Michigan’s Great Lakes & Grand Hotel

Day 1 – Welcome to Michigan!

Optional transfers from our departure points will have us at LAX this morning for a flight arriving in Detroit, Michigan this afternoon. Those guests making their own flight arrangements can request the group’s flight schedule to coordinate a flight arrival time that would allow them to be included on the complimentary transfer to the hotel. Upon arrival, we’ll board a deluxe motorcoach and continue to our Detroit area hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 2 – Michigan’s Gold Coast

This morning we’ll travel to the picturesque resort community of Charlevoix, situated on Lake Michigan’s serene “Gold Coast.” We’ll enjoy an included lunch and guided tour of the European-inspired Castle Farms, known as the “Castle of the Midwest.” We’ll then join a local guide for a driving tour of Charlevoix focused on the Earl Young Mushroom Houses, the unique stone houses creatively known as “Gnome Homes,” or “Hobbit Houses.” This evening we’ll enjoy an included dinner and overnight stay at the historic Stafford’s Perry Hotel in downtown Petoskey. For over 123 years, the Perry Hotel has welcomed visitors to the crown jewel of Michigan’s “Gold Coast.” (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3 – Mackinaw City, Mackinac Island

This morning we’ll visit Lavender Hill Farm to learn about the different varieties of lavender grown here and enjoy time at leisure to sample their delectable signature cookies and lavender lemonade fizz. We’ll continue to Mackinaw City and enjoy time at leisure for browsing and lunch on your own along Central Avenue, the charming tree-lined street featuring a variety of cafés and boutiques. This afternoon we’ll cross the magnificent Mackinac Bridge to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and board a ferry for Mackinac Island for a short trip across the Straights of Mackinac to Mackinac Island. Limited to transportation by horse and buggy, bicycle, or foot, Mackinac Island is a step back in time where life itself seems to slow down. A ride aboard a horse-drawn carriage will bring us to the majestic, colonial-style Grand Hotel. This National Historic Landmark known as the “Jewel of the Great Lakes” was built in the late 19th century for the Midwestern elite. We’ll begin a two-night stay here with time at leisure to explore the property and enjoy dinner on your own. (Breakfast)

Day 4 – Mackinac Island

This morning we’ll experience the history and charm of Mackinac Island on a narrated horse-drawn carriage tour. Enjoy time at leisure this afternoon exploring the enchanting “downtown” area featuring historic homes, grand Victorian cottages, boutiques, and a number of famous fudge shops. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to sit in a rocking chair on the hotel’s front porch (the world’s largest at 650 feet), stroll in the beautifully landscaped gardens or enjoy afternoon tea (additional fee applies). Enjoy an included dinner in the hotel’s Grand Dining Room this evening. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 5 – Mackinac Island to Sault Ste. Marie

This morning we’ll return by ferry to St. Ignace and continue north to Sault Ste. Marie, situated on the shores of St. Mary’s River. Known as “Michigan’s Birthplace,” as it is the state’s oldest city, Sault Ste. Marie is a land of vast natural beauty that forms the nexus between two countries, two cultures and two Great Lakes. This afternoon we’ll experience a narrated Soo Locks boat tour and travel through the Soo Locks, an engineering marvel that allows ships to maneuver the 21-foot variance between Lake Superior and Lake Huron. Enjoy an overnight stay at a casino resort this evening. (Breakfast)

Day 6 – Tahquamenon Falls, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

This morning we’ll travel along the southern shore of Lake Superior to Whitefish Point – with more than 200 shipwrecks lying in the immediate vicinity, it’s easy to see why this area is known as Lake Superior’s “Shipwreck Coast.” We’ll visit the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum and learn about the perils of maritime transport on the Great Lakes. The museum features shipwreck artifacts, artwork, shipwreck models and a memorial to the famous steamer Edmund Fitzgerald. The adjacent Whitefish Point Light Station is an historic site listed on the National Register of Historic Places and home to the Whitefish Point Light Tower, which has been in continuous operation since 1861 – making it the oldest operating lighthouse on Lake Superior. This afternoon we’ll enjoy an included lunch at a locals’ favorite and a guided nature walk to the Upper Falls in Tahquamenon Falls State Park. At 50 feet tall and 200 feet wide, with more than 50,000 gallons of water dropping each second, “Root Beer Falls” – as they are known locally (due to their strikingly unusual amber color) – are Michigan’s largest waterfalls. We’ll continue west to Munising, home of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. On a narrated, two-hour Pictured Rocks Cruise we’ll discover the true beauty of Lake Superior as we gaze upon sea caves, untouched beaches and the breathtaking Pictured Rocks which tower 50 to 200 feet straight up. We’ll enjoy an overnight stay at a hotel with views of Lake Superior. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 7 – Manistique, Marquette, Green Bay

This morning we’ll travel south to Manistique, located on the shores of Lake Michigan. At Palms Book State Park we’ll see one of Michigan’s most extraordinary natural wonders, the “Kitch-iti-kipi.” Michigan’s largest freshwater spring, “Big Spring,” is 200-feet across and 40-feet deep, resulting in a breathtaking and enchanting water pool. This afternoon we’ll arrive in Marquette, the largest city in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. We’ll visit the Marquette Maritime Museum and the Marquette Harbor Lighthouse, which occupies a majestic location on Marquette’s historic shoreline and tells a rich and rewarding story of the maritime heritage of Marquette and Lake Superior. Late this afternoon we’ll arrive in Green Bay, Wisconsin for an included dinner and an overnight stay. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 8 – Lambeau Field, Journey Home

After an included breakfast, we’ll tour the iconic Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers and their fans, the Cheeseheads! Learn about this legendary football stadium while visiting a premium seating area and walking through the players tunnel to the field. This afternoon we’ll arrive at Green Bay International Airport for our return flight to Los Angeles. Those guests making their own flight arrangements can request the group’s flight schedule to coordinate a flight departure time that would allow them to be included on the complimentary transfer to the airport. Back in Los Angeles, those guests with pre-arranged transfers will be returned to their respective drop-off points. (Breakfast)

While we make every effort to operate our tours as outlined in the itinerary, we ask for your patience, understanding and flexibility and to retain a sense of adventure while traveling with us. Situations may arise that necessitate changes to the itinerary. Should we need to adjust the itinerary either prior to or while on tour, these changes will be communicated to you and only done when absolutely necessary.