Tour Overview
The tranquil beauty of Mackinac Island and the Great Lakes region comes to life amid old-fashioned traditions, historic charm, spectacular lighthouses and picturesque views. Get ready to explore the magnificent coastal scenery of the Great Lakes, no passport required!
- Wichita
- 18 Included Meals
- Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial
- North Shore Sightseeing Cruise
- Split Rock Lighthouse
- The Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
- Mackinac Island
- Horse-Drawn-Carriage Tour
- Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse
- Bronner's Christmas Wonderland
- Ferry Ride to Bass Islands
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Tour days tend to be longer and operate at a quicker pace. Expect to stand and walk for long periods of time, with short regular breaks and climb multiple flights of stairs. Some destinations may have changes in altitude and/ or temperature.
Price
- 4389
- Single
- 3349
- Double
- 3029
- Triple
- 2899
- Quad
Terms & Conditions
Cancellation Policy B
$100 Non-Refundable Deposit Per Person | Rates Per Person
Final Payment Due 60 days before departure
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Travel Insurance
Optional Travel Protection Plan Available, for more information Click Here
Itinerary
The tranquil beauty of Mackinac Island and the Great Lakes region comes to life amid old-fashioned traditions, historic charm, spectacular lighthouses and picturesque views. Get ready to explore the magnificent coastal scenery of the Great Lakes, no passport required!
Day 1 // Des Moines, IA
Daydream about crashing waves and beautiful views as we make our way toward the Great Lakes region.
Day 2 // St. Paul, MN
Travel to southern Minnesota, arriving in time for a group lunch. Today we will tour Mayowood Mansion, the 1911 estate of renowned Mayo Clinic founder, Dr. Charles Mayo. The 38-room mansion is the centerpiece of the 3,300 acre property, surrounded by a grand terrace, beautiful botanical gardens and an oriental tea house. End the day with reflection at the Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial, where generations of valiant veterans are featured on the Wall of Remembrance.
Day 3 // Duluth, MN
We will begin our morning at the William A. Irwin Museum. This floating museum will allow you a glimpse of what it would have been like to live and work aboard an iron and coal ship. Perched atop a 130-ft cliff on the rocky coast, the Split Rock Lighthouse guided ships across the stormy waters for decades. Walk in the century-old footsteps of the lighthouse keepers and see the 1000-watt bulb. Considered the gateway to the Great Lakes, Gooseberry Falls State Park is known for its magnificent waterfalls, unique structures, and unparalleled views. Dinner will be included this evening.
Day 4 // Marquette, MI
The Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center is a great place to stretch our legs and learn more about the area we are traversing through before we stop for a group lunch. This afternoon we will make a quick stop for a tour at the Cliffs Shaft Mining Museum before we continue our journey east towards the highlight of our trip - Mackinac Island!
Day 5 // Mackinac Island, MI
Sail out on the crystal clear blue-green waters of Lake Superior. Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore where you'll see colorful cliffs, sea caves, and pristine beaches. For decades, travelers have gone this same route, marveling at Lovers Leap, Indian Head, Miners Castle, Chapel Rock, and other natural landmarks seen on this cruise. This afternoon we will ferry over to the beautiful Mackinac Island. Check in to the hotel and get your bearings before walking down to dinner as a group.
Day 6 // Mackinac Island, MI
A horse drawn carriage tour will be our introduction to this quiet island, unpolluted by the noise of modern-day vehicles. Enjoy a delicious lunch at the aptly named Grand Hotel. This afternoon you will have free time on the island. You could choose to sample some of their world-famous fudge or take a leisurely bicycle ride along the lakeshore. There's plenty to do and see!
Day 7 // Frankenmuth, MI
A point in the storm and a guiding beacon since 1889, Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse has helped passing ships navigate the treacherous waters of the Straits of Mackinac. We will drive through the charming town of Charlevoix on our way to Castle Farms for lunch and a tour of the massive estate.
Day 8 // Toledo, OH
Welcome to "Little Bavaria!" We'll spend the morning exploring the German town of Frankenmuth. Admire the Bavarian architecture during a city tour. Experience the local flavor as we learn how to make and bake pretzels by hand, sip during a German Wine Tasting, and fill our bellies with world-famous Frankenmuth style chicken. This afternoon we'll explore the "World's Largest Christmas Store." Admire all 7.35 acres of Bronner's Christmas Wonderland's ornaments, trims, trees, wreaths, lights, nativities, and collectibles.
Day 9 // Dayton, OH
This morning a short ferry ride will carry us to the crown jewel of Bass Islands, Put-in-Bay. Familiarize yourself with the island village during a narrated trolley tour. Make a stop at the Heineman Winery for a tour and sampling, as well as an unusual attraction located 40-ft below the winery, Crystal Cave. Shop and explore the island's many attractions during free time.
Day 10 // St. Louis, MO
No visit through Indiana would be complete without a stop at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to take a guided tour of the tracks. We'll cover some miles this afternoon as we continue our journey south.
Day 11 // Home
Travel home with stories to tell of our scenic northern adventure now that our “Great Lakes Voyage” has come to an end!
