KILLED - Best of Chicago: First Elevator Access at Willis Skydeck, River Cruise, & Inside the Loop Tour

Summary Description

Experience Chicago from the sky, streets, and water as you discover the Windy City’s architectural marvels and hidden secrets.  

Highlights
  • Take the first elevator of the day up to the Skydeck.
  • Explore Chicago’s historic Art Deco architecture.
  • Discover hidden details only an expert knows to look for.
  • Marvel at the largest Tiffany glass dome in the world.
  • End the tour with a 90-minute architecture river cruise.
Description

Start your morning 103 stories above ground as you zip up to the Skydeck at Willis Tower on the very first elevator of the day. After marveling at views over four states—and getting a gravity-defying bird’s-eye view of the landmarks you’ll be visiting—head back down to street level for an expertly guided tour of the city’s most incredible architectural treasures. To finish, sit back and relax as you enjoy a 90-minute river cruise with unforgettable views of the Windy City from the water.  

The Skydeck at Willis Tower gets long lines of eager travelers looking to experience its breathtaking views—but not when you’re on the very first elevator of the day. The third-tallest building in the U.S., Willis Tower's thrill-inducing glass ledges place you 103 stories above the busy streets of downtown. Get a bird’s-eye view of Chicago as your guide points out all the destinations you'll visit throughout the rest of the day. 

 

From there, you’ll return to ground level and hit the streets as you discover both iconic landmarks and hidden gems inside the Chicago Loop. A statue of an Ancient Greek goddess looming above the streets, an impressive lobby designed by a young Frank Lloyd Wright, and the largest Tiffany glass dome in the world are just a few of the treasures that await. 

 

After a stop at Millennium Park to check out the famous Cloud Gate sculpture (better known as “The Bean”), you’ll stroll a few blocks down Michigan Avenue to the scenic Riverwalk. This wraps up the guided walking portion of your morning. Now it’s time to sit back and relax on a 90-minute architecture-themed cruise, passing down the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Enjoy the snacks and refreshments available to purchase on board, and take in the day’s discoveries from the water.   

 

Included / Excluded
  • Local English-speaking guide
  • Expertly guided walking tour
  • Hotel pickup/drop off
  • Gratuities
Start / End Locations

Start Location: 55 W Jackson Blvd, (Monadnock Building), Chicago, US

Start Location Notes: Monadnock Building, 55 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604.

Start Location Directions: https://www.google.com/maps/place/55+W+Jackson+Blvd,+Chicago,+IL+60604/@41.8780474,-87.6307359,18z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x880e2ca3aa7447d7:0x10d15616689204db!8m2!3d41.8780454!4d-87.6296389?authuser=3

Commentary

Guide : English

Important Information
Know Before You Book
  • We are unable to accommodate guests with mobility limitations, wheelchairs, or strollers on this tour.
Know Before You Go
  • This tour is in English.
  • This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
  • The tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the tour start time. No refunds or re-bookings can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
  • Tours run rain or shine. We encourage umbrellas year-round for sun or rain and appropriate footwear for uneven surfaces
  • Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
Cancellation

Cancellation Cutoff: 24 hours

Cancellation Notes: Cancellations received greater than 24 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 24 hours of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no-shows are non-refundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive or arrives after tour departure.

Options and Pricing

2022 Pricing

Best of Chicago: First Elevator Access at Willis Skydeck, River Cruise, & Inside the Loop Tour RETAIL PRICE
Adult (15 - 99 years) $125.00
Child (2 - 14 years) $115.00
Infant (0 - 1 years) N/A
Terms and Conditions

Before you travel, please read the "Know Before You Go" section for essential information, requirements, and possible disruptions regarding your tour.

Additional Information

Before you travel, please read the "Know Before You Go" section for essential information, requirements, and possible disruptions regarding your tour.

About operator:

Walks (takewalks.com, walksofitaly.com) began over a decade ago (2008, to be exact) in Rome, Italy. We quickly became the premier walking tour company in 7 countries - Italy, Spain, France, the UK, Greece, and Portugal. Our US cities include San Francisco, NYC, Boston, Chicago, and New Orleans.

In 2021, we joined The Hornblower Group (cityexperiences.com) expanding our reach and working alongside this powerhouse travel brand.

Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...

Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.

Basic Information
  • Duration: 5.5 hours
  • Trip difficulty: Easy
  • Max Group Size: 20
  • Category: Tours & Sightseeing
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