Niagara Falls & Mackinac Island: A Great Lakes Journey

Day 1 – Welcome to Niagara Falls

Your Great Lakes adventure begins as you arrive at Buffalo Niagara International Airport, where you’ll meet your Tour Director and board your motorcoach for the short drive into Canada. Crossing the Rainbow Bridge, you’ll catch your first glimpse of the mighty Niagara River as it plunges over one of the world’s most famous waterfalls.

After arriving at your hotel, conveniently located just steps from the falls, settle into your accommodations before gathering for a welcome dinner. This evening offers the perfect introduction to Niagara Falls, where illuminated waterfalls and the sound of rushing water create an unforgettable atmosphere.

Overnight: Holiday Inn by the Falls, Niagara Falls, Ontario

Meals Included: D

Day 2 – Discover Magnificent Niagara Falls

Following breakfast, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. Travel along the scenic Niagara Parkway, often called one of Canada’s most beautiful drives, while your local guide shares the fascinating history, geology, and legends surrounding Niagara Falls.

Highlights include Table Rock, where you’ll stand at the very edge of the Horseshoe Falls, Queen Victoria Park’s beautifully landscaped gardens, the swirling Niagara Whirlpool, the historic community of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Queenston Heights, and the engineering marvel of the Welland Canal.

Enjoy an unforgettable lunch in the revolving dining room of the Skylon Tower, offering spectacular 360-degree views of the falls and surrounding countryside from more than 775 feet above the gorge.

Later this afternoon, board Niagara City Cruises for an exhilarating voyage to the base of Horseshoe Falls. Feel the refreshing mist and hear the thunderous roar as millions of gallons of water cascade just yards away—an experience that is truly unforgettable.

The evening is yours to explore Clifton Hill, stroll beside the illuminated falls, or simply relax at your hotel.

Overnight: Holiday Inn by the Falls, Niagara Falls, Ontario

Meals Included: B, L

Day 3 – Historic Ontario to Michigan

After breakfast, depart Niagara Falls and travel west through Ontario to visit the fascinating Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology National Historic Site. Housed in the beautifully restored 1859 Waterworks complex, this National Historic Site tells the remarkable story of Victorian engineering and the steam-powered technology that transformed Canadian cities during the Industrial Revolution. Guided through the historic pumping station, you’ll see massive steam engines, original machinery, and interactive exhibits that showcase one of Canada’s finest examples of 19th-century industrial innovation.

Continue through southwestern Ontario with a stop for lunch before reaching the Blue Water Bridge, where you’ll cross back into the United States over the scenic St. Clair River.

This evening arrive in Bay City, a charming waterfront community on Saginaw Bay. Enjoy time to explore the riverfront or relax before tomorrow’s journey north toward Mackinac Island.

Overnight: DoubleTree Bay City Riverfront

Meals Included: B

Day 4 – Journey to Mackinac Island

Travel through Michigan’s beautiful northern forests and picturesque countryside as you make your way toward Mackinaw City, gateway to one of America’s most treasured island destinations.

After free time for lunch, board your ferry for a scenic cruise across the sparkling waters of the Straits of Mackinac. As Mackinac Island comes into view, you’ll quickly notice the absence of automobiles—a tradition that has been preserved for well over a century.

Upon arrival, horse-drawn carriages and bicycles replace motor vehicles, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a bygone era. Check into your historic downtown hotel and spend the remainder of the afternoon exploring charming Main Street, browsing the island’s famous fudge shops, relaxing along the waterfront, or enjoying the peaceful Victorian ambiance that has made Mackinac Island one of America’s most beloved destinations.

Overnight: Murray Hotel, Mackinac Island

Meals Included: B

Day 5 – Timeless Mackinac Island

After breakfast, discover the timeless charm of Mackinac Island on a guided horse-drawn carriage tour, the island’s traditional mode of transportation since automobiles were banned more than a century ago. Your leisurely tour explores many of the island’s most celebrated landmarks, including Surrey Hills, the Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory, the dramatic limestone formation of Arch Rock, and historic Fort Mackinac, where sweeping views overlook the Straits of Mackinac. Along the way, knowledgeable guides share the fascinating history of this National Historic Landmark, from its Native American heritage to its role during the War of 1812.

The tour concludes at the world-famous Grand Hotel, where you’ll have time to relax in its iconic rocking chairs, browse the elegant gift shops, and admire the beautifully manicured gardens before enjoying an included grand buffet luncheon. Opened in 1887, the Grand Hotel is home to the world’s longest front porch and has welcomed presidents, celebrities, and visitors from around the globe for generations. The remainder of the afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy at your own pace. Stroll the charming streets lined with Victorian buildings, sample Mackinac Island’s famous handmade fudge, rent a bicycle to explore the scenic shoreline, or simply soak in the peaceful atmosphere of this one-of-a-kind destination.

Overnight: Murray Hotel, Mackinac Island

Meals Included: B, L

Day 6 – Mackinac Island to Detroit

Enjoy one last morning on beautiful Mackinac Island before boarding the ferry back across the Straits of Mackinac, where your motorcoach awaits on the mainland. As you travel south through Michigan, picturesque countryside, forests, and charming small towns provide a relaxing backdrop for the day’s journey.

Pause for lunch in West Branch before continuing to the Bavarian-inspired village of Frankenmuth. Often called “Michigan’s Little Bavaria,” this delightful town is known for its German architecture, specialty shops, covered bridge, and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy time to browse the unique boutiques before continuing to the Detroit metropolitan area.

This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for an included dinner featuring regional favorites before arriving at your comfortable hotel near Detroit Metro Airport.

Overnight: Embassy Suites Detroit

Meals Included: B, D

Day 7 – American Innovation & History

Today’s discoveries celebrate American ingenuity and innovation. Begin at the Ford Rouge Factory Tour in Dearborn, where you’ll witness the remarkable process of building Ford’s legendary F-150 pickup truck. Interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations, and elevated observation decks provide an inside look at one of the world’s most advanced automobile manufacturing facilities while highlighting Henry Ford’s lasting impact on American industry.

Continue to Greenfield Village, an extraordinary living history museum where nearly 100 historic buildings have been relocated and preserved. Explore Thomas Edison’s laboratory, the Wright brothers’ bicycle shop, Henry Ford’s childhood home, historic farms, artisan workshops, and streets filled with period-costumed interpreters. Enjoy free time for lunch and to explore the village at your own pace before returning to the hotel to freshen up.

This evening, celebrate your unforgettable Great Lakes adventure with a festive farewell dinner, sharing memories of magnificent waterfalls, Victorian island life, and the remarkable history you’ve experienced throughout the week.

Overnight: Embassy Suites Detroit

Meals Included: B, D

Day 8 – Farewell to the Great Lakes

Following breakfast, transfer to Detroit Metropolitan Airport for your journey home. As your Great Lakes adventure comes to a close, take with you wonderful memories of the thundering waters of Niagara Falls, the timeless beauty of Mackinac Island, the elegance of the Grand Hotel, and the fascinating history and innovation that define this remarkable region.

Depart for home with lasting friendships and unforgettable experiences from one of North America’s most scenic and historic destinations.

Meals Included: B