Mackinac Island & the Great Lakes

Mackinac Island & the Great Lakes

215 Views
8 Days From

$3823

$3447

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:

Globus

Tour code:

NM-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $3823 $3447 Operator discount: -$376

NB: Prices correct on 23-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

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

  • Visit the Henry Ford Museum in Detroit to see the world's premier automotive exhibition, the JFK Presidential Limousine, and the Rosa Parks Bus.

  • Explore the little Bavarian town of Frankenmuth, founded by German immigrants in 1845, and enjoy an authentic Bavarian dinner and wine tasting.

  • Take a ferry to beautiful Mackinac Island and visit Bronner's Christmas Wonderland, a one-stop shop for everything Christmas.

  • Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage tour of Mackinac Island, including stops at the Avenue of Flags, the Governor's Mansion, and Arch Rock.

  • Visit Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse State Park and the historic Legs Inn for incredible views of Lake Michigan and sample Polish and Old World specialties.

  • Explore Charlevoix with a local guide, including the city's Victorian summer resorts and renowned "Mushroom Houses."

  • Visit the Gerald Ford Presidential Library and Museum in Grand Rapids to learn about the lives of President and Mrs. Ford.

  • Take a sightseeing tour of Chicago, the "Windy City," and enjoy a farewell dinner at the historic Palmer House Hilton.

Places You'll See

The Henry, Autograph Collection

Bavarian Inn Lodge

Island House Hotel

Stafford's Perry Hotel

Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

Palmer House Hilton Chicago

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Detroit Michigan

Dhananjay Baghel

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

Dhananjay Baghel

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

Robert Pomerville
Poncho Garcia
Stephen Pollock

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

  • 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.

  • Charlevoix Sightseeing Tour

    A sightseeing tour with a Local Guide in Charlevoix.

show more

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.

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.

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 Collection
Frankenmuth:Bavarian Inn Lodge
Mackinac Island:Island House Hotel
Petoskey:Stafford's Perry Hotel
Grand Rapids:Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
Chicago: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

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

Patty Walker (Google Reviewer)  

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland...

11-Aug-2024

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland and Scotland. August 2024. Let me begin with the positive , the Tour guide was knowledgable, personable and educated! He also was extremely professional and took a genuine interest in providing the highest quality of service to the client. The bus was clean and comfortable and well maintained. The driver was highly experienced and provided excellent transportation. The excursions were acceptable and enjoyable. The Variety of age groups on the trip made for wonderful traveling companions. But unfortunately, that is where the positive ends. The Leonardo hotels that are part of the chain and experience for this specific tour are below quality. We spent a night in a room with a leak in the ceiling. That was known before we checked in and continued to leak while we were there. Another Leonardo hotel, we could not get out of our room. Due to the carpet being ripped up and blocking the door. Most of these hotels I would have walked away from, had I been on my own individual trip. The customer service is missing, customer safety is also missing in these hotels. There is lack of concern to assist customers to their rooms even when it is there responsibility to change the room, there isn't assistance offered. Never have I experienced where you had to absolutely be your own advocate. Because there is no customer concern or care. Quality of food provided is also below standards. It is frowned upon if you request something and often denied. We even had a situation where another individual was placed in the same room we were in and it was considered a "oh well too bad for you." Again, we had to transport our own luggage and bags to a new room. Only after we were our own advocates. We said this stranger and ourselves are not going to stay in the same room. Finally, we received a good room, a room that would be found acceptable in every day normal travel, and we had to change again. Because there was a missing part in a Radiator and this was known to the hotel but yet they still booked us into a room. The radiator would not turn off and the room was steaming hot. So once again, we had to transfer all of our luggage and personal items and trudged down stairwell and elevators to once again change rooms. This is so sad for a bucket list, once in a lifetime, save your money and go on your anniversary trip. The rooms are old and out, dated with stains and tears in carpets and materials. Some of the missing items are a safety concern. Buyer beware! The communication for traveling in other countries is not to the level of customer service and satisfaction that we are used to, we did not expect this level of unacceptable accommodations, much like staying in a hostile. It is the Globus/Cosmos Travel companies responsibility to make sure their accommodations for housing is up to the level of expectations of their customers. The accommodations provided are a reflection of Globus/Cosmos business model and integrity in the global travel industry. This is not everything we experienced, but just a few examples. At this time, their brand appears to be old, outdated, without concern or care for the safety of their clients or their health and welfare as applied to accomodations.Customer service, is their lost art. Choose carefully for travel service. And I would not recommend Globus or Cosmos.

Suneetha Raja (Google Reviewer)  

I have done Newfoundland &...

06-Jul-2024

I have done Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival tour with Globus in June 2024. It was absolute rubbish for the price I paid towards the tour. Terrible hotels, horrible meals, barely any sightseeing that is worth while the visit, most importantly, the Iceberg festival never happened. Globus sold this specific tour departure date as the only way to attend this supposed Iceberg Festival. I felt cheated after paying 3527£ for a 13 day tour considering the only reason I picked this departure date was because I wanted to attend this Iceberg festival. I could have used my time and money in a better way doing a different tour with another company. A Canadian company who did the exact same tour is doing it for £2400. I have been travelling with Globus and Cosmos tours since 2008. However, this company tours have been terrible after the covid shutdowns. They are charging more than the premium companies and not providing the equivalent service on par with the prices. Safe to say that I won't be recommending Globus and Cosmos tours to anyone. Try other tour companies that are on the market.

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed.

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1 Select your preferred date

Sunday - Sunday

Jun 01, 2025 - Jun 08, 2025
$3823 $3447

Operator discount: -$376

Sunday - Sunday

Jun 08, 2025 - Jun 15, 2025
$3843 $3467

Operator discount: -$376

Sunday - Sunday

Jun 22, 2025 - Jun 29, 2025
$4394

Sunday - Sunday

Jul 06, 2025 - Jul 13, 2025
$3883 $3507

Operator discount: -$376

Sunday - Sunday

Jul 27, 2025 - Aug 03, 2025
$4422 $4046

Operator discount: -$376

Sunday - Sunday

Aug 03, 2025 - Aug 10, 2025
$3883 $3507

Operator discount: -$376

Sunday - Sunday

Aug 17, 2025 - Aug 24, 2025
$3883 $3507

Operator discount: -$376

Sunday - Sunday

Aug 31, 2025 - Sep 07, 2025
$4394 $4019

Operator discount: -$376

Sunday - Sunday

Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025
$3843 $3467

Operator discount: -$376

Sunday - Sunday

Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025
$4394 $4019

Operator discount: -$376

Sunday - Sunday

May 31, 2026 - Jun 07, 2026
$4171 $3733

Operator discount: -$439

Sunday - Sunday

Jun 07, 2026 - Jun 14, 2026
$4190 $3752

Operator discount: -$439

Sunday - Sunday

Jun 21, 2026 - Jun 28, 2026
$4792 $4353

Operator discount: -$439

Sunday - Sunday

Jul 26, 2026 - Aug 02, 2026
$4228 $3789

Operator discount: -$439

Sunday - Sunday

Aug 02, 2026 - Aug 09, 2026
$4228 $3789

Operator discount: -$439

Sunday - Sunday

Aug 16, 2026 - Aug 23, 2026
$4228 $3789

Operator discount: -$439

Monday - Monday

Aug 31, 2026 - Sep 07, 2026
$4792 $4353

Operator discount: -$439

Sunday - Sunday

Sep 13, 2026 - Sep 20, 2026
$4190 $3752

Operator discount: -$439

Prices last published on 19-Nov-2024

Book 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.

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