Mackinac Island Featuring The Grand Hotel

Duration: 8 Days | Meals Included: 7 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 1 Dinner

 

Trip Highlights:

 

 

Lunch at Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn

Experience lunch at the Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn, established in 1888 and renowned for its famous all-you-can-eat Frankenmuth-style chicken dinners and authentic German cuisine. The inn features seven charming dining rooms and a delightful Roof Garden, along with a mini village of shops located on the lower level. Don't miss the Bavarian Inn's iconic Glockenspiel Tower, home to a magnificent 35-bell carillon, a captivating figurine movement, and an illuminated clock, all imported from Germany! Every quarter hour, the clock plays the melodious 5-bell Westminster chime, making it a must-see attraction in Frankenmuth.

 

Bavarian Belle Boat Cruise on Cass River

Step aboard the Bavarian Belle, an authentic paddlewheel riverboat, for a relaxing, narrated cruise along the Cass River in Frankenmuth. As you glide past charming waterfront views, enjoy fascinating stories about the area’s history, heritage, and natural beauty. This one-hour tour offers a unique perspective on "Michigan’s Little Bavaria" and is a perfect way to experience the town’s old-world charm from the water.

 

 

Mackinac Island Ferry

Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry swiftly transports you to Mackinac Island in just 16 minutes! Whether you prefer the comfort of cushioned seats and wide aisles in the main deck lounge or the breathtaking panoramic views from the open-air top-deck seating area, you're in for an unforgettable journey across the Straits of Mackinac.

 

Grand Hotel Dinner

Experience an unforgettable dining experience at the Grand Hotel's Main Dining Room, overlooking the world's longest porch and the scenic Straits of Mackinac. This elegant venue epitomizes old-world hospitality, where dressing up for dinner is a cherished tradition and dining is a special event. Indulge in a renowned dinner menu featuring three rotating options throughout the season. Each meal begins with an appetizer, followed by soup, salad, entrée, and dessert, ensuring a delightful culinary journey.

See Grand Hotel Dress Code information below in "Need To Know".

 

Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride

Explore the timeless charm of Mackinac Island aboard a horse-drawn carriage, where the absence of motor vehicles preserves its natural beauty. This leisurely 1-hour tour offers an exclusive glimpse into the island's storied landmarks, narrated expertly as you travel comfortably in carriages adorned with charming "fringe on top." Discover historic downtown, the Victorian Summer Cottages of East & West Bluff, Fort Mackinac, the Michigan Governor's Summer Residence, the island's storied cemeteries, and the renowned Grand Hotel.

 

Grand Luncheon Experience at the Grand Hotel

Indulge in the renowned Grand Luncheon Experience at Grand Hotel Mackinac, where the Main Dining Room offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Straits of Mackinac. Savor an impressive Grand Buffet stretching nearly 100 feet, featuring an enticing selection of hot entrées, expertly carved meats and poultry, crisp salads, hearty soups, fresh fruits and vegetables, fine cheeses, and artisan breads. Be sure to save room for dessert, where a dazzling display of more than 20 decadent selections awaits, all freshly baked each day in the hotel’s own bakery. It's a culinary experience as grand as the setting itself.

See Grand Hotel Dress Code information below in "Need To Know".

 

Mission Point Lighthouse

Mission Point Lighthouse stands as a beloved icon of Traverse City and the Old Mission Peninsula, treasured for generations. Perched at the northern tip of a picturesque drive along M-37—winding through rolling cherry orchards and lush vineyards—it embodies a timeless chapter of Michigan’s rich history.

 

Chateau Chantal Winery

Nestled on a 75-acre estate atop Old Mission Peninsula, Chateau Chantal offers a picturesque blend of vineyards, winery, bed & breakfast, and scenic vistas overlooking East and West Grand Traverse Bay. This renowned winery invites guests to explore its cellar, and weather permitting, the vineyards, accompanied by a tasting of three 2-oz pours. Capture breathtaking views, browse the gift area, and savor the essence of this charming locale. Please note, specialty wines like brandy or ice wine are not included in the tour.

 

Meal Information:

 

Lunch on day two is included at the Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn

Lunch will be served family-style and features Frankenmuth-style chicken, Jaeger schnitzel (breaded pork cutlet), coleslaw, three seasonal salads, hot vegetables, buttered noodles, mashed potatoes, and homemade gravy. Lunch is served with homemade Stollen and white breads with preserves, noodle soup, and dessert. Soft drinks, milk, coffee, and hot tea are included.

 

Dinner on day three is included at The Grand Hotel

Menu is TBA

 

Lunch on day four is included at The Grand Hotel

The legendary Grand Luncheon is a one-of-a-kind dining experience at the Grand Hotel. Enjoy an impressive selection of fresh salads, composed salads, fresh seafood including oysters, mussels, and assorted smoked fish, domestic and imported cheeses, fresh fruits, a variety of hot entrées, a carvery station, and a lavish dessert display. Lemonade, coffee, and hot tea are included. Soft drinks, wine, beer, and a full bar will also be available for purchase.

 

Menus are subject to change.

 

Need to Know:

• When visiting Mackinac Island, it's recommended to wear closed-toe walking shoes, such as sneakers, for comfort and safety while exploring the island.

• Grand Hotel Dress Code- at Grand Hotel, the tradition of elegance is part of what makes every visit special.   

• Before 6:30 PM: Casual resort clothing is appropriate. However, please avoid midriff-baring tops, sweatpants, or cut-off shorts for ladies, and sleeveless shirts, sweatpants, or cut-off shorts for gentlemen.

• After 6:30 PM: In the main areas of the hotel, ladies should wear dresses, skirts, blouses, dress sweaters, or dress slacks. Gentlemen are required to wear a suit or sport coat, necktie, and dress pants (no denim or shorts). This dress code applies to all areas inside the hotel, including the Parlor, Lobby, Terrace, and Main Dining Room, except for the Cupola Bar and the hotel's street.

• For information on things to do at the Grand Hotel and to reserve your experiences, click here. For information on things to do around Mackinac Island, click here.

• Every Starr trip includes deluxe round-trip motorcoach transportation from one or more of our departure locations.

• A Starr Tour Director will accompany you on this trip.

• Baggage handling at hotels is included

 

Accessibility:

• This tour may not be suitable for everyone and is not recommended for those who use wheelchairs. While Main Street Mackinac Island is level, the island itself is very hilly and steep.

• Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride: Boarding and disembarking from the horse-drawn carriage can be challenging due to the high climb and occasional swaying of the horses. A wheelchair-accessible carriage is available with at least 24 hours' notice. There are no step stools provided, but the carriage driver and ticket office will assist guests who require help getting into the carriage.

• Ferry Ride: Passengers in wheelchairs or motorized scooters must sit in the Aft deck of the ferry, where luggage is stored. If accompanied by a companion, a chair will be provided in this area.

• Starr has a select quantity of wheelchair accessible motorcoaches available; therefore, we suggest you contact a Travel Advisor to discuss any needs you may have before reserving your trip.

Day 1: Drury Inn Cleveland Beachwood, (Orange Village, OH)

The hotel features an indoor pool, whirlpool and fitness room. Guest rooms include a mini-fridge, microwave, hair dryer, and iron/board.

 

Day 2: Fairfield Inn Frankenmuth (Frankenmuth, MI)

The hotel features an indoor pool, whirlpool and fitness room. Guest rooms include a coffee maker, hair dryer, and iron/board.

 

Day 3, 4, & 5: Grand Hotel (Mackinac Island, MI)

There’s something truly magical about the Grand Hotel, an experience unlike any other that draws guests back year after year. Discover new surprises, timeless traditions, and activities for all ages at this iconic destination. Enjoy the charm of a Grand Room, featuring north-facing views of lush treescapes and glimpses of the hotel’s stunning architecture. Each room is uniquely designed, filled with natural light and modern amenities—offering a memorable stay steeped in elegance and comfort.

 

Day 6: Tru by Hilton Traverse City (Traverse City, MI)

The hotel features a fitness room. Guest rooms include mini-fridge, hair dryer, and iron/board.

 

Day 7: Holiday Inn Express Elyria (Elyria, OH)

The hotel features an indoor pool and fitness room. Guest rooms include a coffee maker, mini-fridge, microwave, hair dryer, and iron/board.