Mackinac Island
$2,959.00
From $2,959* pp | 8 Days • 10 -11 Meals *Rate is per person, land only, double occupancy.
This classic Midwestern destination tour features Michigan, Wisconsin and Illinois. Savour two incredible nights amid the luxury of the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.
- See how the automobile impacted American life and society throughout the years when you visit the Henry Ford Museum.
- Marvel at the exquisite architecture, breathtaking lake front grounds and fine arts collection at the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House.
- Experience Mackinac Island’s charm and explore historical sites from the comfort of a horse-drawn carriage.
- Spend two nights in the vibrant city of Chicago.
Travel Back in Time
This classic Midwestern tour features Michigan, Wisconsin and Illinois. Savour two incredible nights amid the luxury of the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Enjoy a horse and buggy tour of Mackinac Island. Explore the wonderful city of Chicago with a local guide. Visit the Bavarian-influenced town of Frankenmuth. In Dearborn, experience the inspirational Henry Ford Museum and view historic homes and famous American workshops including those from Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Robert Frost. Dine at the elegant Edsel and Eleanor Ford Estate and enjoy a private tour of their home.
Itinerary
Day 1. Allen Park, Michigan – Tour Begins
Get ready for a journey through the coastal regions and farmlands of the Midwest. The tranquil beauty of Mackinac Island and the Great Lakes region is accented by old-fashioned traditions and incredible scenery.
High 24 Low 12 
Best Western Greenfield Inn
Today, visit Greenfield Village and the Henry Ford Museum for an experience in living history! 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. Tonight, enjoy a special welcome dinner at the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House. After an elegant dinner is served, a docent will guide you through the estate. Marvel at the exquisite architecture, breathtaking lake front grounds and a collection of fine art that tells the story of one of America’s most prominent industrial families.
Breakfast & Dinner 
High 24 Low 12 
Best Western Greenfield Inn
Day 3. Allen Park – Frankenmuth – Mackinac Island
On your way to Mackinac Island, enjoy a stop in the quaint town of Frankenmuth which is filled with unique German shops and the largest Christmas store in the world – Bronner’s. Stroll along Main Street with its beautiful flowers and lovely buildings. Board your Mackinac Island ferry and prepare for a ride back in time to a simpler era. As your ferry approaches the shore you can see your home for the next two nights, the glorious Victorian-era resort, the Grand Hotel*. Both your hotel and the island itself are National Historic Landmarks. Upon arrival, discover how the neighs and clip-clops of horses replace the roar of engines. This quiet island of yesteryear evokes a nostalgia that truly inspires the senses. The island is a natural gem with over eighty percent of its land preserved by Mackinac State Park, a wooded paradise accented with limestone formations and ringed by Lake Huron. The evening is yours to relax on your own. Perhaps you’ll take a leisurely stroll through the quaint village or unwind on the Grand Hotel’s famous porch.
Breakfast & Dinner High 22 Low 11 Grand Hotel
Day 4. Mackinac Island
Enjoy time to explore Inverness, the “Capital of the Highlands.” This afternoon, enjoy a cruise on Loch Ness. Disembark at the base of famed Urquhart Castle and explore the ruins of this historic stronghold. Continue south through Scotland’s stunning Great Glen before arriving at your hotel on the banks of Loch Linnhe.
Breakfast & Dinner
Enjoy some leisure time this morning at the Grand Hotel before departing for Wisconsin. En route, experience this state’s picturesque landscape dotted with farmlands, idyllic red barns, and dairy cows roaming the pastures. Wisconsin is famous for its cheese. Small, family-owned cheese producers make most of it, specializing in award-winning varieties. Stop at a favourite local cheese shop for an opportunity to learn about, sample and buy some of its finest products. Later, arrive in Green Bay, Wisconsin’s oldest city.
Breakfast
Day 6. Green Bay – Chicago, Illinois
En route to Chicago, hear the compelling history of the diverse state of Wisconsin as you pass by classic Midwest cities including Milwaukee. Arrive in Chicago. This dynamic city goes by many names including “Second City” and “The Windy City” – no matter what you call it, you are sure to love it! With an evening at leisure, begin to discover all Chicago has to offer.
Breakfast High 24 Low 12 Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile
Day 7. Chicago
We set off for a locally guided tour of Chicago’s unique cityscape and the impressive architecture that makes the city so remarkable. 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 to relax or discover more of the “Windy City.” Perhaps visit one of its many museums, relax during a scenic boat ride across the Chicago River, or visit the Chicago Cultural Centre which hosts the largest Tiffany dome in the world. Or, you might visit the Art Institute of Chicago and behold the most complete collection of impressionist art outside of Paris. Perhaps you’ll choose to ride to the top of the Sears Tower for remarkable views of the city. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner and celebrate the end of a wonderful journey.
Breakfast & Dinner High 24 Low 12 Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile
Day 8. Chicago – Tour Ends
Your tour ends today, leaving you with a bounty of happy memories from your visit to America’s heartland.
INCLUSIONS
Accommodation
Meals as per itinerary
Tour guide
Activities as stated
Please note: Accommodation is subject to change.
EXCLUSIONS
Flights
Meals not indicated on the itinerary
Drinks
Optional activities
Visas
Comprehensive travel insurance
Items of a personal nature – laundry, telephone, room service
Tips and gratuities
- Michigan is 14 hours and Wisconsin and Illinois 15 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.
- This tour is near sea level
- Currency in the United States is the United States Dollar.
- For electricity, the United States uses 110 Volts.
- Why not consider a pre and post tour extension. Start and end your holiday rested.
This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, upstairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.
April 2017.
Apr 29 – May 6. $2,959