Highlights

Options & Add-ons:

• Scholarships for Free Travel
• Online Payment Portal
• Luggage Handling
• Full Time Tour Director, or
• Tour Director at Destination Only
• Hotel Security
• Group Travel Video APP
  • With Student GEO Tracking

Whatever you want, America4Kids by US Tours will be happy to customize this program for you.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Chicago – Three Suburban Lodging – Dinner & Evening at Navy Pier

Arriving in Chicago, IL, enjoy an included dinner at a local restaurant and a free evening at Navy Pier. Known as the “People’s Pier,” this landmark showcases more than 50 acres of parks, restaurants, attractions, retail shops, sightseeing and dining cruise boats, and more. There is also the iconic Centennial Wheel, soaring to heights of nearly 200 feet, the Wheel offers unparalleled, 360-degree views of Chicago and Lake Michigan.

Check your suburban Chicago hotel for a three-night stay to end the day. (D)

Day 2 – Guided Chicago Sightseeing Tour – Old Town School of Folk Music & Lesson – Performance Option – House of Blues Dinner

This morning, enjoy a guided city tour of Chicago. Discover the history, architecture and incredible stories that make up Chicago. Driving and stops along the way. The LOOP is Chicago’s business and theater district. You’ll see some of the most architecturally significant buildings in the world and artwork by Picasso, Calder, Miro, and Chagall. Walk through Millennium Park with its stunning outdoor art and philanthropic spirit, Harris Theater for Music & Dance, Pritzker Music pavilion, Crown Fountain with a reflecting pool book ended by town 50-foot-high towers of glass brick, plus see Lake Shore Drive.

Lunch will be included today at one of Chicago’s best pizza restaurants.

This afternoon, visit The Old Town School of Folk Music, a vibrant part of Chicago’s music scene. The school was started in a rundown storefront when music “sharing” meant singing together and playing by ear! Early performers included Pete Seeger, Studs Terkel and Mahalia Jackson. Today the school occupies two buildings in the bustling neighborhood near Lincoln Square and teaches 1000s of students every week.

Here you experience a concert with classic folk tunes from the Woodstock era, the songs of Peter, Paul & Mary, Joan Baez and Bob Dylan. Sing along with your favorites from silly to serious – this music is meant for you and me! Plus, a blues and folk harmonica lesson from the school’s faculty will get everyone involved in the fun – maybe there’s an undiscovered star inside you!

The afternoon offers time to include a Student Performance.  Options could include The Field Museum, Local Universities, Navy Pier to name a few.

Dinner is included this evening at the House of Blues.  (B,L,D)

Day 3 – Chicago History Museum Tour – Chicago Architecture Cruise – Shopping on Magnificent Mile – Dinner & Music at Buddy Guy’s 

This morning, tour the Chicago History Museum. Discover the city’s vast history in Chicago: Crossroads of America. Whether you want to explore the grandeur of the world fairs of 1893 and 1933, or Chicago innovations that changed the world like skyscrapers and modern retail, or the diverse neighborhoods and lively cultural scene, this exhibition is a must see!

Lunch is included today at a local restaurant.

Then take a Chicago Architecture Cruise.  Expert guides will share an insider’s glimpse into the buildings, architecture, and engineering that made Chicago famous as the birthplace of the skyscraper and home of modern American architecture. Nothing is more impressive than this world-renowned architecture as seen from the Chicago River. Tour highlights include Tribune Tower, Wrigley Building, Trump Tower, Marina City; and more than 40 Chicago landmarks.

Today, you will have time for shopping on the Magnificent Mile. From major fashion houses to trendy retailers, Michigan Avenue offers three shopping centers towering over a district overflowing with luxury retailers, unique shops and popular stores.

This evening, dinner is included at Buddy Guys Legends, the world’s premier Blue Club owned and operated by Grammy Award Winning Blue’s Musician, Buddy Guy. He is a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer himself and has had a major influence on rock titans like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughan Tonight enjoy Louisiana-style Cajun and soul food – served while a Blues band makes a little music. (B,L,D)

Day 4 – Depart for Home 

After breakfast, depart for home. A stop for lunch will be made enroute. (B)

Tour Map