All Illinois Tours & Excursions in 2026

Worried about navigating public transportation, or finding your own way to your hotel upon arriving in Chicago? Leave all the logistics to your driver instead—and enjoy a stress-free experience—when you book a private transfer service from either O’Hare or Midway International Airports. Meet your driver after grabbing your bags, hop aboard your air-conditioned vehicle, and relax as you’re whisked straight to your destination.

This self-guided Adventure is perfect for last-minute travelers who love animals and games, and for families traveling with kids! Travelers will use the eATLAS app for directions on where to go, and what to do--map included. You can start and pause the Adventure whenever it is convenient for you. The Lincoln Park Zoo is a 35-acre complex with 200 different species from around the world, and features more than 1,100 animals, as well as programs devoted to conservation, environmental protection and education. Every December, ZooLights brings thousands of visitors to see the zoo at night festively decorated for the holiday season. And it’s all just a few miles north of downtown Chicago! There are eight objectives in our scavenger hunt, encompassing the entire grounds of the zoo, which includes the Nature Boardwalk and Farm-in-the-Zoo. The zoo is open 365 days a year, from 8 AM to 5 PM on the weekdays and 8 AM to 7 PM on holidays. There is no charge for admission.

Experience360 by the Illinois Holocaust Museum memorializes the lives and stories of Holocaust victims and survivors in a way that guidebooks can’t match. With this admission pass, engage with holographic stories and virtual reality experiences, reflecting on the somber lessons taught by one of modern history’s most important and traumatic events.

Explore Chicago’s iconic landmarks and scenic lakefront on a private, fully personalized city tour. Travel in comfort with your English-speaking driver, who shares local stories, history, and insights while guiding you through the city’s most famous sites. Begin at Millennium Park to see the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture (“The Bean”), then visit Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park for stunning lake and skyline views. Drive through downtown to admire the Willis Tower Skydeck area, then enjoy the Chicago Riverwalk and Wacker Drive for striking architectural vistas. Continue to Navy Pier with its attractions and Centennial Wheel, then take a scenic drive along Lake Shore Drive for panoramic lakefront skyline views. Conclude at Lincoln Park and North Avenue Beach for one of the city’s most memorable photo spots. This flexible, door-to-door private tour offers a relaxed and immersive way to experience Chicago’s architecture, waterfront, and vibrant urban culture.

Step into Chicago’s coolest hidden bars on a mid-century cocktail adventure! Join a local guide to discover vintage lounges, secret speakeasies, and retro bars most tourists miss. Savor expertly crafted cocktails (own expense), hear untold stories of the city’s nightlife boom, and soak in stylish decor straight from the 1950s and 60s. This small-group tour is perfect for cocktail lovers, architecture buffs, and anyone seeking an off-the-beaten-path night out in the Windy City.

The Field Museum of Natural History is one of Chicago’s most-visited museums—and this package deal offers a way to beat the crowds and see its top exhibitions without stress. Secure your tickets before you travel, arrive an hour before the galleries open to the public, and explore in the company of a museum docent. You’ll see collection highlights like Sue the Tyrannosaurus Rex, the Griffin Halls of Evolving Planet, and much more.

Discover a dark, spooky side of Chicago that most tours miss on this adults-only ghost walking tour. Keep an eye out for sinister specters and ghastly ghouls as you explore abandoned buildings and shadowy alleyways near some of Chicago’s most popular landmarks, including the Chicago Theatre, Millennium Park, and the Art Institute of Chicago.

Zoom along the shoreline of Lake Michigan, zipping past famous landmarks as you go, during this exhilarating speedboat ride in Chicago. Climb aboard your 2,000-horsepower speed boat at Navy Pier, then hang on for the ride of a lifetime, as you zip past famous attractions like the Willis Tower, Grant Park, and Buckingham Fountain, pausing to learn a little about the history and architecture of the Windy City along the way.

Experience Chicago like never before on your all-inclusive small group city tour, led by an expert guide. Discover iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and vibrant neighborhoods with personalized attention and insider knowledge. Enjoy a hassle-free day with transportation, tickets, and lunch included. Explore Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and more, with plenty of photo opportunities and fascinating stories. Book now for an unforgettable Chicago adventure!

Enjoy a fun and time-saving way to explore the best of Chicago on this small-group, guided Segway tour. Visit popular Grant Park and see Buckingham Fountain, plus optimal views of the Windy City skyline. Glide along the Lakefront Trail, taking in the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Soldier Field, and beyond. Guided Segway training and helmets are included on this beginner-friendly outing.

Learn about the history and legends surrounding the 1893 Chicago World's Fair and notorious criminal H.H.Holmes on a half-day tour inspired by the popular book ‘The Devil in the White City.’ Explore important locations such as the Prairie Avenue Historic District, Jackson Park, Midway Plaisance Park, and the ‘Murder Castle’ of H.H. Holmes as you learn more about the World's Columbian Exposition and Victorian Chicago.

Discover the vibrant Wicker Park neighborhood as you stroll from the Polish Triangle through the Milwaukee Avenue shopping and dining district. This guided walking tour circles Wicker Park, showcasing stunning Victorian mansions on Beer Baron's Row while sharing engaging trivia about the area’s rich ethnic and commercial history. Enjoy insights into the local arts and entertainment scene and uncover the best spots to eat and drink along the way. Test your knowledge with trivia, and compete for a special prize at the end of the tour. - Explore the historic Wicker Park neighborhood on foot - Visit iconic locations like the Polish Triangle and Beer Baron’s Row - Engage in neighborhood trivia for a chance to win a prize - Learn about the area's ethnic history, arts scene, and dining hotspots

Discover the unique flavor of our Absolutely Chicago E-Bike Tour. Experience the city's rich history, stunning architecture, and breathtaking views as you pedal along on our state-of-the-art electric bikes. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, this unforgettable adventure combines adventure, warmth, and loads of fun. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Milton Olive Park, the wonder of Soldier Field, and capture unforgettable photos at the majestic Buckingham Fountain. With flexible routes and a focus on hidden treasures, our tour offers a truly unique and memorable experience through the heart of Chicago.

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.

Don’t worry about the stress of navigating public transportation with your luggage, or waiting in long taxi lines—this private arrival transfer service from O’Hare Airport makes the start of your Chicago trip worry-free. Upon landing, head right outside for curbside pickup. After helping with your bags, your driver will whisk you straight to your Downtown destination, all aboard a comfortable, private SUV.

Enjoy an only-in-Chicago night out—and admire views of the city's skyline and evening fireworks shows that most visitors miss—on this Lake Michigan cruise. Make your own way to the departure point at Navy Pier, hop aboard your well-appointed vessel, and set sail. In between marveling at the views, you can purchase drinks and snacks from the on-board cash bar, if you wish.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Get a fresher perspective on the Windy City—and a traffic-free one—with this Chicago River architecture cruise. As you pass by some of Chicago's most notable buildings, you'll dine on a 3-course lunch, listening to onboard narration about the city's architecture and history along the way. Unlike your standard walking tour, you can expect comfort, great food, and endless photo opportunities.

Enjoy a memorable Chicago experience on this haunted pub tour. Your costumed guide, dressed as a Flapper or 1920s Gangster, will lead you on a mile-long journey while telling spooky stories of forgotten cemeteries, lingering spirits, and more. Stop at three different bars for drinks (at own expense) as you learn the secret tales behind Chicago’s haunted past.