2 activities in Chicago, United States Of America

Chicago was born on the banks of the Riverwalk. On this once-in-a-lifetime experience, meet up with a local guide, versed in all things Chicago for one highlight after the other in this essential two-hour walking tour. Today the Riverwalk is a collection of architectural wonders, bars, eateries, and lush green parks and featured on every must-see list of Chicago. So why not experience it with a little historical knowledge by your side (that's our guide!) and cultural direction - hitting the best of the best?
Highlights:

• Take a stroll down the Riverwalk, Chicago's architectural gem
• Go behind the scenes at the McCormick Bridgehouse Museum
• See the inner workings of Chicago's most famed and fabulous
• Take in stunning views of Chicago's pristine skyline
• Find hidden gems amongst the city such as a work by Picasso

Meet your expert local on the south end of the Magnificant Mile setting out on a casual stroll. You'll be just under the shadows of the iconic Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower - two mammoths of architectural design and a great introduction to what is to come. Walk across the DuSable Bridge - hearing the catalogue of achievements by Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable, the original settler to Chicago whose namesake adorns the bridge. As you cross the waters beneath, you'll be greeted by the sound of the rushing river paired with the towering skyline of downtown Chicago - what a moment!

Onwards to explore the original site of Fort Dearborn and the battles that played out there while making your way down to the official Riverwalk. With its bevy of buildings, eateries, parks, and iconic views of Chicago, this glorious stretch of the Windy City is a local (and visitor) favourite. Continue on with a behind-the-scenes peek into the five-story McCormick Bridgehouse Museum where you'll venture into the underbelly of the bridge to see the massive amount of engineering feats built to precisely balance this famed trunnion bascule bridge (that's like, a really cool bridge type).

As we amble down the Riverwalk, we will encounter four distinct districts: The Confluence, The Arcade, The Civic, and The Esplanade each offering their own distinct character and offerings. Your expert guide is there to regale you with stories of lore and reality - like at the Jewelers Building - did Al Capone really have a super-secret speakeasy tucked in the rafters?

Some other wonders of Chicago you'll encounter are Heald Square, with its monument to American Revolutionist financiers, the Vietnam Memorial, Marina Towers, the Site of the SS Eastland Disaster, and the Chicago Temple. For one of our last stops, we will visit a statue by Picasso aptly named “Untitled”, a 50-foot statue gifted by the artist to this incredible, incomparable city.

For our grand finale, we will visit the famed Tiffany Dome, inside the Chicago Cultural Center - offering an explanation of the infamous symbol of the city of Chicago - the "Y".


Redeem information
Voucher type: Printed
Printed Voucher. Print and bring the voucher to enjoy the activity.

Location
Start point:
401 Michigan Ave (Apple Store)
Please ensure you arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes prior to the Tour start time.

End point: Historic Chicago Cultural Center.

Schedule
Duration: 2 Hours

Guide options
Guide type: Guide

Requirements
Please make sure you answer all the mandatory questions during the booking process.

For most visitors to Chicago, The Loop is top of the must-see list. Home to the city's most impressive architecture and its most storied buildings, this has been the beating heart of Chicago for over a century. In the city that gave the world its first skyscraper, there truly is no better place to start your visit than at the feet of these giants - and no better company than our experienced, expert local tour guides.

Highlights:

• Tick The Loop off your bucket list with this thorough exploration
• Led by a local guide, you'll gain access to secret marvels you may not have found on your own
• Get an intimate look at one of Frank Lloyd Wright's first masterpieces
• Discover the Secret Glass Mosaics of Chicago
• Marvel at the intricate golden Palmer House Peacock Doors
• Get up close with the largest Tiffany Glass Dome in the world

Your morning of exploring starts at the Monadnock Building. With a base six feet thick, and tapering as it goes up, this engineering marvel is the tallest load-bearing brick building ever constructed. In fact, it's two buildings in one. The older, north face, dates back to 1891, and the south face to two years later when larger windows and more ornate design were possible due to the innovation of the steel frame.

That's just one of so many innovations in skyscraper design that you'll learn about on your tour of The Loop. But of course, Chicagoans had to innovate. When the world's first skyscraper was revealed here in 1885, there was no precedent to follow. Since then the city's design motto of 'Think Big' has driven constant change and evolution across the skyline.

As you stroll through the financial district with your local guide, you’ll revel in Chicago’s imposing Art Deco architecture, designed to make you look up. Towering above you, atop the magnificent Board of Trade Building you’ll see the three-storey statue of Ceres, the Greek goddess of corn and wheat looming over the Chicago skyline.

Then, it’s on to the Rookery where you’ll enter a breathtaking lobby designed by a young Frank Lloyd Wright. Throughout the tour you’ll be astounded by the details you'll discover behind doors you would never have opened on your own - like secret glass mosaics. That's the benefit of travelling with a local guide.

Hear the stories of the colourful characters that brought this city to world prominence. Discover where the brownie was invented. Marvel at the intricate golden Palmer House Peacock Doors. Then finally, stand in awe of the largest Tiffany Glass Dome in the world.


Redeem information
Voucher type: Printed
Printed Voucher. Print and bring the voucher to enjoy the activity.

Location
Start point:
Monadnock Building
Please ensure you arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes prior to the Tour start time.


End point: Historic Chicago Cultural Center.

Schedule
Duration: 2 Hours

Guide options
Guide type: Guide

Requirements
Please make sure you answer all the mandatory questions during the booking process.