Start your summer at the prestigious Grand Hotel on the storied Mackinac Island, nestled on Lake Huron in the Great Lakes region in Michigan. The Grand Hotel is celebrated as one of the world’s top resorts by both Conde Nast Traveler and Travel & Leisure magazines, has received the coveted 4-Diamond rating 24 years in a row and is repeatedly named the best hotel in Michigan. Delight in the summer of a bygone era, with horse-drawn carriages, afternoon tea, chamber music and lawn games in the garden. Guests dress for dinner, dining with friends old and new, followed by demitasse and dancing every evening.
Day 1 - East of Elyria (D)
Hitting the road, heading east, we’ll spend our first night near Youngstown, OH. Tuck into dinner at Cracker Barrel before a relaxing night at the Fairfield Inn.
Day 2 – Mackinaw City (B, D)
Be charmed by Mackinaw City, home to the incredible, 5-mile bridge connecting Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. Arrive in time for dinner at Audie’s, a local favorite located “At The Bridge.” Spend the night at the Holiday Inn Express.
Day 3 – A Grand Arrival (B, D)
Welcome to Mackinac Island! Get the lay of the land during an horse-drawn carriage tour including Arch Rock, the Fort Mackinac Avenue of Flags and Surrey Hills. Arriving at The Grand Hotel, be welcomed by the world’s longest porch, Victorian décor, blue waters and warm hospitality. Check into your exceptional, uniquely decorated guest room, boasting modern amenities. Unwind and break out your evening best for your first of three special dinners in the elegant Main Dining Room!
Days 4 and 5 – The Most of Mackinac (2B, 2D)
Enjoy two days to yourself to make the most of Mackinac. Stay on the hotel property and take part in the lawn games, swim in the lake or the pool, relax on the porch, enjoy dinner, dancing and so much more at this incredible resort. Venture to downtown or explore the island. Ask your Tour Director for ideas because there is so much to do - the annual Lilac Festival, a lake cruise, dunes, beaches, restaurants and more await!
Day 6 – Oom-pah-pah & Glockenspiel! (B, D)
Bid farewell to Mackinac and say hello to an entirely European experience with a day in Frak-enmuth, the Little Bavaria of Michigan. Famous for its covered bridges, quaint shops and Christmas all year long, see it all on a tour with your expert guide. Tonight, it’s an evening of Oom-pahpah with a German wine tasting, a 5-meat, family-style dinner and a Glockenspiel! A Glocken-what? It’s a unique display starring 35 tolling bells, 4 foot figurines, dancing lights and more! Rest for the night at the Drury Hotel, located in the heart of downtown.
Day 7 – NY via Niagara (B, D)
Finish the first leg of our journey home with an incredible night at Niagara Falls. Dine in the sky, high above the falls at the legendary Skylon Tower Restaurant. The menu is rivaled only by the spectacular, revolving view of Niagara Falls and beyond. Turn in at the Marriot on the Falls Hotel, where your room has a view of the falls!
Day 8 – Auf Wiedersehen! (B)
All good things must come to an end, arriving home with new friends, beautiful photos, a souvenir or two, and wonderful memories.