Afternoon: Arrival at hotel check-in is at 3:00. Check in, pick up packets in hotel lobby.

Dinner: Dinner at Lawry's Prime Rib.

Evening: Orientation and welcome at Lawry's.

Lodging: Four Points by Sheraton Chicago Downtown

Meals Included: Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.

Morning: Board a coach bus for an expert-led exploration of the city from as far north as renowned Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs, to Hyde Park at the southern end of the city, home of President Barack Obama and the University of Chicago. Learn about the history of the city, the immigrants and the neighborhoods who gave the city a rich culture and texture, and the businessmen whose influence have made it the world-class city that it is today.

Lunch: Lunch in Greektown.

Afternoon: Continue coach bus exploration of Chicago.

Dinner: On your own to explore local fare.

Evening: Free evening to enjoy the city.

Lodging: Four Points by Sheraton Chicago Downtown

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Sky Deck at the Willis Tower/The Federal Reserve Bank/The Art Insitute of Chicago

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.

Morning: Experience the city from the Sky Deck at the Willis Tower, the tallest building in the western hemisphere at 1,353 feet high. Step out onto the glass balcony that extends four feet outside the 103rd floor of the building! At the Federal Reserve Bank, gain a deeper understanding of the functions, responsibilities and operations of the Federal Reserve during an expert-led exploration.

Lunch: Lunch at Giordanos, renowned for their Chicago-style pizza!

Afternoon: Hone your knowledge and appreciation for art at the world-famous Art Institute of Chicago. Home to more than 300,000 works of art, the permanent collection includes “American Gothic,” the famed Chagall Windows and the Thorne Miniature Rooms. You will have ample time to explore the galleries in-depth.

Dinner: At local restaurant.

Evening: After dinner you will have time on your own to explore Michigan Avenue, window shop, or stop into one of the many local bars to refresh yourself, or listen to some music.

Lodging: Four Points by Sheraton Chicago Downtown

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.

Morning: Begin an exhilarating day at the world-class Field Museum and learn how its goal initially was the “accumulation and dissemination of knowledge and the preservation and exhibition of objects illustrating art, archaeology, science and history.” Over the years, the museum has become increasingly focused on natural sciences. Learn about gems, dinosaurs, mummies, Africa, the Pacific, the Ancient Americas, Pawnee Indians and much more during an expert-led exploration.

Lunch: Lunch at the Field Museum.

Afternoon: Continue your exploration of this iconic Chicago museum, with ample free time to delve into exhibits that interest you.

Dinner: On your own to explore local fare.

Evening: Free time to enjoy Chicago.

Lodging: Four Points by Sheraton Chicago Downtown

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.

Morning: This morning we will visit the Chicago Board of Trade Building, a national historic landmark and the home of the CME Group. We will have the opportunity to learn about the history of two of the city’s most important exchanges, the Chicago Board of Trade and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Chicago’s reputation as a world class city comes in part from the rich and diverse collection of architectural styles that define our skyline and the buildings that define our city. This morning we will explore the State of Illinois Building. This post-modern, 17 story building, designed by Helmut Jahn, provides the city with yet, one more striking exterior. The interior of the building boast a fabulous circular atrium from ground level to ceiling, and houses an art gallery featuring the art of Illinois artists.

Lunch: Chicago is notorious for its flamboyant political history. Professor Zbigniew Banas will enlighten us on the political history of the city, prior to lunch at Fox and Obel.

Afternoon: In keeping with our focus on architecture in the city, this afternoon we will have the opportunity to take an architectural study cruise on the Chicago River.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: Program wrap up.

Lodging: Four Points by Sheraton Chicago Downtown

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.

Morning: This morning we will explore the history of the City of Chicago at the Chicago History Museum. This institution houses 22 million historical artifacts and documents from Chicago and U.S. history, with an emphasis on five main areas: Living, Working and Governing in the Metropolitan Area, the Built Environment and Individuals and Ideas. With the help of our expert guide, we will gain a better understanding of Chicago’s past and present, and how they will inform the future of the City.

Lunch: Enjoy lunch at the museum's History Cafe.

Afternoon: Bus back to the hotel. Program conclusion. We hope you enjoyed Chicago!

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch