Mackinac Island & the Great Lakes by Coach. June 2-9, 2019 What we will see and do 6/2: We meet up with our fellow travelers the 1 st night in Detroit. 6/3: The next day we board our luxury motor coach for a week of new adventures. Henry Ford Museum. This is the world s premier automotive exhibition; see the JFK Presidential Limousine that JFK was riding in at the time of his assassination, Rosa Parks Bus, the Lincoln chair from Ford s Theatre, Thomas Edison s laboratory, George Washington s camp bed, collection of Stradivarius violins, Sikorsky s prototype helicopter and more. The founder, Henry Ford, wished to preserve items of historical interest in addition to automobiles. This is the largest indoor-outdoor museum complex in the United States and covers over 527,000 square feet. Frankenmuth, MI. Also known as Michigan s Little Bavaria. See Bavarian-themed shops and restaurants. We will be treated to wonderful German Bavarian Dinner & Wine Tasting. Frankenmuth: Next morning we head out to Bronner s Christmas Wonderland. Bronner s is the ultimate Christmas Store. It offers over 3,000 different items. Their sales room is 96,000 square feet! There are over 350 decorated trees; they carry over 150 styles of nutcrackers. Their artists personalize over 100,000 ornaments annually. If all the lights in the sales room were stretched out, they would measure over 530 miles. Their electric bill averages $1250 per day! Over 100,000 lights illuminate their grounds early evening throughout the year.
Ferry to Mackinac Island Mackinac Island is an island and resort area covering 3.8 square miles. It sits in Lake Huron and we will ferry to the island from the mainland. Much of the island has been historically preserved. There is a ban on almost all motor vehicles except for snowmobiles in the winter, emergency vehicles and service vehicles. Travel on the island is by foot, bicycle or horse-drawn carriage; thus its charm. Numerous roads, trails and paths cover the island. 80% of the island is covered by Mackinac Island State Park. Camping is not allowed on the island. Much of the construction on the island was built during the Victorian era. The entire island was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1960. The island hosts the Port Huron to Mackinac Race and Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac each year and attracts 500 boats and 3500 sailors combined. Mackinac Island has been voted as one of the best islands in the U.S. You will have time the 2 nd morning we are on the island to do what you want rent bicycle, stroll, take a hike, play a round of golf, horseback riding and more. carriage. Then we head over to the elegant Grand Hotel for a spectacular lunch followed by a tour around the island by horse-drawn Legs Inn, Cross Village, MI. We ll make a stop at Legs Inn and take in incredible view of Lake Michigan. The Inn has been family owned for over 90 years and is a State of Michigan Historic Landmark. At the Inn we will be treated to their local treats. As we leave Cross Village headed to Charlevoix, we travel through the 20-mile Tunnel of Trees which is ranked as among the most scenic roads in America overlooking Lake Michigan at times.
We continue on to Charlevoix on Lake Michigan and enjoy a sightseeing tour introducing us to the city s Victorian summer resorts and Mushroom Houses. Also known for their beautiful beaches. This morning in PETOSKY begins by visiting a local cherry orchard and enjoying a piece of their cherry pie. This is the country s premier cherry-producing center. While there we ll enjoy wagon ride through the orchards. On to GRAND RAPIDS to the Gerald Ford Presidential Museum where you will see highlights from President and Mrs. Ford s lives. There are also changing temporary exhibits from other Museums in USA. CHICAGO The Windy City. Enjoy a sightseeing Tour with the highlights of the city.
CHICAGO -Not always is a hotel we are staying one of the highlights of a trip. But on this trip you will experience the Historic PALMER HOUSE HILTON HOTEL! It was first built in 1871 but burned down 13 days after it opened in the Great Chicago Fire. It was rebuilt and reopened in 1875. Between 1923-1925 the hotel was rebuilt on the original site as a larger hotel was needed. It was the city s first hotel with elevators and has the reputation of being the longest operating hotel in America. We will have a private presentation to learn the history of the hotel from the Great Chicago Fire to celebrity guests like Charles Dickens, Oscar Wilde, Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong and more. Also learn how one of America s favorite desserts was created at the Palmer House and have a tasting! WHY AN ESCORTED MOTORCOACH TOUR: 1. This is always the #1 reason no driving hassles not getting lost not driving in heavy city traffic 2. You sit back and relax on comfortable motor coach enjoying the scenery (as opposed to driving and having to keep your eyes on the road). 3. Your hotel is always waiting for you. 4. Your Professional Guide tells you what you are seeing and gives you history of the areas you pass through. 5. You don t miss the important highlights of areas you visit. 6. If admissions are included for various attractions, you move to the front of the line with VIP entry. 7. And, last but not least, you make many new friends with common interests as yours. Distances traveled (approximate miles) Detroit to Frankenmuth 94 Frankenmuth to Mackinac Island 200 Mackinac Island to Petoskey 42 Petoskey to Grand Rapids 185 Grand Rapids to Chicago - 180 Where we spend overnights: 6/2: Detroit: Marriott at the Renaissance Center. Luxurious 73-story hotel with 8-story atrium on the riverfront with access to restaurants and 14- acre Hart Plaza.
6/3: Frankenmuth: Bavarian Inn Lodge &Conference Center. In the heart of downtown Frankenmuth on the banks of the Cass River. German-themed with a Glockenspiel, Biergarten and on-site restaurant featuring traditional German food. Hot tub, fitness room, bar. 6/4 2 nights: Mackinac Island: Island House Hotel. First Class historic hotel with sweeping harbor views. Features 2 restaurants, bike rentals, heated indoor pool, hot tub and sauna. Ideally situation 2 blocks from downtown. Enjoy sitting on the front porch and watch as boats and people go by. 6/6: Petoskey: Stafford s Perry hotel. Three-story, turn of the century hotel perched high on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. Enjoy the Noggins Room Pub for casual meal and live music, or the H. O. Rose Dining room for beautiful views. 6/7: Grand Rapids: Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. 5-star 29-story hotel situated on the Grand River featuring spectacular views of the surrounding area. Part of the hotel dates back to 1913 as well was a new modern tower. 6/8: Chicago: Palmer House Hilton Chicago. Built in 1871, steeped in history. Ideally located in the heart of Chicago within walking distance of Millennium Park, the Art Institute o Chicago and Michigan Ave. The swimming pool is named for Esther Williams.
THE FINE PRINT PLEASE READ: 1. Hotels subject to change to same rating or better. 2. Transportation - Free Wi-Fi available on your motor coach and in most hotels. 3. Meals Breakfast daily, 1 lunch, 2 three-course dinners including special farewell dinner in Chicago 4. Punctuality will be emphasized. No refunds will be made for missed schedules. 5. Escorts: This will be escorted by Globus Tours; All Around Travel, Inc. as well has local guides on some portions of our trip. 6. Smoking is not allowed on vehicles and hotel rooms. 7. Insurance: Trip insurance covers if you have to cancel due to injury, illness or death to you or a family member as substantiated by a physician at the time of the claim. Insured must be medically fit at time of purchasing the insurance and not under a doctor s travel restriction. See Travelex Basic brochure. 8. Assistance: All Around Travel, Inc. & Globus cannot provide individual assistance on and off motor coaches, other vehicles or other personal needs. If assistance is needed, you will need to have a qualified and physically able companion accompany you. Some sightseeing stops/sites do not accommodate wheelchairs and scooters. Some locations require extensive standing, sitting or walking sometimes on unpaved areas. You must report any disability requiring special attention prior to making the reservation and paying deposit. Refunds are not made due to if you are unable to participate. Payment of deposit acknowledges receipt and acceptance. 9. We reserve the right to accept or reject any person and expel any participant if necessary for the comfort, convenience or safety of the other participants, and to cancel a vacation at any time. 10. Changes: We reserve the right to make changes in the itinerary whenever it is deemed necessary. 11. Any dispute must commence within one year of vacation completion. All Around Travel, Inc. or Globus shall not in any case be liable for compensatory or punitive damages. Payment of deposit acknowledges receipt and acceptance. 12. Cancellation and Change Fees apply. 13. Globus and All Around Travel, Inc. reserve the right to cancel or reschedule any vacation departure for any reason, including insufficient demand or force majeure. Globus only responsibility is to refund the amount received for the reservation. 14. Children under 18 years old on the departure date must be accompanied by an adult throughout the trip and must share an adult s accommodation. Children under 8 years are not allowed. Children 8-17 years receive a 10% discount on the base land program price. If a child is traveling with adults other than the parents or with only one parent, it is recommended that a notarized letter be written by the parents or non-traveling parent granting authorization to travel, including the dates of travel. 15. There will be daily seat rotation on the Motor Coach. 16. Pricing subject to change until deposited. 17. Hotel rooms have 2-double or queen beds. King bedded rooms can be requested but never guaranteed. 18. Hotel check-in times vary. Globus cannot control or guarantee check-in times. 19. Itinerary timings are approximate and subject to change. 20. Porterage at hotels for one suitcase per person is included. Dimensions not to exceed 30 x 21 x 11 and weigh not more than 50#. Globus and All Around Travel, Inc. not responsible for lost or damaged luggage or contents. 21. Carry-on luggage not to exceed 12 x 11 x 6. Wheeled carry-on bags not accepted as hand luggage on tour. 22. Gratuities are included for wait staff at included meals, hospitality staff at hotels and porterage at hotels for 1 suitcase. 23. Tips not included for Globus Group Guide and Globus Driver suggested $84. Tipping to be done at end of tour. Tips also not included for local guides. 24. All Around Travel, Inc. & Globus not responsible for any liability for optional tours as these are provided by local operators. 25. All Around Travel, Inc. & Globus, their heirs and employees are not responsible for circumstances beyond their control including air carriers, accommodations, motor coaches, hotels, restaurants and others service providers. 26. WIFI connectivity on Motor Coaches is occasionally disrupted, unavailable and slower than you are accustomed.
27. The vacation participant agrees that Globus, All Around Travel, Inc. or affiliates shall be liable for any damage, loss (including personal injury, death and property loss) or expense occasioned by any act or omission of any supplier providing services, any insurer or insurance administration or any other person. 28. Temperatures for Mackinac Island- historically are highs of 56-72 degrees and lows of 41-51 degrees for this time of year. Temperatures for locations south Chicago & Detroit - would be about + 10 degrees higher. Included: Round Trip air from Des Moines. Times TBA. Please inquire for costs of other airports. All transfers between airport/hotel/included sightseeing Sightseeing & admissions as listed Motor coach transportation Hotels, hotel taxes Baggage handling for one suitcase on tour (30 x 21 x 11 ; max 50#) Baggage handling in hotels for one suitcase Local escort & Local guides where listed Not included: Transportation to / from Des Moines airport Parking at Des Moines airport Admissions and meals not listed Laundry, Telephone,, Mini-bar Alcoholic beverages and food not listed Airline baggage fees & Optional flight seat upgrade fees Optional tours Items of personal nature Trip Insurance TRIP EXTENSIONS (OPTIONAL): Optional Trip Extension #1: Stay over in Chicago on 6/9 with free day and fly home on 6/10. $250 per person double occupancy including hotel for 6/9 double occupancy and 6/10 transfer to airport. Suggestions for 6/9 in Chicago: There is a Cubs game at Wrigley Field that day with St. Louis Cardinals (about 20 minutes away and a $25 taxi ride). That s where you ll find me! Also, the Art Institute of Chicago is only 1 block away and open1030am- 5pm. Millennium Park and Grant Park are a couple of blocks away. Palmer House Hilton sits 1 block away from great shopping on Michigan Avenue. Lake Shore Trail for you runners & walkers is 2 blocks straight east to Lake Michigan. And the list goes on and on how to spend a Sunday in Chicago! Tickets and transportation not included. Optional Trip Extension #2: After the Globus Tour ends on June 9 there is a 9- day cruise that departs from Chicago and ends in Toronto. It sails through Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie and ends in Lake Ontario. You would port at Mackinac Island, sail the Soo Locks, port at Sault Ste. Marie, port at Little Current, sail Lake Huron, port at Windsor Ontario/Detroid, port at Cleveland, saild the Welland Canal, port at Niagara Falls and disembark at Toronto on 6/18/19. All inclusive rates start at $6199 per person. For reservations or further information, contact: Janet Lambertsen, All Around Travel, Inc., Iowa Falls, IA 641-648-5031. Cell: 641-373-1925 www.travelagencyiowafalls.com Email: travel5031@msn.com. Trip 2019 Globus handout Mackinac.docx.,11/1/18, 1130am