Magical…Magnificent… and, Marvelous - are three words that encapsulate the charm of Mackinac Island, the jewel of the Great Lakes. Crowned as “one of the world’s friendliest islands” get ready to experience a slower, more genteel time as you take a carriage ride through a “living” Victorian village, have lunch at the Grand Hotel and visit Fort Mackinac that dates to the 1700s.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Erie, Pennsylvania
Arrive in Erie, PA where overnight lodging will be provided at the beautiful Hilton Garden Inn of Erie.
Day 2 - Erie - Dearborn, MI
Breakfast is included this morning before we follow the shores of Lake Erie to Cleveland, Ohio and a visit to the famous Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Located in a striking pyramid shaped building on the shores of Lake Erie, you’ll enjoy a morning with the legends of Rock & Roll. It’s a real trip down memory lane. This afternoon brings us to Dearborn, Michigan, for 2 nights at the Best Western Inn, with dinner.
Day 3 - Dearborn
After a full breakfast this morning, head just up the street is one of America’s great Museums. Enter the world of Henry Ford, with admission provided to both Greenfield Village and The Henry Ford Museum. At Greenfield Village we travel back in time to America of the mid-1800s, a living history museum far removed from today’s fast paced society. Next door is the Ford Museum, where Henry Ford stored his vast private collection. He was a man who collected just about everything. This afternoon we visit Cranbrook House, the home of Detroit newspaper publisher and philanthropist George Booth. Dinner is included this evening.
Day 4 - Dearborn - Mackinac Island
This morning depart after breakfast for Northern Michigan, the legendary home of Hiawatha. In Mackinaw City we’ll transfer to a high speed island ferry for the short trip across Lake Huron to beautiful Mackinac Island. Our hotel is the lovely Island House located on the Main Street amidst all the historic attractions and shops. The Island House is a National Historic Landmark that has welcomed guests to Mackinac for over 150 years. Dinner is included off the menu at the hotel.
Day 5 - Mackinac Island
Breakfast is included this morning at the Island House and then we will set out to explore the town. Everyone on Mackinac either walks or rides in horse drawn carriages, and today our sightseeing will be by horse drawn carriage in the true Mackinac tradition. Featured today will be the famous Grand Buffet LUNCH at the Grand Hotel. With its magnificent wrap around porch and beautiful gardens, this is one of the great hotels of North America. Enjoy the Grand Hotel and an afternoon to visit the shops and explore the Island. Dinner is on your own, and on Mackinac Island there are many wonderful restaurants to choose from.
Day 6 - Mackinac Island - Frankenmuth
After breakfast we’ll board the ferry to the lake port of St. Ignace and cross the famous suspension bridge over the Straits of Mackinac with Lake Huron on one side and Lake Michigan on the other. Continue on to Frankenmuth, Michigan’s Bavarian Village. For over 150 years Frankenmuth has been the center of German Culture in the Upper Midwest. Enjoy sightseeing and shop at Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland where they make beautiful glass ornaments. After checking into our hotel in Frankenmuth we will enjoy a true Bavarian Chicken Dinner.
Day 7 - Frankenmuth - Niagara Falls, Canada
Enjoy breakfast in Bavarian Frankenmuth and dinner in world famous Niagara Falls. Our hotel in Niagara Falls is the beautiful Hilton Niagara Falls on the Canadian side of the falls. Dinner is included in the Skylon Tower high above the Falls. What a view and what a dinner! See Niagara Falls illuminated after dark and try your luck at the big Casino near our hotel.
Day 8 - Depart Niagara Falls
Breakfast and a visit to the popular Duty Free Shop where there are great bargains on the fine gifts, perfumes, liquor, and fancy candies. Next we’ll cross the Rainbow Bridge back into the USA. Along the way we will stop off in Geneva, New York in the famous Finger Lakes. At Ventosa Vineyards overlooking scenic Lake Seneca we’ll enjoy a wine tasting and Lunch. Return home this evening filed with Michigan and Mackinac memories.
