Best of Chicago Tour

Experience Chicago through a thoughtfully designed The Best of Chicago Tour. It's a small-group tour on which you explore the city’s architectural beauty, cultural icons, and lakeside charm in just four hours. This tour is limited to just six guests to make it a more relaxed pace and meaningful to explore one of America’s most architecturally celebrated cities. Each stop adds depth to your understanding of Chicago’s character, blending history with modern-day marvels.

Your tour begins with your local guide picking you up from your downtown Chicago hotel in a luxury van. Then you make the first stop at Adler Planetarium Pier to see one of the most impressive views of the Chicago skyline. With Lake Michigan stretching beside you and the city’s silhouette rising in the distance, you will have plenty of opportunities to take postcard-worthy images.

After Adler Planetarium Pier, you will board the Shoreline Architecture Cruise to take a narrated boat ride along the Chicago River. If Chicago’s architecture and urban development fascinate you, this experience will stand out as you will cruise past more than 40 significant structures including the neo-Gothic Tribune Tower and the glassy curves of Aqua Tower making it one of the most fun tours in Chicago. Meanwhile your local guide will narrate historical context and stories behind the buildings, making this more than just a sightseeing ride.

Next, you'll stop at Buckingham Fountain. The fountain is constructed of Georgia pink marble and has 193 jets that push out 14,000 gallons of water per minute during a display.The design of this fountain was inspired by the Latona Fountain at the Palace of Versailles, but its presence in Grant Park feels uniquely Chicagoan. The fountain nestles in a green space from where you can have city views which make the atmosphere feel serene making it a perfect place to pause and relax.

The tour wraps up at Cloud Gate, better known as “The Bean.” This huge, bean-shaped, reflective sculpture was sculpted by British-Indian artist Anish Kapoor in 2004. It has become one of the most recognizable public art pieces in the country. While you marvel at this art piece, your guide will share the artist’s intent and his inspiration.

After visiting these sites, your guide will return you to your downtown Chicago hotel, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for the city’s balance of beauty, innovation, and thoughtful design.