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Signature City Chicago: Your Kind of Town

Program Number: 2818RJ
Start and End Dates:
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: $1,175.00 - 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: Gluten Free; Vegetarian    

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, museums and revitalized lakefront.




Highlights

• Examine Chicago’s growth on a professor-led field trip through the city’s diverse neighborhoods.
• Experience the city’s new waterfront parks and visit the renovated Chicago History Museum.
• Enjoy expert-led visits to 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

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
   Club Quarters
  Chicago, Illinois 5 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 contact Eric Sillen, or esillen@clubquarters.com to arrange. Ask for the Road Scholar rate.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: Per hotel availability Please contact Eric Sillen, or esillen@clubquarters.com to arrange. Ask for the Road Scholar rate.
  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 Club Quarters that night.
  End of Program:
1:00 PM with drop off at hotel in Chicago, IL. You will be staying at Club Quarters 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.
 
Driving Directions
  Directions to Club Quarters, Wacker at Michigan 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. From the Milwaukee, Wisconsin Area Take I-94 to Downtown, Chicago. Exit at Ohio St. *Follow directions above. From O'Hare Airport Take I-90/94 to Downtown, Chicago. Exit at Ohio St. *Follow directions above. From Midway Airport Take Cicero Ave. North, 3 miles to I-55. Take I-55 Northeast to I-90/94 North to Downtown Chicago. Exit at Ohio Street. *Follow directions above. From 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 Grand Rapids, Michigan Area Take I-90/94 Westbound to Downtown, Chicago. Exit at Ohio St. *Follow directions above. From Iowa Take I-80 or I-88 East to I-290 (Eisenhower Expressway) East to Downtown, Chicago. Take I-90/94 traveling northwest To Ohio St. Exit on Ohio St. *Follow directions above. From Urbana and Southern Illinois Take I-57 North to I-90/94 West to Downtown, Chicago Exit at Ohio St. *Follow directions above. Parking 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 an d out privileges, and $35 for valet parking overnight (enter between 7am and 6:00 pm), with in and out privileges.
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, June 16)
   
 Afternoon: Arrival at hotel check-in is at 3:00. Check in, pick up packets in hotel lobby.
 Dinner: Dinner at local restaurant within walking distance of hotel.
 Evening: Orientation and welcome at local restaurant.
   
Accommodations: Club Quarters
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: City Exploration by Bus/Free Evening
(Monday, June 17)
   
 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: Continuation of coach bus exploration.
 Dinner: On your own to explore local fare.
 Evening: Free evening to enjoy the city.
   
Accommodations: Club Quarters
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Willis Tower Skydeck/The Art Insitute of Chicago
(Tuesday, June 18)
   
 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 is at Giordano's, renowned for its 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 have time to stroll down Michigan Avenue, window shop, or stop and listen to music in one of the many local bars.
   
Accommodations: Club Quarters
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Field Museum of Natural History/Free Evening
(Wednesday, June 19)
   
 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: Club Quarters
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Financial District and State of Illinois Building/Architectural Boat Ride/Final Evening in Chicago
(Thursday, June 20)
   
 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. 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: Club Quarters
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Chicago History Museum/Departure
(Friday, June 21)
   
 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.

Suggested Reading List


Chicago Then and Now


Author: Elizabeth McNulty


Description: The latest installment in the popular Then and Now series showcases the capital of the Heartland and one of the premier cities in the nation and the world: Chicago. Chicago's change and growth over the last century is captured in this photographic history. Modern color photos sit side by side with black and white archival photographs. Every important building, avenue, neighborhood, and point of interest is documented. It covers all of Chicago's landmarks from Navy Pier to the Stockyards and from the Southside all the way up the Magnificent Mile. Take in a game at Wrigley Field, then take it all in from the top of the Sear's Tower. The Water Tower and all the other architectural features that make Chicago great are also included.



Chicago: A Brief History


Author: Vook


Description: "Chicago: A Brief History" presents a comprehensive look at the city’s transformation from a fur trade outpost to America’s Second City. This compact digital compendium helps you track the diverse forces that shaped the city as we know it. You’ll explore the exciting history behind the city’s cultural, economic, and architectural mainstays. You’ll also gain valuable insight into groundbreaking Chicago events and major figures down through history, including: The Birth of a Major Trade City The Great Fire of 1871 Construction of the Sears Tower Chicago’s “Public Enemies” The University of Chicago ...and more.





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