Mackinac Island & The Grand Hotel 27

Day 1

Welcome Aboard! Travel comfortably aboard our deluxe motor coach as we journey to the enchanting Victorian island of Mackinac Island, Michigan. Often referred to as the "Bermuda of the North," this picturesque destination captures the charm, elegance, and slower pace of a bygone era. This evening, we arrive in Oregon, Ohio, for an overnight stay at the Hampton Inn. Dinner is included with a variety of dining options conveniently located within easy walking distance of the hotel, including both popular fast-food restaurants and full-service dining establishments.

Day 2

After breakfast we depart for the Village of Mackinaw City. Downtown Mackinaw City, located at the tip of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, is a bustling, walkable, resort-focused district on the Straits of Mackinac. It features more than 100 shops, numerous restaurants, fudge shops, and the Mackinaw Crossings shopping center. Enjoy lunch on your own before we gather at the City Dock, where we will travel by ferry to the "Magical Land" of Mackinac Island. A horse-drawn carriage will be waiting at the dock to transport you to the world-famous Grand Hotel, your luxurious accommodations for the next two nights. This evening, experience fine dining, and gracious hospitality in the hotel's beautifully appointed Main Dining Room when you enjoy dinner ordered off the menu. Please note that the Grand Hotel has a dress code after 6:00 PM. Gentlemen are required to wear a jacket and tie, and ladies are required to wear a dress, skirt, or pantsuit.

Day 3

After breakfast we meet our driver/guide and climb aboard a horse-drawn carriage for a tour of the lovely Victorian-style island that has defied time on Mackinac Island. Following your carriage ride, enjoy leisure time strolling through the charming, cottage-filled village adorned with colorful flowers. Browse the unique shops along Huron Street or simply relax in one of the famous rocking chairs on the "Longest Porch in the Country" at the historic Grand Hotel. Tonight, a delicious dinner, ordered from the menu, awaits you in the hotel's elegant main dining room. Please note that the Grand Hotel observes a dress code after 6:00 PM: gentlemen are required to wear a jacket and tie, while ladies are asked to wear a dress, skirt, or pantsuit.

Day 4

After breakfast we are transported by horse-drawn carriage down to the City Dock, where we board a ferry for the return trip to the Michigan mainland. Once on the mainland, we travel to the Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Here we will board our tour vessel for an exciting sightseeing cruise through the famous Soo Locks, the world's largest locking system. The legendary Soo Locks are a series of massive locks that have provided safe passage and a vital shipping connection throughout the Great Lakes for nearly 160 years. During our cruise, we will experience maritime history up close as freighters, barges, tugboats, and other vessels navigate the 21-foot drop between Lake Superior and Lake Huron. Inside the locks, our boat will rise 21 feet straight up to the level of Lake Superior. The round-trip excursion includes lockage through both the giant U.S. Locks and the historic Canadian Lock, while a live narration explains the fascinating history and operation of the locks and highlights points of interest along the shorelines of the twin border cities. A box lunch will be included during the cruise. After the cruise, sit back and relax as we continue to the charming town of Frankenmuth, Michigan known for its rich Bavarian heritage and distinctive gingerbread-style architecture. After checking into the Bavarian Inn Lodge, a beautiful riverside hotel located along the Cass River, we will enjoy a delicious dinner followed by evening entertainment at the hotel.

Day 5

After breakfast we depart for Dearborn, Michigan. Upon arrival, we will immerse ourselves in the genius of American transportation, industry, and innovation at The Henry Ford Museum. Begin with a guided tour of the Ford Rouge Factory, where you will witness cutting-edge technology, sustainable design, and the grit that defines American manufacturing. Experience the awe-inspiring scale of a real factory floor as you watch the production of the iconic Ford F-150, stroll beneath one of the world's largest "living roofs," and explore a gallery of historic Ford vehicles. Next, we visit The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village, where history comes alive. Tour the homes and workshops of legendary Americans, including The Wright Brothers, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and Robert Frost. Included in your package is the Village Ride Trio, allowing you to ride a historic steam locomotive, drive a vintage Model T, and enjoy the 1913 Herschell-Spillman Carousel, fully immersing yourself in over eighty acres of American ingenuity and innovation. Following this inspiring day, we continue to Oregon, Ohio, where we enjoy a delightful dinner at a local restaurant before checking in for an overnight stay at the Hampton Inn.

Day 6

After breakfast we depart for home, carrying with us a rich collection of memories: a deeper appreciation for the grandeur and romance of the bygone Victorian era, an unforgettable cruise through the majestic Soo Locks, and a renewed admiration for the ingenuity of American inventors. After breakfast we depart for home, carrying with us a rich collection of memories: a deeper appreciation for the grandeur and romance of the bygone Victorian era, an unforgettable cruise through the majestic Soo Locks, and a renewed admiration for the ingenuity of American inventors.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D =Dinner