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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Participant Reviews
Based on 31 Reviews
SHOWING
We are still talking about our trip experience; it was exceptional and hit all of our "must see/do things" on our first trip together to Chicago. Our trip leader Kim was exceptional, and an asset to Road Scholar. Her enthusiasm and attention to detail made it worth the trip.
— Review left September 11, 2024
This trip exceeded my expectations. Chicago is a beautiful, clean city with stunning architecture, numerous parks, trees and flowers, and world-class museums. The speakers were knowledgeable and entertaining and enhanced my understanding of the city. Our group leader, Kim Johnson, was just the best. She added to my enjoyment of this trip immensely.
— Review left September 11, 2024
This was a good trip - learning about Chicago was especially delightful because our guides and "local experts" all love the city, and constantly told us how much they love the city. We spent a lot of time at the South side museum and touring the neighborhood on the first day. Then it sort of accelerated, and by the last day, when we finally got to the Art Institute of Chicago, we were exhausted! We only had a few hours there.
The mural tour was canceled by a no-show guide; but it was better, actually, because it was VERY hot, the tour would have been mid-day. Tony, our Ass't guide took us to two beautiful historic buildings (original library for one) - much better than the mural outside tour.
The lunches were delicious and exciting - as they were scheduled during the bus tours in places we wouldn't have found on our own.
Speaking of "on our own"-- the Friday and Saturday night (2nd and 3rd nights) we were "on our own." I didn't like it. I called RS ahead, asking about it, and they referred me to the local guide, Andrea, who said it was a good opportunity to explore. Sorry, alone in a new city, knowing no one- not even other Road Scholars, I didn't WANt to explore. So no dinner Friday night. Saturday night I ate Subway near the hotel.
Andrea did book a table for 8 each night, but there were 30 of us and I wasn't quick enough to elbow my way to the sign-up sheet. This was very disappointing -- as Chicago seems to have wonderful eateries. We could have had a meeting to see who wanted to join together - but that didn't happen.
The two group meals we did have were served family style and were fantastic.
Still, Road Scholar Signature Cities are a good way to meet new cities.
— Review left July 21, 2024
It was nice to see Chicago and learn about it's history. Met some lovely, interesting people. The things we saw were varied and impressive. It's a nice tour if you want to see and get a taste of Chicago in four days.
— Review left July 13, 2024
For those wishing to get a well-organized introduction to Chicago's history, politics, culture, ethnic neighborhoods and unique style, this is your program. Our group leaders and instructors, some of them life-long Chicagoan's, were very knowledgeable and responsive to the plethora of questions posed to them. The program provides a great introduction to several of the city's wonderful museums and provides an opportunity to sample some of its many excellent eateries. One will have several opportunities to check out the city's expansive and reasonably priced public transportation. My favorite activity was the boat ride on the Chicago River that introduced us to the city's amazing architecture.
Many of my fellow Road Scholars commented on the cleanliness of the city and the general courteousness of its drivers. The city serves as a big draw to young college graduates from all over the Midwest, so one shouldn't be too surprised by the large number of young adults present in the city. Overall, the city does exude a level of energy which derives in part from it demographics and the love its many lifelong residents have for all that is Chicago.
— Review left June 28, 2024
Our trip to Chicago was AMAZING! We learned so much about the city and got to see world-class art at the Art Institute. Visiting the Field Museum was on my bucket list and it did not disappoint. This was my first Road Scholar trip. The leaders and balanced programming mean that it will be the first trip of many.
— Review left June 19, 2024
The perfect introduction to this major city. Whetted my appetite for a return to Chicago!
— Review left June 19, 2024
A pack-filled and comprehensive tour of Chicago by a wonderful group leader and excellent speakers. Hotel in a great location and wonderful meals around town.
— Review left May 18, 2024
Great overview of Chicago.
— Review left May 15, 2024
Chicago is a beautiful city and has much to offer, and we learned about the development of the city from the beginning.
— Review left October 23, 2023
Chicago in autumn.... how interesting. Our group had a wonderful program highlighted by an architectural boat ride on the Chicago River showing(through various buildings) the history of this most interesting city. We highly recommend this program if you're interested in understanding a bit about our US history.
— Review left October 19, 2023
This was my ninth Road Scholar trip. I would rank it in the top three trips!
— Review left October 18, 2023
Intersting and educational trip to Chicago.Friendly fellow travelers and wonderful leaders.
— Review left October 18, 2023
As close as we have lived from Chicago (4 hours drive), we never have taken the time to really APPRECIATE Chicago. This is the program which will help you truly get a basic understanding of Chicago and its influence on the United States and the world. I LOVED the instructors because they OBVIOUSLY love Chicago. I loved the program because it gave us good reasons to really love our "Paris of the Prairie"..... Chicago.
— Review left October 18, 2023
The Signature City Chicago is a short, wonderful view of the River North area of Chicago. It is packed with history, good restaurants and walkable, interesting museums, buildings, and neighborhoods. I highly recommend it!
— Review left September 16, 2023
Chicago was indeed "Paris on the Prairie". It was more beautiful walkable, better landscaped, cleaner and safer than I had expected. Cultural amenities abound, and food choices are excellent. For someone looking for an excellent urban experience I highly endorse Chicago.
— Review left September 16, 2023
This is a most enjoyable, comprehensive and yet detailed program that I highly recommend
— Review left August 2, 2023
Another good Road Scholar trip. We especially liked the free time in the Field Museum. Rick Bayless' La Frontera is in the same block as the hotel: excellent dinner there. Nice variety of food and eating places. Excellent guides.
— Review left June 30, 2023
At 90 a final revisit to a city we both love. We couldn't have had a more positive experience.
— Review left May 25, 2023
The Signature City: Chicago program was excellent and informative. Our guide, Aurora Cruz Nelson, was skilled in shepherding a large group of 32, always available, and unfailingly upbeat and positive. Highlights were docent lectures, a bus tour of Chicago, a river canal architecture cruise, the Chicago Art Institue, and meals (good!). We didn't have as much time at the Field Museum of Natural History as I would have liked, but participants were free to stay after the coach departure and return to the hotel at their leisure. Chicago is a stunning, well-planned city, and now I've seen much more of it than the O'Hare airport.
— Review left May 16, 2023
We were so disappointed in this trip. Squeezing in 35 people with one person running the trip is an example of money over quality. There is no way for a restaurant to prepare a flavorful meal for 35 people during their dinner hour.
We can go to art and history museums in any major city or on our own. What we were looking for is what make Chicago stand out as a vibrant city. What we received was apathy. Honestly, if you can't staff the program appropriately or put in some effort, cancel it rather than lower your standards.
Unfortunately, we will not be back to Road Scholar anytime soon.
— Review left October 30, 2022
Chicago is a great mix of fabulous architecture, an impressive Art Institute, varied museums, interesting history and great ethnic restaurants. Signature City Chicago program will give you a well rounded introduction to all these aspects. The visit to the Federal Reserve Bank did not happen despite being on the Road Scholar website itinerary.
— Review left June 10, 2022
Great architectural tour of the city. I learned a lot
— Review left May 17, 2022
If you're interested in Chicago's history, architecture and politics as presented by very interesting and qualified lecturers, this program is for you.
— Review left November 3, 2021
I always loved Chicago but I appreciate it so much more after this program. We would highly recommend this to anyone wanting to learn about the foundations that made Chicago the grand city it is today.
— Review left November 3, 2021
Signature City Chicago was wonderful with a nice variety of experiences.
Instructional as well as in person
— Review left October 27, 2021
Chicago is a clean, safe and beautiful city. There is so much to do on this program and some extra time to do other things. I didn't feel like I was in a big city. There were not too many people or cars. I also didn't feel suffocated by the big buildings. There is lots of green space in Chicago. The people we met were nice and friendly. We went in October and the weather was great. The food was very good and there were all kinds of other restaurants near our hotel. There were also other stores in case something was forgotten. I also thought the prices for things was reasonable.
— Review left October 27, 2021
RoadScholar does the work for you. From finding excellent and fascinating speakers, arranging your time and leaving enough time to explore on your own, and they paid especially much attention to ensure that the leaders were wonderful. If you get to tour with Mary Ann and Mike Savage you'll know what I mean.
— Review left November 17, 2019
Although the weather did not cooperate (cloudy/rainy) the tour was what I expected. The highlights were the architectural river cruise (the guide was fantastic), the Field Museum, and of course the Art Institute. Our tour guides, Arlene and Nancy, were knowledgeable and personable. The hotel was nicely located north of the river, making it easy to get around. The service was very slow for breakfast making early morning lectures a challenge to get to. The two lectures were excellent. The bus on our 1st full day had no air conditioning (broken) which caused some people discomfort. All together the windy city came out looking pretty good.
— Review left July 1, 2019
This program provides an excellent overview of Chicago and offers a diverse introduction to this fascinating city.
— Review left June 19, 2019
This was a delightful program in a phenomenal city! The variety of fascinating sites and activities, the group leaders and instructors, and the lodging were wonderful. There is some free time on this program for a customized experience. We recommend staying in Chicago additional days, as there is so much to do and see. Be prepared for variable weather. And tons of fun!
— Review left June 2, 2019
