11 days in Columbus & Chicago Itinerary

More than just one of the nation's top business centers, Columbus is a mixture of many different parts of America, situated at the spot where the so-called "Bible Belt" meets the varied cultures of the Great Plains and Appalachia.

Visiting Zipline and Ohio Caverns will get you outdoors. Let the collections at National Museum of the US Air Force and Wagner-Hagans Auto Museum capture your imagination. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Columbus: Cincinnati Nature Center (in Milford), Dayton (Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park & Carillon Historical Park) and Taft Museum of Art (in Cincinnati). There's lots more to do: look for all kinds of wild species at Charleston Falls Preserve, get to know the fascinating history of German Village, see the interesting displays at Honda Heritage Center, and tour the pleasant surroundings at Gallant Farm Preserve.

For traveler tips, maps, ratings, and other tourist information, use the Columbus trip planner.

Madrid, Spain to Columbus is an approximately 14-hour flight. The time zone difference when traveling from Madrid to Columbus is minus 6 hours. Plan for little chillier temperatures traveling from Madrid in March, with highs in Columbus at 11°C and lows at 0°C. On the 31st (Wed), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel to Chicago.

A huge and vibrant city, Chicago is home to top-notch theaters, shops, museums, galleries, and restaurants.

Basilica of the Sacred Heart and Grotto of Our Lady Lourdes will appeal to history buffs. Appreciate the collections at The Art Institute of Chicago and Museum of Science and Industry. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Chicago: Century of Progress Architectural District (in Beverly Shores) and University of Notre Dame (in South Bend). There's still lots to do: steep yourself in history at Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House, admire the landmark architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, stroll through Millennium Park, and don't miss a visit to Marquette Building.

To see photos, traveler tips, and tourist information, read Chicago journey maker website.

You can fly from Columbus to Chicago in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and train. The time zone difference when traveling from Columbus to Chicago is minus 1 hour. Expect a daytime high around 8°C in March, and nighttime lows around -1°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 5th (Mon) early enough to travel back home.