Mackinac Island & Upper Peninsula

Tues, Aug 18, 2026

After departing Douglassville our first stop is in Pittsburgh for an inlcuded Lunch. We continue on to the heart of downtown Cleveland for a one-night stay at the Hampton Inn, located just steps from top attractions. Guests are within walking distance of Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Progressive Field, Playhouse Square, and the vibrant Flats district. Dinner is included this evening in Cleveland.

Wed, Aug 19, 2026

Start your morning off right with a complimentary hot breakfast at the hotel before checking out and continuing on to Frankenmuth, MI. Lunch is inlcuded today at Zehnder's of Frankenmuth, a sprawling, multigenerational family-style restaurant known for its famous all-you-can-eat chicken dinners, steaks, seafood and homemade European desserts, it blends Midwestern hospitality with historic charm. After lunch it's off to Bronner's Christmas Wonderland, a magical emporium where every season feels like December. Open 361 days a year, this Alpine-chalet-style retail wonder spans 7.35 acres of buildings and 27 acres of grounds. Outside, a half-mile "Christmas Lane" of lights, giant Santas, snowmen, and animated figures draw you in. The Silent Night Memorial Chapel, a replica of the Austrian chapel where the hymn originated, offers a quiet reflection on Bronner's expansive grounds. After our visit in Frankenmuth we depart for St. Ignace, MI to check into your 1st class lodging for the next two nights. Dinner this evening is included in St. Ignace.

Thurs, Aug 20, 2026

Start your morning off right with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Then we're off to glide across shimmering straits aboard the hydro-jet ferry to Mackinac Island: adrenaline and tranquility in one. Feel the engines pulse beneath you as water jets propel you swiftly over waves, leaving a dramatic roostertail spray. Wide windows frame views of the Mackinac Bridge, shoreline bluffs, and gleaming lake. The ride is smooth and exhilarating-your magical entry into a car-free island where time slows. Imagine gliding across Mackinac Island in a horse-drawn carriage, the clip-clop of hooves blending with soft breeze, as you drift past vintage cottages, rolling meadows of the State Park, and majestic limestone cliffs. The grand narration brings to life Arch Rock, Surrey Hill, Fort Mackinac, the Governor's summer residence, and Grand Hotel. On the nearly two-hour narrated public tour, friendly coachmen share stories of early settlers, local legends, and nature's wonders. Enjoy an included Lunch at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, a refined and memorable experience set in one of America's most iconic destinations. Guests are welcomed into the elegant Main Dining Room, where soaring windows frame breathtaking views of the Straits of Mackinac. The meal features a lavish buffet with an array of gourmet selections-freshly prepared salads, carved meats, seafood, artisan cheeses, and decadent desserts. Attentive service and the timeless charm of the hotel's historic setting make dining here feel like stepping back into a golden era of hospitality. It's not just a meal, t's a highlight of the Mackinac Island experience. After lunch we'll tour the gardens, renowned for the century-old lilacs, white cedars, maples, and thousands of flowers planted each year. Next, enjoy the Jack Pine Lumberjack Show on Mackinac Island. It is a lively, action-packed performance that brings the rugged spirit of the logging era to life. World-class lumberjacks compete in thrilling events such as log rolling, axe throwing, speed climbing, and chainsaw carving-mixing jaw-dropping skill with good-natured humor. The audience becomes part of the fun, cheering for their favorite lumberjack as the competition heats up. Perfect for all ages, the show blends history, comedy, and heart-pounding excitement into an unforgettable island experience that celebrates Michigan's timber heritage with plenty of laughs and thrills. Dinner this evening is included at Audie's Restaurant in Mackinaw City, offering hearty meals, quick service, and a welcoming atmosphere. Conveniently located near the Mackinac Island ferry docks, Audie's features a diverse menu with regional specialties such as fresh Great Lakes whitefish, along with classic American fare to please every palate.

Fri, Aug 21, 2026

Start your morning off right with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before checking out and continuing on to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point, offering a fascinating and moving look into the history of maritime travel on the Great Lakes. Perched along the rugged Lake Superior shoreline, the museum showcases dramatic shipwreck stories through artifacts, exhibits, and the hauntingly beautiful bell from the Edmund Fitzgerald. Visitors can explore the historic Whitefish Point Light Station, dating back to 1849, and learn about the brave crews who navigated these often-treacherous waters. Blending history, heroism, and natural beauty, the museum provides an unforgettable glimpse into the mysteries and legends of the Great Lakes. Enjoy lunch on your own today at a local restaurant before a visit to Tahquamenon Falls State Park, a highlight of any Upper Peninsula journey. Known as the "Root Beer Falls" for their rich amber color created by natural tannins in the water, the falls are among the largest east of the Mississippi. Experience both the impressive Upper Falls, with a drop of nearly 50 feet and stretching more than 200 feet across, and the picturesque Lower Falls, a series of smaller cascades surrounding an island. With accessible walkways, scenic overlooks, and time to enjoy the surrounding forest, this stop combines natural beauty, photo opportunities, and the unforgettable power of Michigan's great outdoors. Next, step aboard for a fascinating Soo Locks Cruise in Sault Ste. Marie, where we will journey through one of the world's busiest and most impressive waterways. This narrated excursion takes you right into the heart of the locks, where massive freighters, known as "Lakers," are raised and lowered to navigate the 21-foot difference between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes. As you pass through the locks yourself, you'll gain a firsthand appreciation of the engineering marvel that has connected the Great Lakes for over 160 years. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of international shorelines, working freighters, and the historic waterfront, making this both an educational and memorable experience. Time to check in to the Holiday Inn Express Sault Ste. Marie, situated along the scenic St. Mary's River. The hotel is within easy reach of the Soo Locks, local shops, and dining, making it an ideal base for exploring the city and surrounding attractions. Stepping into Antlers Restaurant for this evening's included Dinner feels like entering a storied lodge alive with character. This long-time local institution sits just across from the south end of the Soo Locks and greets diners with walls lined with more than 200 mounted animals, antlers, and local memorabilia-each piece a chapter in the region's rugged past. The menu leans into "Northern Cuisine," serving up favorites like the signature Antler burger, "Paul Bunyan" double burgers, Soo-style poutine (fries topped with homemade gravy and cheese curds), cedar-planked salmon, venison pie, classic fish platters, and more.

Sat, Aug 22, 2026

Start your morning off right with a complimentary hot breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast and checking out, we travel to The Henry Ford in Dearborn, MI. Step into a world where innovation, history, and everyday life in America all come alive. The Henry Ford is a sprawling indoor-outdoor complex devoted to telling the story of how American ingenuity shaped modern life. Its centerpiece, the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, houses priceless historical artifacts: presidential limousines, Abraham Lincoln's chair from Ford's Theatre, the Rosa Parks bus, Thomas Edison's laboratory, the Wright Brothers' bicycle shop, and exhibits on manufacturing, design, agriculture, transportation, and more. Adjacent is Greenfield Village, an open-air living history museum spread over roughly 80-90 developed acres, with nearly one hundred historic buildings relocated to the site. Visitors stroll along tree-lined streets, ride in Model T cars or aboard steam trains, watch artisans doing traditional crafts, visit working farms, and explore homes, shops, and laboratories that span from the 17th century through the early 20th. Costumed interpreters portray the rhythms of daily life in different eras, whether in a schoolhouse, a forge, or Edison's workshop. Time to travel to the heart of downtown Toledo, OH to check into the Hilton Garden Inn for your final night's stay, The hotel is adjacent to the Glass City Center and within walking distance of Fifth Third Field and the Huntington Center, making it ideal for exploring local attractions. Dinner this evening is included at a local restaurant.

Sun, Aug 23, 2026

Enjoy one final breakfast at the hotel before checking out and departing for your return to Pennsylvania. Multiple comfort stops will be made, with one for an extended lunch stop on your own.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner