Program includes:

• All planning and anywhere from 3 to 6 hours per day of photography instruction and guidance with Ralph Velasco

Program does not include:

• Airfare to and from Chicago (ORD) from your home airport, if applicable.
• Accommodations, although we’ll make recommendations.
• Meals are not included, although we may meet as a group for particular meals and then each person will be expected to pay their own way.
• Cost of necessary transportation to and from the airport and to/from the starting point of certain activities, although most everything will be within walking distance.
• Items of a personal nature.

Tour some of Chicago’s most photogenic highlights with experienced tour organizer, professional travel photographer and local Chicagoan Ralph Velasco

• Early evening walk in Millennium Park, including Cloud Gate/The Bean, Crown Fountain and Jay Pritkzer Pavilion (designed by Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry), BP Bridge and Lurie Garden
• Optional evening shoot on the Chicago River of the Wrigley Building after having a “cheeborger” at Billy Goat Tavern on Lower Michigan Avenue
• Morning walk through Millennium Park to see it in different light and without tourists, then walk west into the Loop and up to the Chicago Riverwalk and an optional lunch at Lou Malnati’s for deep dish Chicago-style pizza
• Walk on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile (Michigan Avenue) making several stops to see and photograph some hidden gems
• Visit the top of the John Hancock Center for incredible views of the city, assuming it’s open and safe (purchasing a drink is required and not included)
• Stunning panoramas of the city skyline from the Adler Planetarium in the morning
• Walk west out Roosevelt Road to Clark Street and into Printer’s Row
• Walk along the Chicago Riverwalk where Ralph’s PhotoWalkingTours were originally born

There are a number of optional activities you might like to arrange for your free time (check first that they are open):

• Take a Chicago architectural walking tour and/or river cruise (this is the city’s Number 1 rated activity and comes highly recommended)
• Get tickets to see a show at Second City in nearby Old Town.  This is where stars like John Belushi, Bill Murray, Tina Fey, Chris Farley and Mike Myers cut their comic teeth;
• Listen to world famous Chicago blues at Kingston Mines (in Lincoln Park) or Buddy Guy’s Legends;
• And so much more!

This is an insider’s look at Chicago, “the Second City.”

All activities and timing subject to change as local conditions and rules dictate.

Ralph Velasco is a U.S.-based travel photography instructor, author and international guide who has organized and led over 100 international tours and more than 100 domestic tours in the United States.  His international trips have included Armenia & the Republic of Georgia, Egypt, Morocco, the Adriatic, Central Europe, Iceland, Bhutan & Nepal, Vietnam, Cambodia, India, Spain, Portugal, Tuscany, Romania, Mexico’s Copper Canyon, Turkey and other locations.

Ralph is an award-winning travel photography blogger, podcast host and public speaker, and for more than 12 years he’s been the Founder and CEO (Chief Experience Officer) of PhotoEnrichment Adventures.  Recently he created a new travel brand called Alla Campagna Experiences where the focus is less on photography in each destination and even more about the culture, people, food, drink and other unique activities and experiences they have to offer, all while staying in unforgettable properties, such as private castles, wine estates, one-of-a-kind boutique hotels, villas and converted mansions, mostly in and around the Mediterranean.

Subscribe to Ralph’s new YouTube channel, The Continental DRIFTER, as well as visit its accompanying travel blog at this link.  At The Continental DRIFTER you can expect travel advice, interesting stories, expert interviews and easy-to-use photography tips for Baby Boomers and Gen X travelers.

Now, invest in yourself…get out and travel!

Here are testimonials from actual past Chicago tour participants:

“Just wanted to thank you for the Chicago Photowalk. Every time I go out shooting with you, I say that I come back with the best photos I’ve ever taken, and this trip is no exception! Thanks so much for helping me get to the next level!”

~ Denise C. (Chicago and Southern California tour participant)

“Always wanted to visit the Windy City. What a perfect way to go—Ralph is not only a very helpful and knowledgeable photographer, but he knows the city like the back of his hand. I recommend his walking tour whether you are a beginner or experienced shooter. A great weekend with many, many photo ops.”

~ Lowell D. (Chicago and Cuba tour participant)

“I found Chicago a fascinating town!  It is full of photo opportunities, from the beautiful, simple park scenes to the grand architecture.  There is something for everyone, including great food! I’m looking forward to returning.” 

~ Wendy H. (Chicago and Central Europe tour participant)