All Illinois Tours & Excursions in 2026

Stroll through Chicago's winter streets, lit up for the holidays, without the hassle of navigating the city yourself on this gourmet walking tour. Learn about Chicago's celebrated holiday traditions like the European-inspired Christkindlmarket, the beautiful decor and windows on State Street, and ice skating at Millennium Park. Sample generous tastes of classic Chicago foods and holiday treats as you walk.

Swap the standard Chicago itinerary for the chance to experience a whole different side to the city. Walk in the footsteps of Al Capone and John Dillinger while hearing tales of Chicago's haunted past. This walking tour takes you to prohibition-era speakeasies, sites of real life mob shootouts, and provides special access to places tied to historical events that have shaped Chicago.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors of Mexico with a hands-on Tamale cooking class at Su Casa Mexican Restaurant. Guided by experienced chefs, participants will learn the art of crafting authentic Tamales from scratch. This class is tailored for all skill levels, making it an ideal setting for food enthusiasts eager to enhance their culinary repertoire. As you fill your husk with the masa and your choice of filling, anticipate the rewarding moment of tasting your delicious handiwork, complemented by chips and salsa, tacos and a refreshing drink.

Uncover the notorious history of Chicago's gangster era on this immersive bus tour that takes you through the city's most infamous landmarks. Visit the Palmer House, where Al Capone once mingled, and pass the Congress Hotel, rumored to be haunted by ghostly figures. Drive through Grant Park to learn about H.H. Holmes and the chilling Iroquois Theatre Fire. At each stop, delve into gripping tales of rivalries, secret doors, and tragic events that shaped Chicago's past. This tour is perfect for history buffs and those intrigued by the darker side of the city. - Explore key sites linked to Al Capone and Chicago's gangland history - Discover chilling tales of hauntings, Death Alley, and the tragic Iroquois Theatre Fire - Enjoy stops at iconic locations like the Holy Name Cathedral and Grant Park - Engage in a unique paranormal photo opportunity by the Chicago River

See the Second City from the water with a sightseeing cruise along the Chicago River and the Lake Michigan shoreline, offering a unique perspective of towering skyscrapers and historic architecture. This tour offers stories about the city’s history and culture as you pass by Chicago's landmarks, museums, and buildings. Capture unforgettable images of the city skyline from Lake Michigan, ensuring a unique look at Chicago, perfect for all ages.

Sample some of the Windy City's tastiest donuts—and head to locals-loved dessert destinations that most visitors miss—on this one-of-a-kind walking tour. With your guide in the lead, head to a number of Chicago’s tastiest donut bakeries, all while exploring the city's vibrant downtown Loop neighborhood. All tastings are included in the tour cost, and vegan, gluten-, and nut-free options are also available upon request.

Make the most of your visit to the Art Institute of Chicago with a local, Chicago-based company that knows the museum inside and out. Whether you’re an art aficionado or a beginner, this opportunity lets you learn about the museum and its pieces through the eyes of an art historian guide without the crowds. Enhance your visit by hearing the stories behind major works. Note that special exhibit tickets are not included.

See the towers and iconic landmarks along the Chicago River on an architectural cruise through the heart of the city. Enjoy complimentary non-alcoholic refreshments on deck as you cruise down the historic waterway, while listening to fun stories and facts throughout the tour. Spot buildings that range from Neoclassical to Art Deco, take in over fifty sites, and see the Second City from the water.

Lovers of history, true crime, and haunted mysteries rejoice—skip the generic sightseeing tours and learn about Chicago’s dark underbelly with this mob history tour. Follow your guide through historic streets and alleys from Grant Park to the “Alley of Death”—also known as West Couch Place—as you learn about the city’s gritty mobsters, doomed ghosts, crime, and vice.

This walking tour is a feast for the eyes, combining art, architecture, and history as you navigate through bustling downtown Chicago. In a small group, you’ll marvel at skyscrapers and mosaic murals as you discover stories and secrets about the city’s past. See the stunning interiors and exteriors of noteworthy buildings and leave with a comprehensive understanding of the city’s downtown.

Book in advance to take this popular tour that details the mob history of Chicago during the Prohibition Era (1920s-1930s). Learn about the exploits of gangsters like Capone, Dillinger, Moran, and others as you travel by minibus to sites like the Biograph Theater, Holy Name Cathedral, and St. Valentine's Day Massacre. Your guide adopts gangster attire and characteristics that add dramatic flair to the historical commentary.

Discover Chicago from the street and the river with a flexible sightseeing package that combines a 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour with an architecture-focused river cruise. Explore at your own pace while snapping photos of the city from the open-top bus, and then admire celebrated architectural landmarks from a unique waterfront perspective during your ride down the Chicago River.

Discover Chicago's world-renowned architecture during this sightseeing cruise. Board a comfortable riverboat for a trip down the Chicago River, viewing landmarks like the Willis Tower and the Tribune Tower while listening to in-depth commentary from your guide. Then board a speedboat for an exciting ride up the shore of Lake Michigan for views of Grant Park, the Museum Campus, and other top sights.

Explore Chicago by Segway with the benefit of a scenic 7- or 8-mile tour led by your guide. Start with an orientation to operating the Segway and a few minutes to practice. Then roll through the paths of Grant Park to Buckingham Fountain and glide along the Chicago lakefront to view attractions such as Museum Campus, Shedd Aquarium, The Field Museum, and Soldier Field, homefield for the Chicago Bears.

Discover the dark side of the Windy City on this nighttime crime history bus tour of Chicago. Through your expert guide's rich storytelling, immerse yourself in tales of notorious mobsters like Al Capone, Frank Nitti, and Bugs Moran as you explore infamous crime scenes including the site of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre.

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.

The Sloomooverse combines delicious scents (birthday cake, fresh berries, cotton candy), sounds that energize as well as soothe, an invigorating palette, and a feast of visual and tactile wonders. Plus, you’ll design your dream slime at our DIY Bar. Over 4,320,000 unique combinations! Play, connect, enjoy!

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 the adrenaline rush of skydiving without jumping out of a plane at iFly Chicago-Rosemont. With start times available throughout the day, you can easily find a session that fits your busy schedule. Feel confident after a small-group training session, then head into the tunnel for your solo floats. An instructor is present for both 60-second sessions to give you personalized instruction. Afterwards, take home a flight certificate to commemorate your adventure.

Enjoy a hassle-free way to see the Windy City’s top sights—and help keep your sightseeing personal—on this small-group highlights tour. Traveling aboard a comfortable minibus, look forward to visiting Chicago’s key landmarks in just one excursion, from the Bean and the Museum Campus to the Rookery Building and Buckingham Fountain. If you wish, upgrade to extend the experience with a boat tour along the Chicago River.

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.

Get an insider's introduction to Chicago's most celebrated buildings during this architecture-focused walking tour of Michigan Avenue, State Street, and the vibrant Loop area. Revisit the heyday of the skyscraper and visit stunning, art deco-era interiors, from the Palmer House Hotel to the Chicago Cultural Center. Admission to the Chicago Architecture Center is included, with an introduction by the docent.

On this cheerful tour you’ll see Chicago’s most famous Christmas trees, as well as several under-the-radar ones you may not know about. Your guide will lead you around downtown, stopping at the Christkindlmarkt and the old Marshall Field’s, as well as hidden-gem spots with some of the city’s most impressive holiday decor. All the while, you’ll learn about some beloved Christmas stories and traditions from across the globe, and even get to stop for some holiday sweets.

Kick back and enjoy a great meal while taking in the sights of Chicago's most famed landmarks on this scenic lunch cruise along Lake Michigan. See and photograph the dramatic city skyline, Navy Pier, Soldier Field, and Shedd Aquarium. The cruise includes a delicious buffet lunch with salads, entrees, desserts, and unlimited nonalcoholic beverages. There's also a DJ, games, and a dance floor to keep your group entertained.