• 10 Days
  • From $5,799
  • Airfare Included

Great Lakes & Mackinac Island Getaway

Tour Style:
Land
Activity Level:
Leisurely
Highest Elevation:
1,348 feet
14 Meals:
9 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 4 Dinners

Embark on the ultimate Great Lakes getaway along Lake Superior, including delightful cruise excursions and two nights on Mackinac Island. Begin by exploring the famous port city of Duluth, Minnesota with visits to Glensheen Mansion and Canal Park, followed by a beautiful sunset dinner cruise. Then, travel into Wisconsin along the shorefront, stopping for an Apostle Islands cruise to view spectacular sea caves in gorgeous hues of rich brownstone and turquoise water. Soak up the wonders of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with a Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore cruise to discover brilliantly colored cliffs, sea caves, and pristine beaches. Traverse the Soo Locks and learn about Sault Ste Marie before ferrying to Mackinac Island for old-world charm and lakeside leisure. We stop in Frankenmuth, the “Little Bavaria” of Michigan, then conclude our journey in the Detroit area with a visit to The Henry Ford’s Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village.

Trip overview may vary by departure.

  • Day 1: Fly to Minnesota
    Upon arriving in Minneapolis, we check in to our accommodations and enjoy an evening at leisure.
  • Day 2: Minnesota State Capitol & Sunset Dinner Cruise
    Our sightseeing this morning begins with a guided walking tour of the Minnesota State Capitol. Intricate murals, sweeping staircases, and marble halls showcase the state’s civic history and artistry. We then depart for Stillwater, a charming river town on the St. Croix River, for lunch and exploration at leisure before traveling to the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway Visitor Center. Later, we make our way to Duluth and check in to our hotel. After time to freshen up, we trek over to Duluth Harbor for an enchanting sunset dinner cruise with views of the city skyline and the warm sunset reflecting on the glistening water.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

  • Day 3: Split Rock Lighthouse & Glensheen Mansion
    After breakfast, we set out to visit Split Rock Lighthouse, an iconic landmark that served as a beacon for freighters crossing Lake Superior for half a century. Then, we head to Gooseberry Falls State Park. Forested trails, rushing waterfalls, and rugged scenery highlight the beauty of the region. Afterwards, we return to Duluth for a tour of Glensheen Mansion, a 20,000-square-foot Jacobean-style historic house museum overlooking the waterfront. Enjoy a guided tour to admire the beautiful architecture and timeless furnishings throughout its 39 rooms. Later, meander through the Duluth Rose Garden before spending time in the Canal Park District. Unwind and explore at your own pace this evening.

    Meals Included: Breakfast

  • Day 4: Apostle Islands Cruise
    This morning, we trek along the breathtaking waters of Lake Superior towards Bayfield, a picturesque harbor town dubbed the gateway to the Apostle Islands. Savor a leisurely lunch and time to soak in the community’s lakefront scenery, maritime atmosphere, and quaint shops before we take off on an Apostle Islands cruise. While we journey along the glittering depths of Lake Superior, gaze at the historic lighthouses, sea caves, rugged shorelines, and forested islands. Later on, we arrive in Ashland and settle into our accommodations. This evening, we gather for dinner together before indulging in an evening at leisure.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

  • Day 5: Marquette & Pictured Rocks Cruise
    We begin our day with breakfast before venturing deeper into the rugged beauty of the Great Lakes region. Along the way, we pause in Marquette for a leisurely lunch. Stop by Stucko’s Pub & Grill for poutine, indulge in Cajun food at Lagniappe, or trek over to Ore Dock Brewing Co. or Blackrocks Brewery to grab a pint and check out a local food truck. This afternoon, we embark on a cruise along Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, where rock formations, sandstone cliffs, secluded beaches, and scenic waterfalls rise above Lake Superior. As evening sets in, we arrive in Sault Ste. Marie and settle into our accommodations. The remainder of the night is at your leisure to relax or enjoy the atmosphere of the city.

    Meals Included: Breakfast

  • Day 6: Soo Locks Cruise
    Enjoy a relaxing morning on an unforgettable cruise through Soo Locks, where freighters traverse between Lake Superior and Lake Huron. A leisurely lunch awaits in Sault Ste. Marie, and then we make our way to Bridge View Park for a photo stop. Here, interpretive displays, landscaped gardens, and breathtaking views of the legendary span offer an incredible vantage point of Mackinac Bridge. We continue as the landscape opens toward the Straits of Mackinac. Gaze at the sky-high bridge before heading to the ferry crossing and arriving on Mackinac Island. We check in to our hotel and have the rest of the night at leisure on this car-free island.

    Meals Included: Breakfast

  • Day 7: Mackinac Island
    Fuel up with a warm breakfast before a postcard-worthy carriage picks us up outside the hotel. We glide past enchanting Victorian storefronts in our two-horse team carriage before switching to a three-horse team at Surrey Hill to trek into the State Park, home to the Arch Rock. Next, a horse-drawn taxi drops us off at the Grand Hotel for their legendary Grand Luncheon Buffet. Indulge in an opulent spread of artisanal charcuterie, premium carved meats, fresh seafood, and decadent desserts served by white-gloved waitstaff. With your appetite satisfied, the remainder of the day is at your leisure; you may choose to visit Fort Mackinac, rent a bicycle and pedal around downtown, or chat with the locals at a cozy tavern.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

  • Day 8: Frankenmuth: Michigan’s Little Bavaria
    Today, we ferry back to Mackinaw City and travel to Frankenmuth, Michigan. Fondly known as “Little Bavaria,” this quaint town embodies timeless German heritage with a modern flair. Enjoy time at leisure to explore the River Place Shops and treat yourself to lunch with an ice-cold stein of beer. Next, we experience the year-round festive magic at Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland and discover why TIME named Frankenmuth one of America’s “most Christmassy towns.” This evening, we savor classic Bavarian cuisine at a family-style feast.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

  • Day 9: The Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village
    We depart for the Detroit area this morning and witness true ingenuity at The Henry Ford in Dearborn, Michigan. Visit the Museum of American Innovation to discover Ford’s amazing technological breakthroughs while browsing exhibits that inspire, engage, and inform. Our explorations continue at Greenfield Village, where we can ride in a Model T, travel the rails on a steam-powered locomotive, sit on the same bus where Rosa Parks took her stand, and enjoy lunch in an 1830s café. Later, we check in to the hotel and celebrate our adventure with a Farewell Dinner.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

  • Day 10: Fly Home
    We return home with treasured memories from our Great Lakes getaway.

    Meals Included: Breakfast

What's Included

All Accommodations

  • 1 night at Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington
  • 2 nights at Hampton Inn Duluth Canal Park
  • 1 night at Best Western The Hotel Chequamegon in Ashland
  • 1 night at Holiday Inn Express Sault Ste. Marie
  • 2 nights on Mackinac Island
  • 1 night at Bavarian Inn Lodge & Conference Center Frankenmuth
  • 1 night at Embassy Suites Detroit Metro Airport

Attractions & Highlights

  • Duluth Harbor sunset dinner cruise
  • Guided walking tour of the Minnesota State Capitol
  • St. Croix National Scenic Riverway Visitor Center
  • Duluth Rose Garden
  • Duluth's Canal Park District
  • Glensheen Mansion tour
  • Gooseberry Falls State Park
  • Split Rock Lighthouse
  • Apostle Islands cruise
  • Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore cruise
  • Mackinac Bridge
  • Soo Locks cruise
  • Mackinac Island horse-drawn carriage tour & time at leisure
  • Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland
  • The Henry Ford feat. Museum of American Innovation & Greenfield Village

14 Excellent Meals

  • Grand Luncheon Buffet at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island
  • Bavarian-style dinner in Frankenmuth
  • Farewell Dinner in Detroit

Learn more about what's included with the Holiday Advantage.