Duration: 8 Days
Charming and historic hotels, beautiful Lake Michigan, fun experiences, and beautiful scenery…all of this and more await you on this Mackinac Island & the Great Lakes Tour.
A highlight of this tour is the time you’ll spend on Mackinac Island, one of the country’s favorite summer retreats. Here, bicycles and horse-drawn carriages are the only means of transportation. Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage tour of Mackinac Island and have lunch at the elegant Grand Hotel, with its Victorian-style architecture. Witness amazing views as you sit in a rocking chair on the world’s longest porch. Behold more amazing views on your drive in northern Michigan’s famed Tunnel of Trees, a narrow, winding highway with rolling hills following the shores of Lake Michigan.
Outside of Detroit, visit the Henry Ford Museum, with innovations and artifacts from America’s past, including the Rosa Parks Bus, the world’s premier automotive collection, the JFK Presidential limousine, and much more. In Grand Rapids, visit the Gerald Ford Presidential Library & Museum to learn about the lives of President and Mrs. Ford. To make this tour unique, Globus also has included some out-of-the-ordinary experiences. Enjoy a Bavarian dinner and wine tasting in Frankenmuth, a small Bavarian town founded in 1845. Near Petoskey, visit an orchard for a wagon ride and cherry pie. In Chicago, a private presentation at the historic and elegant Palmer House Hilton—where you’ll stay for the night—lets you learn about the hotel’s history and how one of America’s favorite desserts was created here.
From the vibrant cities and small towns to the scenic beauty and fun-filled experiences, this Mackinac Island & the Great Lakes tour is a charming holiday!
Welcome to the Motor City! At 6 pm, meet your fellow travelling companions for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming journey.
This morning, visit the HENRY FORD MUSEUM, the ultimate place to experience America's past and present. See the world's premier automotive exhibition, the JFK Presidential Limousine, an original camp bed used by George Washington, the Rosa Parks Bus, the Lincoln chair, and much more. Afterward, we continue to the little Bavarian town of Frankenmuth, founded by German immigrants in 1845. This evening, enjoy an authentic BAVARIAN DINNER. Experience fine German cuisine and a wine tasting. (B,D)
This morning, visit BRONNER'S CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND, a one-stop shop for everything Christmas. Later, journey north to Mackinac Island. Since the Civil War, it has been one of the nation's most favoured summer resorts. Enjoy this special place with its air of 19th-century gentility and where bicycles and horse-drawn carriages are the only means of transportation. This evening, you may want to stroll Main Street, shop for souvenirs, or sample some of the delicious, freshly made fudge, an island tradition. (B)
This morning is at leisure. Perhaps rent a bicycle to explore more on your own, visit Fort Mackinac, or sample some of the islands' famous fudge. Later, enjoy a horse-drawn CARRIAGE TOUR of this celebrated island. See the Avenue of Flags, the Governor's Mansion, and enjoy a stop at Arch Rock, one of the most photographed spots on the island. Here, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Huron. Enjoy lunch at the elegant GRAND HOTEL which served as a summer getaway for celebrities, such as Mark Twain, Jimmy Durante, Christopher Reeve, and five U.S. presidents since its inception in 1887. (B,L)
Depart by ferry from Mackinac Island, crossing through northern Michigan. Stop at the historic Legs Inn for incredible views of Lake Michigan. Learn about the inn's fascinating history and enjoy some LOCAL SPECIALTIES. Later, journey through the famed TUNNEL OF TREES, one of the most scenic roads in Michigan. Continue to Charlevoix, where a sightseeing TOUR introduces you to the city's Victorian summer resorts and renowned "Mushroom Houses." Later, arrive at your historic hotel, perched high on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. (B)
This morning, visit a local ORCHARD, where you'll be treated to a wagon ride and a delicious slice of cherry pie. After all, this is the country's premier cherry-producing centre! Next, on to Grand Rapids and a visit to the GERALD FORD PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY & MUSEUM. The museum lets you participate in history while learning about the lives of President and Mrs. Ford. (B)
Depart this morning and travel through the northern tip of Indiana to Chicago for a sightseeing tour of the "Windy City." Tonight, join your Tour Director and travel companions for a festive farewell dinner. During dinner, enjoy a PRIVATE PRESENTATION to learn the history of the hotel and how one of America's favourite desserts was created at the Palmer House Hilton. Then, enjoy a taste for yourself! (B,D)
SPECIAL FEATURE: Accommodations for this evening are at the historic and elegant Palmer House Hilton. Learn the interesting story of the hotel, from the Great Chicago Fire to celebrity guests like Charles Dickens, Oscar Wilde, Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong, and more.
Your Great Lakes tour ends this morning, with guests departing on individual schedules. (B)
