America’s ‘Windy City’ has plenty to impress. With its mighty skyline, vast lakes and swinging blues music scene, a holiday in Chicago is guaranteed to blow you away. Chicago holidays are all about culture and art; home to Hemingway, its very own blend of soulful blues and a generous spattering of high-flying architecture from Frank Gehry's futuristic Pritzker Pavilion to Frank Lloyd Wright's stained-glass Robie House, Chicago is nothing short of a cultural treasure trove. Wander along the streets and stop to admire whimsical public art or duck into one of the many art museums housing everything from impressionist masterpieces to psychedelic paintings. As well as culture, the city boasts an eclectic array of nature from long stretches of coastline studded with beaches and recreational areas to hills blanketed in orchards and vineyards. And don’t miss a visit to The Great Lakes - so vast they could be mistaken for inland seas; explore quaint resort towns, climb substantial sand dunes and stop off to snap a shot of a picturesque lighthouse.

Chicago holiday ideas

A few suggestions to get the holiday planning process started

  • One Country USA – Chicago – Nashville – New Orleans – Austin

    The Musical Highway - From Chicago and Nashville to New Orleans and Austin

    Pump up the volume on this tuneful two-week adventure along America’s musical highway, cruising through Chicago, Nashville, New Orleans and Austin

    15 days, from £3100 to £5000

  • One Country USA – Chicago – Memphis – New Orleans – Nashville

    Jazz, Rhythm and Blues - USA's Deep South by Train

    Feel the rhythm of the Deep South on this 15-day train journey through its jazz, blues and country hotspots

    15 days, from £3100 to £4550

  • One Country USA – Detroit – Saugatuck – Glen Arbor – Mackinac Island – Marquette – Bayfield – Minneapolis

    Discover The USA's Great Lakes - Shoreline Towns and Soulful Cities

    Explore the USA’s Great Lakes over 14 days, including two of the most beautiful: Lake Michigan and Lake Superior

    19 days, from £3450 to £5500

  • One Country USA – Chicago –Saugatuck –Grand Rapids –Detroit – Columbus – Louisville – Bowling Green – Nashville

    Hops, Highways & Honky-tonks - A Craft Beer Road Trip Across the Midwest

    Hit the road for 18 days of pints and pitstops in quirky towns from Chicago to Nashville

    18 days, from £3600 to £5150

  • One Country USA – Chicago – The Great Lakes

    Secrets of the Midwest - Chicago and the Great Lakes

    Uncover the marvels of the Midwest on this 15-day exploration through one of America’s most humble regions

    15 days, from £4600 to £6200

  • One Country USA – Chicago – Missouri – Oklahoma – Texas – New Mexico – Arizona – Nevada – California

    Epic Route 66 Road Trip - From Chicago to Los Angeles

    Trace a century of cross-country travel on this epic 23-day road trip along the iconic passage of Route 66

    23 days, from £5150 to £7200

USA testimonials

24 reviews
4.9 / 5
"We recently returned from an incredible adventure, and it was truly the trip of a lifetime! Original Travel listened carefully to what we wanted and created a perfectly balanced itinerary that went above and beyond our expectations. Their Concierge service also took any stress out of the holiday - we were completely at ease, knowing someone was on hand if we had questions. We came home with amazing memories and can’t thank you enough for planning such a fantastic, seamless trip."
J - UK
Published on 10th November 2025
"Booking our honeymoon was an outstanding experience from start to finish. David was incredibly attentive, and his knowledge about every aspect of our trip made us feel completely at ease. Everything felt effortless. Overall, the trip was amazing, and we cannot thank David and the Original Travel team enough. We were overwhelmed with how fantastic the customer service has been throughout the whole process, and will 100% be using Original Travel again."
A - UK
Published on 21st August 2025
"David took plenty of time to really bring the trip to life, and his offer to discuss the trip before we left was very helpful, as was contact during the trip. His service was completely first class from end to end - I could not have been more impressed with his communication, thoughtfulness and planning. Our trip was so much better than if we’d organised it ourselves, thanks to David and his team."
B - UK
Published on 15th August 2025

Why should you book a Chicago holiday with us?

The American Midwest has a staggering variety of sights to surprise and seduce. And the headline act is Chicago, the nerve centre of the region. Anyone looking to soak up culture won’t be disappointed. As the birthplace of the blues, it’s brimming with bars showcasing the latest talent and Chicago holidays are also renowned for their impressive architectural sights as designed by greats such as Frank Lloyd Wright and Frank Gehry. So why Original Travel? We have the knowledge and experience to plan every aspect of your stay so there’s nothing left to chance. Whether it’s the inside track on the best museums, tickets to the hottest sports games, or even directions to the tastiest hot dog stands, we have expert guides and a local concierge on the ground with the know-how to help you squeeze every last drop from your stay in the ‘Windy City’.


Need to know about Chicago

Chicago holidays are a chance to experience not only the city’s impressive music, architecture, art and food scenes, but to peel back the layers and see another, greener side that lies in wait. Many peaceful natural refuges can be found surrounding the urban centre; beaches fringed by dunes, expansive orchards and vineyards and the awe-inspiring landscapes of The Great Lakes. Be part of a crew on a Lake Michigan charter boat, ride the choppy waves and cast your line in an attempt to catch salmon and trout as the city skyline shimmers behind.


What is there to do in Chicago?

When it comes to planning your stay, Chicago holidays are anything but boring. Visit The Art Institute of Chicago and marvel at its extensive Impressionist collection; stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk and see murals and sculptures; get face to face with eagles, lions and crocodiles at Lincoln Park Zoo; taste the best noodles of your life in Chinatown or take a tour around the home of the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. The city has 22 miles of shoreline that faces an expanse of blue so vast it looks like the sea, so watersports are also an excellent option during a holiday in Chicago. Whether you like to amp up the adrenaline on a kayak or jet ski, or you prefer things a little more low-key on a rowing boat or paddle board, there’s something to suit everyone.