Mackinac Island

Get ready for a relaxing journey through the tranquil beauty of Mackinac Island and the Great Lakes region. This stunning landscape comes alive amid old-fashioned traditions.
Hotel Name: Hyatt Regency

Begin your day with a locally guided tour of Chicago’s remarkable and impressive architecture. This dynamic city goes by many names including "Second City" and “The Windy City," but no matter what you call it, you’re sure to fall in love. Highlights of your tour include famous Michigan Avenue, the “Magnificent Mile,” the Wrigley Building, the Loop, the Lakefront, and a walking tour through Millennium Park. The remainder of your day is at leisure. You may want to visit one of Chicago’s many museums, relax during a scenic boat ride across the Chicago River, or visit the Chicago Cultural Center. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Chicago
Located on Lake Michigan Chicago is the third largest city in the United States. During the 1800s Chicago grew at a phenomenal rate as it was perfectly positioned to take advantage of trading and commerce in connection with the country's westward expansion. Chicago was the beginning/end of historic Route 66. Today its skyline is dominated by one of the tallest buildings in the country, the Sears Tower, and surrounded by a mosaic of ethnic neighborhoods.

This morning you will depart Chicago and make your way to Holland, Michigan, to celebrate the Tulip Time Festival. After an included lunch, a local guide will show off the town’s beautiful floral displays while also giving you the history of this celebration dating back to 1929. Your tour will end with time to explore the Windmill Island Gardens and discover a palette of color that spreads across 36 acres of manicured gardens, dikes, and canals. You can also see the only authentic Dutch windmill operating in the United States. Later arrive in the nearby city of Grand Rapids for an evening at your leisure.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included
Hotel Name: Canopy by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown

Visit Area: Millennium Park
Devastated by the Great Fire of 1871, Chicago pushed much of the debris from this tragedy into landfill for some of the city's most distinctive locations, including Millennium Park. Today this park is the city's largest green space. Featuring the famous Cloud Gate, Lurie Garden and the Crown Fountain, this is a space for residents and visitors alike.

This morning, enjoy a scenic drive before arriving in Mackinaw City at the tip of Michigan’s lower peninsula. You will have some time to explore this coastal vacation town and grab lunch before boarding the ferry that will take you back to a simpler time on Mackinac Island. Upon arrival, listen for how the neighs of horses replace the roar of engines. Your home for the next two nights is the glorious Victorian-era resort, the Grand Hotel.* Both your hotel and the island itself are National Historic Landmarks. The island is a natural gem with over eighty percent of its land preserved by Mackinac State Park, a woodland paradise accented with limestone formations and ringed by Lake Huron. After dinner at your hotel, the evening is yours to enjoy. Perhaps you’ll take a leisurely stroll through the quaint village or relax on the Grand Hotel’s famous porch.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: Grand Hotel

Admittance: Holland's Tulip Time Festival
An annual Michigan festival this town celebrates its Dutch heritage with its most famous flower. Introduced in 1927 based on the idea of a local biology teacher, Holland purchased 100,000 bulbs for its first festival. Today the event revives old Dutch traditions, dances and customs.

Climb aboard your horse-drawn carriage for an island tour that includes stops at the Surrey Hills Carriage Museum and Arch Rock. Following your tour, savor some time to enjoy all of Mackinac Island’s quiet pleasures. Enjoy brilliant views while sitting on the front porch of the Grand Hotel or take a walk downtown to visit the shops and buy some fudge, a favorite item on the island. Later, choose from a menu of tasty delicacies when you dine at the elegant Salle à Manger. After dinner, enjoy a cup of coffee while listening to the refined sounds of the Grand Hotel's orchestra. If you crave a secluded hideaway, retreat to the charming Cupola Bar.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Mackinac Island
Located in Lake Huron, this island resort area was once the home to a Native American settlement before European settlement began in the 17th century. The entire island is listed as a National Historic Landmark and 80% of the land is preserved as a state park. For the most part, motor vehicles have been prohibited on the island since 1898 adding to the resort's appeal.

Enjoy some leisure time at the Grand Hotel and in town before departing this afternoon for your riverfront accommodations in Bay City. This evening is at leisure. Perhaps you will take to the river walk where you can explore the downtown on your own.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: DoubleTree Bay City Riverfront

Admittance: Grand Hotel
Stay for two nights in one of North America's most impressive hotels - the legendary Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Built during America's Gilded Age, the Grand Hotel is an elegantly designed Victorian lodge made from Michigan white pine. The grand opening of the Grand Hotel took place on July 10, 1887 - with room rates starting at $3.00 a night. Guests arrive and depart the hotel by horse-drawn carriage – a romantic and whimsical nod to a simpler era. As you approach the majestic manor, the first thing you'll notice is the hotel's seemingly endless front porch. At 600 feet in length, it is the longest porch in the world. Five U.S. Presidents - Bill Clinton, George H. W. Bush, Gerald Ford, John Kennedy and Harry Truman - have all stayed at the Grand Hotel. The 1979 motion picture, Somewhere in Time, in which Christopher Reeve’s and Jane Seymour’s characters found love across time, was filmed here. Every October, fans of the film gather at the hotel for a weekend. Esther Williams’ 1949 film, This Time for Keeps, was also shot at the hotel. The heated 220 foot, serpentine shaped, 500,000 gallon swimming pool is named in her honor. Your stay at this historic landmark is sure to be the highlight of your trip!

Today, explore the architectural artistry of Alden B. Dow’s home & studio during a guided tour. This legendary 20th century architect designed his home to be the peak of Mid-Twentieth Century Modern Architecture, and since its construction has been declared a National Historic Landmark. This afternoon, we visit the quaint town of Frankenmuth, or as the locals call it, "Little Bavaria," because of its Franconian-style architecture. Upon arrival, visit the largest Christmas store in the world – Bronner’s.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Westin Hotel Southfield Detroit

Visit Area: Frankenmuth
The town of Frankenmuth is home to unique German shops and Bronner’s, the biggest Christmas store in the world. While you’re there, take a walk down charming, flower lined main street and enjoy looking at the beautiful buildings.

Today we visit Dearborn, hometown of Henry Ford and the Ford Motor Company. Visit the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village for an experience in living history. Learn how the automobile forever changed American life and society as you explore the Henry Ford Museum. At Greenfield Village, take in the historic homes and see the workshops where famous American icons like the Wright Brothers, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Robert Frost were once inspired. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening, toasting the end of your wonderful journey.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Admittance: Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village
Experience living history - Greenfield Village! Take in the historic homes and see the workshops where famous American icons like the Wright Brothers, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Robert Frost were once inspired. This historic park is made up of 7 distinct districts. See 19th-century farm life, stroll a typical Main Street or visit the artisans in the craft works area. At the Ford Museum, learn about how the automobile forever changed American life and society as well as other significant events in America's past.

Your tour ends today, leaving you with a bounty of happy memories from your visit to America’s heartland.

Breakfast Included