Lake Superior Splendor

Day 1 : Arrive in Duluth

Begin with a pleasant flight to the Lake Superior port city of Duluth, Minnesota where we check in for a two-night stay.

Day 2 : Sunset Dinner Cruise

Appreciate the unique city of Duluth with its natural beauty, fascinating history, and artsy local culture. Tour the Glensheen Mansion, a 20,000-square-foot historic house museum. The Jacobean-styled mansion includes 12 acres of property on the Lake Superior waterfront with 39 rooms that showcase premier Midwest design from the early 20th century. Then take time to explore, shop, and have lunch in Duluth’s charming Canal Park district, a recreation hub famously connected by the historic Aerial Lift Bridge. Continue with a visit to the Great Lakes Aquarium and be fascinated with the volume and variety of freshwater ecosystems on display that include 205 species of different animals. Freshen up before returning to Duluth Harbor for an enchanting Sunset Dinner Cruise, savoring a delicious supper while enjoying narrated harbor highlights and the panoramic city skyline above the glistening water.

Day 3 : Apostle Islands Cruise

Arrive at the dock in lovely Bayfield, Wisconsin for a boat tour with Apostle Islands Cruises. Go on the popular Grand Tour and take in regionally unique natural wonder and history with sightings of storied lighthouses, phenomenal sea caves around Devils Island, and more. Have leisure time and lunch on your own in downtown before transferring to Ashland, Wisconsin. We stop at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center before checking in to our overnight accommodations.

Day 4 : Shipwreck Cruise

Today we journey into Michigan's Upper Peninsula for an exciting shipwreck cruise. On this premier glass-bottom boat tour, go back in time with imagery beneath the water that reflects American shipping history during the industrial revolution, the highlight being Lake Superior’s rare “natural underwater museum” in the form of a fully intact sailing ship built prior to the Civil War with its wooden frame sitting just beneath the lake’s surface. After, we transfer to Mackinaw City and take in sights of the phenomenal Mackinac Bridge, before boarding a ferry to Mackinac Island where we check in to cozy accommodations on the island itself for a two-night stay.

Day 5 : Mackinac Island

We depart our hotel this morning in horse-drawn carriages for a tour of Mackinac Island. The island’s Victorian architecture recalls a time of days-gone-by. Midday, we gather for an included luncheon at the luxurious Grand Hotel. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing and exploring this timeless gem of Midwest recreation.

Day 6 : Frankenmuth: The Little Bavaria of Michigan

Journey to Frankenmuth, Michigan. Considered the state’s “Little Bavaria,” this quaint town embodies timeless German heritage while maintaining a modern edge. Enjoy an ice-cold stein of beer or other beverage with lunch on your own and have time at leisure for exploring at the River Place Shops. Visit Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland to experience why TIME named Frankenmuth one of America’s “most Christmassy towns” with year-round Christmas magic. This afternoon, board the Bavarian Belle, a restored stern-driven paddlewheel riverboat, for a cruise on the Cass River. Relax on the historic vessel’s open-air canopy upper deck and enclosed lower deck. This evening, savor an included Bavarian-style breaded chicken dinner. We stay in Frankenmuth tonight.

Day 7 : Ford Museum & Greenfield Village

Travel to Detroit today. We stop along the way in Dearborn, Michigan to witness true genius at The Henry Ford Museum. Offering exhibits that inspire, engage, and inform based on Mr. Ford’s incredible work, we discover the amazing technological breakthroughs of this incredible man. Also explore the historic Greenfield Village, spread over 80 acres. Ride in a Model T, travel the rails on a steam-powered locomotive, sit on the same bus where Rosa Parks made her stand, and enjoy lunch in an 1830s café. This evening, join fellow travelers for a Holiday Vacations Farewell Dinner and overnight in Detroit.

Day 8 : Arrive Home

Enjoy breakfast before journeying home with fond memories from our Great Lakes getaway.