Chicago: Full-Day Guided City Tour by Bus

Explore the vibrant city of Chicago on a guided bus tour that takes you through the heart of this iconic Midwest metropolis. From the towering Cloud Gate sculpture in Millennium Park to the historic Chicago Water Tower, you’ll experience the city’s most notable landmarks with the insights of a knowledgeable guide. But the adventure doesn’t stop there – customize your tour with optional visits to the Art Institute or 360 Chicago observation deck, creating a personalized experience you won’t soon forget.

This experience made our article of 5 Top Full-Day Tours In Chicago (With Reviews & Prices).

Key Points

• This guided bus tour provides a full-day exploration of top attractions in Chicago, including Millennium Park, the Art Institute, and a Chicago River architecture cruise.
• The tour is priced from $132 per person and includes round-trip transportation, a driver, and a guide.
• Guests can customize the itinerary by adding preferred sights and activities, with optional upgrades for the Art Institute and 360 Chicago observation deck.
• The tour starts at the Millennium Park Welcome Center and requires a valid passport or ID card for participation.
• Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and a pay later option is available.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This Chicago City Tour is a full-day guided bus tour that takes visitors on an exploration of the city’s top sights.

Priced from $132 per person, the tour includes round-trip transportation, a driver and guide, and all taxes and fees. Guests can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour lasts one day and highlights key attractions like Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Chicago River Boat Architecture Tours.

Customization and optional upgrades are available for a personalized experience.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins at the Millennium Park Welcome Center, where guests can admire the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, also known as "The Bean."

From there, the journey continues through Grant Park, home to the renowned Art Institute of Chicago, which visitors can explore on an optional 2-hour visit.

The tour also includes:

1. A photo stop at the historic Chicago Water Tower.

2. An optional 1.5-hour cruise along the Chicago River, showcasing the city’s stunning architecture.

3. An optional visit to the 360 Chicago observation deck, offering panoramic views of the city skyline.

Customization and Upgrades

If guests wish to customize their tour experience, they can opt to include preferred sights and attractions.

The tour offers the flexibility to adjust the itinerary to suit individual interests. Visitors can add optional activities like a visit to the Art Institute of Chicago or a ride on the 360 Chicago observation deck.

The tour offers flexibility to customize the itinerary, allowing visitors to add activities like the Art Institute or 360 Chicago.

Pricing for these add-ons is detailed, with adult tickets ranging from $32 to $44 and discounted rates for seniors and children.

The tour also accommodates dietary needs and mobility requirements, ensuring a personalized and comfortable experience for all participants.

Transportation and Inclusions

Round-trip transportation from Chicago is included in the tour price, and a driver and guide (or driver-guide) are provided to escort participants throughout the day.

The tour package covers:

1. Service fee for the driver and guide.

2. Taxes and fees.

3. Food and drinks aren’t included.

The meeting point is the Millennium Park Welcome Center at 8:00 AM.

Passengers should bring a passport or ID card, as pets, smoking, and unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed.

The tour’s duration and return time may vary depending on the actual itinerary, weather, and traffic conditions.

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Important Information

Millennium Park Welcome Center serves as the meeting point for the tour, with participants required to arrive by 8:00 AM. Guests should bring a valid passport or ID card, as these are required for the tour. Pets, smoking, and unaccompanied minors are not permitted. Pregnant women over 24 weeks and children under 8 have additional health considerations, with the latter needing booster seats. The tour may be adjusted or canceled due to poor weather, and the return time varies based on the actual itinerary, weather, and traffic, so participants should consult the guide on the day of the tour.

| Allowed | Not Allowed |

| — | — |

| Passport or ID card | Pets |

| Children over 8 | Smoking |

| Pregnant women under 24 weeks | Unaccompanied minors |

Millennium Park Welcome Center

The Millennium Park Welcome Center serves as the designated meeting point for the Chicago City Tour.

This centrally-located facility offers several key features for tour participants:

1. Easily accessible location in the heart of downtown Chicago, just steps away from major landmarks.

2. Staffed with knowledgeable personnel to provide information and assistance before the tour begins.

3. Comfortable indoor waiting area with seating, restrooms, and access to water and snacks.

Arriving at the Millennium Park Welcome Center ensures a smooth start to the Chicago City Tour experience.

Art Institute of Chicago

As a world-renowned art museum, the Art Institute of Chicago houses an impressive collection spanning over 5,000 years of art history. Visitors can explore a diverse range of artwork, from ancient artifacts to modern masterpieces. The museum offers an optional 2-hour visit during the city tour, allowing guests to explore its vast collection.

| Admission Fees | Adult | Senior | Child |

| — | — | — | — |

| Art Institute of Chicago | $32 | $26 | $26 |

The Art Institute of Chicago is a must-see destination for art enthusiasts, providing a window into the rich cultural heritage of the city. Guests can customize their tour to include this iconic museum.

360 Chicago and Chicago Architectural Cruise

Chicago offers visitors a chance to explore the city’s iconic architecture through the popular Chicago Architectural Cruise. This 1.5-hour tour takes guests along the Chicago River, providing stunning views of:

1. Historic landmarks like the Merchandise Mart and the Willis Tower.

2. Impressive modern skyscrapers that define the city’s skyline.

3. Bridges and buildings that showcase Chicago’s diverse architectural styles.

The cruise offers an engaging way to learn about the city’s rich architectural heritage while enjoying picturesque vistas of the waterfront.

It’s an optional add-on that enhances the full-day guided city tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Discounts Available for Group Bookings?

Yes, there are group discounts available for this tour. Groups of 10 or more can receive a 10% discount on the per-person price. Booking in advance is recommended to secure this group rate.

Can the Tour Be Extended to Include Additional Sights?

Yes, the tour can be customized to include additional sights. Guests can work with the tour operator to tailor the itinerary to their preferences and interests, for an additional cost.

Is There an Option to Start the Tour From a Different Location?

Yes, the tour can be customized to start from a different location. Clients can request an alternative meeting point when booking the tour, subject to availability and any additional fees.

Are There Any Restrictions on the Size of Luggage or Bags?

The tour doesn’t have any restrictions on the size of luggage or bags. Passengers can bring their personal belongings as long as they can carry them on and off the bus comfortably.

Is It Possible to Arrange a Private Tour With a Customized Itinerary?

Yes, the tour can be customized with a private itinerary. Guests can work with the tour operator to include their preferred sights and attractions within the tour duration and pricing framework.

The Sum Up

Discover the vibrant city of Chicago on a comprehensive, guided bus tour. Explore iconic landmarks, customize your experience, and enjoy flexible options like the Art Institute or 360 Chicago observation deck. With knowledgeable guides, convenient transportation, and a range of inclusions, this full-day tour offers an unforgettable way to experience the best of Chicago.

You can check availability for your dates here: