Road Scholar : Home
Signature City Chicago: Your Kind of Town

Program Number: 2818RJ
Start and End Dates:
5/6/2012 - 5/11/2012; 5/26/2013 - 5/31/2013; 6/16/2013 - 6/21/2013; 6/23/2013 - 6/28/2013; 7/21/2013 - 7/26/2013; 8/11/2013 - 8/16/2013; 8/25/2013 - 8/30/2013; 9/15/2013 - 9/20/2013; 9/22/2013 - 9/27/2013; 9/29/2013 - 10/4/2013; 10/6/2013 - 10/11/2013; 10/13/2013 - 10/18/2013; 10/20/2013 - 10/25/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Price starting at: $1,075.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Signature Cities Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 13; 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 3 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian; Gluten Free    

In his famous poem “Chicago,” Carl Sandburg portrayed a brawny, dogged dynamo of a city, laughing and sweating with sleeves rolled as it propelled freight-laden railcars to the nation’s far corners. Chicago’s frenetic rush hasn’t let up since then, but even as the 'L' rumbles noisily overhead, the city’s “big shoulders” straighten in a more polished, sophisticated bearing, embodied by glittering skyscrapers, fine dining, celebrated museums and the tony Magnificent Mile. Discover Chicago’s vibrant history and urbane cultural scene on a survey of its signature landmarks, outstanding museums and revitalized lakefront.




Highlights

• Examine Chicago’s growth on a professor-led field trip through the city’s diverse neighborhoods, including the Financial District.
• Experience the city’s new waterfront parks and visit the renovated Chicago History Museum to discover the city’s legacy as a crossroads of America’s past and future.
• Enjoy expert-led visits to some of the city's leading institutions including the Field Museum of Natural History and the renowned Art Institute of Chicago.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to one mile per day.




Date Specific Information

5-26-2013, 7-21-2013, 8-11-2013, 8-25-2013, 9-15-2013, 9-22-2013, 9-29-2013, 10-6-2013, 10-13-2013, 10-20-2013

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Coordinated by Jewish Community Center Chicago.




Chicago

From charming old neighborhoods to late-night music clubs and a bustling pier on Lake Michigan, Chicago has a tempo that lures visitors and permanent residents alike. Home to the northern blues and jazz scene, world-class art collections, a renowned symphony orchestra and fine cuisine, Chicago has a bit of everything for everyone.
Accommodations
Comfortable hotel located near the Magnificent Mile.
Meals and Lodgings
   Four Points by Sheraton Chicago Downtown
  Chicago, Illinois 5 nights
 Four Points by Sheraton Chicago Downtown
Type: Hotel
  Description: Conveniently located to the city's renowned Magnificent Mile, featuring excellent shopping, great museums, nightlife, dining, entertainment and cultural attractions. Minutes from The Loop, financial and theatre districts, Chicago sports with the Cubs, Sox, Bears, Bulls and Blackhawks. Also, secure heated indoor parking facility.
  Contact info: 630 N Rush Street
Chicago, IL 60611 USA
phone: 312-981-6600
web: www.fourpointschicago.com
  Room amenities: Each stylish room is equipped with comfortable pillow top bed, free high speed internet, both wired and wireless access in-room, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, cable television, movies on demand, video games on demand, iron and ironing board, hairdryer.
  Facility amenities: Four Points by Sheraton Hotel is 100% smoke free. There is an indoor heated pool and whirlpool in an airy sunroom, fitness center, 24-hour front desk, complimentary USA Today paper, safe deposit box, 24 hour business center, coin laundry, on-site gift and sundries shop and high speed internet throughout the hotel with helpful guest services/bell stand. Easy access to Starbucks and Trader Joe's Grocery Store.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Varies Additional nights on availability basis. Please call 312-981-6614, or go online to www.fourpointschicago.com to book your additional nights. Please book only the additional nights that you plan on staying in the city. DO NOT give them the dates which are already reserved through the road scholar registration. Thank you.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: Varies Additional nights on availability basis. Please call 312-981-6614, or go online to www.fourpointschicago.com to book your additional nights. Please book only the additional nights that you plan on staying in the city. DO NOT give them the dates which are already reserved through the road scholar registration. Thank you.
  Check out time: 12:00 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Check-in is at 3:00pm. Check in, pick up packets in hotel lobby. Road Scholar program begins at 5:45 PM. You will be staying at Four Points by Sheraton Chicago Downtown that night.
  End of Program:
1:00 PM with drop off at hotel in Chicago, IL. You will be staying at Four Points by Sheraton Chicago Downtown the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Valid photo ID such as driver's license. Completed health form returned to coordinator prior to arrival.
  Parking availability:
Garage located next to the hotel for $21/day. Underground parking available at 350 E. Monroe or 201 E. Randolph for $13/day.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Chicago, Illinois
  Nearest city or town:  Chicago, IL
  Nearest highway: I-90.
  Nearest airport:  O'Hare International (ORD) or Midway (MDW)
  From End of Program
  Location: Chicago, Illinois
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

O'Hare

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Available curb side at the airport

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$35-$40
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

45 minutes approximately depending on traffice 
   

Prices are subject to change
 

Midway Airport

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Available curb side at the airport

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$35-$40
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

45 minutes approximately depending on traffic 
   

Prices are subject to change
 

O'Hare Airport

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Continental Airport Express
phone: 888-284-3826

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$25 one-way and $46 round-trip
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

45 minutes depending on traffic 
   

Prices subject to change. Shuttle leaves O'Hare every 10 minutes from the baggage claim area and at a counter at entrances 1E, 2D and 3E.
 

Midway Airport

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Continental Airport Express
phone: 888-284-3826

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$20 one-way and $36 round-trip
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

45 minutes depending on traffic 
   

Prices subject to change. Shuttle leaves Midway every 15 minutes.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Arrival/Orientation
(Sunday, May 6)
   
 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.
   
Accommodations: Four Points by Sheraton Chicago Downtown
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: City Tour by Bus/Free Evening
(Monday, May 7)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: Coach bus tour of Chicago.
 Lunch: Lunch at Manny's Deli.
 Afternoon: Continuation of coach bus tour.
 Dinner: On your own to explore local fare.
 Evening: Free evening to enjoy the city.
   
Accommodations: Four Points by Sheraton Chicago Downtown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Architectural Boat Cruise/The Art Insitute of Chicago/Chicago by Night from the top of the John Hancock Building
(Tuesday, May 8)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: Architectural boat ride on the Chicago River.
 Lunch: Lunch near The Art Institute of Chicago.
 Afternoon: Docent-led exploration of The Art Institute of Chicago. Additional time to explore the museum on your own.
 Dinner: At local restaurant.
 Evening: View from the top of the John Hancock Building, Chicago's second tallest building.
   
Accommodations: Four Points by Sheraton Chicago Downtown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Field Museum of Natural History/Free Evening
(Wednesday, May 9)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: Field trip to the Field Museum of Natural History. Docent-led exploration of the museum. Additional time to explore the museum on your own.
 Lunch: Lunch at the Field Museum.
 Afternoon: Time to explore the museum on your own.
 Dinner: On your own to explore local fare.
 Evening: Free time to enjoy Chicago.
   
Accommodations: Four Points by Sheraton Chicago Downtown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Financial District and State of Illinois Building/Macy's (Marshall Field's) and Chicago Cultural Center/Final Evening in Chicago
(Thursday, May 10)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: Field trip to the Financial District and the State of Illinois Building.
 Lunch: Lunch at the Walnut Room located in the State Street Macy's (Marshall Field's) department store.
 Afternoon: Field trip to Macy's, the former Marshall Field's department store. Learn the history of this remarkable Chicago institution. Some free time for shopping. Field trip to the Chicago Cultural Center.
 Dinner: At a local restaurant.
 Evening: Program wrap up.
   
Accommodations: Four Points by Sheraton Chicago Downtown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Chicago History Museum/Departure
(Friday, May 11)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: Explore the newly renovated Chicago History Museum, formerly called The Chicago Historical Society.
 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

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Chicago, Illinois General Overview
Museums and galleries, sporting events, e.g., Museum of Science and Industry, Shedd Aquarium, Musuem of Contemporary Art, Stained Glass Museum, Adler Planetarium, Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Cubs, Lincon Park Zoo, Navy Pier. For additional information, visit www.choosechicago.com
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.


As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.



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