Mackinac Island & the Great Lakes
Overview
Switch gears as you board a ferry for Mackinac Island, the Jewel of the Great Lakes and one of the nation’s most popular summer resorts. With horse-drawn carriages and bicycles as the island’s o read morenly means of transportation, enjoy a two-night stay at the famous Grand Hotel, explore military history at the restored Fort Mackinac, and indulge with decadent fudge the charming island is known for. Other sweet detours include a blueberry farm in Holland, the Bavarian town of Frankenmuth, the coastal resort of Petoskey, and the faster-paced cities of Grand Rapids and Bay City. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Grand Rapids so you can plan your day your way.
Itinerary
Welcome to Illinois!
At 6 pm, meet your fellow travel companions for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming journey.
Windy City Sights
Discover the highlights and history of Chicago during a guided city tour, from Millenium Park to the Magnificent Mile, travel on the “Loop” and see skyline views plus visit the Navy Pier on the shoreline of Lake Michigan. Shift from shore to ship and view Chicago's legendary buildings and bridges from a unique perspective as you cruise along the Chicago River on a narrated architecture cruise. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore on your own.
LOCAL FAVORITE - Cruise the Chicago River on a guided tour featuring more than 40 architectural icons including the Wrigley Building, Willis Tower, Tribune Tower, and Marina City. Travel on the three branches of the Chicago River, with breathtaking views of Chicago's famous skyscrapers, bridges, and landmarks at every turn.
Blueberries to Blue Bridge
Travel through Indiana to Holland, Michigan for lunch and free time in the historic downtown. Visit Bowerman's Blueberry Farm on the way to Grand Rapids for a farm visit and fresh blueberry dessert. This evening, explore the dining options and nightlife in Michigan's second largest city, Grand Rapids.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - DUTCH HERITAGE: The city was settled by Dutch immigrants and the Dutch-inspired architecture, including the historic homes and windmills at Windmill Island Gardens, and are still visible today as modern life blends with tradition.
LOCAL FAVORITE - Immerse yourself in fresh air and sunshine as you enjoy blueberries directly from the field at a third-generation farm. Savor a special blueberry dessert and discover unique blueberry-themed gifts and culinary creations at Bowerman's Blueberry Farm.
Explore more of Grand Rapids with your choice of included Globus Choice Excursions.
This afternoon, visit Traverse City, located on the shores of Grand Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan. Enjoy free time in the historic downtown with waterfront views and award-winning dining choices for lunch. Continue along the shoreline to Charlevoix to see the city's Victorian summer resorts and “Mushroom Houses.” Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the historic Perry Hotel in Petoskey, perched high on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan.
Great Lake Michigan
Depart Petoskey and enjoy a scenic drive through the Tunnel of Trees to Cross Village. Stop at the historic Legs Inn for incredible views of Lake Michigan. Learn about the inn's fascinating history and sample traditional Polish specialties. Continue north to Mackinaw City and take a ferry on Lake Huron to beautiful Mackinac Island.
Upon arrival in Mackinac Island, ride in a horse-drawn carriage to the majestic Grand Hotel for a two-night stay. Since the Civil War, the island has been one of the nation's most favored summer resorts. Enjoy this special place with its air of 19th-century gentility and historic charm, where bicycles and horse-drawn carriages are the only means of transportation.
LOCAL FAVORITE - LOCAL TASTES: Visit Legs Inn - a captivating setting on Lake Michigan – tempting travel-lovers for generations. Founded by Stanley Smolak, a Polish immigrant who creatively worked on the inn using local timber and stone with local “Odawa” Ottawa Native American craftsmen. Sample authentic Polish cuisine such as kielbasa, whitefish, pierogi, and berry szarlotka (crumble cake) while taking in the artisan carvings and unique décor.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT: A two-night stay at the Grand Hotel offers a Victorian-era vacation in a serene and beautiful setting. Relax in a rocking chair on the world's longest porch with views of the Straits of Mackinac, swim in the Esther Williams swimming pool, play lawn games, tour the celebrated gardens, and dine at a variety of onsite restaurants. The historic Grand Hotel served as a summer getaway for celebrities, such as Mark Twain, Jimmy Durante, Christopher Reeve, and five U.S. presidents since its opening in 1887. This stately retreat continues today in the style of a bygone era of old-world hospitality and charm.
Somewhere in Time
Free time this morning to relax and discover the island's treasures at your own pace. Rent a bicycle to explore on your own, visit Fort Mackinac, or sample some of the island's famous fudge. Later, join your travel companions and explore Mackinac Island for a private tour just as guests have for over 100 years, on a horse-drawn carriage. See the Avenue of Flags, the Governor's Mansion, and savor the views at Arch Rock, one of the most photographed spots on the island.
Tonight, enjoy a special dinner at the Grand Hotel in the Main Dining Room, with live entertainment from the Grand Hotel Orchestra and a locally focused five-course dinner menu.
ENHANCED FREE TIME - EXPLORE MORE: in Mackinac Island! Wander and wonder in the charming downtown and enjoy art galleries, restaurants, and shops. Tap your GlobusGO mobile app for maps and suggestions on where to dine and what to see.
Straits of Mackinac
Depart Mackinac Island for St. Ignace in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and visit the Wawatam Lighthouse. See the Straits of Mackinac, a narrow, 5-mile-wide channel that connects Lake Huron and Lake Michigan and the well-known Mackinac Bridge. Ferry to Mackinaw City and return to mainland Michigan. Visit Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse State Park, a guiding beacon for ships since 1889.
Continue to Bay City and discover the vibrant waterfront town on Lake Huron in the Saginaw Bay. Enjoy free time to explore the Victorian architecture and visit shops and restaurants along the coast of Lake Huron. Consider a stroll on the Riverwalk Pier along the Saginaw River, visit the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum, or take a sunset cruise across Saginaw Bay in Lake Huron.
ENHANCED FREE TIME - EXPLORE MORE: in Bay City! After included sightseeing, the balance of the day is at leisure, providing you with free time to explore on your own. Tap your GlobusGO mobile app for maps and suggestions on where to dine and what to see!
American Ingenuity
Depart Bay City for Frankenmuth, a town rich in Bavarian heritage founded by German immigrants in 1845. Visit the world's largest Christmas store, Bronner's Christmas Wonderland and stroll the streets of the Bavarian-themed downtown. Continue to Dearborn and tour the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, 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, and the Rosa Parks Bus. This evening, join your travel companions for a farewell dinner.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - INNOVATORS AND VISIONARIES: Discover more than automobiles and assembly lines at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. The extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits chronicles the evolution of technology and transportation, from the visionaries to the fearless, including the Wright brothers' plane. The exhibitions capture more than 200 years of progress that shaped America.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Want to explore more of the Detroit area? Extra nights are available for purchase.
Trip Inclusions
- Guided sightseeing in Chicago including an architecture cruise on the Chicago River [LF]
- Visit to a blueberry farm in Holland, Michigan [LF]
- Globus Choice Excursion in Grand Rapids – included in your tour with your choice of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum or Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park
- Drive the Tunnel of Trees
- Visit to Legs Inn on Lake Michigan [LF]
- Ferry in the Great Lakes region across Lake Huron to Mackinac Island
- Horse and carriage ride to Mackinac's famed Grand Hotel
- Visits to Petoskey and Traverse City on Lake Michigan and Bay City on Lake Huron
- Visit to Frankenmuth and Bronner's Christmas Wonderland
- Tour the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn
- Special two-night stay and remarkable meals at the Grand Hotel in Mackinac Island
- Breakfast daily, 3 Dinners
- Chicago: Palmer House Hilton Chicago (Moderate Deluxe):
Built in 1871, the luxurious Palmer House Hilton is steeped in history, hosting prominent figures including Charles Dickens, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, and numerous US presidents. The hotel is ideally located in the heart of Chicago, within walking distance of Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, and Michigan Avenue. - Grand Rapids: Amway Grand Plaza Hotel (Deluxe):
Situated on the Grand River, this striking 29-story hotel balances historic charm and modern amenities, and features spectacular views of the surrounding area. With a section of the hotel dating to 1913 and a newer modern tower, rooms are designed to reflect the era in which they were built, featuring historic accents and modern furnishings. - Petoskey: Perry Hotel (Moderate First-Class):
This three-story, turn-of-the-century hotel overlooks Little Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan. Guests can enjoy the Noggins Room Pub for a casual meal and live music, or the H.O. Rose Dining room for beautiful views and regional cuisine. - Mackinac Island: Grand Hotel (Moderate Deluxe):
This historic hotel is located on Mackinac Island where cars are forbidden. Step back in time and enjoy the elegance of this incredible location. Guests can enjoy spectacular views from a rocking chair overlooking the Straits of Mackinac from the world's longest porch. - Bay City: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bay City - Riverfront (First-Class):
With the State Theatre and Delta College Planetarium are within five minutes' walk from the hotel. They have an indoor pool and whirlpool, and rooms provide views of the harbor and the city. - Detroit: The Henry, Autograph Collection (First-Class):
The Henry, an Autograph Collection, features impeccable amenities and design influenced by art, showcasing the best of Michigan. Situated in close proximity to Fairlane Town Center and The Henry Ford Museum. Exquisite chandeliers, vivid color accents, and a well-chosen collection of contemporary art are features in the lobby, rooms, and event areas. Enjoy the hotel's indoor pool and onsite restaurant.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- Guests should be prepared for easy but sustained walking throughout the tour, including ¼-½ mile over uneven ground during select days of sightseeing.
- Guests with mobility concerns may experience uneven or wet surfaces specifically for ferry loading and unloading, and limited access to passenger amenities on board certain vessels.
Operator
At Globus, we understand that your holiday is your treat – a gift from you to you. Let us connect you with a new world of people, places and experiences that will ignite your imagination.
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Dates & Pricing
AUD
Welcome Back Credit
GJ Loyalty Discount
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Globus. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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