Trips & Tours

Day Trips

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

Hamilton: An American Musical [FULL]

HAMILTON is the story of America's Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington's right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and was the new nation’s first Treasury Secretary. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B, and Broadway, HAMILTON is the story of America then, told by America now. All ticket sales are final; however, a substitute may be sent in your place. The show is a 1:30 p.m. matinee and the tickets are located in the balcony. Travelers will have time to shop and/or eat lunch once we arrive in Chicago. There are places to shop and eat lunch near the theater. Trip is limited to 50 participants. Trip includes transportation, driver gratuity, musical ticket, and bus snacks. Lunch in Chicago and dinner at Portillo’s will be on your own. (Ages 16 & Up)

Bus departs SVCC North Parking lot promptly at 9:00 a.m., arriving in Chicago at approximately 11:15 a.m. Bus departs Chicago after the show at approximately 4:45 p.m. and will stop at Portillo’s for dinner and arrive back at SVCC at approximately 8:15 p.m.

BEETLEJUICE: The Musical

It’s showtime! Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. With an irreverent book, an astonishing set, and a score that’s out of the Netherworld. BEETLEJUICE is “SCREAMINGLY GOOD FUN!” (Variety). And under its uproarious surface (six feet under, to be exact), it’s a remarkably touching show about family, love, and making the most of every Day-O! This musical contains strong language, mature references, and a lot of the crazy, inappropriate stuff you would expect from a deranged demon.All ticket sales are final; however, a substitute may be sent in your place. The show is at 7:30 p.m. opening night and the tickets are located in the balcony. Travelers will have time to shop and/or eat dinner once we arrive in Chicago (reservations strongly suggested). There are places to shop and eat near the theater. Trip is limited to 42 participants. Trip includes transportation, driver gratuity, musical ticket, and bus snacks. Dinner in Chicago will be on your own. (Ages 12 & Up)

Bus departs SVCC North Parking lot promptly at 2:30 p.m., arriving in Chicago at approximately 5:15 p.m. depending on traffic. Bus departs Chicago after the show at approximately 10:45 p.m. and will arrive back at SVCC at approximately 1:00 a.m.

Self-Guided Chicago Bus Trip

Travel with us in person to enjoy the sights and sounds of Chicago. Explore the city’s museums, shops and eateries. This self-guided trip allows you and your friends to enjoy the city without bothersome schedules, stressful driving, and parking hassles. (All Ages)

Bus departs SVCC North parking lot promptly at 8:00 a.m., arriving at Water Tower Place (North side of building) at 10:30 a.m. Bus departs Chicago at 5:30 p.m. and will arrive at SVCC at approximately 8:00 p.m.

Past trips:
Explore Wine Country & Galena
WICKED: The untold true story of the Witches of Oz
Holy Cow! Wrigley Field Tour
Beauty & The Beast at Fireside Theatre
Brewery Trip to Hairy Cow Brewery & New Glarus (Cancelled - 2020)
Milwaukee Art & Architecture Tour (Cancelled - 2020)
Dear Evan Hansen Musical (Chicago) (Cancelled - 2020)
Frozen: The Musical (Chicago) (Cancelled - 2020)
Chicago Blackhawks vs. St Louis Blues Hockey Game at United Center (Chicago)
Chicago Cubs vs. Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field (Chicago)
Chicago Cubs vs. St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field (Chicago)
Chicago Self-Guided (annually on the second Saturday in December)
Explore Galena
Field Museum (Chicago)
Galena Wine Tasting
Hamilton: An American Musical (Chicago)
Monsters of the Midway: Tour Soldier Field (Chicago)
Mystic Blue Lunch Cruise & Navy Pier (Chicago)
Northwest Illinois Brewery & Distillery Trip
Odyssey River Lunch Cruise & Navy Pier (Chicago)
Shedd Aquarium (Chicago)
Taste & Toast Milwaukee Tour

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 these amazing extended trips through Collette. Begin your adventure today!

Shades of Ireland - Experience the Magic of the Emerald Isle

From history-filled Dublin to the rolling green hills and dramatic coast, experience Ireland’s charms on a journey through the Emerald Isle. Choose how you explore the city of Dublin. Kiss the Blarney Stone at historic Blarney Castle. See Killarney from an Irish jaunting car. Pick from a selection of the best restaurants with our Diner’s Choice program. Experience the world-famous beauty of the Ring of Kerry. See border collies in action during a traditional sheepdog demonstration. Stand in awe at the top of the stunning 700-foot Cliffs of Moher. Live like royalty during an overnight stay on the grounds of a castle. A vibrant blend of captivating culture and stunning nature, this is the Ireland you’ve always imagined.

Travelers will need a valid passport to attend. Travelers can view the itinerary and purchase their tickets online at https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1139798. For more information call 815.835.6212. (Trip limited to 16 travelers)

Trip dates (10 days): Saturday, March 16 – Monday, March 25, 2024
Cost: $3,799 (double/per person); $4,499 (single person); $3,769 (triple)
13 meals included (8 breakfasts, 5 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 $449 per person.
Deposit of $698 per person is due upon reservation.
Prices go up $150 per person after September 17, 2023
Final payment due January 16, 2024

Extended Trip Preview
Join us for a preview of the amazing upcoming extended trip to Iceland. A Collette representative will showcase the trip and answer questions.

Iceland’s Magical Northern Lights

Experience the “land of fire and ice” and chase the aurora borealis across an ethereal wonderland. In the dark of the night, search for the northern lights as you drift along on an evening starlit cruise. Travel the “Golden Circle,” home to renowned natural wonders, and spend time at Thingvellir National Park, gaze at Gullfoss waterfall, and see the explosive geothermal fields at Geysir. Explore Skógar Museum and see traditional turf-built homes. Walk on a black volcanic sand beach. See Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon filled with floating icebergs. Relax in the warm, mineral-rich water of the Blue Lagoon. Spend your days surrounded by natural wonders and your nights in search of the elusive dancing lights. Travelers can view the itinerary and purchase their tickets online at https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1191721. For more information call 815.835.6212. (Trip limited to 29 travelers)

Trip dates (7 days): Monday, November 11 – Sunday, November 17, 2024
Cost: $3,699 (double/per person); $4,299 (single person); $3,649 (triple)
11 meals included (6 breakfasts, 5 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 $449 per person.
Deposit of $698 per person is due upon reservation.
Prices go up $250 per person after May 12, 2024
Final payment due September 12, 2024

Past trips:
New Mexico: Explore the Land of Enchantment (March 2018)
Canyon Country (March 2019)
Tuscany Italy (November 2019)