What are the primary landmarks covered in Chicago before departing for other destinations?

Chicago's essential sights anchor the start of these multi-city tours. Visitors explore Lake Shore Drive's waterfront vistas and take in city views from the Willis Tower. The routes include stops at Grant Park known as Chicago's front yard Navy Pier's entertainment district and Millennium Park where the reflective Cloud Gate sculpture has become a city symbol. Architecture tours provide context for the city's notable buildings while Michigan Avenue's "Magnificent Mile" offers high-end shopping. The centrally located Hyatt Regency serves as a common launching point. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "Standing at the Skydeck of Willis Tower and seeing the city's spectacular architecture was the perfect way to start our journey."

What are the most popular routes departing from Chicago?

Three main routes draw travelers from Chicago's downtown core. The classic Route 66 journey heads west to Los Angeles. The Great Lakes circuit explores Mackinac Island and Michigan's shoreline. The East Coast connection leads to New York and Washington D.C. Most departures leave from established downtown properties like the Palmer House Hilton stopping first in cities such as Springfield Illinois or Michigan's waterfront communities. A TourRadar traveler commented: "Starting in Chicago and taking Route 66 west was an incredible way to experience America's heartland."

What kind of accommodations can I expect in Chicago before the tour departs?

Downtown Chicago serves as the base with stays at established 3-4 star properties. Common choices include the Palmer House Hilton Chicago the Hyatt Regency and Hotel Julian Chicago. These hotels put guests within walking distance of key attractions including Millennium Park and Michigan Avenue's shopping district. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Starting at the historic Palmer House Hilton really set the tone for our memorable journey across America."

What's the best season to start a multi-day tour from Chicago?

The main touring season runs May through October. Summer months from June through September bring warm weather ideal for Lake Michigan cruises and outdoor exploring. While July and August see peak tour departures spring and fall offer mild temperatures with smaller crowds at popular spots like Millennium Park and Navy Pier. One TourRadar traveler recommended: "We had never been to Chicago and loved visiting in September when the weather was perfect for walking tours."

What are the most common first-day activities when starting a tour in Chicago?

Tours typically begin with afternoon orientation meetings at downtown hotels like the Palmer House Hilton or Hyatt Regency. Evening activities often include walks through Millennium Park and The Loop where theaters light up the night sky. Many groups gather for welcome dinners to meet fellow travelers. As noted by a TourRadar traveler: "Our guide introduced us to Chicago's highlights right away - the architecture tour and Magnificent Mile were perfect starting points for understanding this amazing city."

How much should I budget for optional activities while in Chicago at the start of these tours?

Extra activities in Chicago come with clear price ranges. Architecture river cruises cost USD 30-60 while Willis Tower observation deck visits run USD 25-45. Museum entry fees average USD 25-35. Evening entertainment and dining typically costs USD 50-100 per person. A TourRadar traveler advised: "The optional Chicago River architecture cruise was absolutely worth the extra cost for the unique views of the city."

USA Tours from Chicago

Route 66 starts in Chicago - are you ready to try it? Climb Gateway Arch for St. Louis views, enjoy Branson's live music downtown, visit Grand Canyon's South Rim, tour Hollywood and walk among the stars. There's Lake Michigan, Branson entertainment, canyon sunsets, and basically the classic American road trip everyone dreams about doing at least once.

10 best USA tour packages from Chicago

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In-depth Cultural
Highlights of Route 66
5.0 (120 traveler reviews)
"The scenery was stunning especially the Grand Canyon."
Marjorie, traveled in September
Duration
16 days
Destinations
Chicago, Pontiac, Springfield, St. Louis, Tulsa,Oklahoma City,Elk City,Amarillo,Tucumcari,Albuquerque,Gallup,Winslow,Williams,Grand Canyon National Park,Seligman,Las Vegas,Los Angeles,Santa Monica,Beverly Hills+14 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Route 66 Sun Belt
Operated in
English
Operator
Cosmos
7% Off
From $3,569
US$3,319per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Chicago to L.A
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Chicago, Sioux Falls, Badlands National Park,Mount Rushmore National Memorial,Rapid City,Bighorn National Forest,Cody,Yellowstone National Park,Grand Teton National Park,Salt Lake City,Bryce Canyon National Park,Grand Canyon National Park,Flagstaff,Seligman,Las Vegas,Mojave Desert,Beverly Hills,Los Angeles+15 more
Age Range
Ages 21+
Country Region
Western USA
Operated in
English
Operator
Omega Tours
7% Off
From
US$4,040per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Route 66 From Chicago to LA - 12 days
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Chicago, Pontiac, Springfield, St. Louis, Tulsa,Oklahoma City,Amarillo,Albuquerque,Gallup,Petrified Forest National Park,Flagstaff,Los Angeles+7 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
7% Off
From
US$7,200per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
12-Day Route 66 from Chicago to the Pacific
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Chicago, Pontiac, Springfield, Tulsa, Oklahoma City,Amarillo,Albuquerque,Flagstaff,Kingman,Barstow,Santa Monica+6 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Sun Belt
Operated in
English
Operator
Southwest Adventure Tours
7% Off
From
US$6,499per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Chicago to LA
4.0 (1 traveler review)
"It was a breathtaking tour. I loved that we stopped at so many national parks."
Jule, traveled in April
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Chicago, Sioux Falls, Badlands National Park,Mount Rushmore National Memorial,Rapid City,Cody,Yellowstone National Park,Grand Teton National Park,Salt Lake City,Bryce Canyon National Park,Lake Powell, UT,Grand Canyon National Park,Flagstaff,Seligman,Las Vegas,Mojave Desert,Beverly Hills,Los Angeles,San Francisco+16 more
Age Range
Ages 21+
Country Region
Western USA
Operated in
English
Operator
Travel Talk
40% Off
From $5,584
US$3,350per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Chicago to Golden Gate
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Chicago, Sioux Falls, Keystone, Rapid City, Cody,Yellowstone National Park,Grand Teton National Park,Salt Lake City,Bryce Canyon National Park,Lake Powell, UT,Grand Canyon National Park,Flagstaff,Seligman,Las Vegas,Mojave Desert,Beverly Hills,Los Angeles,Santa Barbara,Santa Maria,Carmel,Monterey,San Francisco+17 more
Age Range
Ages 21+
Country Region
Western USA
Operated in
English
Operator
Travel Talk
40% Off
From $6,037
US$3,622per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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View Map
In-depth Cultural
Highlights of Route 66 with Mother Road Festival & Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
4.5 (1 traveler review)
Duration
16 days
Destinations
Chicago, Pontiac, Springfield, St. Louis, Branson,Oklahoma City,Amarillo,Tucumcari,Albuquerque,Gallup,Winslow,Williams,Grand Canyon National Park,Seligman,Las Vegas,Barstow,Los Angeles+12 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Route 66
Operated in
English
Operator
Cosmos
40% Off
From
US$4,309per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Music City to Windy City
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Louisville, Central City,Memphis,Muscle Shoals,Tupelo,Nashville+4 more
Age Range
Ages 21+
Country Region
Eastern USA
Operated in
English
Operator
Travelling Time
40% Off
From
US$5,328per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Mackinac Island (Chicago, IL to Southfield, MI) (2026)
4.8 (57 traveler reviews)
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Chicago, Grand Rapids, Mackinac Island, Frankenmuth,Dearborn,Southfield+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Eastern USAMidwest USAGreat Lakes+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Collette
4% Off
From $4,199
US$4,049per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
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Explorer
Rhythms of the Road (7 destinations)
3.6 (4 traveler reviews)
"An extra night in each main city would've been great for extra activities."
lesley, traveled in April
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Chicago, St. Louis, Nashville, Memphis, Hammond, Lafayette,New Orleans+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern USASun Belt+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Cosmos
10% Off
From $2,559
US$2,309per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
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Explorer
Scenic Great Lakes with Mackinac Island
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Chicago, Grand Rapids, Charlevoix, Mackinac Island,Frankenmuth,Detroit,Dearborn+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Eastern USAMidwest USAGreat Lakes+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Trafalgar
10% Off
From
US$3,995per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
$From Chicago\'s Skyline to Niagara\'s Mist - 8 days Tour$
$From Chicago\'s Skyline to Niagara\'s Mist - 8 days - 6 destinations$
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Explorer
From Chicago's Skyline to Niagara's Mist - 8 days
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Chicago, Cleveland, Niagara Falls (USA), Detroit,Saugatuck+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Eastern USAMidwest USAGreat Lakes+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
10% Off
From
US$2,420per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Chicago - The Home of Skyscrapers
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Chicago
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Eastern USAMidwest USACentral USAGreat Lakes+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Worldee
10% Off
From
US$626per person
Price based on Shared Room
View tour
View Map
Discover the freshest adventures available
New on TourRadar
Explorer
Mackinac Island & the Great Lakes 9 Days
5.0 (114 traveler reviews)
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Chicago, Holland, Grand Rapids, Traverse City, Charlevoix,Petoskey,Mackinac Island,Frankenmuth,Dearborn+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Eastern USAMidwest USAGreat Lakes+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Globus
10% Off
From
US$4,599per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
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In-depth Cultural
Mackinac Island featuring the Tulip Time Festival (Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI) (2027)
4.8 (57 traveler reviews)
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Chicago, Holland, Grand Rapids, Mackinac Island, Detroit,Dearborn+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Eastern USAMidwest USAGreat Lakes+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Collette
10% Off
From
US$4,599per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour