chicago neighborhood tours 2009


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special interest tours are offered year round

sample local delicacies on a taste of the neighborhoods tour

Get in on memorable events, people and ideas that helped make up modern Chicago on 6 different expert-led tours. On The White City tour, feel the excitement of the 1893 World's Fair, or delve into the history of Greek Chicago. Navigate Polish Chicago, the largest such community outside Warsaw, and try a tasty assortment of ethnic cuisines on Taste of the Neighborhoods.

Approximately 4 1/2 to 5 hours long Special Interest Tours include lunch Admission: Adults $50; Seniors 65+/Students with valid ID/Children 8–18 $45

Sculpture at a cemetaryChicago's Magnificent Churches  
February 27 October 9 December 4 10 am–2:30 pm

Observe a captivating cross-section of religions, cultures and communities when you call on three or four Chicago-area churches, temples and sanctuaries.** Compare and contrast religious faiths and customs on this popular tour of Chicago's sacred spaces. Restaurant stops will vary by community areas visited.

** Church stops vary by tour date and are subject to availability

Tour Highlights

  • Church Stops Vary by Tour Date and are subject to availability
  • Lunch at a Local Restaurant Included

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Chicago's Magnificent Churches  
  • February 27
  • Book Now October 9
  • Book Now December 4
 

 

A view of the skyline through a colonnade in Greektown.Greek Chicago
May 1 October 16 10 am–2:30 pm

On this excursion, community experts herald the fascinating history, customs and religion of Greek Chicagoans. The importance of the famed Jane Addams Hull House to early Greek immigrants comes to light during a private tour and discussion. Then, the National Hellenic Museum chronicles their American experience. Savor lunch at a Greek restaurant before visiting Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral** for an in-depth look at the Greek Orthodox religion.

** subject to availability

Tour Highlights

  • Jane Addams Hull-House Museum Private Tour/Discussion
  • Tour National Hellenic Museum
  • Visit Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral**
  • Lunch at Pegasus Restaurant & Taverna Included

    **subject to availability

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Greek Chicago
  • May 1
  • Book Now October 16
 

 


The facade of the Irish American Heritage Center has cheerful green doors.Irish Chicago
March 6 October 16 10 am–2:30 pm

Irish Chicago's vital role, during early American history and since, comes alive at Holy Name Cathedral,** the seat of Chicago's Roman Catholic Church. Tour the second oldest church, Holy Family** (a survivor of the Great Chicago Fire). The traditionally Irish Bridgeport neighborhood provides the backdrop for exploring why Irish immigrants settled here. Following lunch at a local Irish pub, check out the lively Irish American Heritage Center.

** subject to availability

Tour Highlights

  • Visit Holy Name Cathedral**
  • Tour/Discussion at Holy Family Church**
  • Tour Irish American Heritage Center
  • Lunch at Chief O'Neill's Pub & Restaurant Included

    **subject to availability

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Irish Chicago
  • March 6
  • Book Now October 16
 

 

The facade of a church in Chicago.Polish Chicago
April 10 July 31 November 13 10 am–2:30 pm

Where's the largest Polish population outside of Warsaw, Poland? Chicago! Experience it starting with St. John Cantius Catholic Church,** whose spectacular Romanesque Baroque architecture makes it a standout. As you veer along Milwaukee Avenue the "Polish Triangle" is revealed. Break for lunch before the enjoyable guided tour and discussion at the Polish Museum of America. There's ample time to roam on your own through this important cultural institution.

** subject to availability

Tour Highlights

  • Guided Tour/Discussion at St. John Cantius Catholic Church**
  • Guided Tour of The Polish Museum of America
  • Lunch at Red Apple Restaurant Included

    **subject to availability

Book Now

Polish Chicago
  • April 10
  • July 31
  • Book Now November 13
 

A selection of spices and dry goods at an ethnic market in Chicago.Taste of the Neighborhoods
Tour dates listed in box below 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Travel Chicago and savor cuisines from lands near and far. This delectable journey features two different restaurants serving assorted small-plate samplers. Taste the nuances; talk exotic ingredients, techniques and cultures; and collect recipes. Dessert or sweets on the last stop are the cherry on top. Destinations change every two months; restaurants are determined about three weeks before tour dates. Seats go quickly on this popular tour. Please call for details.

Tour Dates

  • February 20
  • March 13
  • April 17
  • May 15
  • June 19
  • July 3
  • August 21
  • September 25
  • October 23
  • November 20
    ++new destinations every two months - see "Featured Restaurants" panel below for more information on currently featured restaurants.

Featured Restaurants

Featured Restaurants: August and September
  • Ethiopian Diamond
  • El Llano Restaurant - Columbian Food
  • Dolce Casa Cafe - Gelato

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Taste of the Neighborhoods
  • February 20
  • March 13
  • April 17
  • May 15
  • June 19
  • July 3
  • August 21
  • Tickets are available in limited quantities. Please call 312-742-1190 for additional information. September 25
  • sold out October 23
  • Book Now November 20

Photo of a gilded sculpture in a park.walking tourThe White City
April 10 May 22 June 26 July 31 August 28 September 18 October 23 10 am–3 pm

During the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, "The White City" enthralled 27 million visitors. You're transported there through the photographic slide presentation at the Chicago Cultural Center. In Jackson Park, picture the fair's hundreds of buildings, and see the Statue of the Republic and other original sites. After a bite, you're off to the Chicago History Museum, where the elevated train that transported fairgoers to the exposition is on view.

Tour Highlights

  • Chicago Cultural Center Presentation/Discussion
  • Visit Jackson Park, Midway Plaisance and Osaka Garden
  • Visit Chicago History Museum
  • Lunch at Orso's Restaurant Included

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The White City
  • April 10
  • May 22
  • June 26
  • July 31
  • Book Now August 28
  • Book Now September 18
  • Book Now October 23
 

 

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