Trip Length: 8 Days/ 7 Nights
Prices from: $2,479 pp/do*
Sale: 2-For-1 Cruise Fare Select Departures
Book by: 05/31/2012
2012 Dates: June 7, 16, 25 Aug 26
Ships: Grande Mariner
Notes: *Per person/Double Occupancy. Port Charges $125.00pp. Fuel surcharges apply.
Or call us: 1-800-578-1479
Circumnavigating Lake Michigan gives one the opportunity to truly explore the offerings of the only Great Lake entirely in the U.S. Marvel at its natural beauty and friendly Midwestern cities and villages. Waterways navigated include Lake Michigan, Lake Macatawa; Manistee River; Straits of Mackinac; Lake Huron; and Sturgeon Bay.
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Mackinac Island, MI
Day 1: Embark on your cruise from Chicago’s historic Navy Pier.
Day 2: Leave the bustle of Chicago behind for the quiet charm of Holland, MI. The cobblestone sidewalks, tulip-lined streets, and 275 year-old windmill reveal the city’s Dutch heritage. An optional excursion explores the beautiful craftsmanship at the Blue Delft factory and a performance by authentic Klompen clogg dancers.
Day 3: Your port-of-call today is windswept Beaver Island, the largest island in Lake Michigan and dubbed “America’s Emerald Isle” for its celebrated Irish culture.
Day 4: Navigate the busy waterways of the Soo Locks on your way to beautiful Sault Ste Marie, the oldest city in Michigan. Sitting just south of the Canadian border, this scenically diverse port boasts a rich history influenced by French fur traders and Native Americans. Stroll along the waterfront to see the rapids for which the city is named. Tonight, cruise to charming Mackinac Island where you’ll learn about the area’s history onboard the ship.
Day 5: Welcome to quaint Mackinac Island, where you can slip into the gentle pace of the Victorian era. The island’s natural beauty and authentic ambiance is preserved by its only form of transportation, horse-drawn carriages! An optional carriage tour of the island includes entrance to the Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory and Surrey Hill Square Carriage Museum, before concluding at the Grand Hotel.
Day 6: The scenic splendor of Wisconsin’s Door County is yours to enjoy in Sturgeon Bay, one of the largest shipbuilding ports on the Great Lakes. Learn about the region’s fascinating nautical history during a visit to the Door County Maritime Museum. Later, an optional tour of the area features a wine tasting, Cave Point Park, and the Canal Station Light House.
Day 7: First settled by French missionaries and fur traders, Milwaukee is now a vibrant metropolitan area known for its famous breweries and German and Polish heritage. During your visit, tour some of the city’s unexpected treasures including St. Joan of Arc Chapel, a stunning French medieval church on the campus of Marquette University. During lunch enjoy a unique lecture on the history, allure, and amazing success of the Harley Davidson company. An afternoon optional excursion includes a panoramic tour, the Art Museum with moveable ceilings, and a cheese and beer tasting. This evening, immerse yourself in the local culture as you tap your toes to the lively beat of folkloric dancers who perform onboard.
Day 8: Today, you’ll depart in Chicago, where you may want to extend your stay and independently explore the wonders of this great city.
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