Exploring Chicago’s architectural marvels has never been easier. The Chicago Highlights Private Walking Tour takes you on a captivating journey through the city’s iconic landmarks, led by knowledgeable local guides. From the Art Deco Wrigley Building to the striking Neoclassical Chicago Cultural Center, you’ll uncover the stories behind these architectural gems. With a focus on personalized service and a small group setting, this tour promises an immersive experience that will leave you eager to discover more about Chicago’s rich heritage. Shall we dive in?
Key Points
- Private, 2-hour walking tour focusing on Chicago’s renowned architectural wonders, including the Wrigley Building, Palmer House Hilton, and Chicago Cultural Center.
- Tour available in English and Spanish, with wheelchair accessibility and knowledgeable local guides providing in-depth insights.
- Flexible booking options with a reserve now & pay later feature and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- Customizable itinerary to cater to specific interests, ensuring a personalized and memorable experience.
- Inclusions cover the private tour, entry to monuments/museums, while transportation, food, and tips are excluded.
Tour Overview
This private walking tour of Chicago’s architectural wonders takes visitors on a 2-hour exploration of the city’s iconic structures.
Starting at the front of the LondonHouse Chicago, the tour is available in English and Spanish and is wheelchair accessible.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance ensures flexibility.
Knowledgeable local guides provide insights into Chicago’s architectural heritage and are happy to offer recommendations on other city attractions.
Knowledgeable local guides provide insights into Chicago’s architectural heritage and offer recommendations on other city attractions.
Whether you want to explore specific interests or see the highlights, this private tour offers a customizable and personalized experience.
Enjoying having a local guide? These other guided experiences in Chicago might interest you
Pricing and Booking
The Chicago Highlights Private Walking Tour is priced from $120.13 per person.
Booking is flexible, with a reserve now & pay later option to secure your spot without upfront payment. The tour can also be customized to focus on your specific interests, so you’ll get a personalized experience.
Whether you’re interested in iconic architecture or want to explore the city’s highlights, this private walking tour is designed to give you an in-depth look at Chicago’s architectural wonders.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, you can plan your visit with confidence.
Itinerary Highlights
As you explore this private walking tour, you’ll be captivated by Chicago’s iconic architectural structures. The Wrigley Building, an Art Deco masterpiece, stands tall with its gleaming white terracotta facade. Nearby, the Palmer House Hilton impresses with its grand Baroque style, while the Carbide and Carbon Building mesmerizes with its shimmering green terracotta tiles. The Reliance Building, a pioneering skyscraper, showcases innovative Chicago school architecture. Your tour culminates at the Chicago Cultural Center, a stunning Neoclassical landmark with its breathtaking Tiffany dome.
| Structure | Style | Notable Features |
| — | — | — |
| Wrigley Building | Art Deco | Gleaming white terracotta facade |
| Palmer House Hilton | Baroque | Grand, ornate architecture |
| Carbide and Carbon Building | Art Deco | Shimmering green terracotta tiles |
| Reliance Building | Chicago School | Pioneering skyscraper design |
| Chicago Cultural Center | Neoclassical | Breathtaking Tiffany dome |
Experience and Guide
What truly brings this private walking tour to life is the knowledgeable local guide leading it.
These expert guides share deep insights into Chicago’s rich architectural heritage, bringing the city’s iconic structures to life. Guests can expect a personalized experience with ample opportunities to ask questions and get insider tips on other must-see attractions.
The small group setting ensures individualized attention, allowing the guide to cater the tour to the group’s specific interests.
With their passion for architecture and Chicago’s history, these guides elevate the tour, making it an engaging and memorable experience.
More Great Tours NearbyInclusions and Exclusions
Though the inclusions and exclusions for this private walking tour are clearly defined, it’s worth highlighting them in more detail.
The tour includes a private and exclusive experience, customization options, and entry to any monuments or museums visited.
A private and exclusive experience, with customization options and entry to any monuments or museums visited.
However, local transportation, food, drinks, tips, and attraction tickets are excluded. This means guests will need to cover their own costs for getting to and from the starting point, as well as any purchases made during the tour.
The upside is the flexibility to tailor the experience to your preferences and budget.
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Exploring the Wrigley Building
The Wrigley Building stands as an iconic landmark along the Chicago River, its stunning white terra cotta facade catching the eye of every passerby.
As your guide leads you toward this architectural gem, you’ll learn about its rich history. Completed in 1924, the Wrigley Building was the headquarters of the Wrigley chewing gum company.
Its distinctive design, inspired by the Giralda bell tower in Seville, Spain, features two towers connected by a central bridge.
During your visit, you’ll have the chance to admire the intricate details and appreciate the building’s timeless elegance.
Discovering the Palmer House Hilton
As the group continues their architectural exploration, the guide leads them towards the stately Palmer House Hilton. The iconic hotel, founded in 1871, boasts a rich history and stunning Venetian-inspired design.
The guide points out the ornate lobby, adorned with intricate carvings, gilded accents, and a magnificent domed ceiling. Guests are invited to admire the hotel’s fine details, learning about its significance as a cultural landmark and its role in Chicago’s development.
The group takes in the grandeur, captivated by the hotel’s timeless elegance and the guide’s insightful commentary on its architectural significance.
Visiting the Carbide and Carbon Building
Leaving the grandeur of the Palmer House Hilton behind, the group moves on to another architectural marvel – the Carbide and Carbon Building.
The guide points out its distinct green and gold terra cotta facade, explaining how it was inspired by the Basilica of San Marco in Venice.
The distinct green and gold terra cotta facade of the Carbide and Carbon Building was inspired by the Basilica of San Marco in Venice.
The building’s sleek, Art Deco design showcases:
-
Gleaming black granite base
-
Shimmering gold-and-green terra cotta upper floors
-
Ornate stone carvings and decorative elements
-
Elegant, tapered shape that recalls a champagne bottle
This unique skyscraper, completed in 1930, stands as an iconic example of Chicago’s rich architectural heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Typical Group Size for This Tour?
This is a private tour, so the group size is flexible and tailored to the client’s needs. Typically, it’s a small group to ensure personalized attention from the guide and a more intimate experience.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?
The tour does not offer any advertised discounts for seniors or students. However, the private nature of the tour allows for customization, so travelers may want to inquire about potential discounts when booking.
Can We Make Additional Stops Outside the Listed Itinerary?
Yes, the tour can be customized to include additional stops outside the listed itinerary. The guide is flexible and happy to accommodate specific interests or requests to personalize the experience.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
Yes, the tour duration can be extended for an additional fee. Travelers can discuss their preferences with the tour guide and customize the itinerary to spend more time exploring Chicago’s architectural wonders.
How Much Time Do We Typically Spend at Each Architectural Site?
The tour typically allows 15-20 minutes of exploration and guided commentary at each architectural site, providing ample time to admire the buildings and learn about their unique histories and design features.
The Sum Up
Exploring Chicago’s architectural gems on the Chicago Highlights Private Walking Tour is an immersive experience. Knowledgeable guides provide insights into the city’s iconic structures, from the Art Deco Wrigley Building to the Neoclassical Chicago Cultural Center. With personalized attention and flexibility, guests can explore Chicago’s rich architectural heritage and create lasting memories of this dynamic metropolis.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Historical Tours in Chicago
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