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Great Lakes Drive
Journey along

Lake Michigan

Chicago

Lake Superior
Overview
Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the towns and cities of the Great Lakes region. This tour takes you from the striking natural beauty of Mississippi River surroundings, through the splendor of Lake Superior in Duluth and the Keweena Paninsula, to Northern Indiana's Amish Country. Along the way you will visit such wondrous places as Frank Lloyd wright's Oak Park, the Apostle Islands and the luxurious resort community of Mackinac Island.
Visiting
Illinois,Indiana,Michigan,Minnesota,Wisconsin,Apostle Islands,Indiana's Amish Country,Keweenaw Peninsula,Lake Michigan,Lake Superior,Mississippi River,Picktured Rocks,Sleeping Bear Dunes,Tahquamenon Falls State Park,Traverse City
USD Prices Per Person
- Standard Rates
- Superior Rates
| Daily Departures | Category | Single | Double | Triple | Quad | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15-May-2012 - 30-Jun-2012 | Standard | $3367 | $1759 | $1317 | $1049 | Book Now |
| 01-Jul-2012 - 20-Aug-2012 | Standard | $3436 | $1794 | $1335 | $1059 | Book Now |
| 21-Aug-2012 - 15-Oct-2012 | Standard | $3367 | $1759 | $1317 | $1049 | Book Now |
| Daily Departures | Category | Single | Double | Triple | Quad | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15-May-2012 - 30-Jun-2012 | Superior | $4118 | $2137 | $1588 | $1314 | Book Now |
| 01-Jul-2012 - 20-Aug-2012 | Superior | $4208 | $2185 | $1623 | $1335 | Book Now |
| 21-Aug-2012 - 15-Oct-2012 | Superior | $4118 | $2137 | $1588 | $1314 | Book Now |
Your Tour Package Includes
12 Nights Hotel Accommodation as detailed in the Day by Day Itinerary as described below.
All Hotel Taxes and Service Charges.
12Days Hertz Ecomony Car Rental (Mid Size for Parties of 3 & 4) Including Unlimited Mileage, Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), Liability Insurance Supplement (LIS), Taxes, Surcharges & Fees.
Free Upgrade to a Mid Size Car for Parties of 1 & 2 and to a Full Size Car for Parties of 3 & 4 When Booking on Line.
An Explorer Kit containing Maps, Information, Driving Instructions, Mileage, Sights to See and Detailed Directions to your Hotels.
Options
Experience Package as detailed in the Day by Day Itinerary which includes Excursions, Entrance Fees and Special Experiences. Prices: A-1 $121.00 Per Adult, $112.00 Per Child Ages 3 - 9
Rental Car Upgrades. Chose from a Convertible, Luxury Cars and from a Range of Vehicles with Off-Road Capability.
Hertz Neverlost In-Car Navigation System.
Extra Hotel Nights before and after your Tour, and en-route.
Not Included
Fuel and Parking Charges.
Admissions to Parks and Attractions unless otherwise stated.
Intinerary

Chicago
Day 1 | Arrive in Chicago, IL
Distance: 0.00 miles / 0.0 km
Upon arrival in Chicago pick-up your rental car and proceed to your Hotel. Chicago is a city with a rich history and a musical soul. From the towering skyline to the smoky lounges where you can hear jazz and blues, Chicago offers a special treat for anyone with a special interest. Consider a visit to the Art Institute of Chicago. This museum is home to one of the best and most diverse art collections in the world including the world''s largest group of Monet paintings. The most prominent structure in Chicago is the Willis Tower, formerly “The Sears Tower”. While no longer the tallest building in the world, the Willis Tower stands proud at 1,454 feet high. A seventy second elevator ride will propel you to the skydeck on the 103rd floor for a bird''s eye view of Lake Michigan, both the North and South Sides of the city, the surrounding suburbs and, on a clear day, parts of Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan. Informational exhibits illustrate the history of Chicago and the construction of the tower. Visit Millenium Park for a look at the famous Kapoor Sculpture. Inspired by liquid mercury, the sculpture has striking reflections of the Chicago skyline and is among the largest of its kind in the world.
Accommodations: (STD) Essex Inn or similar (2 nights) (SUP) Double Tree The Wit Hotel or similar (2 nights)

Chicago
Day 2 | Chicago, IL
Distance: 0.00 miles / 0.0 km
Today is yours to explore other Chicago attractions. Take a short drive to Oak Park, Chicago’s closest suburb to the west. The village of Oak Park is home to the world''s largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright designed buildings and houses, with 25 structures built between 1889 and 1913, including his own family home which is now a landmark building and is open for touring. It was here that Wright developed and perfected his signature Prairie Style architecture. For a bite to eat with a spectacular view of the city, visit the John Hancock Center. After 40 seconds in the John Hancock''s elevator, you are transported many stories above Chicago. From there, the city''s third-largest building offers views that stretch out to 80 miles on a clear day. For a fun afternoon, fair style, visit Navy Pier. Since 1916, Navy Pier has been home not only to the military but to scores of special attractions. The pier offers everything from an IMAX theater to performances by a Shakespeare troupe. View dancing in a grand ballroom, ride the splendor of a fifteen-story Ferris wheel (a replica of the one at Chicago''s 1893 World''s Fair), or relax to the sounds of waves quietly lapping on the lakeshore. For a cultural encounter, visit one of the unique neighborhoods in Chicago like Chinatown or Little Italy. Both offer cultural food specialties and family-owned restaurants and shops. This evening venture out to one of the many lounges offering live musical entertainment featuring jazz and blues.
Today's Optional Excursion
Frank Lloyd Wright’s House & Studio Tour (Experience Package A-1): Tour this extraordinary building in Oak Park, Illinois that was the Wright family residence from 1889 to 1909. The famous architect lived here while he developed his architectural practice, creating what became the "Prairie Style" of architecture. You will be able to see the early experimentation with many of his trademark designs in his own living spaces, before sharing them with clients.

House on the Rock
Day 3 | Chicago – Taliesin – Spring Green, WI
Distance: 186.00 miles / 299.3 km
Leave Chicago and drive into Wisconsin stopping briefly at its capital and home of the University of Wisconsin, Madison. After a brief stop, continue to Spring Green. Anchored by the original and inspirational Taliesin and the fun and funky House on the Rock, the Spring Green area holds the prospect of experiences like none you’ve ever had before. You can choose to visit Taliesin, the birthplace for all of the ideas, concepts, theories and techniques applied to every structure that bears the Frank Lloyd Wright imprint. Wright used Taliesin as a kind of sketch pad, a laboratory, where ideas emerged, were given form, were tested and refined. Then there is House on the Rock, an amazing three-sided destination comprised of The Attraction, The Inn and The Resort offering a trio of sights, sounds and sensations that will leave a lasting impression. The Attraction has room after room of some of the world''s most unique and eclectic collections, from an intricately furnished doll house collection to the world''s largest indoor carousel. An overnight stay has been arranged here.
Accommodations: (STD) House on the Rock Inn or similar (1 night) (SUP) House on the Rock Resort or similar (1 night)

Mississippi River
Day 4 | Spring Green – Minneapolis, MN
Distance: 286.00 miles / 460.2 km
Leave the splendor of Spring Green behind and drive west toward Minneapolis. A very scenic route along the Mississippi will take you through small towns known for their home-made cherry pies and replete with antique shops; make brief stops and take advantage of their charming hospitality before arriving at Minneapolis for an overnight stay. Located on the upper course of the Mississippi River, the city of Minneapolis offers all the attractions, events and excitement of a major metropolitan area, without the hassles. This city is compact, easy-to-navigate and affordable, so you''ll be able to squeeze a lot into your visit. Highlights of the city include the Frederick R Weisman Art Museum, Guthrie Theater, Minnehaha Park, Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis Institute of Arts and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. For shoppers, nearby Bloomington offers the Mall of the Americas, the world''s largest shopping center with 400 shops, 50 restaurants and bars, a film center and Camp Snoopy, the largest roofed theme park in the United States.
Accommodations: (STD) Radisson Plaza Hotel Minneapolis or similar (1 night) (SUP) Graves 601 Hotel or similar (1 night)

Lake Superior
Day 5 | Minneapolis – Duluth, MN
Distance: 156.00 miles / 251.0 km
Take a morning drive on the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway, a system of trails and roadways that loop for more than 50 miles around the city. You can walk, bike, or inline skate along the trails which winds through park lands, the Chain of Lakes that dot the southwest side of the city, Minnehaha Falls, and the Mississippi River. Continue on to the shores of Lake Superior and Duluth. Much of the activities in these parts focus on the Lake. Visit the Great Lakes Aquarium, North America''s only all-freshwater aquarium; it explores Lake Superior, its surrounding habitats, and the creatures that inhabit its ecosystem. In the evening, take a boat excursion or dinner cruise on Lake Superior.
Accommodations: (STD) AmericInn or similar (1 night) (SUP) Comfort Suites Canal Park or similar (1 night)
Today's Optional Excursion
Glensheen Historic Estate Tour (Experience Package A-1): Tour this castle-like mansion that will take your breath away. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this early 20th century Duluth mansion is more like a 17th-century English castle with period furniture scattered throughout. Take a walk outside in the lovely formal gardens or take a tour through the carriage house, the boathouse and the tennis courts.

Day 6 | Duluth – Apostle Islands – Ashland, WI
Distance: 110.00 miles / 177.0 km
Make an early morning departure for Ashland. Stop at the Apostle Island National Lakeshore. Along windswept beaches and cliffs, visitors experience where water meets land and sky, culture meets culture, and past meets present. Here you can hike, paddle, sail, or cruise to experience these Jewels of Lake Superior. Continue to Ashland. The city of Ashland looks like a bit of New England sitting along the northwestern shoreline of Lake Superior which is why it is known as “Lake Superior’s Hometown”. From here you can choose to visit Madeline Island, the largest island of The Apostle Islands archipelago and the only one with a year round population. Experience the relaxed atmosphere and history that is Madeline Island. From soaking up the sun at Big Bay Beach, dining at a local restaurant, to playing18 holes of golf. A visit to Madeline Island is sure to refresh, relax and inspire you!
Accommodations: (STD) AmericInn or similar (1 night) (SUP) Chequamegon Hotel or similar (1 night)

Day 7 | Ashland – Keweenaw Peninsula – Marquette, MI
Distance: 341.00 miles / 548.7 km
Depart Ashland in the morning for the Keweenaw Peninsula, that long finger of land poking into the highest ridge of Keweenaw’s mountains. It is capped by the Brockway Mountain Drive which connects Copper Harbor with Eagle Harbor offering spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and mountain forests for miles. The peak offers panoramic views of the peninsula, including a view of Isle Royale, 40 miles to the northwest. There is a hiking trail close to the harbor at Hunter’s Point Park that extends from the marina to the tip of the point; it winds in and out of little coves along the lake. Visit Fort Wilkins Historic State Park a restored 1844 military outpost and one of the first lighthouses on Lake Superior. Costumed interpreters demonstrate the history of the Keweenaw Peninsula fort. There are also hiking trails along Lake Fanny Hooe which provide access to the Copper Harbor Lighthouse. Enjoy a hike before heading along Lake Superior to Marquette. The rugged Presque Isle Park is located north of town on Lakeshore Boulevard almost completely surrounded by Lake Superior and with stunning views of the lake. Back at East Ridge Street and Lakeshore, the Marquette Maritime Museum has exhibits on the fishing and freighting industries, as well as a video about the fabled Superior wrecking of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
Accommodations: (STD) Country Inn or similar (1 night) (SUP) Landmark Hotel or similar (1 night)

Day 8 | Marquette – Pictured Rocks – Saint Ignace – Mackinac Island, MI
Distance: 243.00 miles / 391.0 km
Drive along Scenic Route 28 to Munising and take a scenic lake cruise to the Pictured Rocks. These stretch for about 15 miles along Lake Superior from Sand Point to Spray Falls. Colorful and bold, the Pictured Rocks tower 50 to 200 feet directly from Lake Superior. The name "Pictured Rocks" comes from the streaks of mineral stain that decorate the face of the weather-sculpted cliffs. Near Newberry the Tahquamenon Falls State Park has easy walk to the beatuiful waterfalls. This is the land of Longfellow''s Hiawatha:"by the rushing Tahquamenaw" Hiawatha built his canoe. Explore the ledgend of the “Wreck of the Edmnumd Fitzgerald” at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at the historic Whitefish Point Light Station. Travel through Saint Ignace to take the ferry to the resort island of Mackinac. You will be leaving your vehicle parked at the Ferry Terminal as automobiles are not allowed in the island.
Accommodations: (STD & SUP) Lake View Hotel* or similar (2 nights)
*Due to the uniqueness of this area, both Standard and Superior categories will enjoy the same accommodations.
Today's Optional Excursion
Pictured Rocks Cruise (Experience Package A-1): Explore the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore from the comfort of a Tour Boat. Sandstone cliffs, beaches, sand dunes, & waterfalls along the Lake Superior Shoreline will delight and amaze you. The views aboard this cruise are breathtaking, up close and wonderful!

Mackinac Bridge
Day 9 | Mackinac Island, MI
Distance: 0.00 miles / 0.0 km
Mackinac Island is the truly "all natural" theme park of America. Limited to transportation by horse and buggy, bicycle or foot and surrounded by water it has escaped the vast changes of time. Mackinac Island is dedicated to its horses. Restrictions on automobiles at the turn of the last century ensure that horses are at the forefront of the island’s way of life. Over 600 horses are stabled on the Island during the summer months with about 30 draft horses staying during the winter to provide taxi and dray service to the community. Belgian, Clydesdale, Irish Hackney, Percheron, Standard-Bred, and combinations thereof are the breeds of choice for service. When you step off the Island Ferry Dock, you will be in a living Victorian Village. Explore historic Fort Mackinac, enjoy the hustle and bustle of the downtown and try the different varieties of homemade fudge. Or, just relax at the historic Grand Hotel made famous by the 1980 movie "Somewhere in Time" starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymore. It boasts the longest front porch in the world and no two of the 385 guestrooms are the same. The Grand Hotel forms part of “Historic Hotels of America”; through the years its illustrious guest list has included countless famous people, from writters, the likes of Mark Twain, to movie stars to politicians. The evenings are always formal here, so appropriate attire such as dinner jackets are required. Once you have visited this beautiful resort, you will fall in love with it too.
Today's Optional Excursion
Carriage Tour (Experience Package A-1): Explore Mackinac Island aboard a horse-drawn carriage. This fully narrated tour offers stops at the main highlights of the island including Surrey Hills Museum, Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory, Governor’s Mansion, Fort Mackinac, and Arch Rock among others.

Lake Michigan
Day 10 | Mackinac Island – Petoskey – Traverse City, MI
Distance: 116.00 miles / 186.6 km
Return from Mackinac Island by ferry, pass through Saint Ignace and continue on your journey into Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Overlooking the shores of Lake Michigan''s Little Traverse Bay you''ll find Petoskey, a quaint resort community with unmatched beauty and charm. Soak in the rich views, breathe the clean air, eat at world-class restaurants and shop in the specialty shops and boutiques of its historic downtown. Continue to Traverse City. Visit Sleeping Bear Dunes, one of the most beautiful natural areas with 35 miles of Lake Michigan''s coastline. Explore North and South Manitou Islands, and of course climb the dunes! One of the oldest lighthouses on the lakes, the Grand Traverse Lighthouse, sits at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula and has guided ships through the northern entrance to the Manitou Passage for 150 years. Grand Traverse Bay contains big schooners, sloops and frigates that played an important role in the history of the Great Lakes. Some are historical replicas of 18th and 19th century ships and are available for dockside tours. If you’re lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time, you may even catch a free ride around the Bay.
Accommodations: (STD) Days Inn Traverse City or similar (1 night) (SUP) Bayshore Resort or similar (1 night)

Holland, MI
Day 11 | Traverse City – Holland, MI
Distance: 188.00 miles / 302.5 km
Leave Traverse City behind and travel toward Holland. Take this opportunity to drive along beautiful Lake Michigan stopping at smaller water port cities along the way. With diverse, first-class shopping and dining, creative arts venues, and festive happenings all year round, downtown Holland is the place to be. You can enjoy the funky street performers in the summer as you stroll past the traditional Victorian architecture. Shop at a trendy boutique or a tried-and-true clothier. Satisfy your hunger at a brew pub for lunch and an elegant restaurant for dinner.
Accommodations: (STD) Country Inn or similar (1 night) (SUP) Doubletree Hotel Holland or similar (1 night)

Amish Country
Day 12 | Holland - Indiana Amish Country – Nappanee, IN
Distance: 117.00 miles / 188.3 km
Depart Holland and head to Indiana’s Amish Country in Northern Indiana for a complete change of pace. In villages and on rural outings, the Amish invite you to glimpse their way of life. Quiet and welcoming Amish-style Inns feature restaurants serving hearty fare. Back roads lead you to farmstead shops showcasing the artistry of Amish crafts, furniture and food. Continue to Nappanee for your last overnight stay. Enjoy the Downtown area with its 19th century storefronts, many of them listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Here you wil find house bakeries, friendly restaurants, and antique shops.
Accommodations: (STD) Nappanee Inn or similar (1 night) (SUP) Amish Acres or similar (1 night)

Day 13 | Nappanee – Chicago International Airport, MI
Distance: 142.00 miles / 228.5 km
Depart Nappanee at your leisure toward Chicago’s International Airport. Drop-off rental car

