Mackinac Island & the Great Lakes
Mackinac Island & the Great Lakes
Mackinac Island & the Great Lakes
8 Days Starting in Detroit, United States and ending in Chicago, United States
Visiting: Detroit, Mackinac Island, Grand Rapids, Chicago, Illinois, Chicago
Tour operator:
Tour code:
NM-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of the Great Lakes region with the "Mackinac Island & the Great Lakes" tour. Begin in Detroit with a visit to the Henry Ford Museum, showcasing iconic pieces of American history. Explore the charming Bavarian town of Frankenmuth and enjoy an authentic Bavarian dinner. Take a ferry to the picturesque Mackinac Island, where you'll experience a horse-drawn carriage tour and visit Bronner's Christmas Wonderland. Discover the historic Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse and savor Polish specialties at the Legs Inn. Continue to Charlevoix for a guided tour of its Victorian summer resorts and unique "Mushroom Houses." Visit the Gerald Ford Presidential Library in Grand Rapids, and conclude your adventure with a sightseeing tour of Chicago, capped off with a farewell dinner at the historic Palmer House Hilton. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration, historical insights, and scenic beauty.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Detroit Michigan
Location: Detroit
Accommodation Name: Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center
At 6 pm, meet your fellow travel companions for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming journey.
Day 2: Detroit,Frankenmuth
Location: Detroit
Accommodation Name: Bavarian Inn Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Visit the Henry Ford Museum, the ultimate place to experience America’s past and present. See the world’s premier automotive exhibition, the JFK Presidential Limousine, an original camp bed used by George Washington, and the Rosa Parks Bus. Continue to the little Bavarian town of Frankenmuth, founded by German immigrants in 1845. This evening, enjoy an authentic [LF] Bavarian dinner to experience fine German cuisine and a wine tasting.
Day 3: Frankenmuth,Mackinac Island
Location: Mackinac Island
Accommodation Name: Island House Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Visit Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, a one stop shop for everything Christmas. Leave the motorcoach behind and take a ferry to beautiful Mackinac Island.
Day 4: Mackinac Island
Location: Mackinac Island
Accommodation Name: Island House Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning is at leisure. Rent a bicycle to explore on your own, visit Fort Mackinac, or sample some of the island’s famous fudge. Travel by horse and carriage for lunch at the elegant Grand Hotel. After lunch, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage tour of this celebrated island. See the Avenue of Flags, the Governor’s Mansion, and enjoy a stop at Arch Rock, one of the most photographed spots on the island.
Day 5: Mackinac Island,Mackinaw City,Charlevoix-Petoskey
Location: Mackinac Island
Accommodation Name: Stafford's Perry Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart by ferry from Mackinac Island, returning to mainland Michigan. Visit Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse State Park, a guiding beacon for ships since 1889. Stop at the historic [LF] Legs Inn for incredible views of Lake Michigan. Learn about the inn’s fascinating history and sample some Polish and other Old World specialties. Visit Charlevoix where a sightseeing tour with a Local Guide introduces you to the city’s Victorian summer resorts and renowned “Mushroom Houses.” Continue to your historic hotel in Petoskey, perched high on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan.
Day 6: Petoskey,Traverse City,Grand Rapids
Location: Grand Rapids
Accommodation Name: Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, travel to Traverse City, located on the shores of Grand Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan. Enjoy free time for lunch on your own before continuing to Grand Rapids. Visit to the Gerald Ford Presidential Library and Museum. The museum lets you participate in history while learning about the lives of President and Mrs. Ford.
Day 7: Grand Rapids,Chicago,Illinois
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Accommodation Name: Palmer House Hilton Chicago
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel through Indiana to Chicago for a sightseeing tour of the “Windy City.” Enjoy an overnight at the [LF] historic Palmer House Hilton. Tonight, join your Tour Director and travel companions for a farewell dinner. During dinner, learn how one of America’s favorite desserts was created here - then enjoy a taste for yourself!
Day 8: Chicago
Location: Chicago
Accommodation Name: Palmer House Hilton Chicago
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Want to explore more of Chicago? Extra nights are available for purchase.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
Stay at various hotels including Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center, Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth, Island House Hotel on Mackinac Island, Stafford's Perry Hotel in Petoskey, Amway Grand Plaza in Grand Rapids, and Palmer House Hilton in Chicago.
-
Meals
Breakfast daily, 1 lunch, and 2 dinners are included.
-
Welcome Drink
Meet your fellow travel companions for a welcome drink on the first day.
-
Henry Ford Museum Visit
Visit the Henry Ford Museum to experience America’s past and present.
-
Bavarian Dinner
Enjoy an authentic Bavarian dinner in Frankenmuth.
-
Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland Visit
Visit Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, a one-stop shop for everything Christmas.
-
Ferry to Mackinac Island
Take a ferry to beautiful Mackinac Island.
-
Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour
Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage tour of Mackinac Island.
-
Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse Visit
Visit Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse State Park.
-
Legs Inn Visit
Stop at the historic Legs Inn for views of Lake Michigan and sample Polish and Old World specialties.
What's Not Included
-
Flights
Flights to and from the tour starting and ending locations are not included.
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
-
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.
-
Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
-
Gratuities
Gratuities for the Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides are not included.
Meals
Breakfast daily, 2 Lunches, 1 Dinners
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select North America dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
Mode of Transport
Leave the motorcoach behind and take a ferry to beautiful Mackinac Island. Depart by ferry from Mackinac Island, returning to mainland Michigan. Travel through Indiana to Chicago for a sightseeing tour of the 'Windy City.'
Accommodation
Detroit:The Henry, Autograph CollectionFrankenmuth:Bavarian Inn Lodge Mackinac Island:Island House HotelPetoskey:Stafford's Perry HotelGrand Rapids:Amway Grand Plaza HotelChicago:Palmer House Hilton Chicago
Notes
Guests should be prepared for easy but sustained walking throughout the tour, including ¼-½ mile over uneven ground during select days of sightseeing. Guests with mobility concerns may experience uneven or wet surfaces specifically for ferry loading and unloading, and limited access to passenger amenities on board certain vessels.
Check out our Q&As
-
What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour includes motorcoach transportation, but you will also take a ferry to and from Mackinac Island. Additionally, there is a horse-drawn carriage tour on Mackinac Island.
-
Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes breakfast daily, one lunch, and two dinners. There is also a welcome drink on the first day.
-
What kind of accommodations can I expect during the tour?
You will stay at various hotels including the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center, Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth, Island House Hotel on Mackinac Island, Stafford's Perry Hotel in Petoskey, Amway Grand Plaza in Grand Rapids, and Palmer House Hilton in Chicago.
-
What activities are included on Mackinac Island?
On Mackinac Island, you will visit Bronner's Christmas Wonderland, take a ferry to the island, and enjoy a horse-drawn carriage tour that includes stops at the Avenue of Flags, the Governor's Mansion, and Arch Rock. You will also have free time to explore the island on your own.
-
What historical sites will we visit during the tour?
The tour includes visits to the Henry Ford Museum in Detroit, Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse State Park, the Gerald Ford Presidential Library and Museum in Grand Rapids, and a sightseeing tour of Chicago.
-
Is there any free time during the tour?
Yes, there is free time on Mackinac Island to explore on your own, and in Traverse City for lunch on your own.
-
Are there any special dining experiences included?
Yes, the tour includes an authentic Bavarian dinner in Frankenmuth, lunch at the elegant Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, and a farewell dinner at the historic Palmer House Hilton in Chicago.
-
What is the group size for this tour?
The tour offers Small-Group Discoveries on select North America dates, limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure.
-
Are flights included in the tour package?
No, flights to and from the tour starting and ending locations are not included.
-
Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Sunday - Sunday
Jun 01, 2025 - Jun 08, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Jun 08, 2025 - Jun 15, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Jun 22, 2025 - Jun 29, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Jul 06, 2025 - Jul 13, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Jul 27, 2025 - Aug 03, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Aug 03, 2025 - Aug 10, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Aug 17, 2025 - Aug 24, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Aug 31, 2025 - Sep 07, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025Sunday - Sunday
May 31, 2026 - Jun 07, 2026Sunday - Sunday
Jun 07, 2026 - Jun 14, 2026Sunday - Sunday
Jun 21, 2026 - Jun 28, 2026Sunday - Sunday
Jul 26, 2026 - Aug 02, 2026Sunday - Sunday
Aug 02, 2026 - Aug 09, 2026Sunday - Sunday
Aug 16, 2026 - Aug 23, 2026Monday - Monday
Aug 31, 2026 - Sep 07, 2026Sunday - Sunday
Sep 13, 2026 - Sep 20, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Globus requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of globus charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Enquire for huge savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.