The route development forum for the Americas
Chicago, Illinois
• 21 – 23 March 2023
Complimentary Tours
Our host has organised complimentary tours for Routes Americas delegates, offering the chance to explore Chicago.
Each tour and activity will accommodate a limited number of guests, therefore early booking is highly recommended to secure your place. Booking closes Friday 17 March.
Tour and Activity Options
Odyssey River Cruise
This tour will operate from 2-6pm on Monday 20 March. Meeting point: Sheraton Grand Chicago
Experience a Sights & Sips Cocktail Cruise on the Chicago River and revel in striking views of the Chicago architecture. You will enjoy a relaxing afternoon with amazing views and DJ entertainment. Soak up the city sights from the water on this 90-minute boat tour which includes a champagne toast, in addition to a soda and juice drink package. Take in the fresh air from the outdoor observation deck or stay comfortable indoors: The Odyssey Chicago River is a modern climate-controlled, glass-enclosed vessel.
SOLD OUT
Chicago Neighborhood Tour
This tour will operate from 2-5pm on Monday 20 March. Meeting point: Sheraton Grand Chicago
Chicago historian Dilla, as he is affectionately called, is a fascinating blend of modern historian, cultural worker, and public employee. Dilla has become a Chicago social media sensation by going viral on Tiktok. His 60 second history videos on everything Chicago have been viewed over 8 million times, and he has amassed a following of 150K followers across all platforms. This guided bus tour will be led by the Chicago tourism ambassador himself and travel throughout the Bronzeville neighborhood: the birthplace of Black History Month and gospel music. Explore historic sites and locally owned businesses. Dilla has been featured on all manner of Chicago media and has also appeared nationally on both The Today Show and The Kelly Clarkson Show. Dilla is a proud life long resident of Chicago's South Side and he lives by the saying that "everything dope about America comes Chicago.
Chicago Food Tour
This tour will operate from 2-6pm on Monday 20 March. Meeting point: Sheraton Grand Chicago
A Chicago pizza experience like no other. Curated by Steve Dolinsky, author of “Pizza City USA” and “The Ultimate Chicago Pizza Guide”, this bus tour highlights four unique styles of pizza in three hours. You’ll begin with a long-fermented artisan slice at Robert’s, followed by a deep pan pizza at Labriola. Not to be confused with a deep-dish pizza, which you’ll experience at Lou Malnati’s, finishing up with a Roman al taglio style pizza at Bonci, the first USA post of this Roman legend. Sodas and waters are included. You’ll meet some of the owners along the way, and learn about how each of these styles is made, as well as learn a bit more about some important Chicago trivia. There’s so much more to Chicago pizza than just deep-dish!
SOLD OUT
Skydeck at Willis Tower
Skydeck tickets are timed for 2:30pm and non-transferrable for a different time slot.
Skydeck Chicago is the breathtaking, thrilling observatory atop the iconic Willis Tower. The highest observation deck in the United States, Skydeck provides views of the city spanning up to four states and 50 miles on a clear day. Your ticket (limited quantity available) gives you access to explore on your own — no group tour or transportation will be provided. Skydeck features The Ledge: five glass floor balconies extending 4.3 feet from Willis Tower and made up of three layers of half-inch thick glass laminated into one seamless unit. Skydeck offers a can’t miss, one-stop attraction to discover and see all that the city of Chicago offers from an incomparable vantage point. The attraction features a brand-new, museum-like interactive experience on the lower level that celebrates the unique personality, history, neighborhoods, and sites of Chicago.
SOLD OUT
Learn more about Chicago Return to Routes Americas 2022 homepage