Day 1/Tuesday, May 13th – Our early afternoon nonstop flight will have us arriving in “The Motor City” – Detroit.  You won’t need a passport for this tour, although you’ll feel like you’re on a European Vacation.  We will check into our comfortable hotel accommodations in Dearborn as we begin our exceptional visit to Michigan.

Day 2/Wednesday, May 14th –     The auto industry remains central to Detroit’s economic and cultural identity.  This morning, we will have the rare opportunity to get an inside look at the making of America’s most iconic truck, the Ford F-150.  Everyone talks about the fascinating assembly line tour where you can view the workers and robotics assemble the trucks from an overhead catwalk.  We are confident that you’ll find it very interesting and entertaining.  Today we will also visit the adjacent Greenfield Village, an outdoor museum in a village style, where you’ll travel through time and US history.  Your visit will even include a ride around the village in a restored Model T as you drive past a collection of buildings with historic significance such as the first Ford Garage, Thomas Edison’s laboratory, the Wright Brother’s childhood home and Cycle Shop, the home of Stephen Foster and many more.  Greenfield Village is unlike any other living museum and should be on everyone’s list as they visit Michigan.   (breakfast included)

Day 3/Thursday, May 15th –   Before departing Dearborn today, we will visit The Henry Ford Museum, one of America’s greatest history attractions.  This 12-acre indoor museum houses major collections in transportation, power and ship machinery, agriculture, home arts and more.  Its new exhibit, “Driving America” is an exciting, interactive look at the car culture in the United States.  You’ll get to see Kennedy’s Presidential Limousine, Rosa Park’s bus, Lincoln’s chair from the Ford Theatre, and many other fascinating items from history. 

Next, we are off to the German Village of Frankenmuth.  This is Michigan’s number one tourist destination and you’ll discover why.  Almost everything about this village will make you feel as if you are in Bavaria.

You’ll love your accommodations at the Bavaria Inn Lodge, which is located on the shores of the Cass River.  The Lodge is indeed a work of art and has so much to offer that you’ll feel as if you never need to leave the resort.  Be sure to check out the Glockenspiel as it plays the Piped Piper, and the impressive 239-foot-long covered bridge leading to the resort property.  We will have a nice dinner along with fun German entertainment tonight at the resort.  (breakfast & dinner included)

Day 4/Friday, May 16th –    After breakfast this morning we will travel down the road to visit Bronner’s, the world’s largest Christmas Store.   The store itself is a destination and has facilities as large as 5 ½ football fields (yes, we will provide you with a map of the store).  Next door is Michigan’s Military and Space Museum for those who are not in the Christmas mood.  We will say “Auf Wiedersehn” (farewell) to Frankenmuth and travel North to Mackinaw City where we will take a 20-minute ferry crossing to romantic Mackinac Island (pronounced Mak-i-naw).  As we disembark, we step back in time on this summer resort island, where motorized vehicles are not allowed.  The only modes of transportation are bicycle, horse and carriage, or traveling by foot.  The island has such a beautiful and tranquil setting that you’ll soon know why it is considered the crown jewel of Michigan, and why USA Today reported it as the best summer travel destination in the United States.   You will be pleasantly pleased with your wonderful accommodations at the Bicycle Street Inn located in the middle of all the fudge and fun.  Relax, you are now on island time.  (breakfast included)

Day 5/Saturday, May 17^th – Today is what a vacation is all about   You’ll spend the entire day enjoying the island.  After breakfast, you’ll have time to browse around the waterfront or just relax at the hotel.  Late in the morning we’ll board our horse drawn carriage for a tour to learn the island’s history, geology and ecology.  Our tour will lead us to the opulent Grand Hotel, where we’ll enjoy an elaborate buffet luncheon fit for royalty.    The Grand Hotel was made famous by the movie “Somewhere in Time”, which was filmed in 1979 on the island and stars Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour.  After the luncheon you’ll have free time to enjoy the hotel and gardens which comprise the largest summer resort in America.  The hotel also boasts the largest porch in the world extending 660 feet with astonishing views overlooking Lake Huron.  There are many special places to visit in our country.  Mackinac Island is certainly one of those places.  It truly is a fairytale-type setting.  You simply have to experience it.  There is much to see and do within walking distance from the Bicycle Street Inn, so have fun today!  (breakfast & luncheon included).

Day 6/Sunday, May 18^th – After a relaxing morning on the island, we will catch the ferry and meet our motorcoach for a short drive to the waterfront resort town of Petoskey.  The area has been a popular resort destination since the late 19^th century when visitors came by train and steamer to escape industrialized cities throughout the Midwest.    Today it’s your turn to enjoy its stunning natural beauty, Victorian charm, and genuine hospitality, and we have some fun things planned for you before we check into our resort hotel.   Our accommodations in Petoskey will be at the Stafford’s Perry Hotel which is perched high on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan and stands as a proud symbol of the early 1900’s when northern Michigan tourism was in its infancy.  Built in 1899 as one of some 20 original luxury resort hotels, Stafford’s Perry Hotel is the only establishment of its kind still in operation.  Situated in the heart of downtown Petoskey and the famed Gaslight Shopping District, you’ll enjoy the convenient location and stunning views from the veranda.  We will enjoy a delightful group dinner tonight at the resort. (breakfast & dinner included)

Day 7/Monday, May 19^th –    You’ll have the morning to relax and enjoy the beautiful setting of your resort hotel located near the shore of Lake Michigan.  Later, we will travel to Charlevoix to visit Castle Farms.  Castle Farms remains one of northern Michigan’s hidden gems.  Characterized by its Romanesque and Gothic-style arches, embellished turrets and thick stone walls, the castle provides  a stark juxtaposition to the rolling green hills and lush farmland that makes up the surrounding landscape.  Castle Farm was built in 1918 as a model working dairy farm by the acting President of Sears, Roebuck & Company.  Today, it offers guests the chance to stroll through 100 years of history.  Hear stories and fascinating historical facts on our guided tram tour while seeing the Enchanted Forest full of gnomes, Michigan’s largest outdoor model railroad, the towering Hedge  Maze with overhead trains, and Norm the resident dragon.  While here at Castle Farms we will enjoy an amazing luncheon prepared for our group.    Later this afternoon, we will have a local guide show us around the area seeing more of the popular sights in this resort region and learning about its fascinating history.  (breakfast & luncheon included)

Day 8/Tuesday, May 20^th  –    After breakfast we will make our way to Grand Rapids, Michigan to catch our flight home.  Oh, what memories we have made on our relaxing Michigan vacation.  Who knew that Michigan is such a magical destination.