From Chicago’s skyline to the storybook streets of Mackinac Island—where cars give way to horse-drawn carriages and Victorian charm rules—this trip is classic Americana at its best. Stroll through millions of tulips at Holland’s famous Tulip Festival, set against Dutch architecture. Enjoy Frankenmuth, Michigan’s “Little Bavaria,” an authentic Bavarian feast and the largest Christmas shop in the world. Dive into Henry Ford’s legacy, soak up local history, and enjoy cultural adventures in Greenfield Village. Big city energy, small-town magic, vibrant festivals, and timeless traditions—this trip packs it all in with a lots of fun.
Day 1 - Chicago - the Windy City
Welcome to Chicago, a city celebrated for its striking skyline, architectural brilliance, vibrant arts scene, and world-class dining. Set along the shores of Lake Michigan, this dynamic metropolis perfectly blends Midwestern warmth with cosmopolitan sophistication. As guests will be arriving throughout the afternoon the remainder of the day is yours to relax and settle in at your leisure. Perhaps unwind after your journey, or take a brief stroll to begin soaking in the city’s energy. At 6:00 PM, join your Tour Director and fellow travelers for an orientation meeting, followed by a Welcome Dinner at one of Chicago’s acclaimed local restaurants. This elegant evening sets the tone for the remarkable journey ahead as we prepare to explore the serene beauty of Mackinac Island and the breathtaking landscapes of the Great Lakes region — where timeless traditions and natural splendor blend seamlessly. Please schedule your arrival into Chicago no later than 4:00 PM. (D — Welcome Dinner)
Day 2 - Chicago - Architecture, Speakeasies & Panoramic Views
Enjoy breakfast at our hotel before departing for a 3-hour locally guided city tour exploring the rich history and remarkable architecture of Chicago. Discover the stories behind the city’s most iconic landmarks and events, including Fort Dearborn, the Great Chicago Fire, the influential Chicago School of Architecture, and the transformative World’s Fairs of 1893 and 1933, among many other fascinating highlights. Following the tour, experience breathtaking views from the Skydeck at Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower). Ascend to the 103rd floor of one of the tallest skyscrapers in the United States — standing at 110 floors and 1,450 feet high — for panoramic views stretching across multiple states on a clear day. After lunch on your own, we will step back in time with a guided Roaring ’20s Tour. Explore the vibrant and notorious era defined by tommy guns, flappers, jazz, early radio and film “talkies,” speakeasies, gangsters, Prohibition, and women’s suffrage. Few cities embodied this dynamic decade quite like Chicago. Discover how prosperity, crime, and cultural revolution combined to make Chicago one of the most electrifying cities in America during this explosive era. The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure — relax at the hotel or experience Chicago’s nightlife “on the town.” (B)
Day 3 – Chicago to Holland, Michigan's Tulip Time Festival
After breakfast, we bid farewell to Chicago and travel to Holland, Michigan — proudly known as the Tulip Capital of America. Every spring, Holland transforms into a sea of color as millions of tulips burst into bloom for the annual Tulip Time Festival. Celebrating the city’s rich Dutch heritage, the festival blends vibrant floral displays with traditional dancing, parades and amazing attractions. Upon arrival, we will meet our knowledgeable local guide who will take us on a scenic tour of this charming town, showcasing its breathtaking floral displays while sharing the rich history of the renowned Tulip Time Festival, a beloved annual celebration that began in 1929. Our tour culminates at beautiful Windmill Island Gardens, where 36 acres of meticulously manicured gardens, dikes, and canals burst into vibrant color. Here, you’ll also see the only authentic, operating Dutch windmill in the United States — a true highlight of the day. This evening, enjoy dinner along with lively entertainment featuring traditional Dutch Klompen dancing performed by local artists in authentic costume. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 4 - Tulip Time Experience at Nelis' Dutch Village, Holland Michigan
We begin our morning with breakfast before heading to Nelis' Dutch Village, where more than 30,000 tulip bulbs burst into bloom each year during Tulip Time, showcasing over 100 vibrant varieties planted throughout the park. Step back more than 150 years into a charming and authentic Dutch village. Stroll shaded walkways lined with colorful tulip beds, flowering gardens, canals, and traditional windmills. The village comes alive with associates dressed in traditional Dutch costumes and wooden shoes, bringing the history and culture of the Netherlands to life. Enjoy live demonstrations of classic Dutch craftsmanship, including: wooden shoe carving, Delft pottery making, and Old farmhouse-style cheese making, to name a few. Delight in authentic Dutch foods and cheeses while experiencing festive, photo-worthy moments such as traditional Dutch dancing and dance lessons. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Holland at your leisure — browse the shops, discover hidden corners of the village, or take in one of the lively Tulip Time parades. (B)
Day 5 – Holland to Mackinac Island's Victorian Splendor
After breakfast at our hotel, we say goodbye to Holland enjoy a scenic drive north to Mackinaw City, perched at the very tip of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, on Lake Huron. Upon arrival, you’ll have time to explore this charming waterfront town, browse its local shops, and enjoy lunch at your leisure before boarding the ferry to legendary Mackinac Island. As you step ashore, you’ll immediately notice the island’s timeless charm — where the gentle clip-clop of horse-drawn carriages replaces the hum of car engines. For the next two nights, you’ll experience the grandeur of the iconic Grand Hotel, a Victorian-era masterpiece and National Historic Landmark known for its world-class hospitality and sweeping views of Lake Huron. Mackinac Island itself is equally extraordinary. More than 80% of the island is protected as Mackinac State Park, preserving its pristine woodlands, dramatic limestone bluffs, and sparkling shoreline. It’s a true natural treasure offering both rich history and breathtaking scenery. After dinner at the hotel this evening, the night is yours to enjoy at a relaxed pace. Take a leisurely stroll through the enchanting village streets, browse the island’s unique boutiques, or unwind in a rocking chair along the Grand Hotel’s famous porch — the perfect place to savor the peaceful island atmosphere as the sun sets over the water. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 6 – Mackinac Island By Horse and Carriage
After a lavish breakfast, step into a traditional horse-drawn carriage for a leisurely tour of Mackinac Island. Along the way, enjoy visits to the charming Surrey Hills Carriage Museum and the breathtaking Arch Rock, where sweeping views of Lake Huron provide a perfect photo opportunity. The remainder of the day is yours to embrace the island’s unhurried charm. Relax on the Grand Hotel’s iconic front porch, taking in panoramic views of the Straits of Mackinac, or stroll through downtown’s quaint streets to browse local shops and sample the island’s famous fudge — a cherished Mackinac tradition. This evening, gather for dinner at the elegant Salle à Manger, where a menu of refined delicacies awaits. After dinner, linger over coffee as the Grand Hotel’s orchestra sets a sophisticated tone for the evening, or retreat to the intimate Cupola Bar for a quieter, relaxed conclusion to a perfect day. (B, D)
After breakfast, we depart for the ferry dock and enjoy a scenic cruise to the lakeside port town of St. Ignace. From there, we will travel across the legendary Mackinac Bridge, one of the world’s longest suspension bridges. We will travel five miles over the Straits of Mackinac, take in breathtaking views of Lake Huron on one side and Lake Michigan on the other. Continuing south, we’ll arrive in Frankenmuth, Michigan’s cherished Bavarian Village. For more than 150 years, this charming town has celebrated its rich German heritage and remains a vibrant cultural center in the Upper Midwest. Our first stop is Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, the world’s largest Christmas store, renowned for its beautifully crafted glass ornaments and festive décor from around the globe. After checking into our hotel, we will enjoy some free time to explore Frankenmuth’s delightful boutiques and specialty shops including a cheese haus and wool factory. This evening, we will gather for a memorable traditional Bavarian Chicken Dinner, served with all the classic trimmings — a perfect way to celebrate your time in this idyllic village. (B, D)
Day 8 – Frankenmuth to Dearborn Birthplace of Henry Ford's Industrial Revolution
After breakfast, we will head to Dearborn, the birthplace of Henry Ford and the automotive empire that transformed the modern world. Your visit to The Henry Ford Museum offers an inspiring look at how innovation — especially the automobile — reshaped American life, industry, and culture in ways that continue to influence us today. A highlight of the museum are the Presidential Limousines and the only Dymaxion House in existence in the world. After touring the museum, step back in time at Greenfield Village, an extraordinary open-air museum where history truly comes alive. Wander through meticulously preserved homes, workshops, and laboratories — the very places where great minds such as the Wright Brothers, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and Robert Frost dreamed, experimented, and changed the course of history. This evening, we gather for a special Farewell Dinner to celebrate our journey together and share memories of the wonderful adventures we’ve experienced. (B, D)
Day 9 - Depart Dearborn
After breakfast our Spring celebration comes to an end. Transfer (independently) to the airport anytime. (B)
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