which led to the Homestead Strike of 1892. Also discover the city’s dynamic renovation and re-use of former industrial properties along its rivers. An exclusive treat will be an entrée into one of Pittsburgh’s most gracious historic homes, opened by the owners exclusively for the National Trust. Lunch and the remainder of the afternoon are independent.

June 12 - Thursday - Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob
Drive to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, an icon of 20th century architecture and a National Historic Landmark. Learn about Wright’s timeless monument to organic architecture as you stroll through the harmonious home and grounds. Following lunch, continue to Kentuck Knob, a Usonian home also designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1953. En route back to Pittsburgh, stop atop Mount Washington for panoramic views of the city’s dramatic skyline below and experience a picturesque ride on the Duquesne Incline, which began operations in 1877. In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner.

June 13 - Friday - Farewell Pittsburgh
Independent transfers to the airport for return flights home.

Tour Price*
Per person - $2,995

Special Offer!
Mention Historic Hotels of America when booking your tour and receive three $100 gift certificates, each good toward a $100 refund when you book through HistoricHotels.org and stay for at least two-nights at a Historic Hotels of America hotel.**

Reservations
To book a tour please contact our tour VIP desk at +1 202 772 8000 or scalhoun@historichotels.org.

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*Tour price is per person based on double occupancy, with a minimum of 20 paying participants. For a single supplement $450. Land prices are calculated as of August 2013 and are subject to change. Participants are responsible for all aspects of their air arrangements, round-trip into Pittsburgh, and airport transfers.
Included in tour cost: Four nights at the AAA Four-Diamond Omni William Penn Hotel; Breakfast daily, two lunches, two dinners; Wine at the farewell dinner; Services of ISDI tour manager; Academic leadership of Scott Gerloff; Land transportation by private coach; Gratuities to local guides and drivers; Entrance fees to sites per itinerary; Taxes and services.
Not included in tour cost: Transfers between airport and hotel; Airline tickets, taxes, and fuel surcharges; Personal items such as wine, liquor, and mineral water except where noted in the itinerary; Personal services; Travel extensions; Personal insurance for health, baggage, and tour cancellation; Any other items not specifically included.

**Maximum of one $100 certificate may be claimed for a refund with a minimum two night stay booked through HistoricHotels.org following the return of your tour and completion of your hotel stay. The refund will be issued within 45 days of the completion of your stay upon submitting a Great Experiences & Tours $100 refund application. Refund application must be submitted with a copy of your hotel folio receipt, the original confirmation number from your booking on HistoricHotels.org, and the Certificate number issued to you for booking your tour through Historic Hotels of America. Certificates issued are a promotion only valid toward future reservations made through HistoricHotels.org and do not have any cash value. One certificate may be used per room per two night or longer stay at the same hotel. Eligible rates include rates publicly available at time of booking. Reduced rates, rooms included in another travel or tour package, employee rates, advance purchase rates, and certain last minute sale rates are not eligible for this promotion.