• 8 Days
  • From $3,899
  • Airfare Included

Lake Michigan Circle Tour

Tour Style:
Land
Activity Level:
Moderate
Highest Elevation:
624 feet
9 Meals:
6 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners

Discover Midwest charm and the breathtaking landscapes surrounding Lake Michigan in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Illinois, plus two nights on timeless Mackinac Island. Our vacation begins with a flight into Chicago and a comfortable drive to Green Bay for a guided tour of iconic Lambeau Field. Continuing north to Door County, the Cape Cod of the Midwest, enjoy a visit to Eagle Bluff Lighthouse in Peninsula State Park, leisure time in Fish Creek, and a classic fish boil dinner. Next, soak up scenic vistas throughout Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and board a ferry to experience old-world charm on Mackinac Island, including a horse-drawn carriage tour and lunch at the historic Grand Hotel. Back on the mainland, time near Traverse City is spent browsing rare antique instruments and venturing through the incredible scenery of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. After completing our full circle, we return to Chicago and enjoy a guided city tour before celebrating our adventures with a Farewell Dinner.

Trip overview may vary by departure.

  • Day 1: Fly to Illinois
    Upon arriving in Chicago, we settle into our accommodations near the O’Hare airport.
  • Day 2: Lambeau Field & Fish Boil
    Our adventure begins with a journey through the Wisconsin countryside to Green Bay, where we tour the home of the state’s professional football team: legendary Lambeau Field. From there, we continue to Door County and check in for two nights in charming Sturgeon Bay. Later, we gather for a Welcome Dinner and get to know fellow travelers during the fish boil, a tradition inspired by Scandinavian settlers. Stand around the fire as we watch fresh whitefish from Lake Michigan, potatoes, and onions prepared over open flames! Our evening concludes with sweet cherry pie, a classic regional treat.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

  • Day 3: Door County
    Enjoy a full day exploring the “Cape Cod of the Midwest,” featuring more miles of shoreline, lighthouses, and state parks than any other county in the United States. As we travel to Peninsula State Park, soak up vistas of wave-battered cliffs, sun-kissed beaches, quaint farms, and lush orchards. Enjoy a tour of the historic Eagle Bluff Lighthouse overlooking the park’s beautiful woodland and shoreline. Our afternoon offers time at leisure in the picturesque waterfront community of Fish Creek, followed by a tasting of regional flavors at Door Peninsula Winery. Later, we visit the Door County Maritime Museum back in Sturgeon Bay and dive into the area’s intriguing maritime roots before returning to our hotel.

    Meals Included: Breakfast

  • Day 4: Mackinac Island
    This morning, we travel through Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and enjoy breathtaking views of dense forests and scenic shorelines. Reaching the Straits of Mackinac – the link between Lakes Michigan and Huron – we cross the iconic Mackinac Bridge, one of the world’s largest suspension bridges. Waiting for us on the other end is Mackinaw City’s high-speed ferry to Mackinac Island. Seemingly frozen in time, this enchanting island spans only three miles long by two miles wide and has transportation restricted to carriages, bikes, horses, or your own two feet. Settle in for two unforgettable evenings of old-world charm and tranquility.

    Meals Included: Breakfast

  • Day 5: Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour
    We depart our hotel in horse-drawn carriages this morning and enjoy a leisurely tour of Mackinac Island. Admire the Victorian architecture that displays a time of days gone by as we venture downtown, then take in the beauty of Mackinac Island State Park. Our guided exploration ends at the elegant Grand Hotel, where a gourmet buffet lunch awaits. Afterwards, there is time to browse the fascinating public areas of this historic hotel or unwind in rocking chairs on its 660-foot porch with marvelous views of the Straits of Mackinac. The rest of the day is at yours to relax, sightsee on your own, or visit Fort Mackinac to discover original buildings that recall military life during the War of 1812.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

  • Day 6: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    After breakfast, we board a ferry back to the mainland. Take in more stunning views of Lake Michigan’s gorgeous shoreline as we drive south to the Music House Museum near Traverse City. Step back in time while browsing a unique collection of rare antique instruments, including player pianos, music boxes, and pipe organs. This afternoon, awe-inspiring landscapes surround us at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Have your camera ready for photo stops as we wind around the curves of Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive for unrivaled scenery of massive dune formations, lush forests, and glistening lakes. Tonight, we check in to our accommodations in Grand Rapids.

    Meals Included: Breakfast

  • Day 7: Chicago
    Our day begins with a southbound journey back towards the Windy City. Arriving in the heart of Chicago’s lakefront, enjoy free time at Navy Pier to savor a delicious lunch and shop for souvenirs. Next, a local guide boards our motorcoach for a tour of Chicago’s most famous landmarks. Later this afternoon, we settle into our hotel and relax before celebrating our Lake Michigan adventure over a wonderful Farewell Dinner.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

  • Day 8: Fly Home
    We return home with treasured memories from our time exploring the Upper Midwest.

What's Included

All Accommodations

  • 1 night at Sonesta Chicago O’Hare Airport Hotel
  • 2 nights at Stone Harbor Resort in Sturgeon Bay
  • 2 nights on Mackinac Island
  • 1 night at Embassy Suites Grand Rapids Downtown
  • 1 night at Sonesta Chicago O’Hare Airport Hotel (before returning home)

Attractions & Highlights

  • Lambeau Field guided tour
  • Door County Maritime Museum
  • Door Peninsula Winery
  • Peninsula State Park feat. Eagle Bluff Lighthouse
  • Time at leisure in Fish Creek
  • Ferry ride to Mackinac Island
  • Mackinac Bridge
  • Mackinac Island horse-drawn carriage tour & time at leisure
  • Music House Museum
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
  • Chicago guided city tour feat. Navy Pier

9 Excellent Meals

  • Traditional Door County fish boil Welcome Dinner
  • Grand Luncheon Buffet at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island
  • Farewell Dinner in Chicago

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