MACKINAC ISLAND, THE WINDY CITY & TULIPS!

DAY 1 

Join your Champlain Tours’ guide at the airport for our flight to Chicago. After checking into our stunning hotel, discover this dynamic city that goes by many names including "Second City" and “The Windy City," but no matter what you call it, you’re sure to fall in love. Walking along Michigan Avenue, we will be strolling down the brilliant Magnificent Mile, where we will see the Art Institute of Chicago, Grant Park, and the historical Chicago Water Tower. Get a different perspective of Chi-town from the Willis Tower (formally Sears Tower), one of the tallest buildings in the world. The remainder of your day is at your leisure. You may want to visit one of Chicago’s many museums, shop on Michigan Avenue, or visit the Chicago Cultural Center. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. (Dinner)

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HOTEL: Palmer House Hotel (2 nights)

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DAY 2 

Following breakfast, we will take an Architectural cruise to further admire the city's architecture. We will stroll around the Navy Pier. Completed in 1916, Navy Pier is undeniably one of Chicago’s top attractions. Stretching into Lake Michigan, this year-round destination truly comes to life in the summer, with fireworks displays, live music, theatre, and cruises setting sail daily. You will have free-time to have lunch on your own.

 

This afternoon, we head to Oak Park. Oak Park is home to the world’s greatest collection of buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Wright began his career in this idyllic village of stately Victorian homes and ignited a revolution that would shape the course of Modern Architecture in the 20th Century. Led by an expert guide, this outdoor walking tour explores the neighborhood around Wright’s Home and Studio, where the architect pioneered the first uniquely American form of architecture, the Prairie style. Wright buildings featured on the tour include the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio (1889-1909), Nathan Moore (1895), Arthur Heurtley (1902), and Laura Gale (1909) houses, and more.

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This evening, enjoy dinner on your own. Pick from many local eateries near the hotel. (Breakfast)

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HOTEL: Palmer House Hotel

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DAY 3 

Depart the hotel after breakfast and embark on a scenic drive to Holland, Michigan. Throughout the history of Holland, the city's Dutch heritage has been preserved and celebrated. You'll have an opportunity for a true Dutch experience as millions of tulips bloom throughout the city. You'll see it in the Dutch architecture downtown, you'll taste it in the Dutch delicacies found in local shops and eateries, and you'll experience it at our Dutch attractions and events - like the Dutch Winterfestand the Tulip Time Festival.

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So whether touring DeZwaan Windmill, learning how to Klompen dance at Nelis' Dutch Village, tiptoeing through the tulips at Veldheer Tulip Farm, or exploring the history of Holland and its Dutch art collection at the Holland Museum, you'll see how Holland celebrates its Dutch heritage.

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(Breakfast)

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Hotel: Courtyard Holland Downtown (1 night)

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DAY 4 

After a morning of Holland Tulip activities, we begin our journey up the eastern coastline of Lake Michigan. Dress appropriately because it is time to play in the sand! Climb to the summit in open air “dune buggies” and see a vast panoramic view of Lake Michigan as you glide up and down the sweeps into the valleys of Mother Nature’s handy work. Knock the sand out of your shoe as we continue north through the historic city of Charlevoix, surrounded by four bodies of water, including Lake Michigan. A local guide will take you through the intriguing history of the area, and you’ll view the fairy-tale mushroom houses built by famous architect Earl Young. Today’s first stop is the historic city of Charlevoix, surrounded by four bodies of water, including Lake Michigan. A local guide will take you through the intriguing history of the area, and you’ll view the fairy-tale mushroom houses built by famous architect Earl Young.

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Check into your hotel at Mackinaw City. The Village of Mackinaw City is a resort community located on the shores of the Straits of Mackinac at the tip of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Mackinaw City with beautiful scenic views of the Great Lakes, Mackinac Bridge, and countryside has plenty of options for dinner own your own.

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(Breakfast)

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HOTEL: Best Western Plus Waterfront

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DAY 5 

Breakfast is served this morning before boarding the ferry that will take you back to a simpler time on Mackinac Island. Upon arrival, listen for how the neighs of horses replace the roar of engines. Your home for the next two nights is the glorious Victorian-era resort, the Grand Hotel. Both your hotel and the island itself are National Historic Landmarks. The island is a natural gem with over eighty percent of its land preserved by Mackinac State Park, a woodland paradise accented with limestone formations and ringed by Lake Huron. After dinner at your hotel, the evening is yours to enjoy. Perhaps you’ll take a leisurely stroll through the quaint village or relax on the Grand Hotel’s famous porch.

 

Climb aboard your horse-drawn carriage for an island tour that includes stops at the Surrey Hills Carriage Museum and Arch Rock. Following your tour, savor some time to enjoy all of Mackinac Island’s quiet pleasures. Enjoy brilliant views while sitting on the front porch of the Grand Hotel or take a walk downtown to visit the shops and buy some fudge, a favorite item on the island. Later, choose from a menu of tasty delicacies when you dine at the elegant Salle à Manger. After dinner, enjoy a cup of coffee while listening to the refined sounds of the Grand Hotel's orchestra. If you crave a secluded hideaway, retreat to the charming Cupola Bar.

 

(Breakfast)

 

HOTEL: The Grand Hotel (1 night)

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DAY 6 

After breakfast at the Grand Hotel, we continue our tour south through eastern Michigan. This afternoon, we visit the quaint town of Frankenmuth, or as the locals call it, "Little Bavaria," because of its Franconian-style architecture. Upon arrival, there will be free-time. We suggest you visit the largest Christmas store in the world – Bronner’s. Later, join the group for an authentic Bavarian dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

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HOTEL: Dearborn Inn (1 night)

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DAY 7 

Today we visit Dearborn, home town of Henry Ford and the Ford Motor Company. Visit the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village for an experience in living history. Learn how the automobile forever changed American life and society as you explore the Henry Ford Museum. At Greenfield Village, take in the historic homes and see the workshops where famous American icons like the Wright Brothers, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Robert Frost were once inspired. As we head back to Chicago to complete the tour, view the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor. (Breakfast, Dinner)

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Hotel: Hampton Inn O’Hare (1 night)

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DAY 8 

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)