Christmas in Chicago
December 3 - 6, 2010
Christmas in Chicago! What a beautiful time to be in the city. We’re staying at The Allerton Hotel, located on Michigan Avenue in the heart of downtown Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, home of world-class entertainment, shopping dining and sightseeing. With a spectacular, multi-million-dollar renovation to match their dynamic downtown setting, this dazzling downtown Chicago luxury boutique hotel is the perfect choice.
Includes:
- Navy Pier Winter Wonderfest
- 6 meals: 3 breakfasts; 3 dinners
- TBD Theatrical performance to be announced in the April newsletter
- Trees Around the World at the Museum of Science and Industry
- Certified Chicago Tour Guided Tour of Chicago
- Chicago Highlights Tour
- Fully Escorted by Jane’s Journeys
- Gold: Natural Treasure, Cultural Obsession exhibit at the Field Museum
- Three nights’ deluxe lodging at The Allerton Hotel on Michigan Avenue/luggage handling
- Deluxe motorcoach transportation/ driver’s gratuity
- Christkindl Market
- Oprah Store
- Free day in Chicago
- BILLY ELLIOTT—Orchestra Seating
Pricing Per Person:
Double: $893.00
Triple: $831.00
Quad: $800.00
Single: $1,129.00
Please make your deposit on this tour as soon as possible to hold your ticket for BILLY ELLIOTT. Final payment for this tour by September 1, as this is the ticket purchase dead-line for BILLY ELLIOTT.
$20 Early-bird discount with deposit received before February 1, 2010, to be deducted from the final payment, due September 1, 2010. Cancellation insurance is highly rec-ommended for this tour as ticket cost is non-refundable.
Complete Itinerary:
Day 1:
Upon our arrival in Chicago, we will enjoy the spectacular decorations and attractions of Winter Wonderfest, indoors at Navy Pier before checking into our hotel. Tonight, we’ll discover some of the ethnic neighborhoods of Chicago with an Ethnic Dine-Around with appetizers in Chinatown, entrée in Greektown and dessert in Little Italy. (D)
Day 2:
Breakfast is included today before a free day for you to explore the area, finish your Christmas shopping, visit one of the world-class museums in the city, or just relax and people-watch. Tonight, join the group as we de-part for dinner at the famous Walnut Room in Macy’s (formerly Marshall Field’s) Department Store. This is where Chicagoans have eaten for generations and it has become a tradition to “eat near the tree” during the holidays. You will be served the delicious Marshall Field Chicken Pot Pie and the famous Frango Mint Pie. Tonight, thrill to the acclaimed musical, BILLY ELLIOTT (orchestra seating), 2009 winner of 10 Tony Awards. Called "THE BEST SHOW YOU WILL EVER SEE" by the New York Post and "THE MOST INSPIRING SHOW I’VE SEEN IN YEARS" by Ben Brantley of The New York Times, BILLY ELLIOT is a joyous, exciting and feel-good celebration of one boy following his heart and making his dreams come true. Full of life, laughter, astonishing dancing and unforgettable music, this uplifting experience will stay with you forever. Based on the international smash-hit film, BILLY ELLIOT is brought to life by the Tony-winning creative team " director Stephen Daldry, choreographer Peter Darling and writer Lee Hall " along with music legend Elton John, who has written what the New York PostHIS BEST SCORE YET!" (B,D)
Day 3:
This morning following breakfast, we will be joined by a local guide for a city tour, including the Christkindl Market, a holiday tradition in Chicago. This bustling outdoor holiday market has vendors from Germany selling beautiful German ornaments and other German specialties. This afternoon, we’ll visit the Field Museum to see the fascinating exhibit Gold: Natural Treasure,
Cultural Obsession. Trace the story of the world’s most desired metal, exploring its natural beauty, scientific value and its power to shape history. A dramatic array of hundreds of extraordinary geological specimens and cultural objects from around the world follows the path of gold from the molten depths of Earth to glittering examples of jewelry and artifacts that captivated ancient civilizations, from gold rushes that shaped the world to the modern pop-culture baubles that continue to mesmerize us today. We’ll then visit the Oprah Store, full of merchandise that represents the style and taste Oprah celebrates, including select African arts and crafts and Oprah’s Closet, a wardrobe of items once worn by Oprah. Profits from some of the goods benefit the Leadership Academy Foundation and Oprah’s Angel Network. Then, enjoy the city all dressed up for the season with delightful and spectacular decorations and lights during a Holiday Lights Tour. See State Street, that great street, the city tree in Daley Plaza and enjoy the fabulous drive along the Magnificent Mile with its glittering stores and thousands of lights strung through the trees. Tonight, enjoy a delicious dinner at Buca di Beppo, a fun 1950’s style restaurant that serves freshly made, authentic southern Italian food. Then, we’ll be attending another Theatrical Performance, to be announced in the April newsletter. (B, D)
Day 4:
After breakfast this morning, we will see Christmas Around the World at the Museum of Science and Industry. This wonderful display of Christmas trees has been a part of Chicago for over 50 years. Each year Christmas trees are decorated to represent different ethnic communities from around the world. You will see the unique and different ornaments that have been fabricated by local ethnic groups to celebrate their heritage. More than 50 trees are on display. Following lunch on your own at the Museum, we will depart for home, with wonderful memories of our Christmas in Chicago holiday tour. (B)