Mackinac Island, Michigan "2nd Timers Only"

Mackinac Island, Michigan - "For 2nd timers" only!

Trip Duration: 8 Days

 

 

Trip Inclusions:

• Meals: 7 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 1 Dinner

• Tour Director

• Overnight accommodations

• Deluxe motorcoach transportation

• Baggage handling and related gratuities (where available)

• Taxes

 

 

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.

 

Dress code: After 6:30 PM, preferred attire in main hotel areas includes dresses, skirts, blouses, dress sweaters, and dress slacks for ladies, while gentlemen are required to wear a suit or sport coat, necktie, and dress pants (denim and shorts are not permitted). This dress code applies to all indoor areas, including the Parlor, Lobby, Terrace, and Main Dining Room, with the exception of the Cupola Bar and the hotel's street. Children aged 12 and older are expected to dress similarly to adults.

 

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 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.

Tour duration: Approximately 1 hour.

 

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 in the tour.

 

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.

 

• Please note, there is no baggage handling service available upon arrival at the Hampton Inn & Suites, Elyria, OH. Kindly manage your own luggage during check-in.

 

• Grand Hotel Dress Code: 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.

 

Accessibility:

 

• This tour may not be suitable for everyone and is not recommended for those who use wheelchairs. While Main Street 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.

Accomodations 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. Each guest room includes a hair dryer, iron/board, microwave, and mini-fridge. The hotel also has an indoor pool and whirlpool.

 

Accommodations Day 2: Drury Inn, Frankenmuth, MI

The Drury Inn Frankenmuth, with its Bavarian style architecture, makes an ideal place to stay. Each guest room includes a hair dryer, iron/board, microwave, and mini-fridge. The hotel also has an indoor pool and whirlpool. The Drury Inn is conveniently located near restaurants and shopping

 

Accomodations 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 6pm in main areas of hotel and hotel's street. 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.

 

Accomodations Day 6: Country Inn, Traverse City, MI

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

 

Accomodations Day 7: Hampton Inn, Elyria, OH

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

Please note, there is no baggage handling service available upon arrival at the Hampton Inn, Elyria, OH. Kindly manage your own luggage during check-in.