Where History Meets Culture
Beyond the Skyline
September 15–20, 2027 | 6 Days, 5 Nights
Chicago, Illinois
Walk through the powerful stories, neighborhoods, and legacies that shaped Black Chicago—and leave inspired by the history, resilience, culture, and excellence that continue to define the city.
Your Chicago Moment Is Waiting
Imagine yourself sitting along the Chicago River, laughing over an unforgettable meal with new friends while the city skyline stretches behind you. This experience is more than a getaway; it’s a chance to slow down, connect, celebrate culture, and create memories that will stay with you long after the trip ends. Chicago is waiting, and all you have to do is claim your spot! We’ll take care of the rest.
Chicago is more than deep-dish pizza and towering skyscrapers. It's a city that helped shape the Great Migration, Black entrepreneurship, jazz, gospel, civil rights, literature, politics, and culture. This experience takes you beyond the tourist attractions to discover the stories, neighborhoods, restaurants, and landmarks that continue to inspire generations.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile
Nestled in the heart of downtown Chicago's vibrant Streeterville neighborhood, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown Magnificent Mile places you just moments from the city's sparkling Riverwalk, the world-famous Magnificent Mile, and breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. Surrounded by award-winning restaurants, lively cafés, shopping, and iconic attractions, you'll be perfectly positioned to experience the very best of Chicago.
Step inside the hotel's stunning open-air atrium, where natural light fills the spacious lobby, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. From the moment you arrive, you'll feel the excitement of being in one of America's most dynamic cities while enjoying the comfort of a relaxing retreat after each day's adventures.
Your spacious suite offers plenty of room to stretch out, recharge, and make yourself at home. Sink into a comfortable bed after a day of exploring museums, strolling along the Riverwalk, and savoring unforgettable meals. Whether you're traveling with a friend, your spouse, or as a solo adventurer, you'll appreciate having space to relax before another exciting day begins.
Imagine waking each morning to the aroma of a freshly prepared, complimentary made-to-order breakfast before setting out to discover Chicago's rich history and vibrant culture. In the evening, gather with fellow travelers for a cocktail, mocktail, or glass of wine in the inviting hotel bar as you laugh, swap stories, and relive your favorite moments from the day. These unplanned conversations often become some of the most treasured memories of the journey.
Need a little downtime? Take a refreshing dip in the indoor pool, squeeze in a workout at the fitness center, or simply unwind in your suite while taking in the energy of downtown Chicago just outside your window.
This isn't just where you'll sleep. It's where you'll begin each adventure and return each evening, surrounded by comfort, conversation, and anticipation for what's next. Every detail has been thoughtfully chosen to make your Chicago Cultural Heritage Experience as enjoyable as it is unforgettable.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
-
Absolutely! Many of our travelers join us on their own. Our cultural experiences are designed to be welcoming, inclusive, and social, making it easy to connect with fellow travelers. Whether you're traveling solo or with friends, you'll feel like part of the Destination Travel Junkies family from day one.
-
Airfare is not included in the package price. This gives you the flexibility to use your preferred airline, redeem airline miles, or choose the flight schedule that works best for you.
-
Yes! While we've carefully planned unforgettable cultural experiences, we've also built in free time for you to relax, shop, explore the city, or simply enjoy Chicago at your own pace.
-
Yes! We offer convenient monthly payment plans, allowing you to spread the cost of your trip over several months. Once your deposit is made, you'll receive your payment schedule and can make payments at your convenience before the final payment deadline.
-
Your package is expected to include:
Hotel accommodations
Ground transportation during scheduled group activities
Select meals
Guided cultural experiences
Admission to included attractions
Welcome gathering
Farewell experience
Destination Travel Junkies souvenir gift
A detailed list of inclusions will be provided when registration opens.
What You'll Experience
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
The Land Only Package does not include international flights, domestic flights, or airport transfers (transportation). Please plan accordingly.
Airfare to Cartagena, Colombia
Travel Insurance
Gratuities (suggested $10 per day for tour guide, $5 per day for driver)
Items of a personal nature
Meals except where noted above
Additional excursions offered by the Tour Operator
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Don't let unexpected events ruin your trip! Picture this -- you've saved, planned, and dreamed of your perfect vacation. Suddenly, illness strikes, your flight gets canceled, or lost luggage turns your expensive trip into a clothing crisis. Travel mishaps can happen, leaving you scrambling for solutions and facing hefty bills.
"Here's why your travel insurance is important."
Peace of Mind: Knowing you're covered for trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and even delays gives you the freedom to relax and truly enjoy your adventure. No more worrying about "what ifs" – just pure vacation bliss.
Financial Protection: Unexpected events can be costly. Travel insurance reimburses you for covered expenses, so you won't be left footing the bill for a canceled flight or a medical emergency abroad.
More Than Just Emergencies: Some policies offer additional perks, such as rental car damage coverage, trip interruption benefits, and even coverage for adventure sports.
You might say, My credit card covers me. Credit card coverage might have limitations, so compare it carefully to your needs.
Should you decide not to purchase travel insurance, you must sign a waiver assuming total financial liability in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
Your travel agent cannot be held financially responsible for canceled or missed flights, delayed or lost luggage, cancellations due to illness, loss of a loved one, trip interruptions, or emergency evacuations.
Please note that the travel insurance cost is added to the total deposit amount. Insurance cost is NONREFUNDABLE.
Travel Safe Insurance
Travel Guard
MONTHLY PAYMENTS & AUTO PAY:
Due to contractual obligations with our suppliers, monthly or bi-weekly payments are required unless your reservation is paid in full. Auto pay is highly encouraged to help keep your reservation current and avoid missed payments.
Automatic billing is complimentary and allows your remaining balance to be divided into scheduled payments after your initial deposit. Payment dates and amounts will be outlined on your invoice at the time of booking.
Please note: All prices are based on the rates of exchange in effect at the time of price quote. In the event that the US dollar devalues, Destination & Travel Junkies (DTJ) reserves the right to increase prices accordingly. Your final invoice will reflect increases resulting from currency devaluation.
TRAVEL NOTES:
Traveling abroad requires a passport valid for six months beyond the travel dates. Your passport should not expire before November 4, 2028.
This trip is a LAND ONLY package, meaning you are responsible for booking your own flight and airport transfers. You should fly into Cartagena de Indias Airport (CTG). Your flight should arrive in Cartagena (CTG) on April 27, 2028, by 3 PM local time. Hotel check-in is on April 27, 2028, and check-out is on May 4, 2028. Please ensure your flights align with these dates and plan your airport transfers accordingly.
Hotel check-in is at 3 PM. A credit card will be required at check-in for incidentals.
You are responsible for arranging your own airport transfers to and from the hotel.
The DTJ Lounge is designed to answer questions and to prepare you for your trip. This forum takes place via Zoom. The call is scheduled intermittently, and the pre-departure call is held approximately 30 days before departure. The link will be emailed to you one week prior.
TERMS & POLICIES:
Making reservations for this package signifies your acceptance of our terms and conditions.
Deposits are non-refundable & non-transferable.
All of your payments to Destination & Travel Junkies (DTJ) are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Due to contractual agreements with suppliers, group space is secured in advance, and cancellation by individual travelers negatively affects group rates, availability, and overall travel arrangements. Therefore, DTJ is unable to offer refunds for voluntary or involuntary cancellations, including but not limited to illness, emergencies, schedule changes, travel delays, or visa/entry denial. Travelers are strongly encouraged to purchase Cancel-For-Any-Reason (CFAR) travel insurance to protect their investment. Any refund issued by a supplier, if applicable, will be passed through to the traveler, less any non-refundable DTJ fees and unrecoverable supplier costs.
Destination & Travel Junkies is not responsible for onboard venue reservations, dining, entertainment, or any associated costs. Guests are responsible for their own arrangements.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended to protect your travel investment and may provide coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage loss, medical emergencies, and other unforeseen circumstances.
Destination & Travel Junkies, LLC strongly recommends travel insurance; all travelers must select either “Accept” or “Decline” coverage at the time of booking. If you decline travel insurance, you acknowledge that you are assuming full financial responsibility for any losses, cancellations, delays, medical expenses, or other travel-related risks, and you agree not to hold Destination & Travel Junkies, LLC liable for such losses.
Prices are subject to change without notice. Starting prices are estimates based on current availability and double occupancy. Final pricing will be confirmed prior to processing deposits.
A valid passport is needed. If you do not have a passport, please apply for one ASAP.
Reservations must be made in your full name as it appears on your passport.
Passengers are responsible for ensuring that they have the proper travel documents and MUST CHECK with the respective consulate(s) or visa agency to determine whether any visas or passports are required. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. Some countries require a full blank “VISA” page in the passport for stamping purposes. Any information provided on travel descriptions pertains to US citizens only. Non-US citizens should check with the respective consulate of the country(s) to be visited for current entry requirements. Reservations must be made in your FULL NAME as it appears on your passport. Passports are the sole responsibility of the traveler. Destination & Travel Junkies, LLC is not responsible for expired, invalid, damaged, or delayed passports. No refunds, credits, or transfers will be provided due to failure to obtain or present proper travel documentation by the required deadline.
We strongly recommend Travel Insurance. We’ve shared recommendations above (Travel Insurance section).
DESTINATION & TRAVEL JUNKIES, LLC charges a $50 per-person cancellation fee for any trip canceled at any time after booking. This fee is in addition to any penalties imposed by the supplier. The cancellation fee must be paid before the cancellation is processed. All cancellations must be submitted in writing to DESTINATION & TRAVEL JUNKIES, LLC. Travel insurance does not cover agency-imposed penalties.
Monthly payments are required to keep your reservations current. A reservation that has gone 60 days without a monthly payment can be cancelled without notice.
A $200 per-person reinstatement fee, in addition to your past-due balance, is required to reinstate your booking at any time after cancellation.
Any name or occupancy changes should be directed to Destination & Travel Junkies. Failure to do so will result in a $200 Name Change Fee, plus any applicable vendor fees.
You may choose to pay your balance in full at the time of booking. If you elect to use the monthly payment plan, automated reminders will be sent as a courtesy.
If you experience financial hardship or anticipate payment issues, please contact us before your payment due date to discuss possible accommodations. We are here to help, but a lack of communication will not excuse missed payments.
It is your responsibility to notify Destination & Travel Junkies of all email address changes.
Provided full payment is received no later than your Final Payment Due date, travel documents and travel instructions will be sent via email and/or mail 30 days or earlier before your scheduled travel date.
All prices listed are per person, based on shared double occupancy in a room, unless otherwise specified.
Prices do not include items of a personal nature, such as laundry, wine, water, beverages, food (except at all-inclusive resorts or where specifically indicated), passport and visa fees, insurance, and foreign port taxes, unless specified in the package inclusions. Prices are accurate at the time of publication; however, as hotels and airfares are subject to continual fluctuations and classes of service may have limited capacity, tour package prices and availability may change accordingly.
In case of human or computer error, Destination & Travel Junkies reserves the right to re-invoice for the correct price or service. A full refund will be issued to passengers who choose not to pay the increase, provided Destination & Travel Junkies receives a written cancellation within 5 days of the price increase notification. Click here for DTJ's full terms and conditions.
IMPORTANT LINKS
Terms and Conditions | FAQs of Automatic Billing Option | Privacy Policy | Travel Insurance
Reserve Your Trip Now
Book Your Spot
LAND ONLY, NO AIRFARE
Making reservations for this package signifies your acceptance of our terms and conditions.
