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 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 : The Apostle Islands

Arrive in lovely Bayfield, Wisconsin for a narrated cruise exploring the Apostle Islands. 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 : Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Today we experience the splendor of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula as we cruise the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, beautifully located and hugging Lake Superior’s southern shore known for these Picture Rock cliffs, dramatic rock faces of many colors. Today is our chance 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 has been a savory staple ever since.

Day 5 : The Soo Locks

After breakfast cruise the famous Soo Locks, a classic adventure where we experience both up and down bound lockage while passing through the Soo Locks. Take in the history of the area as we cruise among Sault Ste. Marie attractions plus up-close views of massive freighters. Stop for photos of the immense Mackinac Bridge before we cross the bridge to Mackinaw City to board a ferry bound for Mackinac Island. Upon arrival we check in to our cozy accommodations.

Day 6 : 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 Grand Luncheon Buffet at the luxurious Grand Hotel. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing and exploring this timeless gem of Midwest recreation.

Day 7 : 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 evening, savor an included Bavarian-style breaded chicken dinner. We stay in Frankenmuth tonight.

Day 8 : 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 9 : Arrive Home

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