Overview
Mackinac Island & the Great Lakes
Experience life in the fast and slow lanes as you venture to where the automobile was born and also where it’s been banned since 1898. This tour of Mackinac Island and the Great Lakes navigate the Chicago River for iconic skyscraper views in Chicago and gets your engines revving with a visit to Detroit’s Henry Ford Museum to explore where past inventions 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. With horse-drawn carriages and bicycles as the island’s only means of transportation, enjoy a two-night stay at the famous Grand Hotel, explore military history at the restored Fort Mackinac, and indulge with decadent fudge the charming island is known for. Other sweet detours include a blueberry farm in Holland, the Bavarian town of Frankenmuth, the coastal resort of Petoskey, and the faster-paced cities of Grand Rapids and Bay City. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Grand Rapids so you can plan your day your way.
Experience the Great Lakes in captivating contrast—from the birthplace of the automobile to an island where cars have been banned since 1898. This journey begins in Chicago with iconic skyline views on a narrated architecture cruise along the Chicago River before exploring American innovation at The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, where groundbreaking inventions and historic artifacts tell the story of a nation on the move.Then slow the pace as you ferry across Lake Huron to Mackinac Island, the Jewel of the Great Lakes and one of America's most beloved summer retreats. Here, horse-drawn carriages and bicycles set the rhythm for a memorable two-night stay at the legendary Grand Hotel, with time to relax and explore the island, discover historic Fort Mackinac, and sample the island's famous fudge.Along the way, visit a blueberry farm in Holland, enjoy the lakeside setting of historic Legs Inn, discover the coastal communities of Petoskey, Traverse City, and Bay City, and experience the Bavarian-inspired charm of Frankenmuth, home to Bronner's Christmas Wonderland. Filled with Great Lakes scenery, regional traditions, and iconic American experiences, this journey reveals the character and charm of one of North America's most distinctive regions.PLUS, this tour includes your choice of excursions in Grand Rapids so you can plan your day your way.
Highlights of Mackinac Island & the Great Lakes
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.
Product Group
Mackinac Island & the Great Lakes
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.
Travelers Notes
Special Features Included in this Tour:• Guided sightseeing in Chicago including an architecture cruise on the Chicago River [LF]• Visit to a blueberry farm in Holland, Michigan [LF]• Globus Choice excursion in Grand Rapids – included in your tour with your choice of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum or Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park• Drive the Tunnel of Trees• Visit to Legs Inn on Lake Michigan [LF]• Ferry in the Great Lakes region across Lake Huron to Mackinac Island • Horse and carriage ride to Mackinac’s famed Grand Hotel• Visits to Petoskey and Traverse City on Lake Michigan and Bay City on Lake Huron• Visit to Frankenmuth and Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland• Tour the Henry Ford Museum in DearbornSpecial two-night stay and remarkable meals at the Grand Hotel in Mackinac Island
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.
Product Group
Mackinac Island & the Great Lakes
Notes
Guests should be prepared for easy but sustained walking and standing throughout the tour, including 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.Boarding the horse-drawn carriages on Mackinac Island requires climbing 2–3 steps.
Travelers Notes
Special Features Included in this Tour:• Guided sightseeing in Chicago including an [LF] architecture cruise on the Chicago River to view the city's iconic skyline and historic buildings • Visit to a [LF] blueberry farm in Holland, Michigan, and learn about one of the region's signature agricultural traditions • Visit [LF] Legs Inn on Lake Michigan a landmark restaurant known for its Polish heritage and lakeside setting • Ferry across Lake Huron to Mackinac Island, where cars are replaced by horse-drawn transportation and bicycles• Horse and carriage tour of Mackinac Island, showcasing Victorian architecture, historic sites, and scenic island views• Visits to Petoskey and Traverse City on Lake Michigan and Bay City on Lake Huron, each offering a unique glimpse of Great Lakes lifeVisit Frankenmuth, Michigan's Bavarian-inspired village, and Bronner's Christmas Wonderland, the world's largest Christmas store• Tour The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn to explore exhibits celebrating American innovation, industry, and ingenuity• Special two-night stay at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, featuring remarkable meals and the world's longest front porch overlooking the Straits of Mackinac
Meals
Breakfast daily, 3 Dinners
Meals
Breakfast daily, 3 Dinners
Itineraries
Day 1
ARRIVE IN CHICAGO, ILLINOIS Welcome to Illinois! At 6 pm, meet your fellow travel companions for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming journey.
Day 2
CHICAGO Windy City Sights Discover the highlights and history of Chicago during a guided city tour, from Millenium Park to the Magnificent Mile, travel on the “Loop” and see skyline views plus visit the Navy Pier on the shoreline of Lake Michigan. Shift from shore to ship and view Chicago’s legendary buildings and bridges from a unique perspective as you cruise along the Chicago River on a [LF] narrated architecture cruise. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore on your own. (B)LOCAL FAVORITECruise the Chicago River on a guided tour featuring more than 40 architectural icons including the Wrigley Building, Willis Tower, Tribune Tower, and Marina City. Travel on the three branches of the Chicago River, with breathtaking views of Chicago’s famous skyscrapers, bridges, and landmarks at every turn.
Day 3
CHICAGO–HOLLAND, MICHIGAN-GRAND RAPIDS Blueberries to Blue Bridge Travel through Indiana to Holland, Michigan for lunch and free time in the historic downtown. Visit [LF] Bowerman’s Blueberry Farm on the way to Grand Rapids for a farm visit and fresh blueberry dessert. This evening, explore the dining options and nightlife in Michigan’s second largest city, Grand Rapids. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTDUTCH HERITAGE The city was settled by Dutch immigrants and the Dutch-inspired architecture, including the historic homes and windmills at Windmill Island Gardens, and are still visible today as modern life blends with tradition. LOCAL FAVORITEImmerse yourself in fresh air and sunshine as you enjoy blueberries directly from the field at a third-generation farm. Savor a special blueberry dessert and discover unique blueberry-themed gifts and culinary creations at Bowerman’s Blueberry Farm.
Day 4
GRAND RAPIDS–TRAVERSE CITY–CHARLEVOIX–PETOSKEY Explore more of Grand Rapids with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions. This afternoon, visit Traverse City, located on the shores of Grand Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan. Enjoy free time in the historic downtown with waterfront views and award-winning dining choices for lunch. Continue along the shoreline to Charlevoix to see the city’s Victorian summer resorts and “Mushroom Houses.” Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the historic Perry Hotel in Petoskey, perched high on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. (B,D)
Day 5
PETOSKEY–CROSS VILLAGE–MACKINAW CITY–MACKINAC ISLAND Great Lake Michigan Depart Petoskey and enjoy a scenic drive through the Tunnel of Trees to Cross Village. Stop at the historic [LF] Legs Inn for incredible views of Lake Michigan. Learn about the inn’s fascinating history and sample traditional Polish specialties. Continue north to Mackinaw City and take a ferry on Lake Huron to beautiful Mackinac Island. Upon arrival in Mackinac Island, ride in a horse-drawn carriage to the majestic Grand Hotel for a two-night stay. Since the Civil War, the island has been one of the nation’s most favored summer resorts. Enjoy this special place with its air of 19th-century gentility and historic charm, where bicycles and horse-drawn carriages are the only means of transportation. (B)LOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES Visit Legs Inn - a captivating setting on Lake Michigan – tempting travel-lovers for generations. Founded by Stanley Smolak, a Polish immigrant who creatively worked on the inn using local timber and stone with local “Odawa” Ottawa Native American craftsmen. Sample authentic Polish cuisine such as kielbasa, whitefish, pierogi, and berry szarlotka (crumble cake) while taking in the artisan carvings and unique décor.TOUR HIGHLIGHTACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT A two-night stay at the Grand Hotel offers a Victorian-era vacation in a serene and beautiful setting. Relax in a rocking chair on the world’s longest porch with views of the Straits of Mackinac, swim in the Esther Williams swimming pool, play lawn games, tour the celebrated gardens, and dine at a variety of onsite restaurants. The historic Grand Hotel served as a summer getaway for celebrities, such as Mark Twain, Jimmy Durante, Christopher Reeve, and five U.S. presidents since its opening in 1887. This stately retreat continues today in the style of a bygone era of old-world hospitality and charm.
Day 6
MACKINAC ISLAND Somewhere in Time Free time this morning to relax and discover the island’s treasures at your own pace. Rent a bicycle to explore on your own, visit Fort Mackinac, or sample some of the island’s famous fudge. Later, join your travel companions and explore Mackinac Island for a private tour just as guests have for over 100 years, on a horse-drawn carriage. See the Avenue of Flags, the Governor’s Mansion, and savor the views at Arch Rock, one of the most photographed spots on the island. Tonight, enjoy a special dinner at the Grand Hotel in the Main Dining Room, with live entertainment from the Grand Hotel Orchestra and a locally focused five-course dinner menu. (B,D)ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE in Mackinac Island! Wander and wonder in the charming downtown and enjoy art galleries, restaurants, and shops. Tap your GlobusGO mobile app for maps and suggestions on where to dine and what to see.
Day 7
MACKINAC ISLAND–ST. IGNACE–MACKINAW CITY–BAY CITY Straits of Mackinac Depart Mackinac Island for St. Ignace in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and visit the Wawatam Lighthouse. See the Straits of Mackinac, a narrow, 5-mile-wide channel that connects Lake Huron and Lake Michigan and the well-known Mackinac Bridge. Ferry to Mackinaw City and return to mainland Michigan. Visit Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse State Park, a guiding beacon for ships since 1889. Continue to Bay City and discover the vibrant waterfront town on Lake Huron in the Saginaw Bay. Enjoy free time to explore the Victorian architecture and visit shops and restaurants along the coast of Lake Huron. Consider a stroll on the Riverwalk Pier along the Saginaw River, visit the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum, or take a sunset cruise across Saginaw Bay in Lake Huron. (B)ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE in Bay City! After included sightseeing, the balance of the day is at leisure, providing you with free time to explore on your own. Tap your GlobusGO mobile app for maps and suggestions on where to dine and what to see!
Day 8
BAY CITY – FRANKENMUTH - DEARBORN (DETROIT AREA) American Ingenuity Depart Bay City for Frankenmuth, a town rich in Bavarian heritage founded by German immigrants in 1845. Visit the world’s largest Christmas store, Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland and stroll the streets of the Bavarian-themed downtown. Continue to Dearborn and tour the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, 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. This evening, join your travel companions for a farewell dinner. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTINNOVATORS AND VISIONARIES Discover more than automobiles and assembly lines at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. The extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits chronicles the evolution of technology and transportation, from the visionaries to the fearless, including the Wright brothers' plane. The exhibitions capture more than 200 years of progress that shaped America.
Day 9
DEARBORN (DETROIT) Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Want to explore more of the Detroit area? Extra nights are available for purchase. (B)
Departures
Hotels
| # | Name | Description | City | Address | Rating |
| 1 | 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 US 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. | Chicago | 17 E Monroe Street | Moderate Deluxe |
| 2 | Amway Grand Plaza Hotel | Situated on the Grand River, this striking 29-story hotel balances historic charm and modern amenities, and 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. | Grand Rapids | 187 Monroe NW | Deluxe |
| 3 | Perry Hotel | This three-story, 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. | Petoskey | 100 Lewis Street | Moderate First-Class |
| 4 | Grand Hotel | This historic hotel is located on Mackinac Island where cars are forbidden. Step back in time and enjoy the elegance of this incredible location. Guests can enjoy spectacular views from a rocking chair overlooking the Straits of Mackinac from the world's longest porch. | Mackinac Island | 286 Grand Ave | Moderate Deluxe |
| 5 | DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bay City - Riverfront | With the State Theatre and Delta College Planetarium are within five minutes' walk from the hotel. They have an indoor pool and whirlpool, and rooms provide views of the harbor and the city. | Bay City | One Wenonah Park Place | First-Class |
| 6 | The Henry, Autograph Collection | The Henry, an Autograph Collection, features impeccable amenities and design influenced by art, showcasing the best of Michigan. Situated in close proximity to Fairlane Town Center and The Henry Ford Museum. Exquisite chandeliers, vivid color accents, and a well-chosen collection of contemporary art are features in the lobby, rooms, and event areas. Enjoy the hotel's indoor pool and onsite restaurant. | Dearborn | 300 Town Center Drive | First-Class |
