Chicago Highlights: My Kind of Town

Duration: 7 Days | Meals Included: 6 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners

 

Trip Highlights:

 

Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame

Explore the world's only facility dedicated to the living legacy of rock and roll music. Designed by I.M. Pei, this impressive $92 million structure towers above Lake Erie's shore at North Coast Harbor. Inside, the Hall of Fame wows visitors with a dynamic multimedia experience, blending film footage, music, interviews, animation, and photography to narrate the stories of rock and roll's iconic legends. An on-site cafe serves light refreshments and food.

 

Chicago Botanic Gardens Grand Tram Tour

Explore the expansive beauty of the Chicago Botanic Gardens aboard their tram tour. Covering 385 acres, the garden boasts 23 stunning display gardens and three native habitats spread across nine islands nestled among picturesque lakes. Enjoy a fact-filled, 45-minute narrated tour for an overview of the garden's diverse landscapes. Highlights include the tranquil Japanese Garden, expansive 100-acre oak woodland, and the vibrant native prairie.

 

Untouchable Tour - Chicago's Original

Step into the underworld of Prohibition-era Chicago with the Untouchables Tour - Chicago's Original Gangster Tour. Explore the city's most infamous locations where Al Capone and his associates once ruled. Delve into the stories of Capone, Moran, Dillinger, and other notorious figures as you visit iconic sites like the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, the Biograph Theater, and Holy Name Cathedral. Led by knowledgeable Gangster Guides, this tour offers a blend of education and entertainment, providing insights into Chicago's dark and thrilling history.

 

Navy Pier

Since its construction in 1916, Navy Pier has stood as a cherished Chicago landmark. This iconic destination boasts dozens of restaurants, shops, special exhibits, entertainment options, and scenic gardens. Visitors can enjoy riding the impressive fifteen-story Ferris Wheel for unparalleled views of the Chicago skyline, and experience the turn-of-the-century style carousel adorned with 36 hand-painted animals.

 

Field Museum of Natural History

Discover the Field Museum of Natural History, a revered Chicago institution and one of the world's foremost museums dedicated to natural history. Dive into immersive exhibits that span ancient cultures to cutting-edge scientific discoveries, showcasing over 24 million objects. Journey into an ancient Egyptian tomb, encounter the planet's largest creature, marvel at insects up close, explore ancient civilizations, and much more. The All Access Pass grants entry to all permanent and special exhibitions, plus a thrilling 3D movie experience.

 

Lake Michigan and Chicago River Boat Cruise

Experience Chicago's premier boat tour offering unparalleled views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. This signature tour includes a trip through the Chicago Lock and a live narration featuring an overview of architecture and history. The boat features both open-air and covered seating options, restrooms, and a convenient snack bar. Rain or shine, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure along Chicago's iconic waterways.

 

Magnificent Mile

Take a magnificent vacation in just eight spectacular blocks. Explore over 400 exclusive stores and boutiques, and indulge in fine dining at more than 200 restaurants.

 

Skydeck Chicago

Experience unparalleled views of Chicago and four surrounding states at Skydeck Chicago. Ride an elevator to the 103rd floor and see the breathtaking panorama. Challenge yourself with "The Ledge," a unique Chicago experience where you can stand on a glass platform extending over Wacker Drive and the Chicago River, 103 floors above ground. Admission includes access to interactive exhibits and signature photo opportunities.

 

Gino's East

For 50 years, the original Gino's East has been offering the best deep dish pizza experience in Chicago. Since they opened their doors in 1966, they've shared millions of their signature golden-crust Chicago-style pizzas with Chicagoans, celebrities, and visitors from all over the world.

 

Nationality Rooms

The Nationality Rooms at the University of Pittsburgh's Cathedral of Learning showcase 27 unique classrooms depicting and gifted by ethnic groups integral to Pittsburgh's history. These rooms, designated as a Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation Historical Landmark, are situated on the 1st and 3rd floors of the Cathedral of Learning, itself a National Historic Landmark on the university's main campus. While maintaining museum-quality exhibits, twenty-five of these rooms serve as active classrooms for University of Pittsburgh faculty and students. The remaining two rooms are designated as display areas accessible exclusively through guided tours.

 

Meal Information:

 

Dinner on day two is included at Rulli's Italian Restaurant. Choices are:

• Chicken Parmigiana

• Cheese Tortellini (vegetarian)

• Cajun Shrimp Alfredo

The meal also includes a salad, non-alcoholic beverages, and cannoli for dessert.

 

Dinner on day five is included at Gino's East Restaurant

Dinner will feature a variety of pizzas served buffet-style with family-style entrees including homemade spinach sticks, jumbo buffalo chicken wings, salads, pasta, with brownies & chocolate chip cookies for dessert. Unlimited non-alcoholic drinks are also included.

 

Dinner on day six is included at Grand Concourse. Choices are:

• Sirloin Steak: grilled, with warm bleu cheese butter

• Salmon: with mango salsa and a sriracha glaze

• Roasted Vegetable Ravioli: provencale tomato cream, parmesan, and basil chiffonade.

Meal includes salad & cheesecake.

 

Menus are subject to change.

 

Need to Know:

• This tour involves extensive walking. Please be aware that Chicago is a sprawling metropolitan city, and participants will need to walk more than 2-3 blocks at a time during the trip.

• Every Starr trip includes deluxe round-trip motorcoach transportation from one or more of our departure locations.

• A Starr Tour Director will accompany you on this trip.

• Baggage handling and related gratuties are included.

 

Accessibility:

• Chicago Boat Tour: The boat is wheelchair accessible, however, there are approximately 60 easy steps down to reach the dock. This may pose difficulty for individuals with walking disabilities.

• Starr has a select quantity of wheelchair accessible motorcoaches available; therefore, we suggest you contact a Travel Advisor to discuss any needs you may have before reserving your trip.

Day 1: Wyndham Independence (Independence, OH)

The hotel features a full-service restaurant and lounge, indoor/outdoor pool, and fitness room. Guest rooms include coffee maker, mini-fridge, hair dryer, and iron/board.

 

Days 2-5: Fairfield Inn & Suites Chicago Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile (Chicago, IL)

The hotel is located 1 1/2 blocks from Chicago's famed Magnificent Mile and close to local restaurants and boutiques. The hotel features a fitness room. Guest rooms include coffee maker, mini-fridge, hair dryer, and iron/board.

 

Day 6: DoubleTree Pittsburgh-Green Tree (Pittsburgh, PA)

Conveniently located just 5 miles from Downtown Pittsburgh. The hotel features a restaurant/lounge, indoor/outdoor pool, and fitness room. Guest rooms include coffee maker, hair dryer, and iron/board.