Best of Chicago: Premium Small Group City Tour
Overview
Discover Chicago on a 2.5-hour premium small group city tour combining landmark architecture, public art, and lakefront scenery. Begin along the Magnificent Mile and Chicago River, where Tribune Tower, the Wrigley Building, and DuSable Bridge introduce the city's skyline. Continue downtown to see Willis Tower and the Art Deco Chicago Board of Trade Building, with pass-by views of Marina City, Merchandise Mart, the Civic Opera House. Enjoy a 20-minute stop at Millennium Park to see Cloud Gate (The Bean), followed by a separate 10-minute stop at Clarence F. Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park when operating, typically May through October. Stop for a photo at the historic Route 66 Begin Sign and pass the Art Institute of Chicago before finishing at Museum Campus. Admire views of the Chicago skyline across Lake Michigan, with exterior views of the Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, and Shedd Aquarium. This compact itinerary combines Chicago's signature sights and photo stops in one outing.
What's Included
- Bottled Water and Snack Bar
- Sightseeing stops and pass-by views as described in the itinerary
- 2.5-hour premium small group city sightseeing tour with convenient pick-up at designated locations
- Live commentary on Chicago's history, architecture, and landmarks
- Photo opportunities at selected stops, including the Route 66 Begin Sign and Museum Campus
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Personal Expenses
- Gratuities
- Meals, Food and Drinks
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup time may differ from voucher start time. Confirm with the tour operator after booking. Check “Meeting & Pick-up” for details. Arrive 5–10 mins early. Please allow a 5–10 minute window before and after your pick-up time, as the guide may arrive slightly early or late due to multiple stops.Chicago Downtown Hotels：Tour operator set up pick-up and drop-off points at downtown Chicago hotels between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM or 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM. Please refer to the itinerary for the specific addresses of each point.Other Pick up selection: 9:00am or 2:00pm at 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601, USAThe tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours. Return time may vary depending on the itinerary, traffic, and weather conditions.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
The Magnificent Mile
20 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Chicago River (pass by)
Catalog at Willis Tower
5 minutes Admission Ticket Free
The Old Post Office (pass by)
Chicago Board Of Trade Building
5 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago (pass by)
Millennium Park
20 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Clarence F. Buckingham Fountain
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Chicago Route 66 Start of the Trail Sign
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
The Art Institute of Chicago (pass by)
Museum Campus
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Age and Safety: Guests under 18 must be with at least one adult. Pregnant women can join the tour only if they are 24 weeks pregnant or less by the end of the trip.
- Tickets and Charges: We do not accept City Passes or personal tickets for attractions. Admission and meal prices may change without notice. Tickets cannot be refunded if prices drop and no price matches on attractions are allowed.
- Booking Details: Provide accurate information, including your name, contact details (preferably a mobile number), and flight information. Errors can affect your travel and any losses due to incorrect information will be your responsibility.
- Leaving the Group: If you choose to leave the group, inform the tour guide in advance and sign a departure agreement. You will not receive a refund for any missed parts of the tour.
- You must provide your pick-up location to the operator at least 3 days before departure. If not received, the default pick-up will be: 9:00am at 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601, USA
- By selecting an option and completing your booking, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to the tour's full product description, including all details about itinerary, included and excluded fees. Your payment indicates your acceptance of these terms.
- Check-In Documents: Bring a valid photo ID to board the bus. It's also a good idea to have a copy of your email confirmation.
- Health Requirements: Good health is required to enjoy the tour. Contact us for policies on passengers with disabilities. We do not guarantee accessible buses or seating without prior notification.
- Tour Adjustments: Guides or drivers may change the tour schedule due to weather, traffic, or other conditions to ensure a smooth trip.
- Terms and Conditions: We may update these terms occasionally. Check our product website before booking. We are not liable for any consequential or incidental damages related to these terms.
- For state law, Children under the age of 6 require a booster seat in order to participate in the tour group. Please understand that the violations and fines are borne by the guests themselves. There is no need for a booster seat for bus travel on the day of travel.
- Closed Attractions: If attractions are closed or altered due to holidays or other reasons, we will adjust the itinerary and/or replace it with an equivalent attraction to maintain the tour’s quality.
- Itinerary Changes: We may adjust the tour itinerary if needed, but the included attractions will not be reduced.
- Buckingham Fountain typically operates from May to October each year. If the fountain is temporarily closed or not operating, the stop will be omitted from the itinerary. Please refer to the actual arrangements made by your tour guide.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Best of Chicago: Premium Small Group City Tour?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-132218P767
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Reviews
Average 4.96 out of 5 stars based on 48 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CST).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Bottled Water and Snack Bar.
- Sightseeing stops and pass-by views as described in the itinerary.
- 2.5-hour premium small group city sightseeing tour with convenient pick-up at designated locations.
- Live commentary on Chicago's history, architecture, and landmarks.
- Photo opportunities at selected stops, including the Route 66 Begin Sign and Museum Campus.
- Professional English-speaking guide.
- Personal Expenses.
- Gratuities.
- Meals, Food and Drinks.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Best of Chicago: Premium Small Group City Tour is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Best of Chicago: Premium Small Group City Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Bottled Water and Snack Bar
- Sightseeing stops and pass-by views as described in the itinerary
- 2.5-hour premium small group city sightseeing tour with convenient pick-up at designated locations
- Live commentary on Chicago's history, architecture, and landmarks
- Photo opportunities at selected stops, including the Route 66 Begin Sign and Museum Campus
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Personal Expenses
- Gratuities
- Meals, Food and Drinks
Additional Info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Age and Safety: Guests under 18 must be with at least one adult. Pregnant women can join the tour only if they are 24 weeks pregnant or less by the end of the trip.
- Tickets and Charges: We do not accept City Passes or personal tickets for attractions. Admission and meal prices may change without notice. Tickets cannot be refunded if prices drop and no price matches on attractions are allowed.
- Booking Details: Provide accurate information, including your name, contact details (preferably a mobile number), and flight information. Errors can affect your travel and any losses due to incorrect information will be your responsibility.
- Leaving the Group: If you choose to leave the group, inform the tour guide in advance and sign a departure agreement. You will not receive a refund for any missed parts of the tour.
- You must provide your pick-up location to the operator at least 3 days before departure. If not received, the default pick-up will be: 9:00am at 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601, USA
- By selecting an option and completing your booking, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to the tour's full product description, including all details about itinerary, included and excluded fees. Your payment indicates your acceptance of these terms.
- Check-In Documents: Bring a valid photo ID to board the bus. It's also a good idea to have a copy of your email confirmation.
- Health Requirements: Good health is required to enjoy the tour. Contact us for policies on passengers with disabilities. We do not guarantee accessible buses or seating without prior notification.
- Tour Adjustments: Guides or drivers may change the tour schedule due to weather, traffic, or other conditions to ensure a smooth trip.
- Terms and Conditions: We may update these terms occasionally. Check our product website before booking. We are not liable for any consequential or incidental damages related to these terms.
- For state law, Children under the age of 6 require a booster seat in order to participate in the tour group. Please understand that the violations and fines are borne by the guests themselves. There is no need for a booster seat for bus travel on the day of travel.
- Closed Attractions: If attractions are closed or altered due to holidays or other reasons, we will adjust the itinerary and/or replace it with an equivalent attraction to maintain the tour’s quality.
- Itinerary Changes: We may adjust the tour itinerary if needed, but the included attractions will not be reduced.
- Buckingham Fountain typically operates from May to October each year. If the fountain is temporarily closed or not operating, the stop will be omitted from the itinerary. Please refer to the actual arrangements made by your tour guide.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
