Experience the Great Lakes in captivating contrast—from the birthplace of the automobile to an island where cars have been banned since 1898. The journey begins in Chicago with iconic skyline views on a narrated architecture cruise on the Chicago River, winds through Michigan and two Great Lakes 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.
Small-Group Discovery Dates Available
Select Globus 2021 North America tours are limited to an average of just 24 guests per tour. 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 North America 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 Europe vacation is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
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, for a relaxing 2-night stay at the Grand Hotel• Horse and carriage tour of Mackinac Island, showcasing Victorian architecture, historic sites, and scenic island views• Ferry across the Straits of Mackinac from Mackinac Island to the Wawatam Lighthouse • Visits to Petoskey and Traverse City on Lake Michigan and Bay City on Lake Huron, each offering a unique glimpse of Great Lakes life• Visit 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 2-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
Meals & Itinerary
Breakfast daily, 3 Dinners
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.
Itinerary
Day 1 ARRIVE IN CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
Welcome to Illinois! At 6:00 p.m., meet your fellow travel companions for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming journey.CHICAGO-SKYLINE.jpg
Day 2 CHICAGO
Windy City Sights Discover the highlights and history of Chicago during a guided city tour, from Millennium 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 
narrated architecture cruise. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore on your own. 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.CHICAGO-NAVY-PIER.jpg
Breakfast
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 area. Visit Bowerman’s Blueberry Farm enroute 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. 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. TOUR HIGHLIGHT Holland, Michigan was settled by Dutch immigrants in 1847 and still features Dutch-inspired architecture—including the historic homes and windmills at Windmill Island Gardens— visible today as modern life blends with tradition.WINDMILL-HOLLAND-MICHIGAN.jpg
Breakfast
Day 4 GRAND RAPIDS–TRAVERSE CITY–CHARLEVOIX–PETOSKEY
Bays, Bluffs & Lakeside Charm Explore more of Grand Rapids with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions.
GREEN THUMBS IN GRAND RAPIDS
Visit the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park with a guided trolley ride around grounds. Stroll the sculpture park and botanical gardens for a closer look at the extensive gardens and more than 200 outdoor art displays. In addition to displays native to the Midwest, the international gardens include a tranquil Japanese garden, English perennial garden, and more than 500 species from five continents in the park's lush tropical conservatory.
PRESIDENTIAL STYLE
Explore the Gerald R. Ford Museum, a tribute to the 38th president of the United States. Discover stories about Grand Rapids' favorite son through exhibits that include a replica of the Oval Office and a multimedia re-creation of the 1944 typhoon that almost swept a young Jerry Ford off the deck of a U.S. aircraft carrier! Browse mementos and memorabilia highlighting the life and times of President Ford and, inspirational First Lady Betty Ford.
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.
PETOSKEY-MICHIGAN.jpg
Breakfast
Dinner
Day 5 PETOSKEY–CROSS VILLAGE–MACKINAW CITY–MACKINAC ISLAND
Along Lake Michigan’s Shore Depart Petoskey and enjoy a scenic drive to Cross Village, on the shores of Lake Michigan. Stop at the historic Legs Inn to sample traditional Polish specialties and enjoy incredible views of Lake Michigan. Continue north to Mackinaw City and take a ferry on Lake Huron to beautiful Mackinac Island. Upon arrival on 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. Discover this remarkable destination, where 19th-century elegance and historic charm endure, and bicycles, horse-drawn carriages, and leisurely walks remain the primary ways to experience the island. LOCAL FAVORITE Visit Legs Inn, a captivating setting on Lake Michigan, founded by Polish immigrant Stanley Smolak and tempting travelers for generations. Sample authentic Polish cuisine such as kielbasa, whitefish, pierogi, and berry szarlotka (crumble cake) while taking in the artisan carvings, fascinating history, and unique décor. Designed with natural materials and inspired by both Polish traditions and the Indigenous heritage of the Great Lakes, the restaurant offers a unique cultural experience in a community with deep Odawa roots.TOUR HIGHLIGHTEnjoy a two-night stay at the Grand Hotel, where Victorian charm meets a peaceful, scenic setting. Unwind in a rocking chair on the world’s longest porch overlooking the Straits of Mackinac, swim in the Esther Williams pool, play lawn games, stroll through the famous gardens, and choose from a variety of onsite dining options. Since opening in 1887, the Grand Hotel has welcomed notable guests including Mark Twain, Christopher Reeve, and five U.S. presidents. Today, it continues to offer timeless elegance, historic character, and classic hospitality.GRAND-HOTEL-MACKINAC-ISLAND.jpg
Breakfast
Day 6 MACKINAC ISLAND
Somewhere in Time Free time this morning to relax and discover the island’s treasures. 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 for a private horse-drawn carriage tour of Mackinac Island, just as visitors have done for more than 100 years. 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. ENHANCED FREE TIMEExplore more on Mackinac Island! Wander and wonder in the charming downtown and enjoy art galleries, restaurants, and shops. Ask your Tour Director for suggestions on where to dine and what to see.MACKINAC-ISLAND-FORT-MACKINAC.jpg
Breakfast
Dinner
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. View the Straits of Mackinac and the iconic Mackinac Bridge before crossing the "Mighty Mac" to Mackinaw City. Return to mainland Michigan and visit Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse State Park, which has guided ships since 1889. Continue to Bay City, a lively waterfront town on Lake Huron’s Saginaw Bay. Enjoy free time this evening to explore the scenic riverfront views, shops, and restaurants in the historic downtown. Discover Bay City’s local flavors for dinner, from Great Lakes fish and classic comfort food to time-honored Polish specialties. ENHANCED FREE TIMEExplore more in Bay City! Consider a stroll along the Riverwalk Pier on the Saginaw River or visit the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum to discover the area’s maritime and shipbuilding heritage.MACKINAW-CITY-MACKINAC-POINT-LIGHTHOUSE.jpg
Breakfast
Day 8 BAY CITY–FRANKENMUTH–DEARBORN (DETROIT AREA)
American Ingenuity Depart Bay City for Frankenmuth, a storybook Bavarian-style town founded by German immigrants in 1845. Visit Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, the world’s largest Christmas store, with time to discover the charming shops and distinctive architecture of the downtown district. Continue to Dearborn for a visit to the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, where the spirit of American ingenuity vividly comes to life. Explore extraordinary exhibits, including a premier automotive collection, the JFK Presidential Limousine, George Washington’s camp bed, and the Rosa Parks Bus. This evening, celebrate your journey with your Tour Director and fellow travelers at a farewell dinner. TOUR HIGHLIGHTStep beyond the assembly line at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, where more than two centuries of groundbreaking ideas, inventions, and transportation milestones are brought together under one roof. From pioneering automobiles and aviation achievements to iconic artifacts that changed the course of history, this remarkable collection honors the dreamers, makers, and visionaries who helped shape America.FRANKENMUTH.jpg
Breakfast
Dinner
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. DETROIT.jpg
Breakfast
Tour Director
With GLOBUS, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of a Tour Director. We’d like you to meet one of our Tour Directors, who average over a decade of experience and are representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.
SUSANNAH JONES
Escorting tours for more than 20 years
Escorting tours for more than 20 years
“Travel, food, music, and laughter bring people together. There is nothing like seeing faces with bright smiles when they taste a local delicacy, hear live regional music, and make lifelong friends while traveling together. I was raised in the South, lived in Germany, and taught Middle School all before beginning my second career as a Tour Director. I love the joy of making unforgettable experiences for guests from East to West. There are the majestic sights of national parks in Yosemite, the surreal landscape of Yellowstone, the haunting beauty of our Wetlands, and the bluish-green hues of the Shenandoah Valley. Tasting Peanut soup, beignets, and Fry Bread lets you taste local culture. Traveling will change you for the better!”
Optional Excursions
No matter what you’re into: food, wine, history, art, music or anything else,
we give you the freedom to personalize your vacation with optional excursions that speak to your interests.
When you book your excursions with us, you can be assured that every optional excursion that we offer coordinates with the free time that you'll have in your destination,
so you'll never have conflicts between included and optional activities.
Our team of travel experts carefully selects each optional excursion that we offer to ensure that you receive the highest quality at a great value.
Our tried-and-true partners have a finger on the pulse of the city in which they operate so they deliver the very best experiences.
We offer experiences you cannot create on your own and because you’re booking with us, we coordinate all your transportation and timing needs.
The following optional excursions are examples only for this vacation. These may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Please select a departure date to view optional excursions and pricing for a specific date (due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased). Optional excursions are available for purchase on our MyGlobus site 90 days prior to the tour start date.
Price Ranges
$ ($50 CAD and under)
$$ ($51 - $100 CAD)
$$$ ($101 - $150 CAD)
$$$$ (Over $150)
Petoskey
GREEN THUMBS IN GRAND RAPIDS
Visit the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park with a guided trolley ride around grounds. Stroll the sculpture park and botanical gardens for a closer look at the extensive gardens and more than 200 outdoor art displays. In addition to displays native to the Midwest, the international gardens include a tranquil Japanese garden, English perennial garden, and more than 500 species from five continents in the park's lush tropical conservatory.
Price Range: $
PRESIDENTIAL STYLE
Explore the Gerald R. Ford Museum, a tribute to the 38th president of the United States. Discover stories about Grand Rapids' favorite son through exhibits that include a replica of the Oval Office and a multimedia re-creation of the 1944 typhoon that almost swept a young Jerry Ford off the deck of a U.S. aircraft carrier! Browse mementos and memorabilia highlighting the life and times of President Ford and, inspirational First Lady Betty Ford.
Price Range: $
The “Starting at” or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per person based on twin occupancy and any applicable port charges, non-commissionable taxes and fees and intra-vacation flight are included in the price shown. Any included overnight stay in Canada, applicable GST/HST is also included in the price shown. International airfare, however, is not included. If price is crossed out, the new price shown includes a limited time promotional offer(s). Please review current promotions or deals for additional information.