Top Illinois Private Sightseeing Tours

On most tours of Chicago, you only see a small selection of the city’s highlights, but you can customize this flexible-duration private tour to suit your schedule and tastes. Choose to discover hidden gems that most tourists miss, snap photos of landmarks like the Willis Tower, explore the Windy City’s shopping scene, and much more.

Take in sweeping views of Chicago from the air during a scenic helicopter flight that offers a premier experience of the Windy City. This private 45-minute flight provides an aerial look at landmarks such as Millennium Park, Navy Park, and Wrigley Field. Ideal for a special occasion, this helicopter tour accommodates up to three people and includes the use of noise-cancelling headsets to hear the pilot clearly.

Explore historic Springfield and hear Lincoln's history and the stories behind the sites connected to Honest Abe. Go at your own pace and schedule. Advantages of this tour? Our app offers immersive location aware walking tours navigated by your smart phone. Go at your own pace, on your own schedule and on your own terms. It's like a real life tour guide. Best deal in town. We use professional narration, production and music to bring the history to life. Walk at your own pace and hear the stories of what you see. Stop anytime. The tour never expires. Listen remotely after taking the in person tour. You’ll see his old home, his church, his office, the buildings he frequented, murals of Abe and the places named in his honor. And I’ll share with you his coming-of-age story from a one room log cabin in Kentucky to becoming the 16th President of the United states.

Discover the vibrant essence of Chicago with a self-guided tour through the Loop, the city’s historic downtown. This journey unveils a blend of striking skyscrapers and hidden architectural gems, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Uncover the rich history from the Great Fire of 1871 to the architectural masterpieces that define the skyline. Stroll past renowned theaters, museums, and captivating public art pieces that contribute to the city’s creative spirit. The Loop offers a unique perspective on Chicago's past and present, whether it's your first visit or a familiar stroll. — Self-guided exploration of Chicago’s historic Loop area — Learn about the city’s architectural innovations and history — Visit iconic landmarks like the Art Institute and Millennium Park — Perfect for first-time visitors or seasoned Chicagoans alike

Walk through Galena, an unusually intact nineteenth-century town carved into a steep river valley, with a self-guided audio tour that plays automatically as you go. Starting downtown, you’ll follow a scenic route past brick storefronts and terraced hillsides using an app with GPS playback. Along the way, you will pass historic landmarks like the DeSoto House Hotel, the bustling Main Street, and the scenic Galena River waterfront. You will uncover how a booming 1820s lead-mining rush built this city, and how fading industry inadvertently preserved it as an outdoor museum of the Victorian Midwest. Explore at your own pace—pause to browse Main Street's galleries, stop for a coffee, or admire the hillside views. The audio resumes whenever you're ready, so you can move freely without keeping up with a group. This is a self-guided experience (no in-person guide). Download the tour in advance and use it anytime—it works offline and follows your location along the route.

Discover the architectural gems of the Windy City from an ideal vantage point—and learn insider facts and stories about the city's top attractions—on this Chicago River cruise. Travel in comfort aboard a boat equipped with both indoor and outdoor seating areas. Covering more than 130 years of architectural history, this tour is the perfect opportunity to see a huge area of the city without the hassle of taxis and public transit.

The Art Institute of Chicago is home to over 300,000 works of art by local and international artists. With so much to explore, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all of the options during a visit. Sit back and let an expert guide handle the planning as they take you through the museum’s major pieces. Learn about the history and context behind each piece in this culturally enriching experience.

This isn't just another sightseeing tour—it's a private, expertly guided journey through Egypt’s most iconic landmarks, curated to offer comfort, insight, and unforgettable memories in a single day. Skip the crowds and rigid itineraries of group tours. With your own Egyptologist guide and private vehicle, you'll explore the Pyramids of Giza at your own pace, stand face-to-face with the Great Sphinx, and uncover ancient secrets at the Valley Temple. Next, step into the world’s largest archaeological museum—the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)—and see King Tutankhamun’s treasures and thousands of artifacts in a state-of-the-art setting. To end the day, unwind with a peaceful 1-hour sail on a traditional felucca boat along the Nile River—one of the most magical ways to see Cairo from the water. With door-to-door transportation, bottled water, lunch, and all entrance fees included, this tour offers exceptional value and VIP-level service.

Discover Starved Rock’s canyons, bluffs and seasonal waterfalls on this 3-mile (round trip) guided hike. Listen as the guide tells stories of how Starved Rock got its name along with other legends of the area. Break for lunch at the halfway point. Lunch includes your choice of turkey, ham or veggie wrap, snacks and bottled water. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Hike will vary upon group skill and trail conditions. *Boxed lunch and souvenir drawstring backpack included. Online bookings are subject to additional fees.

Discover the wild heart of Chicago on our guided walking tour through Lincoln Park, where nature and history meet in one unforgettable experience. What sets our tour apart is the seamless blend of three iconic destinations—the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, the lush Lincoln Park Conservatory, and the vibrant Lincoln Park Zoo—curated into one dynamic, story-filled journey led by a knowledgeable local guide. You'll marvel at the butterflies in flight, wander through exotic gardens under glass, and encounter wildlife from around the world—all while uncovering the hidden history and surprising beauty of this beloved urban oasis. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a lifelong Chicagoan, this tour offers fresh insights, natural wonders, and photo-worthy moments at every turn. Book now and see why Lincoln Park is one of Chicago’s most treasured gems!

Our tour will take you through Millennium Park, starting at the Millennium Park Welcome Center. We’ll wander past shining sculptures, playful fountains, and peaceful gardens, all while soaking in the city’s energy, ending at Queen’s Landing, where the city meets the lake, and the skyline stretches as far as you can see. You'll learn the history of the city, see the sites, learn about what you are seeing and be guided step by step by our walking tour app.

Roam the lively heart of Lincoln Square with its cafés, delis, and other fun and fascinating stores; stand beside the Berlin Wall; take in ghastly history, gorgeous murals, and 300-year-old oak trees; and, at your journey’s end, find yourself rewarded by the sight of an architectural gem. As you solve challenges, the story unfolds and exact directions on your phone will guide you to the next location. Join the game! Highlights include: • Explore Merz Apothecary, Gene's Sausage Shop and Delicatessen, Lincoln Square Mural and lesser-known places. • Enjoy a uniquely crafted story brought to you by our top-notch/gifted/talented writers. • Try a new type of experience, the perfect mix between a tour, outdoor escape game, and treasure hunt. After your booking you will receive an email with instructions on how to download and play the game on your phone. We recommend that each user purchases a ticket for an optimal experience, although several people can share a phone.

Explore the architectural genius of Frank Lloyd Wright on a private, fully personalized tour in Chicago, home to the world’s largest collection of his buildings. Travel in comfort with your English-speaking driver, who shares insights into Wright’s life, ideas, and influence on modern architecture. Begin at the Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio, where he lived and developed many revolutionary designs. Continue through the Oak Park to admire beautifully preserved Prairie School homes and early residential works. Visit Unity Temple, one of Wright’s most celebrated modern religious buildings, then return toward Chicago to see The Rookery Building with its grand lobby and intricate design. Conclude at Robie House, a masterpiece of Prairie School architecture showcasing Wright’s signature horizontal lines and integration with the landscape. This flexible experience offers architecture enthusiasts a relaxed way to explore Wright’s legacy and the evolution of modern American design.

Chicago is renowned for its dynamic dining scene—and this private walking tour offers a personalized introduction to its must-eats. Pick a time that works best for you, and head to Gino’s East: one of the city’s classic deep-dish pizzerias. From there, set off on a tour of the Loop, where you’ll taste sweet and savory treats—and learn about the city’s architecture, history, and culture as you go.

Take the scenic route. Book a four-mile pedicab tour along the Illinois River bluffs of Grandview Drive. Faster than walking, slower than driving; Peoria Pedicab presents: the Goldilocks pace. Peoria Pedicab offers a unique one hour route along the scenic landscape views and historic homes of Grandview Drive. Tours begin on the north side of the Heights Tower (1222 E Kingman Ave) and follow Grandview Dr. for two miles, turning around at Grandview Dr. Park (before the steep curves). Tours return along the same route, back to the Heights Tower. The price is per group, and the pedicab typically seats two adults per group. Children younger than six may sit on a lap.

Have only a short stay planned in Chicago? Make the most of your time in the Windy City, and see more of the city in less time, when you book a private driving tour of Chicago. Pick between several convenient tour times, and meet your guide and driver directly at your hotel. Over the course of your excursion, you’ll make stops at highlight attractions like the Lincoln Park Conservatory, Millennium Park, and Museum Campus. You’ll also learn about Chicago’s history and can spy other remarkable sights as you go.

Channel your inner detective on this immersive, self-guided scavenger hunt through Chicago’s Loop! Step back to 1923 as you gather clues, solve a murder mystery, and unlock secrets of Prohibition-era Chicago. Your group receives a mystery kit, then follows a story-driven trail at your own pace—no app required. Observe real landmarks and hidden clues as you work together, making this ideal for friends, families, and groups seeking a hands-on, flexible adventure. The perfect blend of history, teamwork, and local intrigue in the heart of Chicago.

Leave behind the stuffy, slow-moving tour groups and explore Chicago’s Millennium Park on your own with a private, self-guided app tour. Using just your smartphone, pausing as you like, you’ll learn all about “The Bean,” Lurie Garden, Crown Fountain, and more. With your GPS cuing your audio experience, this tour lets you go at your pace, style, and time, with lifetime access and no expiry.

See Abraham Lincoln as you’ve never seen him before with this self-guided walking tour of historic Springfield. Stroll through the 16th president’s old neighborhood, see the home where he lived before heading to the White House, and stop by his old law office! As you explore these historic sites, your audio guide will reveal the man behind the myth. So get your top hat ready and embark on a picturesque stroll worthy of the history books! After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

Enjoy a quintessential Chicago experience—and see more of the city's highlights in less time—on an architecture-themed boat tour of the Chicago River. Pick from multiple convenient start times, and board your vessel directly from the Chicago Riverwalk. Thanks to your trained docent guide, receive a rich introduction to the Windy City’s history, key landmarks, and architectural highlights—and spy landmarks like the Marina City towers and Navy Pier from the water’s edge.

Admire some of the Windy City's most iconic views—and enjoy a time-saving, relaxing way to sightsee—aboard this pet-friendly Chicago River architecture boat tour. With commentary from your onboard guide, watch the spectacular skyline glide by, including dozens of notable buildings, like the Wrigley Building and the John Hancock Building. In just one tour, you cover multiple branches of the Chicago River and learn insider facts and stories you'd otherwise miss.

Discover Pilsen, one of Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhoods, known for its colorful street art, rich Mexican heritage, historic architecture, and thriving local culture. This locally led Pilsen walking tour offers an authentic, insider experience beyond typical Chicago sightseeing. - Pilsen-based experts with 40+ years of combined experience - Explore iconic sites like 16th Street murals, Thalia Hall, and local cultural landmarks - Official Pilsen tour partner of the Chicago History Museum - Bilingual tours available in English and Spanish - Multiple routes and flexible options, including walking, running, or biking tours

Get a front row perspective on the exquisite buildings that line the Chicago River during a 45-minute architecture cruise. Hear live commentary about the history and architectural heritage of Chicago on this family-friendly tour, which highlights landmarks such as the Chicago Riverwalk, Michigan Avenue Bridge, Wrigley Building, and Willis Tower. Sit on the open-air top deck or the sheltered bottom deck for the ultimate view of Chicago.