Highlights

We are happy to accommodate Groups who want to add a night or two, or further customize their trip.

GoAndersonGroups Flexible Pricing:

• Customizable Comps
• Net Rates
• Luxury or First Class Hotels & Meals
• Professional Tour Managers are available

Whatever you want, GoAndersonGroups will be happy to structure tour prices to match your needs. Just let us know!

Itinerary

Day 1 – Chicago, IL – Evening at Navy Pier

Arrive today in Chicago, IL where you enjoy a three-night stay at a local hotel.

Spend a free evening enjoying dinner on your own at Navy Pier. Known as the “People’s Pier,” this landmark spans more than 50 acres and offers parks, restaurants, attractions, shops, sightseeing cruises, dining cruises, and more. Be sure to visit the iconic Centennial Wheel, which rises nearly 200 feet and provides sweeping 360-degree views of Chicago and Lake Michigan.

If you are here in the summer, there is a spectacular Fireworks show every Wednesday and Saturday night from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Find a spot anywhere on the pier to take in this dazzling free display. Soundtracks feature dramatic and popular music with some special occasion soundtracks. (B)

Day 2 – Blues Brothers Meet & Greet – Blues Brothers City Tour – Free Time on Magnificent Mile – Chicago Architecture Cruise – Dinner at House of Blues

After breakfast this morning, your group is in for a treat – a Meet & Greet with the “Blues Brothers.” They’re “putting the band back together” and you’ll find yourself “on a Mission from God” with Jake & Elwood Blues. “They’ve got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, its dark out and they’re wearing sunglasses.”  Photo Ops will be available.

Next, meet your local guide for a Blues Brothers inspired city tour of Chicago. See all major sites of the city including favorites such as the Magnificent Mile, Gold Coast neighborhood, Navy Pier, Millennium Park, the public art and skyscrapers of the Loop and more. Plus, you will cruise past Wrigley Field (the address on Elwood’s license) and head downtown past Daley Plaza (where the Bluesmobile met its demise).

The tour ends at Michigan Avenue (aka Magnificent Mile) where you will enjoy free time and lunch on your own. The Magnificent Mile is one of the most famous shopping areas in the world — home to a dizzying array of popular stores, restaurants, attractions, and architecture all on one iconic street.  The Magnificent Mile is the heart of Chicago’s famous dining scene & offers visitors a delectable spread of places to dine.

Then take a Chicago Architecture Cruise.  Expert guides will share an insider’s glimpse into the buildings, architecture, and engineering that made Chicago famous as the birthplace of the skyscraper and home of modern American architecture. Nothing is more impressive than this world-renowned architecture as seen from the Chicago River. Tour highlights include Tribune Tower, Wrigley Building, Trump Tower, Marina City; and more than 40 Chicago landmarks.

End the day with dinner and music at the House of Blues. This Rock & blues themed restaurant serves Southern-inspired dishes, plus live music.  The Chicago location regularly pays homage to the legendary film, The Blues Brothers. Inside the venue, see memorabilia, life-sized statues, and even a stage setup dedicated to Jake and Elwood. You can frequently catch Blues Brothers-style acts, gospel brunches, and various touring musicians at The House of Blues. (B,D)

Day 3 – Obama’s Chicago Tour – Obama Presidential Center

After breakfast, meet your local guide for a personalized morning tour of Chicago, and the person we focus on is none other than Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States.  He is inextricably linked to the City of Chicago. For more than 20 years he lived and worked on the city’s south side. This is where he met his wife Michelle, who grew up in the South Shore neighborhood.  On a guided tour of the Hyde Park neighborhood, you focus on Barack Obama’s life as a community organizer, professor, and resident. Key spots include his Kenwood home, the University of Chicago, Valois diner (one of Barrack’s favorites) and the all-new Obama Presidential Center site in Jackson Park.

Your afternoon will be spent at the new Obama Presidential Center.  This museum and library aims to inspire, empower, and connect people to bring change home. The 19.3-acre Center is located on Chicago side where President and Mrs. Obama began their journeys in public service.  It is an education project commemorating the accomplishments of the 44th president of the United States.

The Obama Presidential Center Museum explores the promise and power of democracy through the legacy of President and Mrs. Obama. Journey through four levels of dynamic exhibits that tell the story of the First Family and the social movements that made their work possible. Exhibits include memorabilia from the Obamas’ time in the White House, stories of iconic moments from the President’s administration, and interactive activities for visitors of all ages and abilities.

The Center also features over 20 art installations that encourage you to open your imaginations and reflect on their ability to bring change home.  Plus, see panoramic views from the Sky Room, the Museum’s culminating experience with unparalleled views of the places that made the Obamas. It is designed to be deeply contemplative and features iconic commissioned art installations by Idris Khan, Jenny Holzer and Carrie Mae Weems.

Dinner is included this evening at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 4 – Depart for Home

After breakfast, depart for home. (B)

Tour Map