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City Highlights Weekend in Chicago

Program Number: 20517RJ
Start and End Dates:
9/27/2012 - 9/30/2012;
Duration: 3 nights
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Price starting at: $683.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: History & Culture
Meals: 5; 3 Breakfasts, 0 Lunches, 2 Dinners    
Meal Options: Gluten Free; Vegetarian    

From lovely Millennium Park up the grand Magnificent Mile, Chicago combines beautiful period architecture, a rich and fascinating history of industry and politics and some of the most revered museums, arts organizations and scientific institutes in the U.S. and the world. Along the shore of the great inland sea known as Lake Michigan, spend a few days getting acquainted with the this world-class city.




Highlights

• Expand your knowledge at one of the world’s great art institutions, the Art Institute of Chicago, and one of the world’s great natural history institutions, the Field Museum.
• Learn about the flamboyant political history of the City of Chicago and how it came to be the world class city it is today.
• In a special event, attend a performance of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, "Boulez Conducts Wagner."



Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles uneven surfaces; climbing a few flights of stairs.




Date Specific Information

9-27-2012

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
Hotel on the Chicago River in the center of downtown Chicago.
Meals and Lodgings
   Club Quarters
  Chicago, Illinois 3 nights
 Club Quarters
Type: Hotel
  Description: Club Quarters, Wacker at Michigan is a private, full service hotel in the center of downtown Chicago and located on the Chicago River. This landmark tower, built in 1928, has been fully restored to its historic grandeur and offers spectacular views of the skyline, including floodlit landmarks. Luxury shopping along the Magnificent Mile is just 1 block away. Grant Park is 10 minutes' walk and Navy Pier is 1 mile away.
  Contact info: 75 E Wacker Dr.
Chicago, IL 60601 USA
phone: 312-357-6400
web: www.clubquarters.com/chicagoWacker
  Room amenities: Guest room features free high-speed internet access/wired at desk, latest design workstation with tast lighting, luxury bedding and linens.
  Facility amenities: Hotel facilities include 24-hour front desk, non-smoking rooms, fitness center, bar, free wi-fi in the entire hotel, room service, free chilled, purified bottled water.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Per hotel availability Please contactl Liza Addo directly at 203-905-2063, or laddo@clubquarters.com to arrange. Ask for the Road Scholar rate.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: Per hotel availability Please contactl Liza Addo directly at 203-905-2063, or laddo@clubquarters.com to arrange. Ask for the Road Scholar rate.
  Check out time: 12:00 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
6:00 pm You will be staying at Club Quarters that night.
  End of Program:
Noon You will be staying at Club Quarters the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
Club Quarters Wacker at Michigan is affiliated with System Parking located at 111 E. Wacker Drive. Club Quarters guests are offered a rate of $24 for a 24 hour period, with no in and out privileges.
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
 

Midway Airport

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

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

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$55 one-way and $104 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 Aiport

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Shuttles available at airport without advance reservation

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$25one-way, $46 round-trip for one person; $18 for two people one way and $34 round trip
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

35-45 minutes on average depending on traffic 
   

Very easy to get a shuttle at both Midway or O'Hare Airports. Airport has a Transportation Desk and they will direct you to where to get the shuttle. Ask for Continental Airport Express. Runs every 10-15 minutes. Prices su;bject to change
 
Driving Directions
  From the Indianapolis, Indiana area Take I-65 North to I-90 West, it will turn into I-90/94 West to Downtown, Chicago. Exit at Ohio Street. *Follow directions above.
  From the Madison Wisconsin area Take I-90 East to Downtown, Chicago. *Exit on Ohio St. eastbound, travel 1 1/2 miles on Ohio St. (Passing Lasalle St.) to State Street. Turn right onto State Street, travel south 4 blocks to East Wacker (cross State Street bridge). Turn left onto East Wacker, travel east one block, Club Quarters will be the 3rd building on the right hand side. Look for a blue awning with the CQ logo.
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 & Hotel Check-in, Registration, Dinner & Orientation
(Thursday, September 27)
   
 Afternoon: HOTEL CHECK-IN: Available at 3:00 pm Program Registration: After you have your room assignment, come over to the Road Scholar desk in the room adjacent to the lobby to pick up your arrival packet containing your name tag, the up-to-date schedule and to confirm the time of dinner and the orientation session.

Please be aware that program activities and scheduled times could change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

 Dinner: We will dine out at a popular eatery on the Gold Coast.
 Evening: ORIENTATION & WELCOME: Following dinner we'll review the schedule and any changes; discuss responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures; and answer any questions you may have. You'll also have an opportunity to meet the program staff and your fellow participants during a get-acquainted session.

This City Highlights Weekend in Chicago is a new Road Scholar "Flex" program. It is different from other programs with more opportunities for you to dine out and explore on your own. Several meals have been excluded from the program cost and you will have substantial free time for personal independent exploration. We hope you enjoy this new "Flex" program and the highlights of what's on in Chicago this weekend.
   
Accommodations: Club Quarters
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Chicago River Architecture Study Cruise, Free Afternoon & Evening for Personal Independent Exploration
(Friday, September 28)
   
 Breakfast: Enjoy a delicious continental breakfast in the hotel.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: This morning we will board a Chicago River Cruise boat to experience and learn about the rich and diverse culture of architecture in Chicago, making it the beautiful and unique city that it is today.
 Lunch: Begin your free afternoon and evening with lunch on your own. Choose from hundreds of options in the city. Whether you prefer a Chicago-style hot dog, or a leisurely lunch in one of the cafes along the Chicago River, the choice is yours. You might want to assemble a picnic and eat in Millenium Park among the sculptures and greenery along Michigan Avenue. You are also welcome to have a bite (at your cost) with the Group Leader.
 Afternoon: FREE AFTERNOON: There's so much to see and do in this city that it will make your head spin, but we'll have recommendations for you. You might want to visit Navy Pier, one of the most popular places for visitors to the city, and take in the Stained Glass Museum on the pier. It is a quick bus ride down Michigan Avenue to visit the Shedd Aquarium, or the Adler Planetarium on the museum campus. If Frank Lloyd Wright is your thing, you might want to take a train or cab out to Oak Park to visit the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio. If you are a science buff, the Museum of Science and Industry is a 25 minute train ride away from the hotel. You are also welcome to join the Group Leader on an impromptu walk in one of the neighborhoods if you like.
 Dinner: Dinner is on your own to enjoy your preferences among Chicago's wonderful restaurants. What will it be: Greek, Italian, Thai, Chinese, steaks, or seafood? Suggestions will be provided. You may also join the Group Leader (at your cost who will dine downtown.
 Evening: FREE EVENING: The hotel is conveniently located so you have many options for an enjoyable evening on the town. Check out local listing (links provided in preparatory materials sent following enrollment) for information on a variety of activities and events. If music is your thing, you might want to check out a jazz or blues club. If baseball is your passion, make arrangements to hop a train for Cellular Field and take in the 8:00pm White Sox game. Buckingham Fountain offers spectacular views of the city and a wonderful light show after dusk. If you love comedy, make a reservation for the renown Second City in the heart of Old Town. If you like, you are welcome to accompany the Group Leader (at your cost) for an informal activity.
   
Accommodations: Club Quarters
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3: Art Institute of Chicago, Michael Feinstein & Chicago Jazz Orchestra Performance
(Saturday, September 29)
   
 Breakfast: Enjoy a delicious continental breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: PRESENTATION: Learn about the flamboyant political history of the City of Chicago and how it came to be the world class city it is today.

Take the rest of the morning to explore more of the city on your own, from the Magnificent Mile to the Museum of Contemporary Art, Lincoln Park Zoo and Gardens, the observation deck and glass ledge of the Sears Tower, and so much more. You may choose to join the Group Leader on an impromptu walk.

 Lunch: Lunch is on your own to choose the cuisine of your choice from among the many casual Chicago cafes or restaurants. You're also welcome to accompany the Group Leader (at your cost).
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: The Art Institute of Chicago. We will take a bus down Michigan Avenue from the hotel to the world renowned Art Institute of Chicago for an expert-led exploration of the museum with time to visit the galleries that are of particular interest to you. There is never enough time at the Art Institute, and those who so wish may go earlier in the morning to explore on their own, meeting the group at 1:30 pm at the Michigan Avenue entrance.

Those who wish to do so may join one of our Group Leaders for a drink (at your cost) at the historic Palmer House Hotel, on the way to dinner. Those who wish to stay longer at the Art Institute will join our second Group Leader for a leisurely stroll to the restaurant.

 Dinner: Dinner this evening is at a popular Chicago restaurant, conveniently located in close proximity to the Art Institute and the Auditorium Theatre.
 Evening: PERFORMANCE: Michael Feinstein with Jeff Lindberg's Chicago Jazz Orchestra. Legendary American singer, pianist, and music revivalist Michael Feinstein unites with Jeff Lindberg's Chicago Jazz Orchestra to showcase the most beloved tunes from the American Songbook for one performance only.

The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University is a designated National Historic Landmark. It is the venue of choice for major dance companies, Broadway musicals, popular music concerts, a jazz music series, and numerous community events.
   
Accommodations: Club Quarters
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: The Field Museum, Program Concludes
(Sunday, September 30)
   
 Breakfast: Enjoy a delicious continental breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: This morning we will board a bus for a short ride to the Field Museum for an expert-led exploration with time to look about on your own before returning to the hotel.

Primarily an outgrowth of the World's Columbian Exposition held in Chicago in 1893, the Field Museum today it is part of a lakefront Museum Campus that includes the John G. Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium. These three institutions are regarded as among the finest of their kind in the world and together attract more visits annually than any comparable site in Chicago.

PROGRAM CONCLUDES: The program concludes with our return to the hotel at approximately noon.

We trust you have enjoyed this new City Highlights Weekend "Flex" program and will join us for other rewarding Road Scholar learning adventures in the future. Best wishes for all your journeys!
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

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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