Mackinac Island, MI - "For 2nd Timers Only"

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

Enjoy a leisurely and informative narrated historical tour of Frankenmuth aboard the authentic paddlewheel riverboat "Bavarian Belle," cruising along the picturesque Cass River. Experience the charm of Frankenmuth from the water as you learn about its rich history and scenic beauty on this delightful cruise.

 

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, curated by their talented chef. 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 ride, 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

Indulge in the renowned Grand Luncheon at Grand Hotel Mackinac, where the Main Dining Room boasts panoramic views of the Straits of Mackinac. Savor the extensive Grand Buffet, stretching nearly 100 feet, featuring a tempting array of hot entrees, perfectly sliced meats and poultry, crisp salads, hearty soups, fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and artisan breads. Save room for dessert as the dessert table dazzles with over 20 decadent selections, all freshly baked daily in the hotel's own bakery. It's a culinary experience as grand as the setting itself.

 

Mission Port Lighthouse

Mission Point Lighthouse stands proudly as an iconic symbol of Traverse City and the Old Mission Peninsula, cherished for decades. Nestled at the northern tip of a scenic route along M-37, winding through cherry orchards and vineyards, it represents a timeless piece 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.

 

Meal Information:

 

Lunch on day two is included at the Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn

Meal is served family-style and includes homemade bread, noodle soup, cole slaw, seasonal salads, vegetables, buttered noodles, jager schnitzel, chicken, dessert, coffee, tea, milk, and soft drinks.

 

Dinner on day three is included at The Grand Hotel

The Grand Hotel's dinner menu is renowned for its range and excellence, with three rotating menus throughout the season. The meal includes a variety of options designed by their chef. Each meal begins with an appetizer, followed by soup, salad, entrée, and dessert.

 

Lunch on day four is included at The Grand Hotel

The legendary Grand Luncheon Experience is a one-of-a-kind Grand Hotel experience. Offerings include fresh salads, composed salads, fresh seafood, including oysters, mussels, and assorted smoked fish, assorted and domestic cheeses and fruits, a variety of hot items and a carvery station. No Grand Luncheon is complete without a lavish and bountiful dessert display. Beverages include coffee, tea, and lemonade. Soft drinks, wine, beer, and a full bar are available for additional purchase.

 

Menus are subject to change.

 

Need to Know:

• Participation in the Mackinac Island “2nd Timers Only” tour requires prior participation on a trip with Starr Tours to Mackinac Island. If you have not yet traveled to Mackinac Island with Starr, we encourage you to do so and we promise, you will love it so much that you will want to go back again on this exclusive “2nd Timers Only” trip.

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

• • Before 6:30 PM: During the day, we invite you to enjoy a relaxed resort atmosphere, where casual yet refined attire is welcome. We ask that guests refrain from wearing midriff-baring tops, sweatpants, or cut-off shorts for ladies, and sleeveless shirts, sweatpants, or cut-off shorts for gentlemen.

  • After 6:30 PM: The tradition of dressing for the evening is a cherished part of the Grand Hotel experience, creating an atmosphere of grace and refinement for all to enjoy. Ladies are asked to wear dresses, skirts, blouses, dress sweaters, or dress slacks, while gentlemen are required to wear a suit or sport coat, necktie, and dress pants—denim and shorts are not permitted. This policy applies to all parlor-level areas, including the Front Porch, Parlor, Baroque, Geranium Bar, Terrace Room, and Main Dining Room.

• 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 with the exception of the arrival at Hampton Inn & Suites Elyria; kindly manage your own luggage during check-in.

 

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 the horse-drawn carriage can be challenging due to the high step and occasional swaying of the horses. A wheelchair-accessible carriage is available with a minimum of 24 hours' advance notice. There are no step stools available, but the carriage driver and ticket office staff 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 Plaza Hotel Cleveland Downtown (Cleveland, OH)

The Drury Plaza Hotel is the former Board of Education Building. The two story lobby features two fully restored murals pained by Cora Holden in 1931. The hotel has a restaurant/lounge, 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 Fairfield Inn is conveniently located in the heart of Frankenmuth near restaurants and shopping. The hotel has an indoor pool, hot tub, and fitness room. Each guest room includes a coffee maker, hair dryer, and iron/board.

 

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

There's something indescribable about the Grand Hotel. Something you've never experienced before, something you love to return to every year: new surprises, classic traditions, timeless activities for the young-in-age and young-at-heart. Dress code after 6:30pm in main areas of hotel. Enjoy north-facing views of treescapes and an overview of our interior structure from the comforts of a Grand Room. Each of these Grand Hotel Mackinac Island rooms offers something different, something to remember, and uniquely designed with plenty of natural lighting and modern hotel amenities.

 

Day 6: Country Inn & Suites Traverse City (Traverse City, MI)

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

 

Day 7: Hampton Inn & Suites Elyria (Elyria, OH)

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

*NOTE: Baggage handling is not provided; guests should plan to handle their own luggage.*