Hollywood on the Lake – Chicago was the birthplace of the movie industry. Learn the history of film in the city and see what’s going on now with great TV and movies being filmed here. "Divergent", "Transformers", "Batman", "Shameless" and "Chicago Fire" are all shows starring the city of Chicago!
Divas of Design – Spend the day visiting the studios and shops of the city’s best new fashion entrepreneurs. Lunch at one of the city’s trendiest restaurants!
Culinary 2.0 – Get the latest on “Foodie” trends in Chicago including our favorites – coffee, chocolate, wine and craft beer!
More Food - Spend the day or evening "noshing" your way around the city! Choose from Classic Chicago, Ethnic Discovery (North or South) or Taste Trends!
northern illinois
tours
The Glorious North Shore – The city’s power elite settled here, creating villages of mansions and tree-lined streets. Discover the lifestyles and heritage of the area.
Backstage Pass – Let your interests guide you on this custom tour focusing on music and theater. See the creation of beautiful instruments, hear a concert, tour a legendary theater or discover the birth of the Blues!
Gangsters - Relive the era of Al Capone. See where the bullets flew during the St. Valentine's Day Massacre. Learn the story of Chicago's infamous Prohibition Era crimes! Enjoy a Speakeasy musical theater production or visit one of the city's most historic taverns that operated right thru prohibition.
Day in the Studio – Visit the studios and galleries of some of Chicago’s most renowned artists, choose from sculpture, painting, jewelry, photography, mosaics, stained glass or holography. We’ll have in-depth talks with the artists on their work, techniques and training.
Chicago Architecture: New and Renewed – The city was the birthplace of the skyscraper and has stunning examples from today’s “superstar” architects. Take a cruise along the river to see some of the most magnificent buildings, then travel the city with an expert guide to learn how our new focus on green technology keeps Chicago on the cutting edge. Fall 2015 brings the first Chicago Architecture Biennial with fascinating exhibits and programs.
The Great Chicago Fire – Discover how this dramatic event shaped our city-scape. Learn about the training of today's first responders and take a peek at the site where TV's "Chicago Fire" is filmed!
Paris on the Prairie – Enjoy a special French Cabaret Performance in during an intimate bistro lunch. Learn about the French influence in Chicago from its founding thru our current “Sister City” relationship with Paris.
chicago
tours
Lifestyles of a Bygone Era – Spend the day immersed in the luxurious lifestyle of the 19th century’s elite. Visit a restored mansion and a landmark church. Tour the Prairie Avenue historic district and Chicago’s Gold Coast. Enjoy lunch and a tour of the stunning art collection of a private club founded by the city’s elite after the Civil War.
wisconsin
tours
Taste of Milwaukee - Tour a craft brewery, visit with authentic German sausage makers, learn how the finest local ingredients make their way to Milwaukee's kitchens. Discover the trendy Third Ward or Walkers Point. Enjoy a French bistro lunch!
Milwaukee Classic - See the stunning Milwaukee Art Museum with the Calatrava "Wings". The museum has been remodeled and added 1000 new works! Visit a historic church and a beautiful mansion! Explore the fascinating Harley Davidson Museum.
Hidden Milwaukee - Explore some extraordinary sites even life-long residents may not know! Visit a cemetery that tells the story of the city's history, a chapel tucked away out of sight, and a wonderful private art museum.
Racine/Kenosha - Enjoy authentic Wisconsin "Kringle". Visit one of Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpieces of design. Visit a beautiful art museum or tour a factory building machines used on farms world-wide!
Lake Geneva - Ride the famous "Mail Boat" delivering the US mail around the entire lake! Discover historic mansions built after the Great Chicago Fire as a retreat from the devastated city. Enjoy delightful shops, unique dinner theater and the beauty of this exclusive resort community.
China Here and There - See the incredible treasures of Chinese history during a visit to the Field Museum. Enjoy a full day of Chinese culture with a Chinatown lunch and tour and a visit to a serene Buddhist Temple.
Route 66 - Where the road west began! Discover the legends and history of this famous route to California.
Devil in the White City - Trace the story of the Chicago World's Fair of 1893. Incredible sights awed people from around the world but danger lurked nearby! Based on the best-selling book by Erik Larson.
A Day in the Country - DuPage County in Chicago's western suburbs is known for its lush green beauty. Explore historic mansions, gardens, and museums. Enjoy great shopping or an old fashioned paddlewheel cruise.
Heroes in our Hearts - This day pays tribute to our Vets. Visit the National Veterans Art Museum. See stunning memorials to those who've served. Add a stop for craft beer, or old world sausage, and a hearty lunch to create a day your group will never forget!
Photos courtesy My Kind of Town, Choose Chicago, Field Museum, Jeff Millies/Milwaukee Art Museum.
Gardens - The "City in a Garden" has an incredible variety of parks and hidden green spaces. Visit a rooftop garden and new city parks designed around the way residents live today. Visit the personal garden of a Celebrity Chef and enjoy lunch in a trendy restaurant. City & North Shore options.
The West Loop is red hot right now! See where major corporations will headquarter alongside incredible new restaurants and small startups creating great tastes.
Explore Art Design Chicago throughout 2018 for a fascinating day with your group. Celebrate Chicago’s role at the forefront of creativity. Let us plan the best of the many exhibits for your group to enjoy, based on your date and schedule. Add a visit to an artist’s studio and a tour of our incredible murals and other public art for an unforgettable day!
North Shore Gardens - Spend the day outdoors enjoying beautiful blooms, the stunning lakefront and cobblestone streets.
Ethnic Heritage Tours - Discover the rich tapestry of immigrant groups who have made the city what it is! Sample many or focus on one group -- Italian, Irish, Hispanic, Chinese, African American, Polish, German, Swedish....So much history and so many great flavors!!
Day trips &
THEME TOURS
CHICAGO OR MILWAUKEE
Christmas in the City - Enjoy a day exploring the delights of Chicago OR Milwaukee at Christmas time. Shopping, dining, carols and more!
Octoberfest - Explore German heritage, European style shops, hearty food and great music on a day filled with good cheer!
Hidden Gems - Discover places you've never seen even if you've lived in the area all your life!