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Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady
Architecture Adventure Awaits!
Explore Chicago’s iconic architecture aboard TripAdvisor’s #1 rated boat tour of the city. The only Chicago River cruise partnered with the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC), Chicago’s First Lady Cruises offers visitors the city’s most engaging 90-minute architectural tour experience.
Highly trained and enthusiastic volunteer CAC docents (guides) provide visitors with a compelling and detailed narrative of Chicago's numerous architectural styles and the stories of the legendary figures who designed and built our city.
Enjoy cruising in comfort and style aboard Chicago’s Finest Fleet, featuring unobstructed sightlines and guaranteed seating on our open-air upper decks and full-service cocktail and snack bars in our climate-controlled interior salons. You’ll see why visitors and locals alike consistently name our tour the best way to see Chicago.
Experience More!
Complete your architecture experience with a visit to the Chicago Architecture Center, just $5 with a General Boarding Ticket and valid for up to 7 days after your cruise.
Or, treat yourself to a Priority Boarding Ticket, which includes exclusive early boarding period, skip-the-queue during general boarding, and CAC admission.
View Route Buy Tickets
General Boarding Tickets Start At
Ticket details.
- Priority Boarding tickets start at $69 and include exclusive early boarding period, skip-the-queue during general boarding, and Chicago Architecture Center admission.
- General Boarding tickets start at $54. Include a visit to the Chicago Architecture Center for just $5 more!
- Tickets can be purchased online , in-person at our dock during regular season hours or at the Chicago Architecture Center.
- Avoid the box office by choosing "eTickets" or "Print at Home" as your delivery method.
- Tour departures frequently sell out. Reserve your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
- Select "Will Call" to pick up your tickets at our dockside ticket office; bring your confirmation number.
- Each person must have a ticket including infants and children.
- Prices are subject to change.
Full Schedule
Early Spring March 17 - April 25
- Mon 10:00 am 12:00 pm 2:00 pm 4:00 pm
- Tues 10:00 am 12:00 pm 2:00 pm 4:00 pm
- Wed 10:00 am 12:00 pm 2:00 pm 4:00 pm
- Thu 10:00 am 12:00 pm 2:00 pm 4:00 pm
- Fri 10:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm
- Sun 10:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm
Late Spring April 26 - May 23
- Mon 10:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm 7:00 pm
- Tues 10:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm
- Wed 10:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm
- Thu 10:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm 7:00 pm
- Fri 10:00 am 11:00 am 11:30 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 1:30 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 3:30 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:30 pm 7:00 pm
- Sun 9:30 am 10:00 am 11:00 am 11:30 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 1:30 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 3:30 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm 6:00 pm
Summer May 24 - October 14
- Mon 10:00 am 11:00 am 11:30 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 1:30 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 3:30 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:30 pm 7:30 pm
- Tues 10:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm 7:00 pm
- Wed 10:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm 6:00 pm
- Thu 10:00 am 11:00 am 11:30 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 1:30 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 3:30 pm 4:00 pm 5:30 pm 7:30 pm
- Fri 9:30 am 10:00 am 10:30 am 11:00 am 11:30 am 12:00 pm 12:30 pm 1:00 pm 1:30 pm 2:00 pm 2:30 pm 3:00 pm 3:30 pm 4:00 pm 4:30 pm 5:00 pm 5:30 pm 7:00 pm 7:30 pm
- Sun 9:30 am 10:00 am 10:30 am 11:00 am 11:30 am 12:00 pm 12:30 pm 1:00 pm 1:30 pm 2:00 pm 2:30 pm 3:00 pm 3:30 pm 4:00 pm 4:30 pm 5:00 pm 5:30 pm 7:30 pm
Early Fall October 15 - November 3
- Mon 10:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm
- Thu 10:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm
- Fri 10:00 am 11:00 am 11:30 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 1:30 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 3:30 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:30 pm 7:00 pm 7:30 pm
- Sun 10:00 am 11:00 am 11:30 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 1:30 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 3:30 pm 4:00 pm 5:30 pm 6:00 pm
Late Fall November 4 - November 24
- Fri 10:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm
- Sun 10:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm
2024 cruising season begins March 17th and extends through November 24th. Tickets on sale now!
We are located at Michigan Ave and Wacker Drive, Chicago IL
Tour Details & Tips
- Tour Duration 90 minutes
- Arrival Time Make sure your entire party arrives 30 minutes prior to departure.
- Priority Boarding Tickets include exclusive early boarding period, skip-the-queue during general boarding, and Chicago Architecture Center admission.
- General Boarding Tickets begin boarding approximately 15 minutes before departure.
- Seating Open outdoor seating is guaranteed for all guests. The number on your ticket does not represent a seat number.
- Tour Route The tour travels all three branches of the Chicago River. View tour route map. Route subject to change without notice.
- Cruises depart rain or shine. Tickets may not be refunded or exchanged if you miss your boat - allow extra time.
- What to Bring Your sunglasses, cap or visor, as the sun can interfere with your view of the buildings.
- Parking Discounted parking available at 111 E. Wacker Drive with proper validation from ticket office. Visit our Location page for more.
- Did you know? A portion of your ticket fee supports the educational work of the Chicago Architecture Center!
- Food & Drink A full-service bar and snack bar are available on every vessel
- Outdoor Seating Each vessel features an open-air upper deck which allows guests to safely enjoy the outdoors
- Restrooms Well-appointed restrooms are available on each vessel
- Free Stroller Storage Strollers will be folded and stored in the interior salon during the cruise. Children must be removed from strollers before boarding.
- Limited Mobility Services Available See our Location page for river-level drop-off directions for guests with accessibility needs. Our staff is also available to provide early boarding services for those with limited mobility.
“I learned so much and left with a vastly greater appreciation of Chicago's stunning skyline.” - Jennifer S. TripAdvisor, IL
Photo Gallery
- What sets your tours apart from the others?
We are the only tour that partners with the Chicago Architecture Center to offer the official Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady. All of our tours are given by experienced, volunteer docents who receive hundreds of hours of training from the Chicago Architecture Center before guiding the river cruise tour.
- How long is the tour?
- Each tour is 90 minutes.
- Is there food/drink available onboard?
Yes. All boats have a full service bar and small snacks onboard. Outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted.
- Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Advance reservations are recommended as many tours sell out during the busy summer season and on weekends.
- Is there assigned seating?
All seating is general admission. There is enough seating for all guests to sit on our open air upper decks safely and with proper distancing measures in place. While seat numbers are printed on the tickets, you can ignore these as they are not valid.
- Are tours offered in any languages other than English?
We are happy to offer free foreign language audio guides in Spanish, French, Japanese and Korean. Scan the QR code onboard for instructions. Mobile data for app download required.
- Do I have to print my tickets?
- You do not have to print your tickets. You can show your mobile ticket to our dock attendant with your smartphone, or you can have your tickets printed at the dockside will call window (be sure to bring a photo ID and your confirmation number).
- Does the boat go on the lake?
No, the tour is only on the Chicago River. If you’d like to take a lake tour, please check out our sister cruise line Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline .
- Are there restrooms onboard?
Yes, all the boats have restrooms onboard. There are also wheelchair accessible bathrooms on the Classic Lady, Leading Lady, and Emerald Lady. Please note: the restrooms close 15 minutes before the end of the tour for safety reasons.
- Can I bring luggage onboard?
- Due to security reasons, luggage cannot be brought onboard. There is not an area to store your luggage dockside either. We recommend having your hotel hold your luggage.
- Can I bring a stroller onboard?
- Yes, you can bring a stroller onboard. Children must be removed from strollers before boarding. Strollers will be folded and stored in the salon during the cruise.
- Are there changing tables onboard?
The Classic Lady, Leading Lady, and Emerald Lady have changing tables onboard in the family restroom. The Little Lady, Fair Lady, and First Lady do not have changing tables onboard.
- Are dogs allowed onboard?
Only service dogs are allowed onboard. Our sister company, Mercury , offers the popular Canine Cruise on summer weekends.
- How can I get to your dock without using stairs?
There are two ways to reach our dock along Chicago’s Riverwalk without using stairs: 1. On foot via the ramp located on Wacker Drive at State Street. 2. Vehicle drop-off area on Lower Wacker Drive. Visit our location page for more information.
- Can I trade my tickets for a different date/time?
- No, all tickets are nonrefundable and nonexchangeable.
- Do you cruise rain or shine?
- Yes, we cruise rain or shine. All the boats have two levels – the top deck is open-air, and the lower deck is an enclosed, climate-controlled salon. Each salon is surrounded by large windows so you can stay comfortable while still taking in the magnificent views. Tour commentary is broadcast over speakers on both levels.
- Are the boats wheelchair accessible?
Chicago's Leading Lady, Chicago’s Classic Lady, and Chicago's Emerald Lady are wheelchair-accessible. These vessels cruise at the 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 5pm departure times. When boarding, guests cross two ramps and enter through a 36-inch-wide opening (doorway). Crew members will assist in guiding the wheelchair across the gangway. Please present yourself to our staff if you prefer to board before general boarding starts. Guests unable to climb stairs to the upper deck may choose to sit in the open-air bow or the enclosed, climate-controlled salon with large windows. For safety reasons, motorized scooters and electric wheelchairs cannot be accommodated. Guests who are able to transfer may use the company's manual wheelchair based on availability. Visit our accessibility page for more information.
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Chicago’s Best 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour
Upper and Lower Decks with 360° Views
Guided Tour With Expert Commentary
Discover the History Behind the Architecture
Behold the architecture that makes the city of Chicago famous! On our 90-minute boat charter, your tour guide will teach you about the monuments that have survived the years. Get to know the Windy City from the water and admire the extraordinary vistas as we cruise gently along.
Discover the unique story of Chicago by learning about the architectural marvels that line its shores.
Listen to in-depth commentary from your tour guide about the different artistic styles used throughout the decades.
Get a first-hand glimpse at the buildings mentioned from the ship’s open-air upper deck or its enclosed, air-conditioned main deck.
Admire incredible city panoramas from all sides with the ship’s 360° viewing capabilities.
The only tour that goes all the way to the locks on the main branch, Chinatown on the south branch, & Goose Island on the north branch. You’ll see the most on this tour.
Capture amazing skyline photos from your unique onboard position.
Click the tabs to find out more
Trip details.
- Good To Know
Key Information
Price per person.
Seniors (ages 55+), Military, Veterans, COVID-19 Healthcare Workers, and First Responders: $25.00 Students (ages 4 to 17): $25.00 Children (ages 3 and under): Free, but needs a registered ticket
Groups of 10 or more adults: Please see our group cruises and tours page to learn more about discounts.
Departure time
Exact departure times can be found on our ticket page . Please arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
Ticketed passengers must be boarded 10 minutes before departure time , as standby boarding starts 10 minutes before scheduled departure. Ticketed passengers who arrive late will be placed at the end of the standby line. There are no refunds for those who arrive late.
Meeting point
“Summer of George” docked at River City Marina 900 S Wells St, Chicago, IL 60607 Upon Arrival, follow these directions .
We typically operate from May to October. However, please check our calendar for exact availability.
Discover Chicago’s Architecture From A New Angle
Chicago river tour.
Our 90-minute boat tour on the Chicago River is our most popular choice! This tour goes in depth into the history of the Windy City’s architecture. We’ll pass by well-known structures like the Wrigley Building —a terra-cotta building inspired by the Seville Cathedral’s bell tower —as well as modern additions like Trump Tower. Even if you’re not an architecture buff, you’ll enjoy learning about how Chicago’s construction goes hand in hand with its history. Enjoy commentary by our expert guides and discover the buildings that make up the famous skyline . We’re excited to take you on a journey through Chicago’s past.
Enjoy our 90-minute architecture boat ride that will start at our docking location and take you to all 3 parts of the river. We begin at the “Summer of George” docks, travel the main branch up to the river locks, via the north branch to Goose Island, and down the south branch to Chinatown before returning to the starting point.
Other Important Information
- All guests including children and babies need a ticket to board.
- All tickets are non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled.
- All event tickets are general admission, and there is no assigned seating .
- Please arrive early if you’d like to be seated with your group.
- Our tours operate rain or shine so please do not contact us to inquire if the tour will be canceled. Unless you receive a cancellation email from us, please assume the tour will go on as scheduled. In the event of rain, you may bring a poncho or an umbrella. There is also an interior deck on the boat.
- Due to unforeseen circumstances, a tour may get canceled. In the event of a cancellation, we will provide you with a credit for a future tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our dock is located at the River City Marina at 900 S Wells St, Chicago, IL 60607 . To get here, guests need to head south on Wells Street and enter through the parking lot behind the River City condominium building. The parking lot is located across from the soccer field on 9th Street and Wells. Please note that you do NOT need to go into the building to find us. Once you arrive, we will complete your registration in the parking lot before embarking. Please note that the cruise starts and finishes at this location.
One of the perks of booking an architecture boat cruise with Tours & Boats is that parking is relatively easy to find! There is a parking lot located at the marina , and it costs around $10 . For more information, please see our detailed guide here . However, please note that it is possible for the parking lot to fill up early, and we are not responsible in the event that you are unable to find a spot . For this reason, we recommend arriving early so that you can find alternate parking, should the need arise.
If the date you want is not listed on the calendar, this means our boat is reserved for a private event. However, we do sometimes add new cruise dates or times if an opening becomes available, so please check back often.
Yes. Even though children age 3 and under are free, you need to register them for a ticket. This is because the Coast Guard counts all human passengers on the boat.
Please see our other FAQs for more information.
See what our guests are saying.
We had a great time on this tour. The captain had a great sense of humor and the tour guide was very knowledgeable. She not only talked about the architecture of the building style but had some great history and facts about them as well. We were even able to enjoy this with our toddler along for the ride! Would highly recommend for adults and families of all ages!
We had a great informational time on the tour. So many buildings, so little time! Even at 90 minutes the tour seemed to fly by. Our guide, Sean, did a great job keeping the same pace as the boat describing each building in great detail, builders, architects, year, styles, and revisions.
If you only have time for 1 thing to do while you are in Chicago, the architectural boat tour is it! So educational, pleasant and interesting. I really enjoyed it. The guide was incredible with the amount of knowledge he had of the buildings and the city and he weaved it into really engaging stories.
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CHICAGO'S ORIGINAL ARCHITECTURE TOUR®
BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE
Choose your adventure, chicago river architecture tour (90 minutes).
Take in the world-renowned architecture as our expert guides tell the story of 130 years of architectural innovation.
We like our drinks stiff, not our tour guides.
Chicago River Architecture Tour (45 minutes)
This family-friendly introduction to the Windy City's rich history and architectural heritage features highlights from Wendella's full-length architecture tours.
The Ultimate Chicago experience.
We're In the People Business
This was one tour that I can honestly say was worth doing & probably should be a must do/ see on your visit to Chicago.
Ginette, 2023
We were recommended the architecture boat tour by a few locals and it was absolutely amazing!! Beautiful views from anywhere you sat and an extremely knowledgeable and funny tour guide led the trip. Great value for money and so so worth it. Thank you!!
Jessica W, 2024
The skyline was beautiful and the buildings all shined differently. Pictures come out amazing!
Christina, 2023
SEE FOR YOURSELF
Book your experience now.
Chicago River Boat Architecture Tours
Chicago River Tours | Fireworks Tours | Jazz/Cocktail Tours
River Boat Tours
Book your tour now, book by phone: (708) 488-6343, about the tours, chicago river boat architecture tours .
Welcome to Chicago River Boat Architecture Tours! We’re proud to present you with an in-depth, expert architectural-based river boat tour that delves into one of the most remarkable American cities today. Known for unique, daring, and historical architectural pursuits, it’s hard to cover all of the design and building treasures that make up the Windy City today. If you’re ready to learning more about the designs, people, and innovations behind these creations, throw on your captains hat and get ready to cruise along the Chicago River and see what architects from around the world travel to see in Chicago.
About The Chicago River Boat Architecture Tours
Chicago is known around the world for its architectural feats, both inside and outside of the buildings. From the 100-year-old Art Deco, Neo-Classical, and Gothic Towers, to some of the tallest modern-day skyscrapers, Chicago is where old meets futuristic architectural endeavors. It has something for everyone in a way that no other city replicates today.
Why Tour Chicago’s Architecture with Us?
We are born-and-raised Chicagoans ourselves, passionate about the community that we know and love. That passion and desire spills into all of our tours, drawing on personal experiences for curating a tour that just can’t be duplicated by a book or a movie. We want you to experience everything firsthand. Why tour with us?
- Expertise: All of our tour guides are either architects, architecture students, or architecture historians, making for an in-depth and personally rooted kind of touring experience that covers all of the discreet details.
- Variety: We offer a variety of uniquely different tours that cover everyone’s individual taste. We offer the Chicago River Boat Architecture Tour that takes you down the famous Chicago River; there are several different options such as Architecture, History, Cocktail Cruises and Firework Viewing Tours
- Flexibility : We want you to enjoy your Chicago River Boat touring experience, which is why we’re happy to talk with you and learn more about how our tours can accommodate you, your party, or your corporate outing. Our tours run daily, with availability always posted on our website here.
Our Tours
- Chicago River Boat Architecture Tour : When in Chicago, cruising down the Chicago River is a must. Except with us, you’ll be taking in the architecture of the buildings that line the beautiful river. We provide detailed explanations of the construction and history of over 50 significant buildings, wrapping up at the end of the river.
- Chicago River Boat Cocktail Tour : Join us for this great Architecture Tour while sipping craft cocktails, beer or wine available for purchase at our bar on board!
- Lake Michigan Navy Pier Fireworks Cruise : Fireworks, one of the Four Great Inventions of ancient China were invented in the 12th century. Chicago approved City-Wide Use of Fireworks on the 4th of July 1893,. Mayor of Chicago Patrick Eugene Prendergast issued a proclamation approving the use of fireworks to celebrate the World’s Colombian Exposition and to celebrate the nation’s 117th Independence Day. This fascination with fireworks, noise, and color continues today. The City of Chicago offers a fireworks show at Navy Pier on Saturday nights at 10:15 p.m. The Fireworks Cruise sails on both the Chicago River and Lake Michigan each Saturday at 8:30 pm.
Our Commitment to Your Touring Experience
We believe that tours should be entertaining, enlightening, informational, and perfectly organized, every single time. A tour shouldn’t feel laborious in any way; you should feel an effortless inclination to learn more about what we present at your fingertips. With our Chicago architectural tours, that’s exactly what we strive to provide, basing each tour from the perspective of an expert with the real-life example in the background.
If you’re thinking about booking a tour with us, know that our commitment to flexibility and accessible makes our Chicago Architecture Tours easy and convenient:
- 3 pm *Not Available Friday thru Sunday Summer Months*
- 6:30 pm (Jazz Band, Cocktail w/bar) *Sunday Only*
- 8 pm (Wednesdays)
- 8:30 pm (Saturdays)
- Seniors $48
- Youths $30 (7-12 years old)
- Children 6 and under Free
BOOK YOUR TOUR TODAY
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Chicago river boat cocktail tour.
Join us in the evening to sip cocktails while cruising the historic Chicago River! Get the same tour just with a cocktail in your hand! Premium bar on board with craft cocktails, wine and beer available for purchase. Drinks may be purchased individually with a credit card on the boat. Tour Information Pricing Adults $49… Continue reading Chicago River Boat Cocktail Tour
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Chicago river boat architectural tour.
Forming a length of 156 miles when combined, the Chicago River is a system of rivers and canals the characterize the infamous skyline of Chicago today. The river, running through the city, including the city center Chicago Loop, is evident of man made design and infrastructure when completed craftily. In 1887, the river was reversed… Continue reading Chicago River Boat Architectural Tour
Lake Michigan Navy Pier Fireworks Cruises (w/ Architecture Tour)
Enjoy your favorite drink while gazing Chicago’s magnificent architecture and finish your cruise with fabulous light show, at Navy Pier. Fireworks, one of the Four Great Inventions of ancient China were invented in the 12th century. Chicago approved City-Wide Use of Fireworks on the 4th of July 1893,. Mayor of Chicago Patrick Eugene Prendergast issued… Continue reading Lake Michigan Navy Pier Fireworks Cruises (w/ Architecture Tour)
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- Cruise Information
- Private Events
CHICAGO ARCHITECTURAL CRUISE
90 minutes — river only , chicago architectural cruise.
Adults : $50 Seniors : $48 Youths 7–12 : $30 Children 6 and under : Free
Military: $5 off per ticket purchased credit for active military, veterans and each family member. Present military ID upon arrival.
Throughout our signature cruise one of our award-winning Docents will present more than 50 skyscrapers, bascule bridges, and historic sites.
In a world of iconic architecture, only a few images are so instantly recognized they need no subtitle.
Think of the Venetian canals, a Shinto temple, the medieval Cathedral at Chartres, or the unmistakable skyline of Chicago. Each year thousands of architecture lovers travel to the City of Chicago, the birthplace of the skyscraper… and thousands book passage aboard our enthralling river tour, widely considered the best 90-minutes spent in Chicago.
On your Architectural Tour you will learn how the Great Chicago Fire jumped a river and allowed for visionaries of structural steel and plate glass, such as John Wellborn Root, William Le Baron Jenney, Louis Sullivan (Wright’s mentor) and Daniel Burnham, in less than ten years, lift Chicago from the ashes of the fire to new heights. Chicago’s ascent continued into the 20th century with titanic figures such as Bertrand Goldberg, Fazlur Khan and Mies van der Rohe – (higher/taller) buildings, sleeker – and it has soared in the 21st century with audacious new steeples such as The Trump Tower and Aqua designed by Jeanne Gang, an internationally known artist of architectural design.
Join us for a 90-minute Architectural Tour aboard Chicago Line Cruises. On Wednesdays at 8pm and Saturdays at 8:30pm, we offer a 2-hour Architectural Fireworks Cruise.
A jaw-dropping excursion through a city that defied all expectations … even the laws of gravity.
CRUISE WITH CHICAGO LINE & EXPERIENCE
Unbeatable chicago views.
OVERVIEW OF CHICAGO LINE’S
MERCHANDISE
Never forget your onboard experience on your Chicago Line cruise. Be sure to purchase one of our stylish souvenirs today!
COMPLIMENTARY
Starbucks Coffee, Twinings Tea, Coca-Cola soft drinks and lemonade are all complimentary.
BEER, WINE & COCKTAILS
Beer, wine and cocktails are available for purchase at any time.
CHICAGO LINE CRUISES
Sail with us, make your moments memorable with chicago line cruises.
PRIVATE EVENTS
For parties up to 170, we have fully-outfitted boats and onboard amenities to help you create a private event they’ll talk about for years to come.
DO YOU HAVE A GROUP OF 20 OR MORE? CONTACT US FOR SPECIAL RATES!
Group discount rates are available for parties of 20 or more aboard any of our river cruises.
GIVE THE GIFT OF CHICAGO LINE TOURS!
GIFT TICKETS
To give a special someone, friend or client the best tour in Chicago, simply ask at our ticket office or contact us.
This is my 8th time on a Chicago architectural river cruise and this was by far the most informative and biggest bang for your buck. Operagolf / LaHabra
The best guide on our whole USA trip. We took the Architecture tour where the boat meandered in between all of the incredible buildings of the city with the guide knowing EVERYTHING about each building; its style, age, height, architect, cost, purpose, owner ….. Quite brilliant! DrCumbrian / TripAdvisor
I've done several of the architecture cruises since my family moved to Chicago, and this is the best one yet! Allie K / TripAdvisor
If you only have time for one sight-seeing event while in Chicago, do this. We really have no great interest in architecture, but this tour came highly recommended and we did not regret it. Allice I / Oklahoma
My wife and I very much enjoyed the Chicago Line Cruise jazz cruise... My spouse said this was one of the favorite things she has done in Chicago since moving here in the past year, and I agree. I am a jazz snob, and ... I was very pleased with the music offered by the Geordie Kelly group. He's a fine jazz guitarist, and his band was great. Augie R / Yelp
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Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady
Experience why we're the #1 rated boat cruise in Chicago, tickets are on sale now for the 2024 season!
Buy Tickets
Voted as one of the Top 10 Boat Tours in North America by USA Today readers for 3 years in a row and Chicago Reader's Best Tour for over 10 years ! Looking for the ultimate Chicago architecture experience? Buy a combo ticket for the river cruise AND visit the Chicago Architecture Center—you'll save $9!
For more than 25 years, the CAC's expertly trained docent volunteers have led the CAC River Cruise, sharing fascinating stories behind more than 50 buildings along the Chicago River. Hear how Chicago grew from a small settlement into one of the world's largest cities in less than 100 years. In just 90 minutes, you'll get the best overview of Chicago’s architecture and its history.
The CAC River Cruise is available in 4 languages: Continental French, Latin American Spanish, Japanese and Korean. To access these languages, please download the "Listen Everywhere" app in advance. Once you are on board the boat, the app will connect and allow you to listen in your selected language as the boat makes its way down the river.
*Continue your exploration with a visit to the CAC! Combo tickets include admission to the Center for just $5 (regular price $14). Admission is valid up to 7 days before or after your cruise.
*Please note that infant tickets must be purchased with a Priority or General Boarding Adult ticket.
Evening River Cruise
The city's most popular tour is now offered in the evening. Serene and bathed in softer light, the city's architecture takes on a whole new life in the setting sun. Wind-down from the work-week by enjoying a cocktail with friends and family and experience Chicago's skyline on our luxury boats.
All departures lATER THAN 5:00 PM
- CAC Members please call 312.922.8687 or come to the CAC Box Office at 111 E. Wacker Drive to redeem your BOGO benefit.
- You can buy a CAC membership over the phone and redeem your BOGO annual benefit at the time of your membership purchase.
- Each person must have a ticket, including infants and children.
- All tours depart rain or shine.
- Arrive 30 minutes prior to your cruise departure time. Allow extra time for traffic and parking in summer.
- Cruise guests board 15 minutes before departure time.
- GENERAL ADMISSION SEATING
- A full-service bar and snack bar are available onboard.
- Tickets start at $54.00 for daytime cruises, $59.00 for evening cruises. Upgrade your ticket for $5 to include Chicago Architecture Center admission. Your visit must occur within 7 days before or after your tour. View the CAC's hours .
- Tickets may not be refunded or exchanged if you miss your boat. Allow extra time.
- Find more information, including available parking, in our FAQs
Interested in a tour for a group of 20 or more? Please contact our group sales team at [email protected] . Private rentals are available.
Directions to Chicago’s First Lady boat dock
See a map here or enter 112 E. Wacker Drive into your GPS. Located at the northeast corner of Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive, a black awning marks the boat dock entrance stairs that lead down to the river. If you have limited mobility, see these directions for an alternative way to reach the dock.
About our Boat Partner
We’re proud to partner with Chicago’s First Lady Cruises, operator of Chicago’s finest fleet of cruising vessels. Its boats hold up to 250 passengers and feature open-air upper decks, full-service bars, climate-controlled lower cabins and upscale marble and granite restrooms. Being onboard is sure to be an experience you'll never forget.
Photos From This Tour
Upcoming Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady Tours
Monday mar 25.
- 12:00pm Buy Tickets
- 2:00pm Buy Tickets
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Tuesday Mar 26
- 10:00am Buy Tickets
Wednesday Mar 27
Thursday mar 28, friday mar 29.
- 1:00pm Buy Tickets
- 3:00pm Buy Tickets
- 5:00pm Buy Tickets
Saturday Mar 30
Highlights of this tour.
Chicago Riverwalk
1 w. lower wacker drive.
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90-minute lake & river architecture tour.
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Tickets for 90-Minute Lake & River Architecture Tour in Chicago 🎫 Adult (13+) ticket for 1 person
Highlights 🚢 Cruise along the Chicago River and onto Lake Michigan on a double-decker tour boat 👨 Learn about Chicago’s history and architecture from an expert local guide 🏙️ Admire breathtaking views of the city and take amazing photos 🍺 Full-service cash bar onboard
General Info 📅 Dates: Mondays – Sundays 🕒 Times: 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. ⏳ Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes 📍 Meeting point: Wendella Tours & Cruises 👤 Age requirement: 13+ ❗ For this event, all sales are final and tickets can’t be refunded, changed or modified. For more information, please refer to our T&Cs
Description This is the Chicago sightseeing cruise that started it all! A family tradition since 1935, this architecture tour has been a favorite attraction for millions of people from near and far. Cruise along the river as a local guide tells you everything there is to know about Chicago’s rich history and famous architecture. Your journey then continues on Lake Michigan, where you’ll fall in love with stunning views of the skyline. Get comfortable on the way back and relax as you enjoy a drink in the climate-controlled cabin. Get your tickets for the 90-Minute Lake & River Architecture Tour in Chicago!
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90-Minute Lake & River Architecture Tour
Tickets for 90-Minute Lake & River Architecture Tour in Chicago 🎫 Adult (13+) ticket for 1 person
Highlights 🚢 Cruise along the Chicago River and onto Lake Michigan on a double-decker tour boat 👨 Learn about Chicago's history and architecture from an expert local guide 🏙️ Admire breathtaking views of the city and take amazing photos 🍺 Full-service cash bar onboard
General Info 📅 Dates: Mondays - Sundays 🕒 Times: 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. ⏳ Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes 📍 Meeting point: Wendella Tours & Cruises 👤 Age requirement: 13+ ❗ For this event, all sales are final and tickets can’t be refunded, changed or modified. For more information, please refer to our T&Cs
Description This is the Chicago sightseeing cruise that started it all! A family tradition since 1935, this architecture tour has been a favorite attraction for millions of people from near and far. Cruise along the river as a local guide tells you everything there is to know about Chicago’s rich history and famous architecture. Your journey then continues on Lake Michigan, where you’ll fall in love with stunning views of the skyline. Get comfortable on the way back and relax as you enjoy a drink in the climate-controlled cabin. Get your tickets for the 90-Minute Lake & River Architecture Tour in Chicago!
Getting there
Wendella Tours & Cruises
400 N Michigan Ave Suite C100, Chicago, IL , United States, 60611
Select date and session
No booking fees
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Chicago’s Best 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour
Review Highlights
“ Hillary was so fun and made coming all the way down to the south loop worth it. ” in 4 reviews
“ HIGHLY recommend going on this when visiting. ” in 2 reviews
“ Our tour guide, Billy , was super-informative and entertaining! ” in 2 reviews
Location & Hours
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River City Marina - Summer Of George
900 S Wells St
Chicago, IL 60607
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Had a wonderful time on this tour. Sean was a fantastic guide, and I learned a lot about Chicago and its marvelous architecture. I liked that the boat wasn't too big or crowded. Highly recommend!
View of Chicago skyline from boat
Summer of George at dock
Hillary was a great tour guide keeping it light and humorous. No script, but her knowledge of the buildings and Chicago in general was phenomenal. It's probably our third time over the years but the most memorable. A great tour to do every few years.
Our tour guide, Billy, was very informative and entertaining! We learned a lot about the history of Chicago and it made my partner and I appreciate the city we were visiting more.
Skyline of Chicago
Wife and I enjoyed a wonderful 90 min trip with @toursandboats enjoying the architectural beauty of Chicago on the Chicago River. Took some amazing photos from the uncrowded bow of the boat; the other passengers on board were all very chill and the staff were fantastic including the captain with his dry sense of humor! The boat was clean and well maintained, in particular the bar was very well maintained and made the trip even more enjoyable. Will definitely repeat another trip with these folks next time I'm in Chi-Town, but I'm gonna try to do an evening cruise which may be even more amazing. Don't hesitate, book with this crew and you'll have a great time.
See all photos from N.F. P. for Chicago’s Best 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour
What a wonderful day! The tour was awesome. Lots of fun information about the City.I would highly recommend it. The weather was kind of cloudy but at least it didn't rain and no sun damage.
Booked tour through Groupon. Our tour guide Teela was so great and fun. Had such a great time and learned a lot!
I've taken several boat tour of Chicago, and this is the best by far! Our tour guide, Billy, was super-informative and entertaining! Very comfortable boat with a full bar. Great outing in Chicago!
I had an excellent experience with Tours and Travels! Initially, I faced some challenges reaching them over the phone, but their customer service team truly impressed me. They not only resolved my issues but went above and beyond to assist me. Their dedication to customer satisfaction is outstanding. I highly recommend booking your tickets directly with them for a seamless and stress-free experience. Kudos to Tours and Travels for their exceptional service!
This was well worth it. The captain (Joe) and the guide (Dave) were friendly, inviting, and made the tour wonderful. Something I would do again on my next visit.
If you'd like to learn about the Architecture and take in the absolutely beautiful buildings from the Chicago river, I would highly recommend going on this tour. Our guide Hillary was just filled with information and didn't speak like she was reading a script, which was refreshing. My partner and I took the last tour of the day, which was awesome because it was not too hot and/or cold, which meant that we weren't going to burn to a crisp in the sun and not freeze. The thing that stood out was that Hillary seemed to be knowledgeable about all buildings that we passed. The boat offered drinks, alcoholic and otherwise, and had bathroom facilities just in case. I truly enjoyed the tour. I would recommend the following to anyone who purchases tickets: *Buy from Groupon. I think it's a better deal, if you can get it. *Bring sunscreen and be ready to sweat a little. The loading area is in the parking lot of the Summer of George, which has ZERO shade to provide coverage from the sun. As anyone on my tour will tell you, we were dying from the heat and trying to find refuge in the little shade cover from the cars parked close by. This was while we were waiting for to load the boat. *As a tourist, I was a little weary of meeting in a rundown parking lot but don't fret. If you go on this tour, look for the guides in vests. The guides were trying to find shade like we were, so it was hard to find them at times. People just started asking other people in line for help. I wouldn't mind taking this tour again.
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7 things that might surprise you about the Chicago Architecture Boat Tour
T here are plenty of ways to take in the sights, sounds (and smells) of Chicago, but you don't necessarily have to be on land to do that.
And you don't have to be a tourist, either.
In fact, one of the most beloved ways — among locals and visitors alike — to experience city is by journeying across the Chicago River and Lake Michigan while a tour guide talks about buildings and regales you on the untold story of Mrs. O'Leary's cow.
In other words: a Chicago Architecture Boat Tour.
"As you're going up and down the Chicago River and on Lake Michigan, you're seeing the city’s evolving architecture, which is changing every year" said Andrew Sargis, director of sales and marketing for Wendella Tours and Cruises .
Wendella, billed as Chicago's "original" architecture tour, in 1935 gave its first architecture tour of the city from a wooden diesel yacht out on Navy Pier, Sargis said. Now, upwards of 20 architecture tours are offered daily, with more on the weekends. On average, Wendella tours see roughly 100,000 passengers each month over the summer, Sargis said.
And though the majority of guests on any given Wendella architecture tour are tourists, Sargis said, locals take them, too.
MORE: Even Chicagoans can't get enough of this tourist attraction: ‘It's about the only touristy thing I do'
"I was surprised when I first started, we get a lot of repeat locals," Bobby Scheffle, a Wendella tour guide told NBC Chicago. "And always there's a lot of local people that come on when they have guests visiting them in town. They like to show off the city this way."
But there's something else about the experience that makes it so very Chicago.
"I think it is really unique to experience the city from a boat on a river, because we think about other big cities in the United States -- there aren't many that have a river that go right through downtown," Scheffle said. "You feel like you're in the city, you hear the noise, and you see the buildings and all that."
Whether you're taking the ride for the first time or the 50th, bringing out-of-town guests out for a memorable activity or just itching to be a tourist in your own city, here are seven things to know about the Chicago Architecture Boat Tour.
Will weather stop a tour from running?
Wendella's architecture tours run year-round, Sargis said, although "weather is a factor."
Weather events like ice on the river or significant snowfall can impact operations, Sargis said, but they typically don't, since the Chicago River -- a federal waterway -- must remain navigable year-round.
While Wendella's boats do have climate-controlled indoor lounges, tours during the winter may run at limited times. But rain, snow, extreme heat or wind, unflappable Chicagoans still show up.
"We went on drizzly day a few years ago," Kathy Rambo wrote on NBC Chicago's Facebook page. "There were only about 10 of us on the boat!
And most often, the tour will run — rain or shine — so don't hesitate to bring a raincoat.
"I have certainly [given tours] under thunderstorms and downpours, and I've gotten drenched sometimes," Scheffle said. "I've never had a tour get canceled because no one bought a ticket. There's always someone wanting to come out here in the rain or the cold."
What's the best time of year (or day) to go?
It depends on when exactly your favorite time of the year is, and what you're hoping to see.
For Sargis, it's late summer. "There's this point of time in September when the weather is beautiful, but there's not that summer rush."
There are other times that Chicagoans may want to consider, too.
"St. Patrick's Day Celebration when they dye the river, and any Wednesday or Saturday night [over the summer], watching the fireworks over Lake Michigan , especially if you're local" Sargis said.
During the summer months, Wendella's tours run start as early as 9 a.m., with the day's final tour not ending until 10 p.m. or 11 p.m., Scheffle said, "so if you want to come for a ride to see the city lights, you can come late, and it's also beautiful, just a little more difficult to see the colors on the buildings if that's what you want to see."
Laura Pubins, who lives in a suburb outside of Chicago, agrees.
"My favorite one was when we were on a boat at sunset," Pubins wrote to NBC Chicago on Facebook. "It was an awesome new view of the city."
What's the most photogenic spot on the tour?
For Sargis, it's "anything out on Lake Michigan," with the skyline in the background.
On the river though, there's one moment that captures the city best, Scheffle said, no matter what time of day you're taking the trip.
"The best place to take a photo on the 90-minute river tour is when we come up the south branch from Chinatown," Scheffle said. "That's the best place because you get the whole skyline from the south. It's really beautiful."
For locals though, it may not be what you're looking at, so much as how you're looking at it.
"You're looking at [the city] from underneath," said Chicago resident Nick Pappas, 55, who recently found himself on a 90-minute river tour. "It's just a different perspective on the river that you don't get on the street level. As amazing as that sounds, you're only, like, 20 feet down, but it gives you a whole different perspective."
What does the training for a tour guide look like?
According to Sargis, all Wendella tour guides are trained in-house -- and the spots are competitive.
"There's high demand," Sargis said, of the position. "There are more people that want to be tour guides than space available. It's certainly a popular job, and people want to do it." While the tour guide of any given architecture tour isn't made public, many people do request certain ones for private events, Sargis said.
For the tours, there's a general script, with highlights that must be mentioned, Sargis said. But improvisation, along with sharing personal history is encouraged, too.
"All of the tour guides have their own experience in the city, and will add parts of their history in it," Sargis said. "We have a tour guide that is a retired police officer, and he will interject anecdotes form his career. We have a tour guide that's a Vietnam War Veteran, and when we go by the Vietnam War Memorial, he will always discuss the importance of it to him."
For Scheffle, the training included joining multiple tours a week for two weeks and flashcards.
"For a while, I, just drove Uber and Lyft," Scheffle said. "And then, I remembered that I really liked Chicago. I like learning fun facts about it. And there are people in the city that have that as a job -- to tell people fun facts about Chicago and I started looking into tourism jobs in the city."
What's the most common question tour guides get?
Believe it or not, it's not always about The Great Chicago Fire , or Mrs. O'Leary and her cow, at least on Scheffle's tours.
"My favorite thing on the tour that happens is probably when little kids ask questions," Scheffle said. "The common question that a kid will ask, because I talk about the tallest building, second tallest building, third tallest building, a lot of times a kid will ask what's the shortest building in Chicago? Which I don't have a good answer for."
Are you supposed to tip your guide?
"It's up to the discretion of the client," Sargis said. "I would say a lot of our passengers do tip our tour guides."
What's the absolute best part of the tour?
Sure the tour is photogenic, and the city's history is fascinating. And though some may go on the tour to find out what buildings are new, others prefer to think about the old.
"My favorite building to talk about is probably the Board of Trade building," Scheffle said. "Just because I remember walking by it much younger and always, I remember, really being impressed by it, thinking was such a cool big city building."
For a local on the tour, the memories are nice. But a day out on the water in Chicago is just hard to beat.
"It's great. I don't have to work," said Pappas, who has lived in the city for 55 years. "Every time, it's a little treat to go down the river."
Video editors Ivonne Ramirez and DS Shin produced and created the video for this story.
Moscow Metro Underground Small-Group Tour - With Reviews & Ratings
Moscow metro underground small-group tour.
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Tour Information
Key Details
- Mobile Voucher Accepted
- Free Cancellation
- Duration: 3 Hrs
- Language: English
- Departure Time : 10:00 AM
- Departure Details : Karl Marks Monument on Revolution Square, metro stop: Square of Revolution
- Return Details : Metro Smolenskaya
- If you cancel at least 4 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
- If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.
- Tours booked using discount coupon codes will be non refundable.
Go beneath the streets on this tour of the spectacular, mind-bending Moscow Metro! Be awed by architecture and spot the Propaganda , then hear soviet stories from a local in the know. Finish it all up above ground, looking up to Stalins skyscrapers, and get the inside scoop on whats gone on behind those walls.
Know More about this tour
We begin our Moscow tour beneath the city, exploring the underground palace of the Moscow Metro. From the Square of Revolution station, famous for its huge statues of soviet people (an armed soldier, a farmer with a rooster, a warrior, and more), we’ll move onto some of the most significant stations, where impressive mosaics, columns, and chandeliers will boggle your eyes! Moreover, these stations reveal a big part of soviet reality — the walls depict plenty of Propaganda , with party leaders looking down from images on the walls. Your local guide will share personal stories of his/her family from USSR times, giving you insight into Russia’s complicated past and present. Then we’re coming back up to street level, where we’ll take a break and refuel with some Russian fast food: traditional pancakes, called bliny. And then, stomachs satiated, we are ready to move forward! We’ll take the eco-friendly electric trolleybus, with a route along the Moscow Garden Ring. Used mainly by Russian babushkas(grannies) during the day, the trolleybus hits peak hours in the mornings and evenings, when many locals use it going to and from their days. Our first stop will be the Aviator’s House, one of Stalin’s Seven Sisters, followed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs — and you’ll hear the legends of what has gone on inside the walls. Throughout your Moscow tour, you’ll learn curious facts from soviet history while seeing how Russia exists now, 25 years after the USSR.
Local English-speaking guide
Pancake snack and drink
Additional food and drinks
Tickets for public transport
Souvenirs and items of a personal nature
Tips and gratuities for the guide
Additional Info
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Dress standard: Please wear comfortable shoes for walking. For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people
Traveler Reviews
This tour exceeded our expectations. Nikolai (Nick), our tour guide, was very knowledgeable, thorough, and has a great personality. He didn't take shortcuts and really covered everything that was on the agenda in great detail. We saw beautiful metro stations and learned the history behind them, including many of the murals and designs.
We did the tour with Anna her knowledge and understanding of the History surrounding the metro brought the tour alive. Well done Anna!
This tour was amazing!
Anna was a great tour guide. She gave us heaps of interesting information, was very friendly, and very kindly showed us how to get to our next tour.
Amazing beauty and history.
An excellent tour helped by an absolutely amazing guide. Anna gave a great insight into the history of the metro helped by additional material she had prepared.
great tour and guide - thanks again
great will do it again, Miriam ke was very good as a guide she has lived here all here life so knew every interesting detail.a good day
Tour Details
Moscow metro tour: architectural styles of the subway.
Duration: 2 hours
Categories: Culture & History, Sightseeing
This metro tour of Russia’s capital and most populous city, Moscow, is your chance to get a unique insight into the beautiful and impressive architecture of the city's underground stations. Admire their marble walls and high ceilings representing Stalin's desire for glory after World War 2, and see first-hand how the interiors change with the rise of new political eras. Your guide will lead you through the complex network, which is one of the most heavily used rapid transit systems worldwide, with over two billion travelers in 2011.
Opened in 1935, Moscow’s underground system, now 190 miles (305 km) long with 185 stations, is today one the largest and most heavily used rapid transit systems in the world. On this Moscow metro tour, discover the impressive architecture of Moscow’s underground stations and learn how they reflect the Soviet era.
Getting around by metro, your local guide will take you through parts of Moscow’s infamous history. Stop at stations built during the time of the USSR (Soviet Union) that are praised as one of the most extravagant architectural projects from Stalin’s time. After World War 2, he was keen on establishing Stalinist architecture to represent his rising regime and a recognized empire. Learn how when his successor started the de-Stalinization of the former Soviet Union in 1953, the extravagancy of the architecture was toned down.
Discover how the unique character of each station reflected several different eras. While stations like Kievskaya and Slavyansky Bulvar have pompous halls and high stucco ceilings brimming with extravagant decorations, those built later, like Volzhskaya, are lightly adorned with sparse furnishings. Architect Alexey Dushkin and painter Alexander Deyneka were just two of the many artists who made these magnificent landmarks possible.
Revel in Moscow's glory days, as well as the years of scarcity, on this fascinating Moscow metro experience. Conclude your tour at one of the central stations in Moscow. If you're lucky, you may even find the secret entrance to the unconfirmed Metro-2, a parallel underground system used by the government -- a mystery which has neither been denied nor confirmed today.
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Culture Shock Rating
We have a wide range of tours designed to give you an insight into the destination you're travelling in and there is something for everybody. The culture shock ratings considers the destination visited, transport used, activities undertaken and that "Wow, I'm really not at home now!" factor. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…
This is the least confronting of our tour range. Transport used on the trip is either private or a very comfortable public option, the activities included are usually iconic sites and locations that are not all too confronting.
The tour can include a mix of private and public transport providing a level of comfort that is slightly below what you would experience at home. Sites visited are usually iconic sites, tours can also include market visits, visits to communities etc that provide the traveller with a fantastic insight into destination.
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether it's a packed public bus where you are forced to stand, a visit to a local market, a local community, you are sure to have an experience that is very different from what you're used to at home.
The comforts of your home town and the environment you are used to are more of a rarity. Expect some challenging transport options, visits to local sites and areas that don't resemble anything at home.
You're out there in the global community! You are likely to be exposed to the elements, travel in whatever means of transport is available and basically take it as it comes, whatever comes! It can be tough.
Physical Rating
Our physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…
These tours have very limited physical activity. Usually climbing in and out of the transport provided, walking through sites, markets etc included in the itinerary.
These tours have a bit of physical activity but nothing that should challenge you too much. This could be climbing on and off public transport through to a walk through the destination you're travelling in, they can include walking only tours or a combination of walking and transport.
These tours involve a bit of physical activity from walking up and down hills in the destination you're travelling in or the surrounding areas. Climbing on and off local transport or riding a bike up to 30 kms along predominantly flat terrain or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
These Tours will provide you with some solid physical activity. Whether its bike riding, walking, trekking, kayaking or riding on public transport you will need to have a good level of fitness to enjoy this tour.
Be prepared for some serious physical activity. These tours are our most challenging and involve some serious walking, hiking or bike riding. Can involve step climbs by foot or pedal and some challenging public transport options in the destination you are travelling.
Luxury Rating
Some trips are like a stroll on the beach, while others have you trekking alpine passes. Some of you thrive on camping out on the savannah, while others may prefer a hot shower and a comfortable bed in a lodge. Follow the grading systems below to find the right trip for you.
To help you choose the trip that's right for you, we've broken all of our trips down into four service levels. Measuring the comfort level of the accommodation and transport. So whether you're travelling on a budget and want to save money by using public transport, or prefer upgraded accommodation and are happy to pay a little more, then we have a level for you.
This is grassroots travel at its most interesting
Authentic experiences with some of the comforts of home
For those who like to travel in comfort
All the unique experiences wrapped up with a gold ribbon
Moscow Metro Tour
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Description
Moscow metro private tours.
- 2-hour tour $87: 10 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with hotel pick-up and drop-off
- 3-hour tour $137: 20 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with Russian lunch in beautifully-decorated Metro Diner + hotel pick-up and drop off.
- Metro pass is included in the price of both tours.
Highlight of Metro Tour
- Visit 10 must-see stations of Moscow metro on 2-hr tour and 20 Metro stations on 3-hr tour, including grand Komsomolskaya station with its distinctive Baroque décor, aristocratic Mayakovskaya station with Soviet mosaics, legendary Revolution Square station with 72 bronze sculptures and more!
- Explore Museum of Moscow Metro and learn a ton of technical and historical facts;
- Listen to the secrets about the Metro-2, a secret line supposedly used by the government and KGB;
- Experience a selection of most striking features of Moscow Metro hidden from most tourists and even locals;
- Discover the underground treasure of Russian Soviet past – from mosaics to bronzes, paintings, marble arches, stained glass and even paleontological elements;
- Learn fun stories and myths about Coffee Ring, Zodiac signs of Moscow Metro and more;
- Admire Soviet-era architecture of pre- and post- World War II perious;
- Enjoy panoramic views of Sparrow Hills from Luzhniki Metro Bridge – MetroMost, the only station of Moscow Metro located over water and the highest station above ground level;
- If lucky, catch a unique «Aquarelle Train» – a wheeled picture gallery, brightly painted with images of peony, chrysanthemums, daisies, sunflowers and each car unit is unique;
- Become an expert at navigating the legendary Moscow Metro system;
- Have fun time with a very friendly local;
- + Atmospheric Metro lunch in Moscow’s the only Metro Diner (included in a 3-hr tour)
Hotel Pick-up
Metro stations:.
Komsomolskaya
Novoslobodskaya
Prospekt Mira
Belorusskaya
Mayakovskaya
Novokuznetskaya
Revolution Square
Sparrow Hills
+ for 3-hour tour
Victory Park
Slavic Boulevard
Vystavochnaya
Dostoevskaya
Elektrozavodskaya
Partizanskaya
Museum of Moscow Metro
- Drop-off at your hotel, Novodevichy Convent, Sparrow Hills or any place you wish
- + Russian lunch in Metro Diner with artistic metro-style interior for 3-hour tour
Fun facts from our Moscow Metro Tours:
From the very first days of its existence, the Moscow Metro was the object of civil defense, used as a bomb shelter, and designed as a defense for a possible attack on the Soviet Union.
At a depth of 50 to 120 meters lies the second, the coded system of Metro-2 of Moscow subway, which is equipped with everything you need, from food storage to the nuclear button.
According to some sources, the total length of Metro-2 reaches over 150 kilometers.
The Museum was opened on Sportivnaya metro station on November 6, 1967. It features the most interesting models of trains and stations.
Coffee Ring
The first scheme of Moscow Metro looked like a bunch of separate lines. Listen to a myth about Joseph Stalin and the main brown line of Moscow Metro.
Zodiac Metro
According to some astrologers, each of the 12 stops of the Moscow Ring Line corresponds to a particular sign of the zodiac and divides the city into astrological sector.
Astrologers believe that being in a particular zadiac sector of Moscow for a long time, you attract certain energy and events into your life.
Paleontological finds
Red marble walls of some of the Metro stations hide in themselves petrified inhabitants of ancient seas. Try and find some!
- Every day each car in Moscow metro passes more than 600 km, which is the distance from Moscow to St. Petersburg.
- Moscow subway system is the 5th in the intensity of use (after the subways of Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai).
- The interval in the movement of trains in rush hour is 90 seconds .
What you get:
- + A friend in Moscow.
- + Private & customized Moscow tour.
- + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
- + An authentic experience of local life.
- + Flexibility during the walking tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
- + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
- + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
- + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
- + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.
COMMENTS
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Description Moscow Metro private tours. 2-hour tour $87: 10 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with hotel pick-up and drop-off 3-hour tour $137: 20 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with Russian lunch in beautifully-decorated Metro Diner + hotel pick-up and drop off. Metro pass is included in the price of both tours. Highlight of Metro Tour
The Moscow Metro is one of the oldest in the world, as well as one of the most beautiful. As a visitor, it can be tricky to know which stations are must-sees, but this guided tour ensures that you see the best. Also, because it's a private tour, you don't need to feel self-conscious of being in a large tour group getting in commuters' way.