THE LOOP. If touring Chicago by luxury motor coach sounds like a lovely way to spend the day, this is the tour for you. Knowledgeable guides take guests on one of four comprehensive tours: North Side, South Shore, the Grand Tour (a combination of North and South), or the Grand Tour plus an extended stop at the Sears Tower. Periodic stops, such as at the Botanical Gardens on the North Side and Prairie and Woodland Avenues on the South Shore, are scheduled for clients to briefly explore on their own.

DOWNTOWN. This museum puts the spotlight on the architectural evolution that has made the Chicago skyline famous. Come learn about different architectural styles and view a scale model of downtown Chicago. Permanent and rotating exhibits feature information about buildings and architects in the Chicago area. Sign up for a tour of the city by boat, bus, bicycle, or your own two feet.

DOWNTOWN. Seeing Chicago's architectural beauty from the decks of a river cruiser is a must. One of the city's most unique tours, the river cruise, hosted by the Chicago Architectural Foundation, takes you along the north and south shores of the lake. Tours are available late April through mid-November and run about an hour and a half in length. Purchase tickets at 224 South Michigan Avenue, and board at the southwest corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge.

RIVER NORTH. Voted one of America's ten creepiest tours, Chicago Hauntings covers the city's most famed ghost stories with extensive details and stops at the "haunted" areas. Paranormal experts who have appeared on TLC, The History Channel, and The Discovery Channel lead the way, bringing guests in-depth information along with lots of folklore. Several tour options are available for all age groups.

THE LOOP. What's it like to live in Chicago? Go on a Chicago Neighborhood Tour and find out. Area residents lead four-hour excursions into some of the city's most intriguing neighborhoods. You'll get a firsthand look at the museums, cultural centers, and "secret" dives that add to Chicago's ethnic makeup. Lunch is provided, and buses depart promptly on time.