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

Program Number: 2818RJ
Start and End Dates:
8/26/2012 - 8/31/2012; 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:

 

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.
 

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:

 

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
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, August 26)
   
 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, August 27)
   
 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.
   
Accommodations: Four Points by Sheraton Chicago Downtown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Sky Deck at the Willis Tower/The Federal Reserve Bank/The Art Insitute of Chicago
(Tuesday, August 28)
   
 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.
   
Accommodations: Four Points by Sheraton Chicago Downtown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Field Museum of Natural History/Free Evening
(Wednesday, August 29)
   
 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.
   
Accommodations: Four Points by Sheraton Chicago Downtown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Financial District and State of Illinois Building/Architectural Cruise
(Thursday, August 30)
   
 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.
   
Accommodations: Four Points by Sheraton Chicago Downtown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Chicago History Museum/Departure
(Friday, August 31)
   
 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

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.


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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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