Come travel with John McGivern, a 5-time Emmy-award winning actor most famous for his show Around the Corner on PBS. This tour’s unique itinerary includes round-trip sailing on the S.S. Badger Ferry, a visit to the Bavarian town of Frankenmuth, the Gerald Ford Presidential Museum, and a special performance by John for our group. This trip also provides an opportunity for travelers to go behind the scenes with John as he films a new episode for John McGivern’s Main Streets™.
DAY 1—WELCOME TO MILWAUKEE/S.S. BADGER/JOHN MCGIVERN FILMING
Today meet your fellow travelers for brunch in Milwaukee! Board our motorcoach and travel to Manitowoc to hop aboard the S.S. Badger, the only authentic steamship on the Great Lakes. During the cruise across Lake Michigan, see John McGivern in action as he films part of an episode of John McGivern’s Main Streets™. This will be a unique, behind-the scenes view of how the cast and crew create this television show! When shooting wraps, you will have time to stroll the open-air decks, play “Badger Bingo”, or shop in the “Boatique.” We will dock in Ludington, MI and settle in at our hotel. Brunch, D
DAY 2—FREDERIK MEIJER GARDENS/FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT HOUSE/GERALD FORD’S PRESIDENTIAL MUSEUM
This morning after breakfast, head to Grand Rapids for a guided tram tour of the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. This 158-acre botanical garden, art museum, and outdoor sculpture park is filled with gorgeous flowers and trees. Here we will experience the perfect blend of art and nature! This afternoon, tour the unique Frank Lloyd Wright Meyer May House tucked in the Heritage Hill Historic District. Then it’s time to explore the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum to learn all about the remarkable life of former President Gerald Ford. During our time here, there will be a special exhibit on display celebrating the 50th anniversary of Ford’s Presidency! Tonight, we stay in Grand Rapid. B, L
DAY 3—FRANKENMUTH/BRONNER’S CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND/DINNER WITH JOHN MCGIVERN
Travel today to Frankenmuth for a driving tour of this charming city, known for its Bavarian style architecture and celebration of Christmas year-round. We will learn how to hand stretch a German pretzel before enjoying our delicious creation with a glass of authentic German wine! This afternoon we celebrate Christmas a little early at the world’s largest Christmas store, Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland. Learn the captivating story behind the creation of the store and shop around exploring an extensive selection of nearly 50,000 unique gifts. Our group will also visit the Silent Night Memorial Chapel, nestled on the southern tip of Bronner’s beautifully landscaped 27 acres. Tonight, John McGivern will join us for dinner and a special performance! Get ready to laugh as you experience John McGivern Main Streets™ in person – a joyous, once in-a-lifetime show. The night is not over yet… for those that would like, travel back to Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland to explore their magical Christmas light display at Christmas Lane. B, L, D
DAY 4—CASTLE MUSEUM/DOUGHNUT SHOP
Today begins with a tour of the Castle Museum in Saginaw, a local treasure on the National Register of Historic Places. This intriguing museum is – you guessed it - inside of a castle! After our tour, experience an authentic Polish style lunch nearby before enjoying a sweet treat at Cops and Doughnuts. This doughnut shop and bakery in Clare has been in operation since 1896. When the bakery was in threat of closing, the entire Clare Police Department came to the rescue and banded together to save this historic doughnut shop. We will get a chance to meet one of the police officers and taste their famous doughnuts. Tonight, settle back into our Ludington hotel and enjoy a delightful farewell dinner. B, L, D
Day 5—S.S. BADGER/HOME
This morning we board the S.S. Badger to sail back to Manitowoc and make our way back to Milwaukee. We’ll say goodbye to our new friends and relish our incredible memories! B, L
Quality Accommodations
Night 1: Best Western Lakewinds, Ludington
Night 2: Drury Inn, Grand Rapids
Night 3: Bavarian Inn, Frankenmuth
Night 4: Best Western Lakewinds, Ludington
Dates:
Sep 16-20, 2024
Price Per Person:
Double $1,697
Single $1,995
Pre/Post Tour Hotel:
$148/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 of one suitcase per person at hotels
Free bottled water on coach
24-hour emergency call service
Arrival Time
Our Welcome Brunch on Day 1 will be at 10:00 a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn Milwaukee Park Place. We recommend scheduling your flight to arrive the day prior. Pre-night rooms are available at the Hilton Garden Inn Milwaukee Park Place.
Departure Time
Schedule your flight home to depart the Milwaukee Airport any time after 5:00 p.m. on Day 5. The motorcoach will drop off at both the Hilton Garden Inn Milwaukee Park Place and the Milwaukee Airport. Post night rooms are available at the Hilton Garden Inn Milwaukee Park Place.
Airport Transportation / Vehicle Parking
Complimentary parking is available for the duration of the tour at the Hilton Garden Inn Milwaukee Park Place. If you are flying into Milwaukee we ask that you utilize Uber, Lyft or a taxi to the Hilton Garden Inn Milwaukee.
Walking Distance
Moderate walking is required to fully enjoy this tour. Some walking will also be on uneven paths. While walking canes are allowed, we are unable to accommodate travelers using other mobility devices, including walkers and wheelchairs.
Average Temps
High of 70°, low of 55°
Time Zone
Wisconsin – Central / Michigan - Eastern
Hotel Amenities
Each hotel has a hair dryer, iron, ironing boards, and a coffee maker.
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.
Travel Protection Available?
Yes, see CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/TravelProtectionPlan.
