Magical…Magnificent… and, Marvelous - are three words that encapsulate the charm of Mackinac Island, the jewel of the Great Lakes. Crowned as “one of the world’s friendliest islands” get ready to experience a slower, more genteel time as you take a carriage ride through a “living” Victorian village, have lunch at the Grand Hotel and visit Fort Mackinac that dates to the 1700s.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Erie, Pennsylvania
Arrive in Buffalo* and transfer to Erie, PA where overnight lodging will be provided at the Springhill Suites by Marriott.
*Please arrive into Buffalo no later than 4pm.
Day 2 - Erie - Dearborn, MI
Breakfast is included this morning before we follow the shores of Lake Erie to Cleveland, Ohio and a visit to the famous Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Located in a striking pyramid shaped building on the shores of Lake Erie, you’ll enjoy a morning with the legends of Rock & Roll. It’s a real trip down memory lane. This afternoon brings us to Dearborn, Michigan, for 2 nights at the Best Western Inn, with dinner. (B,D)
Day 3 - Dearborn
Today, we visit the Ford Rogue factory and see this great truck being built in action with a tour. After, enter the world of Henry Ford, with admission provided to both Greenfield Village and The Henry Ford Museum. The Ford Museum is where Henry Ford stored his vast private collection, and at Greenfield Village we travel back in time to America of the mid-1800s, a living history museum far removed from today’s fast paced society. (B,D)
Day 4 - Dearborn - Mackinac Island
This morning we depart, after breakfast, for Northern Michigan, the legendary home of Hiawatha. In Mackinaw City we are transported by island ferry across Lake Huron to beautiful Mackinac Island. Our hotel is the lovely Island House located on the Main Street, amidst all the historic attractions and shops. The Island House is a National Historic Landmark that has welcomed guests to Mackinac for over 150 years. Dinner is included off the menu at the hotel. (B,D)
Day 5 - Mackinac Island
Breakfast is included this morning, at the Island House, before we set out to explore the town. Everyone on Mackinac either walks or rides in horse drawn carriages, and today our sightseeing will be by horse drawn carriage in true Mackinac tradition. Featured today will be the famous Grand Buffet Lunch at the Grand Hotel. With its magnificent wrap around porch and beautiful gardens, this is one of the great hotels of North America. Enjoy the Grand Hotel and the rest of the afternoon to visit the shops and explore the Island. Dinner is on your own, and on Mackinac Island there are many wonderful restaurants to choose from. (B,L)
Day 6 - Mackinac Island - Frankenmuth
After breakfast, we will be transferred back to the ferry dock for the lake port of St. Ignace. Our motor-coach will meet us and we will cross the famous suspension bridge over the Straits of Mackinac with Lake Huron on one side and Lake Michigan on the other. Continue on to Frankenmuth, Michigan’s Bavarian Village. For over 150 years Frankenmuth has been the center of German Culture in the Upper Midwest. Enjoy sightseeing and shop at Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, where they make beautiful glass ornaments. After checking into our hotel in Frankenmuth, we will enjoy a true Bavarian Chicken Dinner. (B,D)
Day 7 - Frankenmuth - Niagara Falls, Canada
Enjoy breakfast in Bavarian Frankenmuth and dinner in world famous Niagara Falls. Our hotel in Niagara Falls is the beautiful Hilton Niagara Falls, on the Canadian side of the falls. Dinner is included at the Skylon Tower high above the Falls. What a view and what a dinner! See Niagara Falls illuminated after dark and try your luck at the big Casino near our hotel. (B,D)
Day 8 - Depart Niagara Falls
After breakfast, we will meet our local guide who will take us on a tour of Niagara Falls before we depart filled with magical Mackinac memories. (B)