Trips & Tours

Day Trips

Travel and explore with Sauk Valley Community College's Community Education Department.

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Disney's The Lion King

Giraffes strut. Birds swoop. Gazelles leap. The entire Serengeti comes to life as never before. And as the music soars, Pride Rock slowly emerges from the mist. This is Disney’s THE LION KING, making its triumphant return to the Cadillac Palace Theatre!

More than 100 million people around the world have experienced the awe-inspiring visual artistry, the unforgettable music, and the uniquely theatrical storytelling of this Broadway spectacular – one of the most breathtaking and beloved productions ever to grace the stage.

Winner of six Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, THE LION KING brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway. Tony Award®-winning director Julie Taymor brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals. THE LION KING also features the extraordinary work of Tony Award®-winning choreographer Garth Fagan and some of Broadway’s most recognizable music, crafted by Tony Award®-winning artists Elton John and Tim Rice.

There is simply nothing else like THE LION KING.

All ticket sales are final; however, a substitute may be sent in your place. The show is a 1:00 p.m. matinee and the tickets are located in the balcony. The run time of the show is 2 hours and 30 minutes with one intermission. Travelers will have time to shop and/or eat lunch once we arrive in Chicago. There are places to shop and eat near the theater. Trip is limited to 48 participants and includes transportation, driver gratuity, show ticket, and bus snacks. Lunch in Chicago and dinner at Portillo’s will be on your own. (Ages 6 & Up)

Bus departs SVCC North Parking lot promptly at 8:30 a.m., arriving in Chicago at approximately 10:45 a.m. Bus departs Chicago after the show at approximately 3:45 p.m. and will stop at Portillo’s for dinner and arrive back at SVCC at approximately 7:30 p.m.

Class ID	Day	Time	Room	Fee	Register
Disney's The Lion King
2052	Wed, Oct 8, 2025	8:30 AM - 7:30 PM	Chicago, IL	$109	Sign Up

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The Phantom of the Opera

The Phantom of the Opera is widely considered one of the most beautiful and spectacular productions in history, playing to over 160 million people in 47 territories and 195 cities in 21 languages. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s romantic, haunting, and soaring score includes “The Music of the Night,” “All I Ask of You,” “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again,” “Masquerade,” and the iconic title song. It tells the tale of a disfigured musical genius known only as ‘The Phantom’ who haunts the depths of the Paris Opera House. Mesmerized by the talents and beauty of a young soprano, Christine, The Phantom lures her as his protégé and falls fiercely in love with her. Unaware of Christine’s love for Raoul, The Phantom’s obsession sets the scene for a dramatic turn of events where jealousy, madness, and passions collide.

All ticket sales are final; however, a substitute may be sent in your place. The show is a 1:00 p.m. matinee and the tickets are located in the balcony. The run time of the show is 2 hours and 35 minutes with one intermission. Travelers will have time to shop and/or eat lunch once we arrive in Chicago. There are places to shop and eat near the theater. Trip is limited to 48 participants and includes transportation, driver gratuity, show ticket, and bus snacks. Lunch in Chicago and dinner at Portillo’s will be on your own. (Ages 7 & Up)

Bus departs SVCC North Parking lot promptly at 8:30 a.m., arriving in Chicago at approximately 10:45 a.m. Bus departs Chicago after the show at approximately 3:50 p.m. and will stop at Portillo’s for dinner and arrive back at SVCC at approximately 7:30 p.m.

Class ID	Day	Time	Room	Fee	Register
The Phantom of the Opera
2053	Wed, Jan 14, 2026	8:30 AM - 7:30 PM	Chicago, IL	$115	Sign Up
Cadillac Palace Theatre | Seat Location: Upper Balcony

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Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

Be Our Guest at Disney’s newly reimagined 30 th  Anniversary production of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, the breathtaking musical filled with the romance and grandeur audiences know and love.

This enchanting and timeless tale has been brought to life like never before, with spectacular new sets and dazzling costumes. The show boasts the Oscar®-winning and Tony Award®- nominated score, including the classic songs “Be Our Guest” and “Beauty and the Beast.” Reuniting to create this new production are members of the original Tony Award®-winning artistic team, including composer Alan Menken, lyricist Tim Rice, book writer Linda Woolverton, with direction and choreography by Matt West, scenic design by Stanley A. Meyer, costume design by Ann Hould-Ward and lighting design by Natasha Katz. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is the beloved musical that will fill your heart with joy and Disney magic.

All ticket sales are final; however, a substitute may be sent in your place. The show is a 1:00 p.m. matinee and the tickets are located in the balcony. The run time of the show is 2 hours and 30 minutes with one intermission. Travelers will have time to shop and/or eat lunch once we arrive in Chicago. There are places to shop and eat near the theater. Trip is limited to 50 participants and includes transportation, driver gratuity, show ticket, and bus snacks. Lunch in Chicago and dinner at Portillo’s will be on your own. (Ages 6 & Up)

Bus departs SVCC North Parking lot promptly at 8:30 a.m., arriving in Chicago at approximately 10:45 a.m. Bus departs Chicago after the show at approximately 3:45 p.m. and will stop at Portillo’s for dinner and arrive back at SVCC at approximately 7:30 p.m.

Class ID	Day	Time	Location	Fee	Register
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
5	Sun, July 27, 2025	8:30 AM - 7:30 PM	Chicago, IL	$129	Sign Up
Cadillac Palace Theatre | Seat Location: Upper Balcony

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Odyssey Lake Michigan Lunch Cruise

Step aboard the Odyssey Lake Michigan Lunch Cruise for a memorable two-hour journey featuring the best views of Chicago’s skyline. Relax with a delicious buffet lunch as you cruise along Lake Michigan, with unlimited coffee, tea, and soda to enjoy throughout. This experience includes convenient round-trip transportation to and from Navy Pier, giving you time to explore its vibrant attractions after the cruise. With stunning views, onboard entertainment, and a relaxing atmosphere, this cruise is the perfect way to enjoy Chicago from the water. Trip is limited to 50 participants. Trip includes transportation, Odyssey cruise ticket, lunch, driver gratuity, and bus snacks. (Ages 13 & Up)

Bus departs SVCC North Parking lot promptly at 8:30 a.m. arriving at Navy Pier at approximately 11:00 a.m. Boarding for the Odyssey Lake Michigan will begin at 11:30AM. Bus departs Navy Pier at 5:00 p.m. and will arrive back at SVCC at approximately 7:30 p.m. This trip is full and has a waiting list. Call 815.835.6258 to be added. 

Class ID	Day	Time	Room	Fee	Register
Odyssey Lake Michigan Lunch Cruise
1983	Thur, Aug 21, 2025	8:30 AM - 7:30 PM	Navy Pier, Chicago, IL	$119	Wait List

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If you have suggestions or ideas where we should travel, please contact Brenda Helms at Brenda.helms@svcc.edu.

Extended Trips

Stop dreaming and start doing! Join Sauk Valley Community College on an upcoming trip through our travel partner Collette. Begin your adventure today! For more information about trip previews or to request a detailed trip itinerary, contact Brenda Helms at 815.835.6212.

 

Alaska Discovery Land & Cruise
Traverse the Pacific coast by land and sea on this breathtaking journey through Alaska.

Traverse the Pacific coast by land and sea aboard one of Holland America Cruise Lines' lovely ships on a breathtaking journey that takes you from Alaska to Vancouver, British Columbia. Cruise the Sternwheeler Discovery and encounter Alaska's diverse culture and rich history. Enjoy local dishes and a lively musical performance at the Denali Dinner Theater about the first brave men to summit Denali. Ride a luxury domed railcar from Denali to Talkeetna, soak in views of the incredible landscapes from glass-ceiling railcars and open-air observation platforms as guides provide expert commentary. Travel deep into Denali National Park for the best opportunities to view the region's wildlife. Cruise through Glacier Bay and the Inside Passage, taking in rugged natural wonders. Explore Alaska's gorgeous capital, Juneau. Visit Ketchikan, the “Salmon Capital of the World.” This is Alaska as you always imagined.

Trip dates (12 days): Wednesday, June 11 - Sunday, June 22, 2025
Cost: $6,229 (inside double/per person); $8,829 (single person);
Cost: $6,829 (ocean-view double/per person); $9,829 (ocean-view single person);
Cost: $7,729 (veranda double/per person); $11,329 (veranda single person);

26 meals included (11 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 8 dinners)
Included in price: Round trip air from O'Hare Intl Airport, Air Taxes and fees/surcharges, hotel reservations.
Not included in price: Cancellation waiver and insurance is an additional $599 per person.
Deposit of $898 per person is due upon reservation.
Prices go up $100 per person after December 4, 2024
Final payment due February 11, 2025

Travelers can view the itinerary and purchase their tickets online at https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1243932. For more information call 815.835.6212. (Trip is limited to 32 travelers)

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Extended Trip Preview for Spain

Join us for a preview of the amazing upcoming extended trip to Spain. A Collette representative will showcase the trip and answer questions. RSVP online at svcc.edu/trips or call 815.835.6212.

Class ID	Day	Time	Room	Fee	Register
Extended Trip Preview for Spain
2083	Thurs, Sept. 4, 2025	6:00 PM - 7:00 PM	Room 1H16 Riverview Conference Room	FREE	Sign Up

 

Spain's Costa del Sol & Madrid Discovery

Located in the Spanish region of Andalusia, Costa del Sol, or Sun Coast, has appealed to citizens of Europe—and the rest of the world—for centuries. With its mild winter temperatures and abundant sunshine, it’s no wonder it’s long been a retreat for northern Europeans escaping harsher winters. Here, golden sands line the Mediterranean coast, while small towns and whitewashed villages with cobblestone streets pepper its shores. For all its recent history, the region has been in the path of explorers and settlers for thousands of years and boasts incomparable historical monuments to prove it. https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1288881

Trip dates (9 days): Saturday, April 11 – Sunday, April 19, 2026
Cost: $4,199 (double/per person); $4,799 (single person)
11 meals included (7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners)

Included in price: Round trip air from O’Hare Intl Airport, Air Taxes and fees/surcharges, hotel reservations.
Not included in price: Cancellation waiver and insurance is an additional $549 per person.

• Deposit of $698 per person is due upon reservation.
• Prices go up $150 per person after October 5, 2025
• Deposits are refundable up until October 12, 2025
• Final payment due January 11, 2026

 

Extended Trip Preview for European Christmas Markets

Join us for a preview of the amazing upcoming extended trip to European Christmas Markets. A Collette representative will showcase the trip and answer questions. RSVP online at svcc.edu/trips or call 815.835.6212.

 

Class ID	Day	Time	Room	Fee	Register
Extended Trip Preview for European Christmas Markets
2084	Wed, Nov. 12, 2025	6:00 PM - 7:00 PM	Room 1H16 Riverview Conference Room	FREE	Sign Up

 

Discover European Christmas Markets

Set out on a holiday adventure through the iconic capital cities of Central Europe – Prague, Vienna and Budapest. Tour the magnificent Prague Castle and explore its famous Christmas market at the Old Town Square. Experience the world’s oldest Christmas market in Dresden. In Vienna, learn the secrets of confectionary at a candy workshop, and indulge in dinner at the famous Marchfelderhof. Travel via train from Vienna to Bratislava. Explore Budapest’s outdoor markets aglow with lights, where stalls of crafts and delicacies abound. Along the way, immerse yourself in festive Christmas markets, experience cultural traditions, sample local cuisine, and glimpse this region’s rich history. Visit gateway.gocollette.com/link/1288389 to view the online trip itinerary.

Must-See Inclusions:

• Visit the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, a summer retreat of the Habsburg dynasty.
• Discover Budapest’s iconic sights through the eyes of an expert.
• Experience the world’s oldest Christmas market in lovely Dresden, Germany.

Cultural Connections:

• Tour the majestic Prague Castle.
• Be whisked by train from Vienna to Bratislava.
• Visit 5 different countries filled with the holiday spirit.

Culinary Inclusions:

• Experience how to make typical Hungarian strudel.
• Learn the secrets of Viennese confectionary during a candy making demonstration.
• Dine at the famous Marchfelderhof, an iconic restaurant with a rich Viennese tradition.

Trip dates (9 days): Friday, December 4 – Saturday, December 12, 2026

Cost: $4,099 (double/per person); $4,799 (single person); $4,049 (triple/per person)

11 meals included (7 breakfasts, 4 dinners)

• Included in price: Round trip air from O’Hare Intl Airport, Air Taxes and fees/surcharges, hotel reservations.
• Not included in price: Cancellation waiver and insurance is an additional $549 per person, and any gratuities.
• Deposit of $698 per person is due upon reservation.
• Prices go up $350 per person after May 29, 2026
• Deposits are refundable up until June 5, 2026
• Final payment due September 5, 2026

 

Extended Trip Preview for Switzerland, Austria & Bavaria

Join us for a preview of the amazing upcoming extended trip to Switzerland, Austria & Bavaria. A Collette representative will showcase the trip and answer questions. RSVP online at svcc.edu/trips or call 815.835.6212.

 

Class ID	Day	Time	Room	Fee	Register
Extended Trip Preview for Switzerland, Austria & Bavaria
2085	Tues, March 10, 2026	6:00 PM - 7:00 PM	Room 1H16 Riverview Conference Room	FREE	Sign Up

 

Discover Switzerland, Austria & Bavaria

Journey through spectacular mountain scenery and picturesque cities as you experience three Alpine countries. Spend four nights in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bern and three nights in the charming Alpine city of Innsbruck. Get a taste of Switzerland when you meet a local alphorn maker & yodelers and enjoy a fondue lunch. Explore Lucerne, the "Swiss Paradise on the Lake.” Visit Mozart's birthplace and the Mirabell Gardens, featured in The Sound of Music, during your time in Salzburg. The hills are alive on this enchanting journey across Switzerland, Austria and Bavaria. Visit gateway.gocollette.com/link/1288865 to view the online trip itinerary.

Must-See Inclusions:

• Spend a day exploring Salzburg's historic past and charming old town.
• Enjoy a walking tour of Lucerne's Altstadt (Old Town).
• Tour Linderhof Palace and its beautiful gardens.

Cultural Connections:

• Witness the creation of Alpine music during an alphorn and yodeling demonstration.
• Experience a Tyrolean Folklore show in Innsbruck.

Culinary Inclusions:

• Savor lunch at the 1,200-year-old St. Peter's Restaurant, Austria's oldest.
• Experience a fondue lunch in a picturesque alpine town.
• Dine on Tyrolean cuisine at a local restaurant.

 Trip dates (10 days): Wednesday, April 21 – Friday, April 30, 2027

Cost: $5,299 (double/per person); $5,899 (single person); $5,249 (triple/per person)

13 meals included (8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners)

• Included in price: Round trip air from O’Hare Intl Airport, Air Taxes and fees/surcharges, hotel reservations.
• Not included in price: Cancellation waiver and insurance is an additional $549 per person, and any gratuities.
• Deposit of $698 per person is due upon reservation.
• Prices may increase after October 15, 2026
• Deposits are refundable up until October 22, 2026
• Final payment due January 21, 2027