Tour options in Chicago

We have updated these tour options, available to anyone traveling with us on the two, three, or four night hotel package. Times and prices have been confirmed for most of these events. The one event still to be confirmed is the possible NFL game at Soldier Field on Sunday, October 4th.

Thursday, October 1st

City Orientation tour of Chicago

This two-hour orientation of Chicago will depart from the Palmer House at 4:00pm, returning at about 6:00pm. The double-decker open top motor coach will take you by many of Chicago’s landmarks such as the Hancock Tower, Navy Pier, and Soldier Field, through the Theater District, Water Tower Place, down the Magnificent Mile of Michigan Avenue and back to The Palmer House in the middle of Chicago’s Loop. This tour is narrated throughout and is designed to give you an idea of where you would like to spend additional time in the city. Tour cost $26.00

Art Institute of Chicago

This magnificent museum is located just a few blocks from the hotel. On Thursdays the museum opens the doors from 5pm to 8pm for public viewing at no charge. If you’re a fan of the works of America artists such as Edward Hopper, Grant Wood, Georgia O’Keefe, and Jackson Pollock, you’ll want to save some time in the early evening to visit this gallery.

Chicago Blues Evening

This will be the third time we have selected a blues venue for an evening event. Blues Chicago, Buddy Guy’s, Kingston Mines are just a few of the many spots for music in the area. As we have in the past, transportation will be provided with cover charge, and a drink or two. Event is estimated to cost $35 per person with transportation, cover charge, and the first beverage. Stay an hour, or close the place down…shuttle will run from the hotel beginning at 9:00pm and will return for the last time at 1:00 am.

Friday, October 2nd

Architectural River Cruise

One of the best tours in Chicago, travelers with even a passing interest of Architecture, the history of the skyscraper, and how Chicago sprung from the plains should not miss this outstanding cruise on the Chicago River. A docent from the Chicago Architecture Foundation narrates this 90 minute cruise through the heart of the city aboard Chicago’s First Lady, a reproduction of the Presidential Yacht Sequoia. This cruise will depart at 9:45am from the Wacker Avenue side of the Chicago River, a walk of about 5 blocks from the hotel. Cost for this cruise is $30.

Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field

It’s official! The Cubs are playing a home series this weekend with the Arizona Diamondbacks at historic Wrigley Field. Anyone with even a passing interest in the game of baseball should consider attending a game within the ivy covered walls of the “Friendly Confines” of Wrigley. Game time projected to be at 1:20pm local time, though may change. Depart hotel for the ballpark at noon, with an expected return at approximately 5:00pm. Game ticket is $45.

Sunday, October 4th

Frank Lloyd Wright Studio Tour at Oak Park Morning

The former home and studio of the architect Frank Lloyd Wright is worth the 25 minute trip out to the town of Oak Park. The entire town is a monument to the Prairie School. It is advisable that you take some time to see some of the historic towns in this well-preserved neighborhood. This tour will possibly overlap with the Bears game, with an estimated departure from the hotel to Oak Park at 9:00 am, returning at noon or a little later. Price is $24 adult or $20 senior (62+)

Chicago Bears at Soldier Field Schedule pending

NFL schedules won’t be released until April of 2009, but my sources tell me the Bears will be playing teams from the NFC West next season. While there certainly are no guarantees that the stars will align to have the Seahawks play there on this particular date, there’s no argument that the event would be great to attend. Whichever team happens to be in Chicago on that date, assuming it will be a home game at Soldier Field, I will be investigating availability and costs for tickets for this contest. More news on this as it is available. Estimated costs for game tickets $160.

Updated: Thursday, September 25, 2008