Autumn Along Lake Michigan

October 1, 2024 thru October 8, 2024

Discover the enchanting beauty of Lake Michigan in autumn with our ‘Autumn Along Lake Michigan’ tour. Over eight days, journey from the vibrant cityscapes of Grand Rapids to the serene shores of Mackinac Island. Explore historical landmarks like the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, experience the stunning Sleeping Bear Dunes, and savor the charm of Charlevoix. Indulge in the elegance of the Grand Hotel, embrace the maritime heritage of Green Bay, and immerse yourself in the natural splendor of Door County. Cap your adventure with an excursion to Washington Island and a serene ferry ride back, culminating in a departure from Milwaukee, rich in memories of Midwest beauty and historical treasures.


Transportation

Roundtrip air transportation from TUS

Transportation

Deluxe Motorcoach

Duration

8 days, 7 nights

Activity Level 4

Active

Meals

13 meals (7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners) included

Availability

Available

Livery Service

Roundtrip door-to-door livery service


Tour Highlights

  • Enchanting Fall Colors
  • Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes Overlook
  • Guided Tour of Charlevoix
  • Mackinaw Island Carriage Tour
  • Luncheon at the Grand Hotel
  • Sandpoint Delta Historical Society Lighthouse & Museum Tour
  • Cave Point & Door Country
  • Eagle Bluff Lighthouse Docent Presentation
  • Traditional Door Country Fish Boil
  • Washington Island
  • Stave Chapel
  • West Harbor & Farm Museum

Inclusions

  •  Roundtrip air transportation from Tucson (not including airline baggage & in-flight charges)
  •  Transportation by deluxe motorcoach
  •  Roundtrip door-to-door livery service
  •  7 nights’ lodging at excellent hotels
  •  Baggage handling at hotels (for one piece)
  • 13 meals (6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners)
  •  Admission to all listed attractions
  • Guided tours at selected attractions
  • Your professional Tour Director
  • All taxes and tips for included items (except hotel housekeeping)


Day 1 – Arrival in Grand Rapids

Welcome to the vibrant city of Grand Rapids, the starting point of your ‘Autumn Along Lake Michigan’ tour. Upon arrival at Grand Rapids International Airport, you’ll be transported to Drury Inn and Suites, where you can settle in and relax after your journey.

Enjoy the hotel’s own ‘Kickback’ experience, a casual and cozy affair perfect for unwinding, or choose to dine independently.

Day 2 – Exploring Grand Rapids & Natural Wonders

Fuel up at the hotel with an included breakfast. Your first stop is the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, where you’ll delve into the life and legacy of America’s 38th president. Enjoy some free time in Grand Rapids for an independent lunch.

The journey continues with a break at the Lake Cadillac Party Store, a quaint spot perfect for grabbing snacks and souvenirs. The highlight of the day is a visit to the breathtaking Sleeping Bear Dunes Overlook. Here, witness the stunning beauty of the dunes against the backdrop of Lake Michigan’s sparkling waters – a truly memorable sight in the crisp autumn air.

Conclude your day with check-in at the Park Place Hotel in Traverse City. This evening, savor a delicious dinner at Minerva’s.

Meals included: (B, D)

Day 3 – Charlevoix Charm & Journey to Mackinac Island

Begin your day with a breakfast at the Park Place Hotel. After checking out, embark on a guided tour of Charlevoix, a picturesque town known for its captivating architecture and charming waterfront. This tour is a wonderful opportunity to experience the unique character of Northern Michigan.

Following the tour, enjoy some free time in Charlevoix for an independent lunch. Next, your adventure takes you to Mackinaw City, the gateway to Mackinac Island. From here, board the Star Line Ferry for a scenic journey across the waters to the island. Upon arrival, check into The Murray Hotel, your accommodation on Mackinac Island.

The afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy independently. Mackinac Island offers a step back in time with its car-free streets, historic sites, and stunning natural beauty. Explore at your leisure, and choose from a variety of dining options for your independent dinner.

Meals included: (B)

Day 4 – Mackinac Island Carriage Tour & Grand Hotel Luncheon

Begin with breakfast in the Garden Room. Embark on a charming carriage tour of Mackinac Island. This leisurely ride offers a unique way to discover the island’s historical landmarks, lush landscapes, and breathtaking views, all while immersed in the tranquility of this car-free haven.

The highlight of the day is a luncheon at the iconic Grand Hotel. Known for its grandeur and refined atmosphere, the hotel provides an exquisite dining experience with spectacular views of the island and Lake Michigan.

The afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy independently. Take advantage of this free time to delve deeper into the island’s beauty, visit its quaint shops, or simply relax and soak in the serene environment. Dinner is on your own, allowing you to choose from the island’s array of charming eateries.

Meals included: (B, L)

Day 5 – From Mackinac Island to Green Bay via Escanaba

Start with another enjoyable breakfast in the Garden Room. After, check out from The Murray Hotel and take the Star Line Ferry back to Mackinaw City, bidding farewell to the enchanting Mackinac Island.

Then, head to Hereford and Hops in Escanaba, Wisconsin, for an included lunch. Post-lunch, visit the Sandpoint Delta Historical Society Lighthouse and Museum. This tour provides an insightful look into the region’s maritime history and the significance of lighthouses on the Great Lakes. The day concludes in Green Bay, where you have the evening to enjoy an independent dinner.

Meals included: (B, L)

Day 6 – Door County & Traditional Fish Boil Experience

Begin with breakfast, fueling you for an exciting exploration of Door County, a peninsula known for its stunning waterfronts and charming communities. First on the agenda is a visit to Cave Point, a natural wonder featuring limestone sea caves and crystal-clear waters. The beauty of this area, particularly in autumn, is a true feast for the eyes.

Continue to Baileys Harbor, where you’ll have the opportunity for an independent lunch. After lunch, experience the rich history of the region with a docent presentation at Eagle Bluff Lighthouse. This informative session will deepen your appreciation for the area’s maritime heritage and the role of lighthouses on the Great Lakes.

The day’s journey leads to the Open Hearth Inn for check-in. In the evening, partake in a quintessential Door County tradition – a Fish Boil.

Meals included: (B, D)

Day 7 – Washington Island Excursion

Preparing you for an adventurous day on Washington Island, enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Board the ferry for a scenic ride to this serene island, a hidden gem in the heart of Lake Michigan.

Upon arrival, visit the Stavkirke, a stunning Stave Chapel inspired by medieval Norwegian architecture, nestled in a tranquil forest setting. This unique structure is not only a testament to craftsmanship but also a peaceful retreat.

Enjoy a convenient box lunch, perfect for a picnic amidst the island’s natural beauty. Then, continue to explore the island’s beauty at West Harbor, one of the most picturesque spots, ideal for relaxation and taking in the waterfront views. Next, step back in time at the Washington Island Farm Museum, where you’ll discover the island’s rich agricultural history and heritage through well-preserved buildings and artifacts.

Return to Door County by ferry and conclude your day with a delightful dinner at The Log Den. This restaurant, known for its cozy log cabin ambiance and yummy cuisine, offers the perfect setting to reflect on the day’s adventures.

Meals included: (B, L, D)

Day 8 – Travel Home

On the final day of your tour, begin with breakfast at the hotel before checking out. We have a little time to squeeze in one more activity, depending on our schedule.

After, head to Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. Here, you’ll conclude your journey around Lake Michigan, filled with memories of stunning autumn landscapes, cultural insights, and the serene beauty of the Great Lakes region.

Meals included: (B)

Itinerary is subject to change.


Package Pricing

$3,855 per person

Double Occupancy

Deposit: $200 to hold your place

$4,555 per person

Single Occupancy

Deposit: $200 to hold your place

Final Payment Due

June 25, 2024

Deposit: Final Balance Varies

Price Includes

• Roundtrip air transportation from TUS (not including airline baggage & in-flight charges)
• Transportation by deluxe motorcoach
• Roundtrip door-to-door livery service
• 7 nights’ lodging at excellent hotels
• Baggage handling at hotels (for one piece)
• 13 meals (6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners)
• Admission to all listed attractions
• Guided tours at selected attractions
• Your professional Tour Director
• All taxes and tips for included items (except hotel housekeeping)


Booking Policy

Final Payment Date: June 25, 2024

Cancellation Fees:

  • None through June 25, 2024
  • $200 – June 26 – July 30, 2024
  • $2,300 – July 31 – August 27, 2024
  • 100% after August 27, 2024

We pride ourselves on great service and an enjoyable experience for all and will go over our booking policies after you make your request for booking. If you’d like to learn more about our booking policies before your trip, give us a call at (520) 325-8839, or visit our Booking Policies page. Click here for more information on our booking policies.

Travel Insurance

In today’s changing travel environment, it’s important to help protect your travel investment so you can relax and enjoy your trip. Unforeseen events such as flight delays, baggage loss or even a sudden sickness or injury could impact your travel plans. For your convenience, we offer a Travelex Insurance Services protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected.

Please click here for more information.


ACTIVITY LEVEL RATING

Level 4: Active

Expectations: The tour includes well-paced walking tours with regular breaks. Up to 2-3 hours of walking each day. To fully take advantage of all this tour has to offer, guests need to be able to walk longer distances, climb several flights of stairs and navigate steps and uneven terrain walking for extended periods of time over more difficult terrain (e.g. cobblestones, city hills, stairs without handrails, limited or no access to elevators). Your itinerary can include significant changes in temperature and altitude and may require a higher number of longer travel days with morning and/or evening activities. Most trips will feature long touring days, many full-day excursions and a full and active itinerary with a faster pace and longer distances. Excursions require standing and walking to city centers where coaches are prohibited.

Appropriate for: Travelers who are physically fit, expect a vigorous pace and enjoy participating in two to three hours of physical activity per day.

ITINERARY

For your reference, we send to you a detailed itinerary approximately 3-4 weeks prior to the scheduled tour departure. This has day-by-day times and events, hotel information where you can be reached in case of an emergency, and airline information.

The times listed on the itinerary are all approximate. We cannot be held responsible for schedule changes due to unforeseen circumstances with the weather, transportation agents, highway conditions, hotels or contracting agents.

EMERGENCY CONTACT

It is always a good idea to carry on your person a list of medications that you are taking and an emergency contact phone number while you are traveling. And we suggest making a copy of the itinerary and provide it to a friend or family member.

GRATUITIES/ITEMS INCLUDED IN PRICE

All hotel baggage handling fees are included. We also include basic gratuities for the Tour Director, Coach Driver, Livery Drivers and local Tour Guides. If someone has truly gone above and beyond additional tipping is permitted, but never required.

LIVERY

For your convenience, we have a (round-tour) door-to-door pickup service with each multi-day tour. (This service is not available to all clients depending on your location.) Approximately 2 to 3 days prior to the departure date you will receive a call from our office and we will tell you your assigned pickup time. (These times can vary up to 15 minutes depending on traffic.)

MOTORCOACH SEATING

With passenger health in mind, we are not currently offering daily seat rotation. You will have an assigned seat and boarding order to allow for social distancing among passengers. At booking let us know if you prefer Front, Middle or Back of motorcoach. Each section comprises 4 to 5 rows. We will try to accommodate all requests. If we are unable to honor all requests, preference will be given based on date of your tour deposit.

LODGING REQUESTS

If you would like to request special accommodations at the hotel(s) where we are lodging, please call us as soon as possible and we will forward these requests for you. The phone numbers of the hotel(s) where we are staying are listed on the itinerary.

Many hotels around the country have instituted a "reconditioning fee" of $300 or more that is levied upon a guest that smokes in a non-smoking room. If this occurs during our tour you will be responsible for paying this fee to the hotel prior to check-out.

TRAVEL REQUESTS

We pay close attention to your requests but please realize that these are merely requests and cannot be guaranteed.

RESPONSIBILITY

Pleasurebent Tours acts solely as an agent in arranging hotels, transportation, sightseeing, baggage-handling, and other services and does not assume any liability for injury, damage, loss or delay due to any act or default of any company or person. We, along with our subcontractors, reserve the right to make changes to an itinerary if it is necessary for the proper handling of a tour.

AIRLINE TICKETS

You will be issued your boarding pass the morning of our departure, after your arrival at the Tucson International Airport. If you have a frequent flyer number, or a TSA number, please call our office at least 3 days prior to the tour to ensure we can note these in your reservation.

If you are joining the tour from locations other than Tucson, we make other arrangements for you to join the tour. Please call our office for more details.

AIRPORT SECURITY

Do not forget to bring your government issued picture ID to show at the airport. If you do not have the proper ID, the airline and border security will turn you away.

BAGGAGE

We have arranged for handling for one piece of luggage per person regarding the skycaps (where available) and hotels. If you check through luggage note that the maximum weight for the checked piece of luggage is 50 pounds and maximum size is 62 inches (length + width + height). If your bag weighs over 50 pounds the airlines will levy an extra fee that you will be responsible to pay. If you feel the need to lock your checked through luggage and your bag is searched, your lock could be damaged in the process. You can purchase a TSA (Transportation Security Administration) accepted and recognized lock at any luggage store. Make sure you ask for a TSA approved lock. These locks are the kind that TSA screeners can open by using a special tool without breaking. Passengers can carry-on 1 bag (dimensions are limited to 10x16x24 inches), plus a personal type bag, like a purse. We advise that you pack your carry-on lightly. There are restrictions regarding your carry-on baggage and contents due to enhanced security measures. If you have further concerns, please visit the TSA's Web-site at www.tsa.gov. There is room inside the motorcoach for your hand carried bag.

CHECKED BAGGAGE FEES

On our scheduled airline for this tour, passengers are assessed a fee per checked in bag, by the Airlines, upon checking in for the flight.

WEATHER AND CLOTHING/MISC. SUGGESTIONS

In Michigan, October typically marks the transition from autumn to the early onset of winter. The weather during this month can be quite variable. Here's what you can generally expect:

Temperatures: Average temperatures in October tend to cool down significantly from the warmer months. Daytime highs range from the mid-50s to low 60s Fahrenheit (about 12-17°C), while nighttime lows can drop to the 30s and 40s Fahrenheit (about 1-9°C). Northern Michigan tends to be cooler than the southern parts of the state.

Precipitation: October can see a mix of rain and, in some northern parts, early snowfall. The state averages about 2 to 3 inches of precipitation during the month.

Leaves and Foliage: October is also known for its beautiful fall foliage. The changing colors of the leaves peak early in the month in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula, and later in the month in the southern parts of the state.

Overall Weather Conditions: The weather can be quite unpredictable, with sunny, mild days followed by cooler, rainy periods. It's a month where you'll experience a bit of everything weather-wise.

It's always a good idea to check the local weather forecast before planning any outdoor activities in Michigan during October, as conditions can change rapidly.

Inquire About This Tour

Submit your inquiry for more information about a tour. We will get back to you with a (human) response as soon as possible. During the week that’s usually within a couple of hours. Evenings and weekends may take us a little bit longer. Please note that this is an inquiry for tour bookings only and does not constitute or confirm a reservation on a tour.

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