8-Nights Mackinac Island & The Great Lakes from $4,499

Globus

OFFER ID 1691856

Experience the Great Lakes in captivating contrast—from the birthplace of the automobile to an island where cars have been banned since 1898. This journey begins in Chicago with iconic skyline views on a narrated architecture cruise along the Chicago River before exploring American innovation at The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, where groundbreaking inventions and historic artifacts tell the story of a nation on the move.

Then slow the pace as you ferry across Lake Huron to Mackinac Island, the Jewel of the Great Lakes and one of America's most beloved summer retreats. Here, horse-drawn carriages and bicycles set the rhythm for a memorable two-night stay at the legendary Grand Hotel, with time to relax and explore the island, discover historic Fort Mackinac, and sample the island's famous fudge.

Along the way, visit a blueberry farm in Holland, enjoy the lakeside setting of historic Legs Inn, discover the coastal communities of Petoskey, Traverse City, and Bay City, and experience the Bavarian-inspired charm of Frankenmuth, home to Bronner's Christmas Wonderland. Filled with Great Lakes scenery, regional traditions, and iconic American experiences, this journey reveals the character and charm of one of North America's most distinctive regions.

PLUS, this tour includes your choice of excursions in Grand Rapids so you can plan your day your way.

8 nights from $4,499 per person

Itinerary

Mackinac Island & The Great Lakes

Day 1: ARRIVE IN CHICAGO, ILLINOIS Welcome to Illinois! At 6:00 p.m., meet your fellow travel companions for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming journey.

Day 2: CHICAGOWindy City Sights Discover the highlights and history of Chicago during a guided city tour, from Millennium 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 [LF] narrated architecture cruise. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore on your own. (B)

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.

Day 3: CHICAGO–HOLLAND, MICHIGAN-GRAND RAPIDSBlueberries to Blue Bridge Travel through Indiana to Holland, Michigan for lunch and free time in the historic downtown area. Visit [LF] Bowerman’s Blueberry Farm enroute 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. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Holland, Michigan was settled by Dutch immigrants in 1847 and still features Dutch-inspired architecture—including the historic homes and windmills at Windmill Island Gardens— 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.

Day 4: GRAND RAPIDS–TRAVERSE CITY–CHARLEVOIX–PETOSKEY Bays, Bluffs & Lakeside Charm Explore more of Grand Rapids with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions. (B,D)

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.

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.

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.

Day 5: PETOSKEY–CROSS VILLAGE–MACKINAW CITY–MACKINAC ISLANDAlong Lake Michigan’s Shore Depart Petoskey and enjoy a scenic drive to Cross Village, on the shoes of Lake Michigan. Stop at the historic [LF] 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 on 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, horse-drawn carriages, and walking remain the primary ways to get around the island. (B)

LOCAL FAVORITE
Visit Legs Inn, a captivating setting on Lake Michigan, founded by Polish immigrant Stanley Smolak and tempting travelers for generations. Sample authentic Polish cuisine such as kielbasa, whitefish, pierogi, and berry szarlotka (crumble cake) while taking in the artisan carvings and unique décor. Designed with natural materials and inspired by both Polish traditions and the Indigenous heritage of the Great Lakes, the restaurant offers a unique cultural experience in a community with deep Odawa roots.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Enjoy a two-night stay at the Grand Hotel, where Victorian charm meets a peaceful, scenic setting. Unwind in a rocking chair on the world’s longest porch overlooking the Straits of Mackinac, swim in the Esther Williams pool, play lawn games, stroll through the famous gardens, and choose from a variety of onsite dining options. Since opening in 1887, the Grand Hotel has welcomed notable guests including Mark Twain, Christopher Reeve, and five U.S. presidents. Today, it continues to offer timeless elegance, historic character, and classic hospitality.

Day 6: MACKINAC ISLAND 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 for a private horse-drawn carriage tour of Mackinac Island, just as visitors have done for more than 100 years. 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. (B,D)

ENHANCED FREE TIME
Explore more on Mackinac Island! Wander and wonder in the charming downtown and enjoy art galleries, restaurants, and shops. Ask your Tour Director for suggestions on where to dine and what to see.

Day 7: MACKINAC ISLAND–ST. IGNACE–MACKINAW CITY–BAY CITYStraits of Mackinac Depart Mackinac Island for St. Ignace in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and visit the Wawatam Lighthouse. View the Straits of Mackinac and the iconic Mackinac Bridge before crossing the "Mighty Mac" to Mackinaw City. Return to mainland Michigan to visit Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse State Park, which has guided ships since 1889. Continue to Bay City, a lively waterfront town on Lake Huron’s Saginaw Bay, with time at leisure to explore its Victorian architecture, shops, and restaurants. Enjoy free time this evening for a stroll along the Riverwalk Pier on the Saginaw River, visit to Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum, or take a sunset cruise on Saginaw Bay. (B)

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.

Day 8: BAY CITY–FRANKENMUTH–DEARBORN (DETROIT AREA) American Ingenuity Depart Bay City for Frankenmuth, a storybook Bavarian-style town founded by German immigrants in 1845. Visit Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, the world’s largest Christmas store, with time to discover the charming shops and distinctive architecture of the downtown district. Continue to Dearborn for a visit to the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, where the spirit of American ingenuity vividly comes to life. Explore extraordinary exhibits, including the premier automotive collection, the JFK Presidential Limousine, George Washington’s camp bed, and the Rosa Parks Bus. This evening, celebrate your journey with your Tour Director and fellow travelers at a farewell dinner. (B,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Step beyond the assembly line at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, where more than two centuries of groundbreaking ideas, inventions, and transportation milestones are brought together under one roof. From pioneering automobiles and aviation achievements to iconic artifacts that changed the course of history, this remarkable collection honors the dreamers, makers, and visionaries who helped shape America.

Day 9: DEARBORN (DETROIT) 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. (B)

Featured Destinations

Petoskey

Perched on a bluff above Lake Michigan's Little Traverse Bay, 240 mi/385 km northwest of Detroit, Petoskey has long been a resort town: Many affluent Chicagoans passed their summers in the area at the turn of the century, among them the young Ernest Hemingway, who set several of his early short stories in the surrounding countryside.

Among the attractions are the historic Gaslight District in downtown Petoskey, home to art galleries, restaurants, cafes, taverns and shops. A short walk away is Bayfront Park, where a historic train station has been converted into the Little Traverse Historical Society Museum.

Adjacent to Petoskey is the community of Bay View which boasts a collection of Victorian-era "cottages." They range in size from relatively modest two-bedroom houses to spectacular 10-bedroom mansions, and many have incredible views of the bay. Also nearby is the Bay Harbor Golf Club. Designed by Arthur Hills, it is said to have more shoreline holes than any other course in the U.S.

A half-hour drive away, on the other side of Little Traverse Bay, is Harbor Springs, a popular destination for boaters and home to more art galleries, restaurants and shops. North of Harbor Springs is Boyne Highlands Resort, which offers accommodations and activities year-round. In the summer, the resort is best known as a golf destination. It is home to The Donald Ross Memorial, a course that has 18 of the best holes ever designed by Ross. In winter, the resort is one of the prime downhill sites in the Lower Peninsula, known for its steep terrain and long runs—at least in comparison to other Midwest resorts.

Highway 31 heads west, then south, from Petoskey, a scenic route that leads to Charlevoix, a resort town located on the narrow strip of land between Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan. There's a good harbor there, and a lot of yachts make use of it. A working drawbridge raises and lowers to let the boats through, occasionally delaying highway traffic.

An enjoyable drive out of Charlevoix follows Highway 66 south along the western shore of Lake Charlevoix to the village of East Jordan, home of EJ - East Jordan Foundry (formerly East Jordan Iron Works), which makes the steel sewer grates that can be found throughout the Midwest. Boyne Mountain Resort is east of the village in nearby Boyne Falls, home to The Monument golf course and 52 downhill ski runs.

Charlevoix is also the departure point for the ferry that runs to Beaver Island, 35 mi/55 km northwest in Lake Michigan. The island has a colorful history: In the mid-1800s, a group of Mormons led by James Jesse Strang settled on the island. Strang proclaimed himself king, but his reign didn't last for long: He was murdered by one of his subjects, and the Mormons were forced off the island by an armed group from the mainland. Today, visitors can see the Mormon Print Shop in the town of St. James. The island is a good spot for mountain biking, camping and fishing.

Frankenmuth

Detroit

Mackinac Island

Chicago

Grand Rapids

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

06/11/2027 - 06/19/2027

from $5,249 per person *

06/25/2027 - 07/03/2027

from $5,689 per person

08/06/2027 - 08/14/2027

from $5,569 per person *

08/20/2027 - 08/28/2027

from $4,759 per person

09/17/2027 - 09/25/2027

from $4,499 per person *

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $4,499 per person

Length

8 Nights

Air City

Call for airfares from your city.

Vacation Rating

Deluxe
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.

Remarks

Prices listed are land-only, per person, based on double occupancy and are subject to change and availability. Itinerary and map subject to change. The "Starting at" or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per passenger based on double occupancy and does not include international airfare. Some tours require intra-vacation flights (and in some cases intra-vacation segments must be purchased from Globus) in which case intra-vacation air and taxes are included in the price shown.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1691856

Reference this number when contacting our agency so we may better serve you. Also keeping this number handy will allow you to locate this document again quickly.

San Simeon Travel

1253 Knollwood Circle - Suite 102
Cambria, CA 93428
USA

805.927.4696
800-266-3359