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Illinois

Winding Through the Windy City: Art & Architecture in Chicago

Program No. 2190860MEADV-1116-60
On expert-led, small group walks and during independent explorations, learn about Chicago’s historic architecture and diverse neighborhoods with local experts.

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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
May 11 - May 16, 2025
Starting at
1,999
Jun 29 - Jul 4, 2025
Starting at
1,999
Jul 6 - Jul 11, 2025
Starting at
1,999
Sep 14 - Sep 19, 2025
Starting at
1,999
Sep 21 - Sep 26, 2025
Starting at
1,999
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
May 11 - May 16, 2025
Starting at
2,499
Jun 29 - Jul 4, 2025
Starting at
2,499
Jul 6 - Jul 11, 2025
Starting at
2,499
Filling Fast!
Sep 14 - Sep 19, 2025
Starting at
2,499
Sep 21 - Sep 26, 2025
Starting at
2,499
This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!

At a Glance

Thrilling and serene. Tough and sophisticated. Chicago is a city of contrasts best understood through its art and architecture. We’ll be on the go with a small group of fellow explorers as we visit a range of neighborhoods with an architecture expert to see how the city’s evolution is told through its buildings. Then we’ll venture outside the city to learn about the life and work of Frank Lloyd Wright, as we visit his Prairie-style home and studio. Your schedule includes some open afternoons, during which you’ll be able to discover on your own the aspects of the city that speak to you most.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles on field trips.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Go inside the Art Institute of Chicago with an expert on the artworks of its world-class, 300,000-piece permanent collection.
  • Study city architecture on a walk with a scholar and from a boat on the Chicago River.
  • Learn about the life and work of the iconic architect Frank Lloyd Wright, through an expert-led exploration of his Prairie-style home and studio in charming and historic Oak Park, Illinois.

General Notes

Program includes independent time to explore the city. Group Leaders will provide directions for self-directed excursions. Suggestions for free-time activities provided in preparatory materials. You may enjoy a more inclusive, easier-paced "Signature City Chicago" (#2818).
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Joe Cunniff
Joseph Cuniff writes about the theater and music scene in Chicago, and is an instructor at the School of New Learning at DePaul University. He has led classes at the Art Institute of Chicago for more than 10 years. He earned a master’s in fine arts and interdisciplinary learning from Loyola University.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Joe Cunniff
Joe Cunniff View biography
Joseph Cuniff writes about the theater and music scene in Chicago, and is an instructor at the School of New Learning at DePaul University. He has led classes at the Art Institute of Chicago for more than 10 years. He earned a master’s in fine arts and interdisciplinary learning from Loyola University.
Profile Image of Mandy Piotrowski
Mandy Piotrowski View biography
Mandy Piotrowski is a Chicago native with a passion for history, both mundane and bizarre. Having grown up in the city, she now splits her time between Chicago and Milwaukee, primarily doing museum and local walking expeditions. She is certified in D.C. and New York City, is a certified International Tour Manager through the International Guide Academy in Denver, and has written a variety of walking programs for Chicago, ranging from art history to women's history to city history.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Chicago, IL
Program Concludes
Chicago, IL
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
11 | 5B | 3L | 3D |
Activity Level
Thrilling and serene. Tough and sophisticated. Chicago is a city of contrasts best understood through its art and architecture. We’ll be on the go with a small group of fellow explorers as we visit a range of neighborhoods with an architecture expert to see how the city’s evolution is told through its buildings. Then we’ll venture outside the city to learn about the life and work of Frank Lloyd Wright, as we visit his Prairie-style home and studio. Your schedule includes some open afternoons, during which you’ll be able to discover on your own the aspects of the city that speak to you most.)
Best of all, you'll...
  • Go inside the Art Institute of Chicago with an expert on the artworks of its world-class, 300,000-piece permanent collection.
  • Study city architecture on a walk with a scholar and from a boat on the Chicago River.
  • Learn about the life and work of the iconic architect Frank Lloyd Wright, through an expert-led exploration of his Prairie-style home and studio in charming and historic Oak Park, Illinois.
General Notes
Program includes independent time to explore the city. Group Leaders will provide directions for self-directed excursions. Suggestions for free-time activities provided in preparatory materials. You may enjoy a more inclusive, easier-paced "Signature City Chicago" (#2818).
Featured Expert
Profile Image
Joe Cunniff
Joseph Cuniff writes about the theater and music scene in Chicago, and is an instructor at the School of New Learning at DePaul University. He has led classes at the Art Institute of Chicago for more than 10 years. He earned a master’s in fine arts and interdisciplinary learning from Loyola University.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles on field trips.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List (15 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
11 meals | 5B | 3L | 3D |
2 expert-led lectures
6 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
Program Registration, 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 pm. After you have your room assignment, come over to the Road Scholar table in the hotel lobby to register with the program staff.
Dinner:
We will have dinner out at a neighborhood restaurant within walking distance of the hotel.
Evening:
Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. The remainder of the evening is free to continue getting to know your fellow participants. Settle in to your room and get a good night’s sleep for the full day tomorrow.
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles and standing up to 1 hour in the Art Institute.
Breakfast:
At the hotel, we will enjoy a breakfast buffet, with coffee, tea, water included.
Morning:
At the hotel, we will begin our explorations with an expert-led lecture on the history of the Chicago area from the early indigenous people through the Great Migration, noting current trends and dynamics in this fascinating city. We will then go on an expert-led exploration of the world-famous Art Institute of Chicago, where we will hone our knowledge of and appreciation for art. Highlights of the permanent collection – comprising more than 300,000 works in different media – include “American Gothic,” the famed Chagall Windows, and the Thorne Miniature Rooms. Led by an art educator, we will have an introduction to key galleries, followed by self-led exploration to explore the museum in greater depth.
Lunch:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon:
After lunch we continue to independently explore the extensive collections at the Art Institute of Chicago. In late afternoon our local expert will take us to Planetarium Point via coach to enjoy the magnificent skyline view of Chicago from across Lake Michigan. We then make our way back to the hotel on the coach.
Dinner:
At a neighborhood restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach. 6 hour exploration of the city by motorcoach with stops along the way.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
We begin our day with a lecture focusing on the art and architecture in the Windy City by a local expert guide. Mark Twain wrote in 1883, “It is hopeless for the occasional visitor to try to keep up with Chicago. She outgrows his prophecies faster than he can make them.” Led by an expert, we will have a motorcoach exploration to learn more about Chicago history, the immigrants and neighborhoods who gave it a rich culture and texture, and the movers and shakers whose influence made it a world-class city. We’ll begin our journey north along Michigan Avenue to Lake Shore Drive and up to Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs. As time and traffic allow, we will stop at various locations along the way.
Lunch:
At a favorite local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
On your own
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off boat. Activity level is dependent on individual pursuits during free time.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
We begin our day riding the motorcoach to the dock to embark on our river cruise, which will present more of Chicago’s extraordinary architecture and related social history. None other than Frank Lloyd Wright said, "[modern architecture] all started here..." By necessity due to geographical limitations, Chicago’s business leaders had to look upwards to expand after the devastating Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Within less than a decade, new building techniques pushed the city’s skyline ever higher. Some of the world’s greatest architects, supported by visionary business leaders, built not just higher, but sleeker and more sophisticated. And it was not only skyscrapers that forged a unique identity. Debris from the great fire created the base of Grant Park. The Merchandise Mart, once the epicenter of high design and luxury goods, owned for half a century by the Kennedy family, is the world’s largest commercial building. Chicago also has more movable bridges than any city in the world including an engineering wonder, the Michigan Avenue Bridge, one of the city’s foremost thoroughfares. We will learn about all this and much more during our cruise with expert commentary.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant within walking distance to the river cruise boat dock.
Afternoon:
Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Suggestions in your preparatory materials. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Dinner is on your own this evening. Chicago has a vibrant local food scene; please see the Restaurant Suggestions in your preparatory materials.
Dinner:
On your own
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach. Driving up to 15 miles to historic Oak Park. Walking up to 1 mile exploring this neighborhood. The Frank Lloyd Wright Home is not accessible to wheelchairs of any size as all entries to the Home have stairs. The Studio balcony is not accessible to wheelchairs. It is only accessible by a steep, narrow stairway.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
This morning, we will board a motorcoach for historic Oak Park, home to iconic architect Frank Lloyd Wright from 1889 until 1909. It is in Oak Park that Wright created his Prairie-style of architecture. We will have the opportunity to explore his Oak Park home and studio with an expert on the subject. Afterwards, enjoy a self-guided exploration of historic Oak Park and River Forest, where we will learn more about the work of Wright and his contemporaries in the field. Oak Park is a charming suburb of Chicago, renowned for its rich historic architectural styles, including the largest concentration of Frank Lloyd Wright homes and buildings.
Lunch:
We will have lunch at a popular restaurant in Oak Park.
Afternoon:
Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
At a neighborhood restaurant, we will enjoy a tasty farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
11 Meals
5 Breakfasts
3 Lunches
3 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
Jun 29, 2025 - Jul 04, 2025
  • Jun 29, 2025 - Jul 04, 2025
  • May 11, 2025 - May 16, 2025
  • Jun 29, 2025 - Jul 04, 2025
  • Jul 06, 2025 - Jul 11, 2025
  • Aug 03, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025
  • Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025
  • Sep 21, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025
5 nights
Location: Chicago
The attentive amenities at Hyatt Place make us one of the best Chicago River North hotels. During your stay, a Host will happily assist you with orders from our new Gallery Menu, Fresh 24/7, featuring our signature flatbreads, a Make It 2 option, and delicious new sandwiches, greens, apps & more. Or you can enjoy specialty Starbucks® coffee, premium beer, wine & cocktails over friendly conversation at the intimate Bakery Café. In addition to on-site dining options, our LEED-Certified hotel in Downtown Chicago offers perks such as free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour Stay Fit Hyatt fitness center, laundry and dry cleaning service, amazing views of the city, and much more. Whether traveling for business, pleasure, or a bit of both, look no further than our River North area hotel.
5 nights
Location: Chicago
The attentive amenities at Hyatt Place make us one of the best Chicago River North hotels. During your stay, a Host will happily assist you with orders from our new Gallery Menu, Fresh 24/7, featuring our signature flatbreads, a Make It 2 option, and delicious new sandwiches, greens, apps & more. Or you can enjoy specialty Starbucks® coffee, premium beer, wine & cocktails over friendly conversation at the intimate Bakery Café. In addition to on-site dining options, our LEED-Certified hotel in Downtown Chicago offers perks such as free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour Stay Fit Hyatt fitness center, laundry and dry cleaning service, amazing views of the city, and much more. Whether traveling for business, pleasure, or a bit of both, look no further than our River North area hotel.
5 nights
Location: Chicago
The attentive amenities at Hyatt Place make us one of the best Chicago River North hotels. During your stay, a Host will happily assist you with orders from our new Gallery Menu, Fresh 24/7, featuring our signature flatbreads, a Make It 2 option, and delicious new sandwiches, greens, apps & more. Or you can enjoy specialty Starbucks® coffee, premium beer, wine & cocktails over friendly conversation at the intimate Bakery Café. In addition to on-site dining options, our LEED-Certified hotel in Downtown Chicago offers perks such as free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour Stay Fit Hyatt fitness center, laundry and dry cleaning service, amazing views of the city, and much more. Whether traveling for business, pleasure, or a bit of both, look no further than our River North area hotel.
5 nights
Location: Chicago
The attentive amenities at Hyatt Place make us one of the best Chicago River North hotels. During your stay, a Host will happily assist you with orders from our new Gallery Menu, Fresh 24/7, featuring our signature flatbreads, a Make It 2 option, and delicious new sandwiches, greens, apps & more. Or you can enjoy specialty Starbucks® coffee, premium beer, wine & cocktails over friendly conversation at the intimate Bakery Café. In addition to on-site dining options, our LEED-Certified hotel in Downtown Chicago offers perks such as free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour Stay Fit Hyatt fitness center, laundry and dry cleaning service, amazing views of the city, and much more. Whether traveling for business, pleasure, or a bit of both, look no further than our River North area hotel.
5 nights
Location: Chicago
The attentive amenities at Hyatt Place make us one of the best Chicago River North hotels. During your stay, a Host will happily assist you with orders from our new Gallery Menu, Fresh 24/7, featuring our signature flatbreads, a Make It 2 option, and delicious new sandwiches, greens, apps & more. Or you can enjoy specialty Starbucks® coffee, premium beer, wine & cocktails over friendly conversation at the intimate Bakery Café. In addition to on-site dining options, our LEED-Certified hotel in Downtown Chicago offers perks such as free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour Stay Fit Hyatt fitness center, laundry and dry cleaning service, amazing views of the city, and much more. Whether traveling for business, pleasure, or a bit of both, look no further than our River North area hotel.
5 nights
Location: Chicago
The attentive amenities at Hyatt Place make us one of the best Chicago River North hotels. During your stay, a Host will happily assist you with orders from our new Gallery Menu, Fresh 24/7, featuring our signature flatbreads, a Make It 2 option, and delicious new sandwiches, greens, apps & more. Or you can enjoy specialty Starbucks® coffee, premium beer, wine & cocktails over friendly conversation at the intimate Bakery Café. In addition to on-site dining options, our LEED-Certified hotel in Downtown Chicago offers perks such as free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour Stay Fit Hyatt fitness center, laundry and dry cleaning service, amazing views of the city, and much more. Whether traveling for business, pleasure, or a bit of both, look no further than our River North area hotel.
Participant Reviews
5
Based on 34 Reviews
Sort By:
Harry | Kennett Square, PA
Wonderful, informative trip. Chicago is a great town.
— Review left October 26, 2024
Robert – Class of 2012 | Madison, WI
Strong recommendation. Gave me a new appreciation for a signature city.
— Review left July 22, 2024
Susan – Class of 2016 | Black Mountain, NC
Fun way to explore Chicago from a convenient hotel base.
— Review left June 17, 2024
Nathaline – Class of 2017 | Marion, MA
This was our first trip to Chicago and we had a wonderful time. It's a "new" city, the river cruise showcased the beautiful skyscrapers and architecture. We had a day at the Art Institute and an excellent tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's house. Great group leader (Karen) and great fellow travelers.
— Review left June 17, 2024
Mary – Class of 2023 | Hayward, CA
A wonderful way to explore Chicago, known for its museums and architecture. The guide was magnificent and very accommodating. The accommodations were just right. The food was very good. The group was very friendly.
— Review left May 20, 2024
This participant did not give a star rating.
Arlene – Class of 2017 | Inver Grove Heights, MN
Thrilled to see & participate in how alive and fun Chicago is!
— Review left May 19, 2024
Glenda – Class of 2024 | San Diego, CA
My first time to Chicago and first RS tour ( although have visited numerous countries, cities and continents on my own) . The caliber of the presenters and the program was excellent. The meals were delicious and the itinerary was perfect. Everyone was friendly and interesting ...and was good value for money
— Review left May 11, 2024
Shirley – Class of 2023 | Lubbock, TX
I encourage anyone considering this trip to Chicago to see & study its art & architecture to do it without hesitation! I can't accurately express how beautiful Chicago is, which was actually surprising to me. It's absolutely stunning!! This was my 1st trip with Road Scholar & I'm inspired to travel with them again because everything about the trip was perfect! The hotel was beautiful & ccomfortable. Its location was spot on. The shared meals were all delicious. Our tour guide was so personable that we all felt like she was a friend, who cared for each one of us. The field trips were amaazing & the instructors so knowledgable & excited about sharing their beautiful city with us. I know that I was not the only one in the group of 22 that really didn't want to leave.
— Review left October 27, 2023
Marie – Class of 2014 | Cincinnati, OH
OUR TOUR THROUGH THE WINDY CITY WAS FUN AND INFORMATIVE. THE DIRECTOR AND INSTRUCTORS GAVE US A WEATH OF INFORMATION ABOUT THE ART AND ARCHITECTURE THAT OPENED MY EYES!
— Review left September 11, 2023
Lynne – Class of 2006 | Kingston, NY
If you haven’t been to Chicago you are in for a treat. It’s a vibrant, lively, friendly up to date and very clean city’s with a lot of interesting architecture and locations to explore
— Review left September 9, 2023
Robin – Class of 2014 | Chester, NJ
This trip to Chicago was a total winner! The city is clean, safe and full of amazing architecture, art and beautiful gardens along every street.
— Review left September 9, 2023
Jeanne – Class of 2022 | Berkeley, CA
This trip is a fabulous intro to the architecture throughout and nearby Chicago. So many styles and buildings to see, including the details of art deco lobbies, atriums, window designs. Plenty of walking periods, so be ready for that. Quite a lot of learning packed into effectively 4 touring days. You might want to plan an extra day or two to see more on your own, and I highly recommend the Chicago History Museum north of downtown.(an easy Uber or Lyft ride) The Holy Name Cathedral was a pleasant surprise -- beautiful arts & crafts-like interior wood and glass inside a more conventional stone exterior. Beware the heavy carbs in all the group meals at Italian restaurants.
— Review left July 3, 2023
Jw – Class of 2004 | Juneau, AK
Interesting. Fun. Entertains.
— Review left June 29, 2023
Cynthia – Class of 2013 | New York, NY
Chicago Art & Architecture is an interesting and stimulating trip. The walks around the city and the places we went completely contradict the many negative stereotypes about Chicago that are embedded in a lot of popular culture. I met so many wonderful people on this trip who enriched the whole experience. The trip to Oak Park and the architecture boat trip are real highlights. I’d never been to Chicago before but I want to come back and visit more places. Our group leader Sue did a great job herding cats and helping everyone participate, always helpful and good-natured.
— Review left June 20, 2023
April | Berkeley, CA
I have been telling friends and family how wonderful this program was.
— Review left June 18, 2023
Mary – Class of 2021 | Dallas, TX
Chicago is a great city. Beautiful place and spaces. Friendly people. Wonderful museums and interesting mix of old and new buildings and architecture. Well worth a trip.
— Review left June 17, 2023
Kathleen – Class of 2018 | Stevens Point, WI
This was a great introduction to Chicago! I learned a lot about the architecture of the city, and I am ready to visit again on my own!
— Review left May 24, 2023
Ann – Class of 2022 | Piedmont, CA
Winding Your Way Through the Windy City is a fun and informative introduction to Chicago. If you are interested in great art, architecture, world class museums, a great aquarium, beautiful outdoor spaces, Millenium Park, the Bean, an architectural river cruise and Frank Lloyd Wright's work, or any of the above, this trip is for you. Great people and wonderful leader, and plenty of flexibility and free time!
— Review left May 16, 2023
Suzanne – Class of 2020 | Ocean View, DE
This was our first Road Scholar program and it really delivered! A great overview of the city of Chicago. Our tour guides were excellent and we enjoyed meeting the other participants. Highly recommend!
— Review left May 16, 2023
Christina – Class of 2016 | Belvedere Tiburon, CA
Comprehensive tour of Chicago. Learned so much about the architecture of the late 1800's and early 1900's.
— Review left May 13, 2023
Ulla – Class of 2005 | Madison, WI
The skyline of Chicago has changed so much since my last visit. The program was a great learning experience. The tour to Oak Park was a highlight. The Art Institute of Chicago is a treasure. The program allowed us to also spend our free afternoon there. An hour is not enough.
— Review left September 25, 2022
Peter – Class of 2016 | Sacramento, CA
This program delivered a fine balance between group learning and free time to explore Chicago on our own.
— Review left September 10, 2022
Susan – Class of 2012 | Maple Grove, MN
My husband and I had a wonderful time in Chicago. We really got to experience the downtown area and take advantage of many of the cultural sites: The Art Institute, Millennium Park, Theater, and exploring Michigan Avenue. Our guide was wonderful and our accommodations were in a great location.
— Review left July 23, 2022
Jennifer – Class of 2017 | Mount Airy, MD
Winding Through the Windy City is a Road Scholar experience not to be missed. Leader Susan Diamond and her team made sure we learned all that we could about the Art and Architecture in Chicago. They were flexible when the weather turned unseasonably Hot, changing the itinerary to make the educational experience even better, but more comfortable and safe for us. I learned that Chicago is a fascinating and approachable city. I highly recommend this program.
— Review left June 17, 2022
This participant did not give a star rating.
Betty – Class of 2001 | Tucson, AZ
We’ve been on quite a few Road Scholar trips. This was our first visit to Chicago, and it was a good introduction to a great city. There was a nice balance of planned activities and tours and free time. Our trip leader, Sue, really made the week special. She was extremely helpful in suggesting things to do during free time. She also invited anyone interested to explore with her. Sue helped me find a relative’s former home in Oak Park during our visit there. It wasn’t part of our tour, but she made it happen. We enjoyed the city, the food, the other participants, and even the rainy days!
— Review left November 11, 2021
Jennifer – Class of 2014 | Las Cruces, NM
Chicago is an amazing city. It is very walkable and there are so many things to see and do within the downtown area. I would love to come back and see more.
— Review left October 30, 2021
Julia – Class of 2021 | Chico, CA
The care and thought that goes into planning a trip is enormous. When you sign up with Road Scholar, all of the research and organization is done by someone else. All of the guesswork is off your plate. It is so easy to show up and then be taken to wonderful, breathtaking places and the best food! No worries, no delays, no buying tickets, no cooking or cleaning; only living life to its fullest. Lonnie was very kind and personable. She answered all our questions easily. Joe was a wonderful tour guide. I loved his immense knowledge and corny jokes. Upon meeting him, he felt like a friend you’ve always had. Kenny the bus driver we had both days was miraculous. From the tiny streets he got that huge bus down to the last-minute driving directions he was given, he drove safely. Feeling comfortable when being driven is important. Lastly, the whole concept of the program being Art & Architecture is amazing. I’ve never found a company that offers my specific interests in a city tour!
— Review left September 27, 2021
This participant did not give a star rating.
Joan – Class of 2019 | Virginia Beach, VA
This was my first trip with RS. The planning, leaders, and places we were taken were absolutely superior!! I had never been to Chicago- i fell in love with it. The leaders were amazing. Took care of everything!! , .
— Review left December 2, 2019
Joseph – Class of 2019 | Vallejo, CA
The program exceeded our expectations. The leaders were excellent and warm. The lectures informative and our fellow RoadScholars were delightful. We found out that Chicago is our kind of town!
— Review left September 25, 2019
Myrna – Class of 2019 | Park Ridge, NJ
If you are hesitant about traveling solo, try Road Scholar. I was, I did and am glad for it. MH, first time RS traveler but not the last.
— Review left July 23, 2019
Ann – Class of 1998 | REDONDO BEACH, CA
Wonderful introduction or return visit to Chicago.
— Review left June 29, 2019
Robert | Union City, CA
We were disapointed Elderhostel participants years ago and now are pleased with the creation of the Road Scholar off-shoot and the programs available for participants of all ages.
— Review left June 22, 2019
Susan – Class of 2019 | Riverside, CA
This program was great. The flex time was wonderful, allowing me to absorb some new information and explore things I was particularly interested in. Leaders were wonderful.
— Review left June 22, 2019
Judith – Class of 2019 | Sarasota, FL
Great value and soooo educational.
— Review left June 21, 2019





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