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 read more and bicycles as the island’s only means of transportation, you’ll have no choice but to fuel up on lunch at the famous Grand Hotel, military history at the restored Fort Mackinac, and the decadent fudge the charming island is known for. Other sweet detours include the Bavarian town of Frankenmuth, coastal resort of Petoskey, and faster-paced cities of Grand Rapids and Chicago. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Grand Rapids so you can plan your day your way.
Itinerary
Welcome to Michigan!
At 6 pm, meet your fellow travel companions for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming journey.
American Ingenuity
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, and the Rosa Parks Bus. Continue to Frankenmuth, founded by German immigrants in 1845. This evening, enjoy an authentic Bavarian dinner to experience German cuisine and a wine tasting. (B/D)
LOCAL FAVORITE - LOCAL TASTES: Be greeted with a hearty “Willkommen!” in Frankenmuth's Little Bavaria. You'll be treated to a tasting of authentic German wine, cheese, and crackers, followed by a traditional family-style dinner. Indulge in German cuisine, including Rippchen, sauerbraten, bratwurst, special Frankenmuth chicken, and homemade breads and preserves. Guten Appetit!
Magical Mackinac
Visit Bronner's Christmas Wonderland, a one-stop shop for everything Christmas. Leave the motorcoach behind and take a ferry on Lake Huron to beautiful Mackinac Island. Upon arrival in Mackinac Island, ride in a horse-drawn carriage to the Island House 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. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT: Spend time relaxing and rocking on the porch at the Island House Hotel, listening to sailboats glide into the harbor and watching the sun set on the horizon. The Island House Hotel is a member of the Historic Hotels of America and a State of Michigan landmark, with modern amenities, a tranquil outdoor garden restaurant, and an ideal location on the waterfront and a short walk from downtown.
Somewhere in Time
This morning is at leisure. Rent a bicycle to explore on your own, visit Fort Mackinac, or sample some of the island's famous fudge. Travel by horse and carriage for lunch at the elegant Grand Hotel. After lunch, 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. (B/L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HERITAGE & TRADITION: Horse-drawn carriages. Sitting in a rocking chair on the world's longest porch with views of the Straits of Mackinac. 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.
Great Lake Michigan
Depart by ferry from Mackinac Island, returning to mainland Michigan. Visit Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse State Park, a guiding beacon for ships since 1889. Stop at the historic Legs Inn for incredible views of Lake Michigan. Learn about the inn's fascinating history and sample traditional Polish specialties. Drive the Tunnel of Trees scenic route to Charlevoix, where a sightseeing tour with a Local Guide introduces you to the city's Victorian summer resorts and “Mushroom Houses.” Continue to your historic hotel in Petoskey, perched high on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan for dinner and an overnight stay. (B/D)
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.
Spend your day your way in Grand Rapids
This morning, travel to 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 for lunch on your own before continuing to Grand Rapids.
Explore more of Grand Rapids with your choice of included Globus Choice Excursions.
- GREEN THUMBS IN GRAND RAPIDS - Visit the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park with a guided trolley ride around grounds. Stroll the sculpture park and botanical gardens for a closer look at the extensive gardens and more than 200 outdoor art displays. In addition to displays native to the Midwest, the international gardens include a tranquil Japanese garden, English perennial garden, and more than 500 species from five continents in the park's lush tropical conservatory.
- PRESIDENTIAL STYLE - Explore the Gerald R. Ford Museum, a tribute to the 38th president of the United States. Discover stories about Grand Rapids' favorite son through exhibits that include a replica of the Oval Office and a multimedia re-creation of the 1944 typhoon that almost swept a young Jerry Ford off the deck of a U.S. aircraft carrier! Browse mementos and memorabilia highlighting the life and times of President Ford and, inspirational First Lady Betty Ford.
Windy City Sights & Sweets
Travel through Indiana to Chicago for a sightseeing tour of the “Windy City.” Join your Tour Director and travel companions for a farewell lunch. Enjoy an overnight stay at the historic Palmer House Hilton. (B/L)
LOCAL FAVORITE - ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT: Experience the historic and elegant Palmer House Hilton in Chicago, Illinois. With an interesting history ranging from the love story that built the hotel, a friendship with Claude Monet that influenced the decor, the invention of a sweet confection, and the long list of celebrity guests like Charles Dickens, Oscar Wilde, Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong, and more. This is a stay to remember!
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CANDY CAPITAL OF THE WORLD: Following the invention of the brownie by the Palmer House hotel for the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, European immigrants with an entrepreneurial spirit followed suit in the late 18th century to grow a booming candy industry in Chicago. So began America's love affair with countless classic candies still loved today, from Baby Ruth to Cracker Jack.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Want to explore more of Chicago? Extra nights are available for purchase. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Tour the Henry Ford Museum
- Visit Frankenmuth and Bronner's Christmas Wonderland
- Ferry to Mackinac Island
- Horse and carriage ride for Mackinac's famed Grand Hotel
- Drive the Tunnel of Trees
- Guided sightseeing in Charlevoix
- Visit Petoskey and Traverse City
- 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
- Guided sightseeing in Chicago
- Special overnight stays at the original hotel in Mackinac Island, the Island House and the historic Palmer House in Chicago
- Breakfast daily, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
- 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. - Frankenmuth: Bavarian Inn Lodge (Moderate First-Class):
Located in the heart of downtown Frankenmuth on the banks of the beautiful Cass River, the Bavarian Inn is a charming German-themed hotel including a Glockenspiel, Biergarten, and on-site restaurant featuring traditional German cuisine. - Mackinac Island: Island House Hotel (First-Class):
The historic Island House Hotel features sweeping harbor views and a full complement of amenities, including two on-site restaurants, complimentary Wi-Fi, bike rentals, heated indoor pool, hot tub, and sauna. - 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. - 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. - 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.
- 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.
Don't waste your precious time queueing up, skip the lines with special VIP access at the must-see sites. Read more
Travel with expert Tour Directors and Local Guides who share their vast knowledge of the USA. Read more
Globus has the recipe for a great vacation. Savour the flavours of the USA through its regional cuisine. Read more
Globus' selection of hotels in unforgettable places ensure you stay right in the heart of each destination. Read more
Globus' coaches offer one of the most comfortable, stress-free and eco-friendly ways to travel. Read more
Do as the locals do and enjoy unique experiences that you wouldn't find touring on your own. Read more
Download Brochure
Globus Worldwide (2025-26)
Dates & Pricing
USD
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 Inquire. 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.
Similar Tours
