Decatur Middle School

Chicago Science Expedition 2023

Custom Educational Program

All-Inclusive

Guaranteed Refund Program

Expedition

2-Day Program: Chicago


Dates

Thursday, June 9 – Friday, June 10, 2022


Price

Per person price based on occupancy:
$429 Student Quad Occupancy
$480 Adult Double Occupancy
$455 Adult Triple Occupancy (Need to prearrange w/2 other adults
$555 Adult Single Occupancy


Payment Schedule

$100 deposit due upon registration

Remaining balance due in installments: 7/2/21; 8/20/21; 10/1/21; 12/3/21; 2/4/22 & 4/1/22/  Contracted prices are based on group size of 35 or more paying participants per motor coach (55 passengers max.) If the final number of paying participants totals less than the published price, the itinerary will be renegotiated or trip costs increased accordingly.

Receipt of deposit and online registration will confirm space and contracted pricing listed here.


Guaranteed Refund Program

When registering for the trip, you have the opportunity to enroll in our Guaranteed Refund Program (GRP) by selecting the additional CFAR coverage at a nominal nonrefundable premium of $10 per traveler. Opting in is the best thing you can do to protect your investment.

The number one question families ask us these days is “How much refund will I receive if needing to cancel, and how can I be guaranteed the maximum refund?” In response, we created the Guaranteed Refund Program (GRP) so that you can remain confident that your investment is protected even if plans change.

For specific details on this program please visit our Guaranteed Refund Program page. If you want to see the estimated nonrefundable amounts based on your trip cost, refer to the Decatur Chicago 2022 GRP document.

Highlights


Highlights:

– Hop on a boat cruise to discover the systems of rivers and canals that constitute the Chicago River while learning about the history and architecture of the unmistakable Chicago skyline.

– Dive in for unforgettable encounters with belugas, stingrays, sea otters and so many more animals from aquatic environments around the world at the Shedd Aquarium, one of the world’s largest indoor aquariums.

– Experience the Museum of Science and Industry one of the largest science museums in the world with a myriad of hands-on exhibits designed to spark scientific inquiry and creativity.

– Visit the Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in North America. Get the chance to meet more than 200 different species of animals – many of which are rare and endangered.

Taste Chicago’s Famous Deep Dish Pizza.

– Your visit won’t be complete without seeing your reflection in the famous “Bean”, the monumental structure in Chicago’s Millennium Park, home to 25 acres of beautiful landscape, architecture and public art.

View and Download Your Itinerary


*Your itinerary will evolve as the trip nears and more appointments are confirmed. The actual order and flow of non-scheduled sites will likely be adapted before and even during your trip. The above link will always provide you with the latest version of the itinerary as it develops.

Trip Details


What's Included?

  • Professional General Liability and Errors and Omissions Insurance Policy ($10,000,000)
  • Deluxe motor coach transportation with driver and all transfers (2 days)
  • Premium hotel accommodation (1 night) and private professional hotel night security
  • Full-time professional Academic Expeditions tour educator (2 days)
  • All supplemental guiding services
  • All meals (1 Breakfast, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners)
  • Custom designed itinerary
  • Entrance fees to all program sites and day/evening activities
  • All taxes
  • All gratuities (tour leader and driver included, additional gratuity for exceptional service is always appreciated)
  • 24 Hour emergency access number
  • Personalized laser engraved name badges with lanyards
  • Travel Protection Plan providing coverage for Cancellation, Interruption, Missed Connection, Travel Delay, Accident & Sickness Medical Expense, Evacuation, and Baggage Loss/Delay
  • Option to add Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage to your insurance plan and enroll in our Guaranteed Refund Program – cancel up to 48 hours prior to departure and receive 75% of nonrefundable payments or deposits paid to Academic Expeditions, less any refunds provided

*For full details about the travel protection we offer, visit our Insurance page.


Not Included

  • Souvenirs

Meet Your Program Director

Aaron Mertig, Program Director
Contact: Email Aaron / c: +1 917.608.3474

Aaron, one of our program directors

Aaron grew up in very rural northern Wisconsin, an hour south of Lake Superior. He went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. After teaching middle school social studies for six years, he successfully transitioned to tour guiding which became his love. After being a tour director for 10 plus years, which included being a licensed guide in Washington, DC, he was seeking some balance in his life (and so were his four kids and their weiner dog named Oscar). He was excited to join the Academic Expeditions team as Director of Program Development and share his passion of lifelong learning coupled with his love of traveling. Aaron and his kids currently reside in Hudson, WI, just outside the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul.

Frequently Asked Questions

Because we care. It’s as simple as that. Our commitment to quality, integrity, and value is the heart of who we are and what we stand for. The level of personalized attention we provide for our groups sets us apart in this industry and is the number one reason why our schools return year after year. Read more on our Why Travel With Us page.

Safety is our highest priority. We work only with the highest quality vendors and will not run a trip if we feel the safety of our clients and guides is compromised. From full-time staff & logistical support, to 24-hr emergency phone access for all travelers, we’ve got you covered. Read more on our Standard Tour Features page.

We understand that circumstances can change. We always attempt to work with our clients individually and find the best solutions for each situation. All details regarding our cancellation terms or substitution are outlined in the Terms and Conditions when registering for your trip online.


Have More Questions?

What to Expect