Day 1 Detroit-Dearborn (Fri.)

Welcome to Michigan and the Great Lakes! This evening, mix and mingle with your traveling companions at the 6 p.m. Welcome reception. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure. (WR)

Day 2 Dearborn–Frankenmuth (Sat.)

This morning, get a glimpse into the auto industry on a tour of the WALTER P. CHRYSLER MUSEUM, featuring more than 65 vehicles ranging from a 1902 Rambler Model “C” to a 1999 Plymouth Prowler. See production and concept vehicles, muscle cars, and more showcasing the corporation’s American heritage. Afterward, visit the HENRY FORD MUSEUM, commemorating the achievements of many American inventors. Continue to the Little Bavarian town of Frankenmuth, founded by German immigrants in 1845. This evening, enjoy an authentic BAVARIAN DINNER featuring fine German cuisine, entertainment, and music. (B,D)

Day 3 Frankenmuth–Mackinac Island (Sun.)

Begin your morning with a visit to world-famous Bronner’s, the world’s largest Christmas store. Journey north and board a ferry to Mackinac Island, with its air of 19th-century gentility and where bicycles and horsedrawn carriages are the only means of transportation. (B,D) SPECIAL FEATURE: Your hotel for the next two nights is the world famous Grand Hotel. Magnificent in its Victorian-style architecture and décor, the hotel has starred in several movies and served as a summer getaway for presidents since its inception in 1887.

Day 4 Mackinac Island - Choose Your Experience (Mon.)

This morning, enjoy an included CARRIAGE RIDE on this celebrated island. A PLATINUM EXCLUSIVE, you select how you wish to spend your afternoon. Choose between a HISTORIC TOUR of Fort Mackinac with lunch included or enjoy soothing chamber music and AFTERNOON TEA at the Grand Hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 5 Mackinac Island–Sault Ste. Marie (Tue.)

Today, journey to the beautiful Upper Peninsula where you will travel through the Soo Locks. On a narrated BOAT TOUR, experience the lock system between Lake Superior and Lake Huron that ships more cargo through on an annual basis than the Panama Canal. Next, visit the MUSEUM SHIP VALLE Y CAMP, an actual steam-powered freighter offering a glimpse into life for its 32 crew members and containing fascinating exhibits from shipbuilding to shipwrecks. Take a step back in time to relive the ill-fated journey of the Edmund Fitzgerald. On display are two major artifacts recovered from the shipwreck—its recovered lifeboats. (B)

Day 6 Sault Ste. Marie–Bay Harbor (Wed.)

Driving south to Mackinaw City, stop at COLONIAL MICHILIMACKINAC for a tour of this reconstructed 1715 French fur-trading village and military outpost, which was later occupied by British military and traders. Later today, continue through the famed Tunnel of Trees to your resort hotel. Arrive at your resort with the balance of the day at leisure. (B,D)SPECIAL FEATURE: Your resort hotel tonight is The Inn at Bay Harbor, where the heritage and style of the great turn-of-the-century American inns are rekindled. Set along the water’s edge, it is a place where you can enjoy “The lifestyle of yesterday. The luxury of today,” along with spectacular views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding coast.

Day 7 Bay Harbor–Grand Rapids (Thu.)

Visit a local orchard where you can try some delicious cherries or a slice of cherry pie—after all, this is the country’s premier cherry-producing center! Next, stop at THE MUSIC HOUSE for a guided tour of a unique collection of old organs, pianos, and phonographs. Continue along the wind-swept shores of Lake Michigan to Grand Rapids. Upon arrival, enjoy a visit to the GERALD FORD MUSEUM. The museum enables visitors to participate in history, not just view it, while reviewing the highlights of the lives of President and Mrs. Ford. In addition to the permanent exhibits, a succession of temporary exhibits draws upon the rich holdings of the entire presidential library system, the Smithsonian Institution, the National Archives, and others. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special Farewell Dinner. Wonderful conversation and cuisine make the perfect finale for your vacation. (B,D)

Day 8 Grand Rapids–Chicago (Fri.)

Depart this morning and travel through the northern tip of Indiana to Chicago. Enjoy an orientation tour of the “Windy City.” Afterward, the motorcoach makes a stop at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport. Please schedule homebound flights after 4 p.m. The motorcoach then continues to a downtown hotel where the vacation ends. (B)

Day 9 Chicago (Sat.)

Today is at leisure to explore more of this vibrant city. Enjoy a cruise along the Chicago River and lakefront or perhaps take a ride to the top of Sears Tower. You may also choose to visit one of the city’s many museums, shop along Michigan Avenue, or attend an evening show at one of Chicago’s Blues clubs. (B)

Day 10 Chicago (Sun.)

The vacation ends today with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers are provided to Chicago’s O’Hare Airport. (B)