Mackinac Island & the Great Lakes
September 7-14, 2025
8 Day Tour from Detroit to Chicago
September 7-14, 2025
A Globus trip with special group pricing from Blue Skies Travel
This tour of Mackinac Island and the Great Lakes gets your engines revving with a visit to Detroit’s Henry Ford Museum to explore where past innovations have fueled the imagination of today’s innovations. Switch gears as you board a ferry for Mackinac Island, the Jewel of the Great Lakes and one of the nation’s most popular summer resorts.
Horse-drawn carriages and bicycles are the island’s only means of transportation! Enjoy lunch at the famous Grand Hotel, military history at the restored Fort Mackinac, and the decadent fudge the charming island is known for. Other sweet detours include the Bavarian town of Frankenmuth, the coastal resort of Petoskey, and the faster-paced cities of Grand Rapids and Chicago.
Call 302-893-4571
or email: margo@blueskiestravelcenter.com
DAY-BY-DAY
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Detroit, Michigan
Welcome to the Michigan!
At 6 pm, meet your fellow travel companions for a welcome drink. Your tour director will prepare you for your upcoming journey.
Accommodations:
Detroit Marriott At The Renaissance Center
This 73-story hotel with an 8-story atrium lobby is situated on the riverfront in the GM Renaissance Center providing access to restaurants, sporting events and Hart Plaza. The hotel features contemporary and sophisticated décor and modern amenities throughout.
Day 2: Detroit - Frankenmuth
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 and the Rosa Parks Bus. Continue to the little Bavarian town of Frankenmuth, founded by German immigrants in 1845. This evening, experience fine German cuisine and a wine tasting.
Breakfast, Dinner included today.
Accomodations:
Bavarian Inn Lodge
Located in the heart of downtown Frankenmuth on the banks of the beautiful Cass River, the Bavarian Inn is a charming German-themed hotel including a Glockenspiel, Biergarten, and on-site restaurant featuring traditional German cuisine.
Day 3: Frankenmuth - Mackinac Island
Visit Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, a one-stop shop for everything Christmas. Leave the motorcoach behind and take a ferry to beautiful Mackinac Island.
Breakfast included today.
Accommodations:
Island House Hotel
The historic Island House Hotel features sweeping harbor views and a full complement of amenities, including two on-site restaurants, complimentary Wi-Fi, bike rentals, heated indoor pool, hot tub, and sauna.
Day 4: Mackinac Island
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.
Breakfast, Lunch included today.
Accommodations:
Island House Hotel
Day 5: Mackinac Island - Petoskey
Great Lake Michigan
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 Legs Inn for views of Lake Michigan. Learn about the inn’s fascinating history and sample some Polish and other Old World specialties. Visit Charlevoix with its renowned “Mushroom Houses.” Continue to your historic hotel in Petoskey, perched high on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan.
Breakfast is included today.
Accommodations:
Stafford's Perry Hotel
This turn-of-the-century hotel overlooks Little Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan. Guests can enjoy the Noggins Room Pub for a casual meal and live music, or the H.O. Rose Dining room for beautiful views and regional cuisine.
This morning, travel to Traverse City, located on the shores of Grand Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan. Enjoy lunch on your own before continuing to Grand Rapids. Visit the Gerald Ford Presidential Library and Museum.
Breakfast is included today.
Accommodations:
Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection By Hilton
Situated on the Grand River, this 29-story hotel features spectacular views of the surrounding area. With a section of the hotel dating to 1913 and a newer modern tower, rooms are designed to reflect the era in which they were built, featuring historic accents and modern furnishings.
Day 6: Petoskey - Traverse City - Grand Rapids
Day 7: Grand Rapids - Chicago, Illinois
Travel through Indiana to Chicago for a sightseeing tour of the “Windy City.” Enjoy an overnight at the 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!
Breakfast and Dinner included today.
Accomodations:
Palmer House Hilton Chicago
Built in 1871, the luxurious Palmer House Hilton is steeped in history, hosting prominent figures including Charles Dickens, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, and numerous U.S. presidents. The hotel is ideally located in the heart of Chicago, within walking distance of Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, and Michigan Avenue.
Day 8: Chicago
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Want to explore more of Chicago? Extra nights are available for purchase.
Breakfast included today.
Pricing
Double occupancy rates per person - $3,799
Travel protection per person - $359
A deposit of $250 per person is due upon reservation. Space is limited and reservations are made on a first-come, first-serve basis. Final payment is July 9, 2025.
Ask me about airfare as well as extra nights in Detroit and/or Chicago.
Rates, availability and all terms and conditions subject to change until booking is confirmed.
Don't miss out; contact Margo McDonough at Blue Skies Travel Center today.
302-893-4571 or margo@blueskiestravelcenter.com.