Mackinac Island featuring the Grand Hotel and the Tulip Time Festival

Days 1, 2 Hyatt Regency Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

Day 3 Canopy by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown, Grand Rapids

Days 4, 5 Michigan Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, MI

Day 6 Courtyard Bay City, Bay City, MI

Days 7, 8 Westin Hotel Southfield Detroit, Southfield, MI 

On some dates alternate hotels may be used. 

Day 1: Saturday, May 4, 2024, Chicago, Illinois - Tour
Begins 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.

Day 2: Sunday, May 5, 2024, 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. The remainder of your day is at
leisure. You may want to visit one of Chicago’s many
museums, relax during a scenic boat ride across the Chicago
River, or visit the Chicago Cultural Center. This evening, join
your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. (B, D)

Day 3: Monday, May 6, 2024, Chicago - Holland, Michigan -
Grand Rapids This morning you will depart Chicago and
make your way to Holland, Michigan, to celebrate the Tulip
Time Festival. After an included lunch, a local guide will show
off the town’s beautiful floral displays while also giving you
the history of this celebration dating back to 1929. Your tour
will end with time to explore the Windmill Island Gardens and
discover a palette of color that spreads across 36 acres of
manicured gardens, dikes, and canals. You can also see the
only authentic Dutch windmill operating in the United States.
Later arrive in the nearby city of Grand Rapids for an evening
at your leisure. (B, L)

Day 4: Tuesday, May 7, 2024, 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.
(B, D)  

Day 5: Wednesday, May 8, 2024, 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. (B, D)

Day 6: Thursday, May 9, 2024, 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 take to
the river walk where you can explore the downtown on your
own. (B) 

Day 7: Friday, May 10, 2024, Bay City - Frankenmuth -
Southfield Today, explore the architectural artistry of Alden B.
Dow’s home & studio during a guided tour. This legendary
20th century architect designed his home to be the peak of
Mid-Twentieth Century Modern Architecture, and since its
construction has been declared a National Historic Landmark.
This afternoon, we visit the quaint town of Frankenmuth, or as
the locals call it, "Little Bavaria," because of its Franconian
style architecture. Upon arrival, visit the largest Christmas
store in the world – Bronner’s. (B) 

Day 8: Saturday, May 11, 2024, Southfield - Dearborn -
Southfield Today we visit Dearborn, hometown of Henry Ford
and the Ford Motor Company. Visit the Henry Ford Museum
and Greenfield Village for an experience in living history.
Learn how the automobile forever changed American life and
society as you explore the Henry Ford Museum. At Greenfield
Village, take in the historic homes and see the workshops
where famous American icons like the Wright Brothers,
Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Robert Frost were once
inspired. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening, toasting the end
of your wonderful journey. (B, D) 

 Day 9: Sunday, May 12, 2024, Southfield - Tour Ends Your
tour ends today, leaving you with a bounty of happy memories
from your visit to America’s heartland. (B)