Breathe in the crisp air of Lake Michigan, experience picturesque towns, and view beautiful sunrises and sunsets on our way to northern Michigan’s Mackinac Island. While on the island, you’ll enjoy free time on Main Street to browse the shops, taste freshly made fudge, or gaze out at the sparkling lake views. Then, step back in time as you take a horse drawn carriage for your stay at the world-renowned Grand Hotel, the island’s premier luxury resort, where the longest porch in the world overlooks the Straits of Mackinac.
DAY 1—WELCOME TO MILWAUKEE!
Our adventure begins with a chance to meet your Discoveries Director and fellow travelers at a welcome dinner. D
DAY 2—INDIANA SAND DUNES/GRAND HAVEN
Start today with a tasty stop in Sturtevante at Lehmann’s Bakery, home of the original Dani’s Kringle for over 80 years. We’ll continue south towards Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore for a visit to these mighty dunes. This evening, enjoy dinner and an overnight in quaint Grand Haven. B, D
DAY 3—GRAND TRAVERSE BAY
Explore the magnificent Silver Lake Sand Dunes with Mac Woods Dune Rides. A Michigan tradition for 30 years, be thrilled as you learn the history and environment of these constantly moving sand mountains. Continue to Traverse City, and dine at a local favorite before heading to our lakefront hotel, the Bayshore Resort, with beautiful views on the shores of Grand Traverse Bay for a two-night stay. B, D
DAY 4—SLEEPING BEAR DUNES/CHERRY REPUBLIC
Join a local guide for a scenic drive past cherry orchards and around Old Mission Peninsula, then along Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Sample local and unique cherry items at the Cherry Republic before enjoying lunch on the Leelenau Peninsula. Visit Chateau Chantel Winery for a tour and tasting of local wines and visit the 1870 Mission Point Lighthouse before a relaxing lakefront evening at the Bayshore Resort. B, L
DAY 5—MACKINAC ISLAND/GRAND HOTEL
Travel along Lake Michigan for a ferry ride to Mackinac Island where you’ll enjoy free time on Main Street to browse the shops, taste freshly made fudge, or gaze on sparkling lake views. You will feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you take a horse drawn carriage to the world renowned Grand Hotel, the island’s premier luxury resort, where the longest porch in the world overlooks the Straits of Mackinac. Enjoy a five-course dinner in the Grand Hotel’s elegant dining room. B, D
DAY 6—MACKINAC ISLAND
After a restful night in one of the Grand’s beautiful rooms, enjoy a morning at leisure to relax at the hotel.
Option—Horse drawn carriage tour of Mackinac Island State Park. Price: $40 per person
Before returning to the mainland, we have our third delectable meal at the Grand Hotel; lunch at the extensive Grand Buffet! Travel to the Ludington area for our overnight stay. B, L
DAY 7—LAKE MICHIGAN CROSSING
Hop aboard the S.S. Badger, the only authentic steamship on the Great Lakes, for our crossing back to Wisconsin. During the cruise, stroll the open-air decks, play “Badger Bingo” or shop in the “Boatique.” As we travel south towards home, we stop in Kohler, a community built around the plumbing giant’s plant established in 1900. You’ll be amazed by the artistry displayed at the Kohler Design Center, the renowned American Club golf resort (originally built as immigrant housing), and the success story of this Austrian family. Arrive in Milwaukee this afternoon and travel home with fond memories of Michigan’s charming towns. B, L
Quality Accommodations
Night 1: Hampton Inn Milwaukee, Franklin, WI
Night 2: Best Western Beacon Inn, Grand Haven, MI
Nights 3-4: Bayshore Resort, Traverse City, MI
Night 5: Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, MI
Night 6: Comfort Suites, Ludington, MI (or similar)
Dates:
Jun 2-8, 2024
Sep 21-27, 2024
Price Per Person:
Double $2,097
Single $2,545
Pre/Post Tour Hotel:
$158/night
Depart/Return:
Milwaukee, WI
Inclusions:
Free airport shuttle or hotel parking
Welcome Dinner and meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Fees and tips for included attractions and meals
Luggage handling at most hotels
Free bottled water on coach
24-hour emergency call service
Arrival Time
Our Welcome Dinner on Day 1 is at our hotel, Hampton Inn Milwaukee/Franklin, starting at 6:30 p.m. We recommend scheduling your flight to arrive by 4:00 p.m.
Departure Time
Schedule your flight home to depart the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport any time after 5:30 p.m. on Day 7. If you need to book a post night, please schedule flights out after 8:00 a.m. if you wish to use the complimentary hotel shuttle in the morning.
Airport Transportation / Vehicle Parking
Our starting hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service to/from Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. Please send us your flight schedule so we can make sure the shuttle will be ready for you. If you are driving to the starting location, they also offer complimentary parking for the duration of the tour.
Walking Distance
Moderate walking is required to fully enjoy this tour. Some walking will also be on uneven paths and sand. While walking canes are allowed, we are unable to accommodate travelers using other mobility devices, including walkers and wheelchairs.
Average Temps
June/September – high of 75°, low of 65°
Time Zone
Wisconsin – Central
Michigan - Eastern
Hotel Amenities
Each hotel has a hair dryer, iron, ironing boards, swimming pool and Wi-Fi.
Additional Information
A total of three mailings are sent to assist you in preparing for your tour, including information sent upon receipt of your reservation.
Dress on tour is casual except at the Grand Hotel. The Grand Hotel has guidelines for dress after 5:30 pm throughout the hotel and dining room. Because every evening at Grand Hotel is a special occasion, after 6:30 pm in main areas of the hotel and after 5:30 p.m. the Main Dining Room, dresses, skirts, blouses, dress sweaters, and dress slacks for ladies are preferred, while gentlemen are required to wear a suit coat, necktie, and dress pants (no denim or shorts). This applies for all areas inside the hotel including the Parlor, Lobby, Terrace, and Main Dining Room, with the exception of the Cupola Bar.
Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, visors, and comfortable walking shoes will add to your enjoyment of this tour.
Travel Protection Available?
Yes, see CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/TravelProtectionPlan.
