Mackinac Island & the Great Lakes

Welcome to Illinois! At 6 pm, meet your fellow travel companions for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming journey.

Windy City Sights Discover the highlights and history of Chicago during a guided city tour, from Millenium 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 [LOCAL FAVORITE] 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.

Blueberries to Blue Bridge Travel through Indiana to Holland, Michigan for lunch and free time in the historic downtown. Visit [LOCAL FAVORITE] Bowerman’s Blueberry Farm on the way 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 DUTCH HERITAGE The city was settled by Dutch immigrants and the Dutch-inspired architecture, including the historic homes and windmills at Windmill Island Gardens, and are still 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.

Explore more of Grand Rapids with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions. 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. (B,D)

Great Lake Michigan Depart Petoskey and enjoy a scenic drive through the Tunnel of Trees to Cross Village. Stop at the historic [LOCAL FAVORITE] 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 in 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 and horse-drawn carriages are the only means of transportation. (B) 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. TOUR HIGHLIGHT ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT A two-night stay at the Grand Hotel offers a Victorian-era vacation in a serene and beautiful setting. Relax in a rocking chair on the world’s longest porch with views of the Straits of Mackinac, swim in the Esther Williams swimming pool, play lawn games, tour the celebrated gardens, and dine at a variety of onsite restaurants. 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.

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 and explore Mackinac Island for a private tour just as guests have for over 100 years, on a horse-drawn carriage. 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 in Mackinac Island! Wander and wonder in the charming downtown and enjoy art galleries, restaurants, and shops. Tap your GlobusGO mobile app for maps and suggestions on where to dine and what to see.

Straits of Mackinac Depart Mackinac Island for St. Ignace in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and visit the Wawatam Lighthouse. See the Straits of Mackinac, a narrow, 5-mile-wide channel that connects Lake Huron and Lake Michigan and the well-known Mackinac Bridge. Ferry to Mackinaw City and return to mainland Michigan. Visit Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse State Park, a guiding beacon for ships since 1889. Continue to Bay City and discover the vibrant waterfront town on Lake Huron in the Saginaw Bay. Enjoy free time to explore the Victorian architecture and visit shops and restaurants along the coast of Lake Huron. Consider a stroll on the Riverwalk Pier along the Saginaw River, visit the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum, or take a sunset cruise across Saginaw Bay in Lake Huron. (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. Tap your GlobusGO mobile app for maps and suggestions on where to dine and what to see!

American Ingenuity Depart Bay City for Frankenmuth, a town rich in Bavarian heritage founded by German immigrants in 1845. Visit the world’s largest Christmas store, Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland and stroll the streets of the Bavarian-themed downtown. Continue to Dearborn and tour the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, 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. This evening, join your travel companions for a farewell dinner. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT INNOVATORS AND VISIONARIES Discover more than automobiles and assembly lines at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. The extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits chronicles the evolution of technology and transportation, from the visionaries to the fearless, including the Wright brothers' plane. The exhibitions capture more than 200 years of progress that shaped America.

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)