Michigan & Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island | July 8-15

July 8 – Detroit | Welcome to Michigan!

Welcome to Michigan! Your Universal Travel representative will meet you at Detroit Metropolitan Airport and assist with your transfer to the hotel. After time to freshen up, enjoy a Welcome to Detroit dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Detroit                          (D)

July 9 – Ford Rouge Factory, The Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village

After breakfast, visit the Ford Rouge Factory, where Henry Ford envisioned an ideal automotive “ore-to-assembly” complex—one where every aspect of production could be processed, manufactured, and assembled in a single location. From start to finish, the self-guided tour offers awe-inspiring encounters with America’s celebrated manufacturing past, present, and future. Next, explore the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, immersing yourself in the stories and achievements of America’s greatest minds. Highlights include the world’s premier automotive exhibition, the JFK Presidential Limousine, an original camp bed used by George Washington, and the iconic Rosa Parks Bus. Just a two-minute walk away, step into Greenfield Village, where 300 years of American ingenuity and perseverance come to life. Enjoy included rides such as a Model T, the Herschell-Spillman Carousel, the Weiser Railroad, or a 1913 Ford Model AA Bus. This evening, return to the  hotel for overnight.

Overnight: Detroit                            (B)

July 10 – Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park & Gerald Ford Presidential Museum

This morning, depart for Grand Rapids, the second-largest city in Michigan and a vibrant cultural hub. Upon arrival, visit the renowned Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, ranked among the top 100 most visited art museums worldwide. This extraordinary 158-acre campus features more than 200 sculptures displayed throughout its beautifully landscaped indoor and outdoor gardens. Enjoy lunch on your own at the Taste of the Gardens Café, highlighted by a dazzling glass ceiling sculpture created by celebrated artist Dale Chihuly. A narrated tram tour provides a wonderful overview of the expansive outdoor gardens and world-class sculpture collection. Continue to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum and burial site, honoring the 38th President of the United States, Gerald R. Ford, and First Lady Betty Ford. Through engaging exhibits and personal artifacts, gain insight into their lives and lasting legacy. Later this afternoon, check in to your hotel in Grand Rapids, with time to freshen up before enjoying an included dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Grand Rapids                 (B/D)

July 11 – Travel Day | Mackinaw City & Mackinac Island

Early this morning, travel north to Mackinaw City, with free time for lunch and shopping. From here, board a ferry across the shimmering Straits of Mackinac to timeless, car-free Mackinac Island. Upon arrival, step gracefully into a bygone era as you enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride to one of America’s most iconic and storied hotels—your home for the next three nights, the legendary Grand Hotel. Renowned for its sweeping, flower-lined porch, breathtaking lake views, and more than 135 years of gracious hospitality, the Grand Hotel embodies classic American luxury and refined leisure at its finest.

Overnight: Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island                       (B/D)

July 12 – Mackinac Island | Island Traditions & Grand Hotel Elegance

Today is yours to fully enjoy the beauty and charm of Mackinac Island. Your morning begins with a horse-drawn carriage tour, introducing you to the island’s most celebrated landmarks. Stops include the Surrey Hill Carriage Museum, Mackinac Island State Park—with a visit to iconic Arch Rock, one of the most photographed sites on the island offering breathtaking views of Lake Huron—and historic Fort Mackinac. Founded during the American Revolution, the fort was relocated to Mackinac Island by the British in 1780, who believed the original Fort Michilimackinac was too vulnerable to American attack. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the island’s Historic Downtown, known for its charming boutiques, specialty shops, and legendary fudge and candy stores. You may also choose to wander the magnificent Grounds and Gardens of the Grand Hotel, where century-old lilacs, white cedar, and  maple trees provide structure and shade, while tens of  thousands of annuals and perennials burst with color throughout the season. More than 150 varieties of flowers—including geraniums, roses, peonies, lilies, daisies, begonias, and more—thrive in the ideal climate of a Mackinac summer. Relaxation continues with time to cool off in the Grand Hotel’s pool, or lounge with a cocktail overlooking the Straits of Mackinac—the choice is entirely yours. As evening approaches, the Grand Hotel’s timeless traditions take center stage. Enjoy dinner in the elegant Main Dining Room, accompanied by live music. Following dinner, a harpist performs classical standards and popular favorites in the Parlor during demitasse. Later, savor a nightcap and enjoy dancing in the Terrace Room to the sounds of the Grand Hotel Orchestra, a perfect conclusion to a memorable island evening.

Overnight: Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island                       (B/D)

July 13 – Free Day Mackinac Island | Grand Hotel

Embrace the unhurried elegance of Mackinac Island, where time slows and tradition reigns. Enjoy a full day at leisure to relax at the Grand Hotel or explore the charm of the  island at your own pace. A highlight of your stay is spending time in a rocking chair on the world’s longest porch, taking in panoramic views of the Straits of Mackinac and the gentle rhythm of passing sailboats. Guests may choose to enjoy free time at the hotel—strolling the manicured grounds, enjoying afternoon tea, visiting the shops, or simply soaking in the hotel’s timeless atmosphere. On the island, optional activities abound, bicycle rentals for a scenic loop around the island, visits to historic Fort Mackinac, boutique shopping, or sampling the island’s famous fudge. Since opening in 1887, the historic Grand Hotel has welcomed distinguished guests including Mark Twain, Jimmy Durante, Christopher Reeve, and five U.S. presidents. A signature experience at Grand Hotel is Afternoon Tea in The Parlor. Served daily from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM, this timeless tradition invites guests to relax and savor an elegant mid-afternoon indulgence. Enjoy live music while delighting in a refined selection of teas, sherry, or champagne, accompanied by delicate finger sandwiches and an assortment of delectable desserts. And the best part? This iconic Grand Hotel experience is included in today’s program! Dinner is included on all three nights. Formal attire is a cherished Grand Hotel tradition. After 6:30 PM, gentlemen are requested to wear a coat, tie, and slacks, while ladies are asked to dress in a dress, skirt, or elegant pantsuit, enhancing the hotel’s signature sense of occasion. For a more relaxed option, guests may choose to dine at the Jockey Club or The Gate House, where the food portion of the meal is still included, offering a casual yet equally enjoyable dining experience.

Overnight: Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island                      (B/TEA/D)

July 14 – Frankenmuth | Michigan’s Little Bavaria

After checking out of the Grand Hotel this morning, enjoy a final horse-drawn carriage ride to the harbor before boarding the ferry for a scenic crossing back through the Straits of Mackinac to Mackinaw City. Upon arrival, board your motor coach and travel south to Frankenmuth, affectionately known as “Little Bavaria.” Founded by German immigrants in 1845, Frankenmuth is celebrated for its Bavarian-style architecture, Old World charm, the world’s largest Christmas store—Bronner’s, and its famous chicken dinners. Enjoy a 45-minute guided tour of the town, followed by a hands-on cultural experience at the Bavarian Inn, where you’ll learn the art of pretzel rolling—and, of course, enjoy the delicious results. Later this afternoon, check in to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure—perhaps stroll the boutique-lined streets, visit a traditional German bakery, or relax with a stein of beer. Early this evening, reserved tables await at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant. Enjoy lively German entertainment with beer and wine, followed by the restaurant’s world-famous chicken dinner, a beloved Frankenmuth tradition.

Overnight: Frankenmuth                       (B/D)

July 15 – Detroit City Tour & Departure

After a hearty German-style breakfast, return to Detroit for a panoramic city tour, time and flight schedule permitting. Discover why Detroit earned the nickname “Paris of the Midwest” during the mid-20th century, as you admire its grand boulevards and striking Art Deco architecture in the downtown area. Following the tour, transfer to Detroit Metropolitan Airport for check-in and your return flight home. As you depart, take with you lasting memories of Michigan’s rich history, scenic beauty, and unforgettable hospitality.                                   (B)

Inclusions:

• Airfare to Detroit and back
• Six days luxury motor coach transportation
• Seven nights hotel accommodations:

2-nights Detroit, 1-night Grand Rapids, 3-nights

Grand Hotel, 1-night Frankenmuth

• Seven breakfasts, one Afternoon Tea at the Grand Hotel’s Parlor & six dinners (incl. three dinners at the Grand Hotel’s Salle dining room)
• All sightseeing and admissions as listed on the itinerary incl. Admissions & Tickets for: Ford Rouge Factory Tour, The Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village, Frederick Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park & Gerald Ford Presidential Museum, historic Fort Mackinac, round trip Ferry ride to and from Mackinac Island, Horse Drawn Carriage tour and round trip Taxi Carriage Ride on Mackinac Island, Brezel making, Frankenmuth’s World Famous Chicken Dinner & Bronner’s – worlds largest Christmas store.
• Panoramic City tour in Frankenmuth & Detroit
• Hotel taxes, meal taxes, and gratuities
• Service of a Tour Director
• Porterage of one bag per person

(excludes airline baggage fees)

• All resort, service, and government fees
• All gratuities for drivers & step-on guides

$850.00 deposit due to confirm the reservation

Final payment due Jan 20, 2027 (No penalties until Jan 25, 2027)

50% non-refundable Jan 26, 2027

100% non-refundable Feb 26 , 2027