Where History Meets Culture
Beyond the Skyline
September 16–20, 2027 | 5 Days, 4 Nights | Thur - Mon
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.
Welcome to Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago, a sophisticated urban retreat surrounded by the energy, architecture, and unmistakable beauty of the Windy City.
Ideally situated in Chicago’s vibrant Streeterville neighborhood, the hotel places you near the world-famous Magnificent Mile and within easy reach of the Chicago Riverwalk, celebrated restaurants, lively cafés, premier shopping, and many of the city’s most iconic attractions. From the moment you arrive, you will be perfectly positioned to experience the history, culture, cuisine, and excitement that make Chicago unforgettable.
Each morning begins with an abundant breakfast buffet included with your stay, featuring hot and cold selections, fresh fruit, pastries, breads, juices, coffee, and options for a variety of dietary preferences. After breakfast, step out into the city ready to explore its rich cultural heritage, remarkable architecture, celebrated museums, and distinctive neighborhoods.
After a day of carefully curated activities, return to the comfort of your modern guest room. A stylish and peaceful retreat from the excitement of the city. Sink into a comfortable bed, unwind, and reflect on the day’s experiences before another memorable Chicago adventure begins.
The hotel’s crowning feature is The Rooftop, an impressive bar and terrace located on the 27th floor. Sip a handcrafted cocktail, enjoy a light bite, and take in sweeping panoramic views framed by Chicago’s magnificent skyscrapers. Those feeling especially adventurous can step onto the transparent viewing platform suspended high above the city streets for a thrilling perspective and an unforgettable photo opportunity.
Whether you are traveling with a spouse, a friend, or embracing the experience as a solo traveler, Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago offers a welcoming place to relax, connect, and prepare for everything the next day will bring.
This is not simply where you will sleep. It is where each adventure will begin and where you will return every evening. Surrounded by comfort, conversation, and anticipation for what comes next.
At Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago, your accommodations become an unforgettable part of the Chicago Cultural Heritage Experience.
Information
Daily Buffet Breakfast
Rooftop Bar & Terrace
Lobby Bar
Glass Balcony Overlooking the City
24 Hour Fitness Center
Free/high-speed Wi-Fi
Laundry Service
24-Hour Reception
Air Conditioning/Climate Control/Central Heating
Private Bathroom with Shower
Hair Dryer
40” Flat-screen TV/Satellite TV Service
In-room Safe
Mini-fridge
Electric Kettle
Iron & Ironing Board
Bathroom Toiletries
Non-Smoking
Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Chicago is far more than towering skyscrapers and deep-dish pizza—it's one of America's most influential cities in Black history, music, art, architecture, and culture. This thoughtfully curated itinerary explores the neighborhoods, museums, and landmarks that shaped generations while balancing guided experiences with leisure time to discover the city at your own pace.
This itinerary blends:
Black History
African American Art & Culture
Local Cuisine
Architectural Beauty
Neighborhood Exploration
Free Time
Questions? Text us at (678) 504-8701
Chicago Is Calling—Will You Be There?
This isn’t just another trip to Chicago. It’s four nights of unforgettable experiences, great food, meaningful connections, and carefully curated moments—all without the stress of planning everything yourself.
Space is limited, and once the available rooms are gone, this experience closes. A convenient payment plan makes it easier to reserve your spot now instead of waiting and possibly missing out.
Don’t let this become another trip you wish you had taken. Secure your place and get ready to experience Chicago with Destination & Travel Junkies.
All prices listed are per person, based on shared double occupancy in a room, unless otherwise specified.
Questions? Text us at (678) 504-8701
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
The Land Only Package does not include flights to and from Chicago, Illinois
Airport transfers, rideshare, taxi services, or local transportation unless otherwise noted
Travel Insurance, highly recommended
Gratuities (suggested $5 to $10 per day)
Items of a personal nature
Meals and beverages unless specifically listed in the package
Optional excursions, shopping, nightlife, entertainment, or activities not listed in the package
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.
HEALTH, MOBILITY, AND ACCESSIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS:
This experience may include walking, standing, hotel entryways, city sidewalks, stairs, ramps, elevators, restaurants, event venues, and transportation areas that vary in accessibility.
Travelers requiring mobility assistance, medical accommodations, dietary considerations, or special support are encouraged to notify us in advance so we can share requests with the appropriate suppliers where possible.
While accessibility and accommodation requests may be submitted, they cannot be guaranteed. Guests are responsible for determining whether this experience is suitable for their individual mobility, health, and comfort needs.
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.
TRAVEL NOTES:
Final itinerary, event details, and helpful travel tips will be emailed 30-60 days prior to travel.
A credit card is required at hotel check-in to cover incidentals.
All pricing is based on current rates and availability. In the event of changes or updates from suppliers, your invoice will reflect any necessary adjustments.
Destination & Travel Junkies provide pre-departure Zoom calls designed to help you feel prepared, informed, and ready for your DTJ experience. Calls are typically held approximately 30 days before departure, and the Zoom link will be emailed about one week prior.
We offer roommate matching. Choose yes on the reservation form.
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.