Best of Chicago: Skydeck, Architecture River Cruise and Loop Walking Tour in Chicago, IL

Where is the meeting point?

The departure point is at 53 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, or as confirmed in your confirmation email. The tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the tour start time. The tour guides will hold a sign with the Walks logo and “MEET HERE” on it.

How long is this tour?

Approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes.

What if I'm late?

If you are running late, it's best to contact the tour operator at the phone number on your e-ticket so they can reach out to your guide.This is not always possible for all tours - their guides are with other clients and are already into the tour (they ask them not to use their phones during their tour). But in some cases, few-minute delays can be remedied. Most times, guides leave the meeting point within 5 minutes of the tour start time

What is included in this tour?

This tour includes tickets to the first entry at the Willis Tower Skydeck, a 90-minute river cruise, an expertly guided walking tour, and a local English-speaking guide.

What landmarks will we be visiting?

You will see the Monadnock Building, the Chicago Board of Trade with Ceres Statue, the Federal Reserve, the Rookery Building, the Marquette Building, the Inland Steel Palmer House, the Carson Pirie Scott Building, the Marshall Field Building, and the Chicago Cultural Center.

Is transportation included?

Transportation is not included in this tour.

Is parking provided?

No, but multiple parking garages and street parking are available near the departure point. The departure point is also near public transportation.

Are there any age/physical/health/etc. Restrictions for this tour/attraction/activity?

There aren't any age restrictions for this tour. True to their name, most tours involve walking for at least half, if not most of the time. Except for a few of their daytrips, driving tours, or boat excursions, you can expect to walk a fair amount. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No.

Can I bring my camera?

Yes! There are a lot of photo opportunities on this tour.

What should I bring?

You may bring water, a hat, sunglasses, parasol, and/or sunscreen, a coat, umbrella, or outer layers for the cooler months), and a photo ID for some of the stop oversights.

What should I wear?

Guests must wear attire appropriate for the day's weather forecast and comfortable walking shoes, so it's easy to navigate along uneven surfaces, dirt paths, cobblestone, etc. Due to the religious nature of holy sites such as churches and catacombs, all individuals, regardless of gender and age, must cover their shoulders and knees. During warmer seasons, you can bring extra covering (scarves, sweaters, sarongs, etc.) to put on just before entering.

What is the protocol for when it rains?

The tours run rain or shine, and their guides are great at navigating various weather conditions to ensure you're as comfortable as possible. They will find shade where they can, overhangs to pause under - stuff like that. On rare occasions, if the weather is particularly dramatic, some sites may close (e.g., the Colosseum may close in case of flooding). If time allows and they have a prior warning, they will contact you as soon as they find out.

Should I bring the confirmation email?

A physical or digital copy of this confirmation email is not required to join your tour. Your guide (or tour coordinator) will have your name in their database, so as long as you know the name on the booking, you're set!

How many people are on a tour?

The tour is ideal for small groups and has a maximum of 20 participants or less.