Great Lakes Explorer Classic Americana

Great Lakes Explorer Classic Americana

This 8-day small group journey from Chicago takes you around and across Lake Michigan. From the architecture and music of Chicago to going back in time on Mackinac Island, the Great Lakes region truly is a magical experience. American Experiences small group, multi-day tours provide you with authentic, in-depth experiences not found elsewhere. Your trip includes more than just the basics-- a welcome reception, one or two unique specialty meals, three and four star quality boutique hotels, multiple guided tours with opportunities to choose your activity as well as free independent exploration, and transportation. Plus, our knowledgeable tour guide stays with you for the duration of the trip and can personalize your experiences to meet the needs of both you and the group. Get to know like-minded people from all over the world who enjoy similar experiences and enrich your appreciation of America's magical Great Lakes with American Experiences small group tours .

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival - Chicago

Stop At: Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
Check-in to your hotel. This evening, mingle with other group members at a meet and greet reception hosted by your Tour Manager, a destination specialist. You will be given an introduction to your 8-day exploration of the Great Lakes.
Duration: 4 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: 1 night accommodation at the Palmer House Hilton or similar.

Day 2: Chicago

Stop At: Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
Chicago, situated on Lake Michigan, is among the largest cities in the U.S and is famed around the world for many things, including its bold architecture, blues musicians and clubs, deep-dish pizza and Al Capone.
There is no better way to tour Chi-town, as it is called, than on the Chicago Architecture Foundation’s Architectural River Cruise. From the 100-yr old Art Deco, Neo-Classical and Gothic Towers to some of the tallest modern-day sky scrapers, you will have access to all angles while the local, highly-trained docent points out architectural highlights along the way.
This afternoon choose between excursions. If you like sin with your suds, then join the walking tour and learn the basics of Chicago’s sinful history, all the way from the city’s first vice district to Capone, Prohibition and the Mob. Explore the basics of different beer styles and beer’s influence on criminal enterprises, especially during Prohibition. You will taste several Midwestern craft beers from lagers to porters.
Or choose to glide along the Lakefront on your very own Segway through the fragrant floral paths and rose gardens of Grant Park to the Museum Campus. If you can stand, you can learn to use a Segway. Knowledgeable guides explain the culture and history of the area and massive museums.
Duration: 8 hours

Stop At: Kingston Mines, 2548 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614-2348
Tonight, Kingston Mines is on the menu. Founded in 1968, Kingston Mines is the largest and oldest continuously operating blues club in Chicago. Its two stages have been graced by the likes of Magic Slim, Billy Branch, Junior Wells and scores of other musical greats. You will listen to some of Chicago’s best live music – and remember their motto: “Hear Blues – Drink Booze – Talk Loud – You’re Among Friends!” You may want to eat before you go, or save your appetite for the southern style fare you can get onsite from Doc’s Rib Joint.
Duration: 3 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: 1 night accommodation at the Palmer House Hilton or similar.

Day 3: Chicago - Holland - Mackinac Island (413mi/664km)

Stop At: Holland, Holland, Ottawa County, Michigan
You will depart Chicago this morning for Mackinac Island, stopping to visit the town of Holland along the way. On the shores of Lake Michigan, the Dutch heritage is plain to see in the traditional Dutch architecture and ambiance. Stroll through the quaint downtown and enjoy its galleries, shops and eateries.
Duration: 4 hours

Stop At: Mackinac Island, Mackinac Island, Mackinac County, Upper Peninsula, Michigan
Upon arrival in Mackinaw City, your vehicle will be left behind and you will board the ferry to Mackinac Island. This Victorian-style island, covering only 3.8 square miles (9.8 km2) in land area, is located on Lake Huron at the eastern end of the Straits of Mackinac, between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas. The entire island is listed as a National Historic Landmark and is well known for its ban on all motor vehicles and the wide variety of architectural styles, including the Victorian Grand Hotel.
Duration: 4 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: 1 night accommodation at the Lake View Hotel or similar.

Day 4: Mackinac Island

Stop At: Mackinac Island, Mackinac Island, Mackinac County, Upper Peninsula, Michigan
This morning, as part of the included touring, you can explore Mackinac Island your way. Bicycles and horse-drawn carriages are the only modes of transportation here. You can pick up a bicycle – or adult tricycle – and gear, along with trail maps guiding you on various routes throughout the island. Take the perimeter route to loop around Mackinac Island’s shoreline. The flat, smooth asphalt road places you right between dramatic forestry and the rocky shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron with majestic views of their deep blue waters.
For the more adventurous, take the “immersive experience” tour to see Mackinac Island’s points of interest such as Skull Cave, the Grand Golf Course, Arch Rock, Governor's Residence and Fort Mackinac.
Or you may want to sit back and relax on a guided horse-drawn carriage instead. See many of the island’s sites with stops along the way. The afternoon and evening are free to enjoy as you wish.
Duration: 10 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: 1 night accommodation at the Lake View Hotel or similar.

Day 5: Mackinac Island - Leelanau Peninsula - Traverse City (102 mi/164km)

Stop At: Leelanau Peninsula, MI
You will have some free time on the island this morning before boarding the ferry back to the main land. On the way to Traverse City, you will stop in the Leelanau Peninsula where you will visit some of the peninsula’s noted wineries and discover breathtaking views and stylish wines as well as their passionate winemakers.
Duration: 6 hours

Stop At: Traverse City, Traverse City, Grand Traverse County, Michigan
Continue on to spend the evening in Traverse City. The downtown exudes retro charm with plenty of fresh farm to table restaurants and big-city entertainment with a small-town feel. You may want to take in a show, the opera or listen to some live jazz.
Duration: 4 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: 1 night accommodation at the Indigo Hotel or similar.

Day 6: Traverse City - Lake Michigan Crossing - Milwaukee (251mi/404km)

Stop At: Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Heading south today, you will stop to taste some of the local craft beers. Bolstered by the Great Lakes and nurtured by the glacier rich soil, Michigan is a brewer's paradise with countless varieties of styles and tastes. It ranks fifth in the nation for the number of breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs. Enjoy an included lunch before the late after- noon ferry crossing across Lake Michigan to Wisconsin.
Duration: 6 hours

Stop At: Milwaukee Public Market, 400 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI 53202-5513
Tonight you will visit Milwaukee's most unique downtown food destination, the Milwaukee Public Market. Bursting with unique, high quality selections of artisan and ethnic products and freshly-prepared foods, you will have a wide variety of dinner options from its independent merchants. Enjoy your selection in the Public Market’s Palm Garden.
Duration: 4 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: 1 night accommodation at the Aloft Downtown or similar.

Day 7: Milwaukee

Stop At: Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Once known almost exclusively as a brewing powerhouse, the city now boasts the beautiful Milwaukee Riverwalk and Milwaukee Art Museum, with its architecturally impressive addition shaped like a floating cross, with wings opening and closing from a central base. This morning you will tour past the elegant mansions along Lake Michigan with numerous photo opportunities at the city’s most unique landmarks, as well as several stops where you can interact with locals and experience the city as they do. You will take in City Hall, the Milwaukee Art Museum, North Point Lighthouse, Miller Park, the Historic Third Ward and much more.
Duration: 6 hours

Stop At: Harley-Davidson Museum, 400 W Canal St At the corner of 6th and Canal, Milwaukee, WI 53203-3208
This afternoon you will visit the Harley-Davidson Museum. “It’s the best of American design and culture – seasoned with freedom and rebellion, showcased in a landmark building.” Exhibits tell the stories of the extraordinary people, products, history and culture of Harley-Davidson and, for some of you, this is the moment you've been waiting for. That's right, go right ahead and swing your leg over one of the many motorcycles that inhabit the gallery.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Dinner: You will enjoy a final included night dinner at a downtown brew pub.
Accommodation included: 1 night accommodation at the Aloft Downtown or similar.

Day 8: Milwaukee - Oak Park - Chicago (105mi/170km)

Stop At: Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, 951 Chicago Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302-2007
After departing Milwaukee you will arrive in Oak Park, once the home of Frank Lloyd Wright where he designed and built some of his earliest buildings. Unity Temple and Wright's own former home and studio are among the many Wright buildings still preserved in the village.
Duration: 4 hours

Stop At: Oak Park, Oak Park, Illinois
Tour the Wright home and see the birthplace of Ernest Hemingway before time for lunch in the village. Passengers can be dropped off at Chicago’s O’Hare airport or downtown Chicago.
Duration: 3 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.