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Illinois

Signature City Chicago

Program No. 2818RJ

We’ve packed the best of Chicago into five unforgettable days. Join world-class experts at renowned museums, historic parks, iconic skyscrapers and more!

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Program

At a Glance

Duration

6 days

Program Begins

Chicago, Illinois

Program Concludes

Chicago, Illinois

Meals

12 ( 5B, 4L, 3D )

Activity Level

If you have always wanted to experience Chicago, but didn’t know where to start, you’ve come to the right place. This introduction to the “Windy City” is brimming with expert-led visits to Chicago’s gems. Discover glittering skyscrapers, fine dining, revitalized lakefront, a diverse cultural scene, celebrated museums and the tony Magnificent Mile on an exceptional adventure that draws back the curtain on Chicagoans and “their kind of town.”

Best of all, you'll...

Examine Chicago’s growth on a expert-led field trip through the city’s diverse neighborhoods.
Experience the city’s Millennium Park and visit the Field Museum.
Explore the Chicago River and learn how Chicago grew from a settlement into one of the world's largest cities.

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General Notes

You may enjoy a program specifically focusing on art and architecture in the "Winding Through the Windy City: Art & Architecture in Chicago" (#21908). Or "Go Solo: Art and Architecture in Chicago" (#24935) intended exclusively for solo travelers.

Zbigniew Banas

Zbigniew Banas has been a resident of Chicago since 1976. He is currently an instructor at Loyola University in the department of modern languages and literature. He is also a radio host and reporter with WPNA and WEUR. He received his B.A. from the University of Chicago and his M.S. from Brown University. He has been involved with Road Scholar for over 15 years.

Please Note:

This expert may not be available for every date of the program

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Andrea Maremont

A native of northwest Indiana, Andrea Maremont has lived in the Windy City for nearly 50 years. She has been a group leader for Road Scholar for more than 10 years, and has helped to design learning adventures in the city. When not leading educational expeditions throughout Chicago, Andrea is the director of a small senior center.

Karen Kaplan

Karen Kaplan was born and raised in West Rogers Park on the North Side of Chicago. She graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago and began her career as a nutritionist, speaking to audiences on health and wellness. After raising her family in the Chicago area, Karen wrote her memoir and began speaking internationally. Karen's love of The Windy City has led her to become a Road Scholar Group Leader who enjoys sharing her stories of Chicago.

Brian Murray

Brian Murray is a graphic artist and educator based in Chicago for over two decades. Combining his local experience with his passion for art history and community organizing, Brian leads thought-provoking explorations of the art forms that adorn the walls of the city and the various perceptions and historical contexts around them.

Gayle Felix

Gayle Felix has been a Road Scholar group leader since 2015. She grew up and raised her family outside of Boston and now resides in Hingham, Massachusetts. With a history/American studies degree from Boston University, she enjoys sharing the history of Boston and surrounding areas. Gayle has led programs in New England focusing on Cape Cod, Coastal Maine, and The Berkshires. In addition, she has led programs in Washington, D.C.; Chicago; and elsewhere in the United States. Gayle enjoys biking, golfing, hiking, and kayaking.

Bernard Turner

Bernard Turner is executive director of the Bronzeville-Black Metropolis National Heritage Area focused on preserving the history and culture of his community. Author of several books about Chicago and African American History, including A New View of Bronzeville and Tate and His Historic Dream, Bernard conducts citywide and neighborhood explorations and has volunteered at the Chicago History Museum since 2000. Bernard taught German and Spanish in the Chicago area for several years before beginning a career in educational publishing in sales, sales management, and marketing.

Activity Level

On Your Feet

Walking up to 3 miles per day at a moderate pace of 2 mph over city sidewalks and in museums. Standing up to 3 hours per day. Program will require approximately 6.5 miles of walking over 5 days. Additional walking and standing based on personal preferences at museums and to access meals on your own. Must be physically capable of participating in all planned program activities.

Suggested Reading List

View Full List (12 Books)

You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?

We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!

Call 800-454-5768

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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.
Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.