Day 1 : Fly to Minnesota

Upon arriving in Minneapolis, we transfer to Duluth on the shores of Lake Superior, our home for the next two nights.

Day 2 : Sunset Dinner Cruise

Today, we set out to appreciate Duluth’s natural beauty, fascinating history, and artsy local culture. Our first stop is Glensheen Mansion, a 20,000-square-foot Jacobean-style historic house museum on the Lake Superior waterfront. We tour this affluent estate to admire the beautiful architecture and timeless furnishings throughout its 39 rooms. The afternoon is yours to explore, shop, and have lunch in Canal Park, a charming lakefront hub with great eateries, unique stores, entertainment, and the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge. After time to freshen up at the hotel, we return to Duluth Harbor for an enchanting sunset dinner cruise. Savor a delicious meal while enjoying narrated harbor highlights, the panoramic city skyline, and the warm sunset reflecting on the glistening water.

Day 3 : The Apostle Islands

We depart Duluth this morning and head to the lovely city of Bayfield, Wisconsin for a narrated cruise of the Apostle Islands. Take in regionally unique natural wonders with vistas of storied lighthouses, hundreds of bird species, phenomenal sea caves around Devils Island, and more. Afterwards, enjoy leisure time and lunch on your own in the downtown area. We then travel to Ashland, Wisconsin to learn about the history, culture, and natural resources of the region at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center before checking in to our overnight accommodations.

Day 4 : Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

This morning, we’re off to experience the splendor of Michigan's Upper Peninsula in Munising. During lunch at leisure, don’t miss an opportunity to taste a regional delicacy – the pasty. Cornish settlers brought this hearty meat-and-vegetables pastry recipe to the Upper Peninsula in the mid-19th century, and it has been a savory staple ever since. Next, breathtaking scenery of dramatic and colorful rock formations unfolds before us on a cruise along Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Keep watch for the most unique formations like Miners Castle and Chapel Rock! Later, our travels take us eastbound to Michigan’s oldest city, Sault Ste. Marie, for our overnight.

Day 5 : The Soo Locks

We depart our hotel this morning in horse-drawn carriages for a 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 tour ends at the elegant Grand Hotel, where a Grand Luncheon Buffet awaits us. 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 your leisure. You may choose to relax, sightsee on your own, or visit Fort Mackinac to see costumed guides and original buildings that recall military life during the War of 1812.

Day 6 : Mackinac Island

With no automobile transportation allowed on the island, we depart our hotel this morning in horse-drawn carriages for a tour of this charming destination. See how the Victorian architecture in the downtown area recalls a time of days gone by and enjoy a stop at Mackinac Island State Park. Midday, we gather for an included Grand Luncheon Buffet at the luxurious Grand Hotel. Afterwards, there is time to unwind in rocking chairs on its 660-foot porch with marvelous views of the Straits of Mackinac. The rest of the day is at your leisure. You may choose to relax, sightsee on your own, or visit Fort Mackinac to recall military life during the War of 1812.

Day 7 : Frankenmuth: The Little Bavaria of Michigan

Today, we ferry back to Mackinaw City and travel to Frankenmuth, Michigan. Considered the state’s “Little Bavaria,” this quaint town embodies timeless German heritage while maintaining a modern edge. Enjoy time at leisure to explore the River Place Shops and treat yourself to lunch with an ice-cold stein of beer. Next, we visit Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland to discover why TIME named Frankenmuth one of America’s “most Christmassy towns” with year-round Christmas magic. This evening, savor classic Bavarian cuisine served family-style.

Day 8 : The Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village

We depart for Detroit this morning and along the way visit Dearborn, Michigan to witness true ingenuity at The Henry Ford. At the Museum of American Innovation, 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. This evening, we join fellow travelers to celebrate our travels with a Farewell Dinner, then overnight in Detroit.

Day 9 : Fly Home

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