Day 1 – Chicago, Illinois

Get ready for a relaxing journey through the tranquil beauty of Mackinac Island and the Great Lakes region. This stunning landscape comes alive amid old-fashioned traditions. No activities are included today as flight arrival times will be scattered through the afternoon and evening.

Day 2 – Chicago

Begin your day with a locally guided tour of Chicago’s remarkable and impressive architecture. This dynamic city goes by many names including “Second City” and “The Windy City,” but no matter what you call it, you’re sure to fall in love. Highlights of your tour include famous Michigan Avenue, the “Magnificent Mile,” the Wrigley Building, the Loop, the Lakefront, and a walking tour through Millennium Park. Arriving back to the hotel around 1 p.m., the remainder of your afternoon is at leisure. You may want to visit one of Chicago’s many museums, relax during a scenic boat ride along the Chicago River, or visit the Chicago Cultural Center. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at the legendary Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse. The historic landmark building, which houses the restaurant, has a storied past including ties to notorious gangster, Al Capone.

Day 3 – Chicago – Grand Rapids, Michigan

Travel north as we make our way to the city of Grand Rapids. This afternoon, take some time to explore the many gardens, greenhouses, and art exhibits of the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park.

Day 4 – Grand Rapids – Mackinac Island

This morning, enjoy a scenic drive before arriving in Mackinaw City at the tip of Michigan’s lower peninsula. You will have some time to explore this coastal vacation town and grab lunch before boarding the ferry that will take you back to a simpler time on Mackinac Island. Upon arrival, listen for how the neighs of horses replace the roar of engines. Your home for the next two nights is the glorious Victorian-era resort, the Grand Hotel. Both your hotel and the island itself are National Historic Landmarks. The island is a natural gem with over eighty percent of its land preserved by Mackinac State Park, a woodland paradise accented with limestone formations and ringed by Lake Huron. After dinner at your hotel, the evening is yours to enjoy. Perhaps you’ll take a leisurely stroll through the quaint village or relax on the Grand Hotel’s famous porch.

Day 5 – Mackinac Island

Climb aboard your horse-drawn carriage for an island tour that includes stops at the Surrey Hills Carriage Museum and Arch Rock. Following your tour, savor some time to enjoy all of Mackinac Island’s quiet pleasures. Enjoy brilliant views while sitting on the front porch of the Grand Hotel or take a walk downtown to visit the shops and buy some fudge, a favorite item on the island. Later, choose from a menu of tasty delicacies when you dine at the elegant Salle à Manger. After dinner, enjoy a cup of coffee while listening to the refined sounds of the Grand Hotel’s orchestra. If you crave a secluded hideaway, retreat to the charming Cupola Bar.

Day 6 – Mackinac Island – Bay City

Enjoy some leisure time at the Grand Hotel and in town before departing this afternoon for your riverfront accommodations in Bay City. This evening is at leisure. Perhaps you will head to the river walk where you can explore downtown on your own.

Day 7 – Bay City – Detroit

Today, explore the architectural artistry of Alden B. Dow’s home and studio during a guided tour. This legendary 20th century architect designed his home to be the peak of Mid-Twentieth Century Modern Architecture, and it’s since been declared a National Historic Landmark. Continue your journey to Detroit, a city with a soul as deep as its history – where roaring engines, Motown melodies, and bold architecture tell stories of resilience and reinvention. This afternoon, step into a fascinating chapter of the city’s past as you explore Detroit’s colorful history. From Prohibition-era speakeasies to legendary mob families and the lawmen who chased them, you’ll uncover tales woven into the fabric of Detroit’s streets and landmarks. This evening, enjoy dinner on your own.

Day 8 – Detroit – Dearborn – Detroit

Today we visit Dearborn, hometown of Henry Ford and the Ford Motor Company. At the Henry Ford Museum, learn how the automobile forever changed American life and society. Then take in the historic homes at Greenfield Village, and see the workshops where famous American icons like the Wright Brothers, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and Robert Frost were once inspired. During your farewell dinner this evening, get ready to be immersed in Detroit’s musical legacy as a passionate local musician shares sounds and stories of Motown legends, jazz greats, and the creative forces that shaped the city.

Day 9 – Detroit – Tour Ends

Your tour ends today, leaving you with a bounty of happy memories from your visit to America’s heartland.