Day One: Indianapolis / Greek Town / Old Town / Chicago
Today is a sensuous day of savoring sights, smells and flavors. Save your appetite for an authentic Greek lunch at Santorini’s. We then head to Old Town to meet with merchants of exquisite herbs, spices and seasonings to learn their secrets. Followed by another unique culinary experience, you’ll have the opportunity to taste 25-30 specialty olive oils and balsamic vinegars from around the world. Save room for chocolate! Check into your host hotel, the historic Palmer House, conveniently located near theatres, shopping, museums and dining opportunities. After a little relaxation, we’ve left you on your own to enjoy a light dinner before we head to the theatre (performance to be announced in March). Palmer House Hilton, Chicago (CB, L, Theatre)

Day 2: Chicago / Cuneo Mansion and Gardens / Long Grove Village / The Parrot Cage Restaurant /
South Shore Cultural Center
After breakfast at your hotel or a nearby restaurant (your tour director will provide a list of great breakfast options), we travel to the north suburbs where many of Chicago’s power brokers built their summer “cottages.” Cuneo Mansion and Gardens were completed in 1918 as the home of Samuel Insull, an original founder of the General Electric Company, and designed by Chicago architect Benjamin Marshall in the Italianate style. Its gardens and landscaping were designed by world-renowned landscape architect Jens Jensen. Cuneo has recently been featured on the reality show “Four Weddings” and Julia Robert’s romantic comedy “My Best Friend’s Wedding.” After visiting Cuneo, we’ll stop at historic Long Grove Village for lunch on your own and browsing boutique shops and galleries. This special little village retains all the character of its original farming community roots, with historic buildings, cobblestone walks and flowering gardens, set in a secluded rural atmosphere. And now, added to all the traditional favorites, Long Grove has an exciting new mix of attractions, offering contemporary goods and style, cool arts and entertainment, and festive spaces.

After a respite at your hotel, join us for a leisurely dinner this evening at The Parrot Cage Restaurant, operated by the Washburne Culinary Institute at the South Shore Cultural Center. The South Shore Country Club was founded in 1905 as a suburban counterpart to the urban clubs of Chicago, such as the Athletic Club. The original building was built at that time, designed by architects Marshall and Fox in a Mediterranean Revival style. After closing, due to the efforts of neighborhood preservationists, the site was listed as a National Historic Landmark in 1975. The building's exteriors were used as the "Palace Hotel Ballroom" in The Blues Brothers. Palmer House Hilton, Chicago (D)

Day 3: Chicago / Tour Options / Indianapolis
Today you can be as leisurely or as busy as you choose. Options today with transportation included are the Genghis Khan special exhibit at the Field Museum, the Driehaus Museum or a lake and river cruise. And of course there are many other museums, attractions and wonderful shopping opportunities in the Windy City. A box supper will be provided en route home. (B, box D)

Pricing for options, to be pre selected before final payment is due:

The Genghis Khans exhibit at the Field Museum - $18 senior / $22 adult
Showcases the largest single collection of 13th century Mongolian artifacts ever assembled, and takes visitors on an unforgettable journey into Khan’s legendary empire. The exhibition features more than 200 stunning objects including gold jewelry, weaponry, silk robes, religious relics, and the newly-discovered mummy and tomb treasures of a Mongolian noblewoman–that capture the essence of Genghis Khan’s empire, his military prowess, cultural influence, and lasting legacy.

The Driehaus House Museum – $17.50 senior / $25 adult
Located just steps away from the hustle of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, you’ll be immersed in Gilded Age-era decorative arts, design and architecture, all in the culturally and historically significant setting of one of the grandest residential buildings of nineteenth-century Chicago, the Samuel M. Nickerson Mansion. The galleries, elegantly furnished with period pieces selected from the Driehaus Collection, are presented in harmony with the interiors and surviving furnishings, immersing visitors in the original splendor of this late 19th-century home. 90-minute guided tour.

The Chicago River and Lake Narrated Cruise - $24 senior / $26 adult + entertainment tax
A comprehensive boat tour. This signature tour of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River includes a trip through the Chicago Lock and a live narration featuring an overview of architecture and history.