Top Illinois Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises - page 5

Take a deep dive into the world of "Chicago Fire" and learn more about what it’s like behind the scenes of your favorite show on this private tour. Visit filming locations such as the exterior of Firehouse 51 and Molly's Bar, and popular tourist attractions, including the Bean at Millennium Park and the Chicago Cultural Center. Plus, enjoy handy hotel pickup if your accommodation is within five miles of downtown Chicago.

Chicago is world-renowned for its architecture—and this small-group walking tour offers the ideal introduction to its iconic buildings, its architectural eras, and the starchitects who have left their impression on the city. Meet your guide at the Chicago Architecture Center and set off on foot: you’ll discover highlights like the Wrigley Building and Marina City, will see works by Renzo Piano and Frank Gehry, and will learn all about Chicago history.

Discover one of Chicago’s most picturesque, historic neighborhoods—and learn all about the buildings that make it an architectural standout—on this small-group walking tour of Wicker Park. Meet your guide in the morning, and set off on foot: you’ll discover the 19th-century workers’ cottages that fill the neighborhood, will admire local landmarks like mansions and historic baths, and will learn all about the city’s architectural history.

Discover Chicago architectural treasures—and immerse yourself in the Windy City's history—on this small-group walking tour. Your focus is the iconic stained glass pieces crafted and designed by the Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company. Following your guide from the Chicago Architecture Center, visit four late-19th-century landmarks that contain glass works by Louis Comfort Tiffany and his contemporaries. This in-depth, insider tour is a must-do for history and architecture fans.

Learn all about the history beyond one of Chicago’s best-known thoroughfares—and spot numerous architectural icons as you go—on this small-group walking tour of the Magnificent Mile. Meet your guide at the Chicago Architecture Center and set off to soak up the street’s ambiance, and discover highlights like the Wrigley Building, John Hancock Center, and more. Entry to the Chicago Architecture Center is also included, so you can extend the experience.

Get a chance to experience the Windy City from multiple vantage points during this two-hour, small-group boat tour in Chicago. Hop aboard a secure and reliable US Navy-built Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) for a unique sightseeing experience. Pass by iconic sights such as Navy Pier, Soldier Field, Fort Dearborn, Vietnam Memorial, Wolf Point, Shedd Aquarium, and more, all while comfortably seated in a group capped at only six people.

Leave behind Chicago’s buzz and see the Windy City as it used to be, some 150 years ago. The Oldtown Triangle—one of the most beloved ‘hoods in the city—survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, and it still stands today as a beacon to history. With your guide at the helm, you’ll witness fantastic architecture, national landmarks, and hear stories of the city’s often wild past.

Enjoy an immersive way to discover Chicago's more recent architectural heritage with this small-group walking tour. Led by your architectural expert guide, you'll discover many of the Windy City's modern, postmodern, and other newer structures, including works by architects like Mies van der Rohe, Bertrand Goldberg, and beyond. As you go, your guide will point out the buildings many visitors overlook, and share stories from their history you wouldn't otherwise hear.

Chicago’s “L,” or elevated train, is an icon of public transportation and a major feature of the Loop neighborhood. On this interactive tour, you’ll learn about the railway’s history while experiencing it as a rider. Meet your guide in the morning and set off with just a small group for company. As you ride between stops, you’ll also view Chicago icons like the Willis Tower, and will learn about the city’s architectural history.

Delve into Chicago’s one-of-a-kind cuisine and learn something that you would never expect on this small-group Secret Food Tour. Eat your way through the most prominent neighborhoods of the city and immerse yourself in its tastes and flavors. Stroll through the Loop and Millenium Park, wander down the Riverwalk and discover iconic sights and hidden gems from another perspective. Get inside Chicago’s life through food and connect your heart and soul to the Windy City vibe while tasting classic deep-dish pizza, dipped Italian beef, and Chicago-style hot-dogs. • Benefit from small-group experience and undivided attention from your local guide • Savor the classic Chicago eats and get to know the history of their creation • Witness fascinating art objects, architecture landmarks, and beautiful cityscapes • Get useful recommendation of where to eat and drink from your guide

Considered Chicago’s original “Millionaire’s Row,” Prairie Avenue in the Near South Side is renowned for its Gilded Age mansions—and this tour makes exploring easy (and delightfully spooky). In the evening, meet your guide in front of the Glessner House, and set off with ghost-hunting gear to accompany you. In between spotting highlights including the Marshall Field Jr. Mansion and the Henry B. Clarke House, you’ll hunt for specters and hear ghost stories.

Glide through Chicago by moonlight on a haunted Segway tour. Follow your costumed guide and small group as they show you the sites of some of the most gruesome murders and disasters in Chicago's history. See iconic landmarks lit up at night and hear about the mysterious, haunted history of this storied city.

Discover many of Chicago's best-known landmarks—and explore without breaking a sweat—on this private electric bike tour. Meet your guide right at the Buckingham Fountain, grab your e-bike and helmet, and get ready to explore. You'll view Lakefront landmarks like the Field Museum and Adler Planetarium, will zip right along the waters of Lake Michigan, and will stop to soak up picture-perfect views of the Chicago skyline.

See (and taste) the best of Chicago in just half a day on this bicycle tour of the Windy City’s most iconic sights and neighborhoods. Follow your guide along the Lakefront Trail, admire views of Millennium Park, and discover the Chicago Riverwalk. As you go, stop to sample culinary classics of Chicago, like deep-dish pizza, a true Chicago hot dog, and a tasty dessert for good measure.

Taste food from around the world—and immerse yourself in some of the Windy City's most characterful, locally beloved neighborhoods—on this half-day biking and tasting tour of Chicago. With just a small group for company, you'll follow your guide through the city streets, stopping for views of Chicago’s famous architecture and seeing more than you could if traveling on foot. In between, stop for bites like Polish pierogis, locally made chocolates, and Mexican tacos.

Admire a side of Chicago that few other visitors get to experience—and enjoy a relaxing trip out on the water, tailored to your party—with this private sailboat charter and sailing tour. You and up to five other guests will have the exclusive use of a sailboat, complete with a captain for the duration of your tour. Sail on Lake Michigan and enjoy the sights of Chicago’s striking skyline. If you want, you can even take a turn at the helm.

Descend below street level to discover Chicago’s famed subterranean Pedway—and pair your adventure with stops at top landmarks and above-ground attractions. Meet your guide downtown, and head underground: stroll the Chicago Loop's Pedway and learn about its history, see the city’s famed Tiffany dome, visit the origin of Route 66, and finish at one of Chicago’s most iconic sculptures.

Enjoy the opportunity to go behind-the-scenes at one of the Windy City's most storied venues on this insider tour of the Chicago Theater. Let your guide lead the way, as you hear about the theater's architecture, history, and famous performers throughout the years. Stand on the famed stage and take in the atmosphere, and see artist signatures from notable performers, including Frank Sinatra and Dolly Parton. A great activity for fans of music and live performance.

Exploring Oak Park, Illinois, where Frank Lloyd Wright resided during the crucial early years of his career, offers a captivating journey through the evolution of his architectural vision. The neighborhood is renowned for hosting the largest collection of Wright's work. Built between 1892 and 1909, your stroll through the neighborhood takes you to several private homes and Wright’s studio providing a fascinating glimpse into his creative progression and the birth of the iconic Prairie style. View the exteriors of nearly a dozen of Wright’s structures. This one-hour walking tour covers nearly a dozen homes on Chicago and Forest avenues and on Elizabeth Court.

Embark on a captivating walking tour that delves into the intriguing legacy of the Midwest's most notorious mobsters and gangs. Immerse yourself in the rich history of the Windy City as you stroll through its vibrant streets, where the echoes of a century of Mob activity intertwine with the modern cityscape. Traverse the iconic Michigan Avenue, once a hub of illicit operations masterminded by the infamous Al Capone, and uncover the hidden secrets of the past that now lie beneath the surface of changing demographics and contemporary establishments. Brace yourself for chilling tales of mob hits and ongoing underworld dealings, as you unravel a dark and compelling narrative that still resonates through the streets today.

There are many spots around Chicago where you can take in views of the city, but setting sail on Lake Michigan lets you take in the full scenic skyline. On this boat tour, hop aboard a traditional vessel and learn how to hoist a sail, or just relax on board at the fully stocked bar.

Escape Chicago for a day and experience Milwaukee’s culture, food, and legendary beer scene. This curated day trip includes highlights such as the Harley-Davidson Museum, free time at the Milwaukee Public Market, and an optional Miller Brewery tour and tasting. Enjoy scenic views along the lakefront and an outside visit to the Milwaukee Art Museum before returning to Chicago. Ideal for travelers looking for a relaxed, well-rounded introduction to Milwaukee.

Enjoy the most Unforgettable Fireworks Cruise in Chicago! A SPECIAL EVENT SAIL! Treat yourself to Navy Pier’s spectacular fireworks display from the best seats in town! Grab a cool drink from our full bar, relax, and enjoy a leisurely evening sail past the brilliant and beautiful Chicago nighttime skyline. Windy provides the accompanying sound track, over the ship sound system coordinated fireworks display, amazing show! Rain or Shine event. no umbrellas are allowed to be opened underway. Tall Ship Windy, located on Navy Pier, and we have a ticket booth and dock, in front of the Billy Goat Bar and Grill. Arrive early, as fireworks crowds are huge! expect travel delays.

Delve into the rich history and notable architecture of one of Chicago’s most luxurious neighborhoods—and learn insider stories as you go—with this self-led smartphone audio walking tour. Upon booking, download the app and set off at a time and pace that work best for you. You’ll discover Gold Coast landmarks from historic piano bars to the original Playboy Mansion, and can stop and start the tour whenever you like.