BEGINS and ENDS IN CHICAGO CHICAGO - LA CROSSE - MINNIAPOLIS/ST PAUL - DULUTH - MARQUETTE - ST IGNACE - TRAVERSE CITY - DETROIT - NIAGRA FALLS - PITTSBURGH - CLEVELAND - INDIANA AMISH COUNTRY - CHICAGO Note :
This is a suggested self-drive itinerary, there are many options to extend your stay or alter your route. Please call and speak to our North American reservations specialists.
Holiday Highlights
Gaze at Chicago's Willis Tower, the tallest building in North America
Tour the Wisconsin River for up-close views of sandstone bluffs that tower above the water
See classic steam paddlewheelers and river traffic on the Mississippi's waters at La Crosse
Travel the Great River Road, the historic byway of the Mississippi River
Bike or stroll along Minneapolis' Chain of Lakes, a paved loop linking its four largest lakes
Spend a day at the Mall of America, the nation's largest shopping and entertainment destination
Cruise Lake Superior, the largest, deepest, coldest, and most pristine of all the Great Lakes
Explore the Keweenaw Peninsula, a hidden gem in Michigan's Upper Peninsula
Tour Delaware Copper Mine, an authentic 1800's mine
Embrace serenity at America's first National Lakeshore, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Refresh your spirits in the waters of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron at St. Ignace
Take a ferry to Mackinac Island and step into a world filled with the charm of a Victorian village
Follow Cherry Orchards Drive along the shores of Lake Michigan
Enjoy spectacular views across Lake Michigan at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Stand 450-feet above Lake Michigan at Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive's Lake Michigan Overlook
Pass through Ann Arbor, home to the University of Michigan
Discover Detroit, the automobile capital of America
Feel the thundering roar and tremendous power of Niagara Falls' waters
Adventure awaits at Toronto's CN Tower, Canada's most recognizable and celebrated iconWhat's Included
The lead-in tour price includes accommodation as per itinerary, a Compact 2 door car with fully inclusive insurance or similar. If no price is listed call us to price this itinerary for your preferred dates of travel.
Flights will be quoted at time of enquiry.
Day 1
Chicago
Arrive in Chicago and pick up the rental car at the airport, then proceed to the hotel. Take the rest of the day to explore the many sights of the Windy City. Visit the Willis Tower, the John Hancock Center, or the Amoco Building, some of the tallest buildings in the world, which offer observatory decks for a panoramic view of 'Chi-town'.
Day 2
DRIVING DISTANCE: 278 MI / 447 KM
Chicago - Wisconsin Dells - La Crosse
Leaving Chicago, drive northwest and enter the state of Wisconsin. Pass through the state capital, Madison, on the way to the circus city of Baraboo. Continue to Wisconsin Dells where boats and ducks take visitors to the scenic bluffs of the Upper and Lower Dells cut by the Wisconsin River. Then continue on to La Crosse where the Black and La Crosse rivers meet. German and Norwegian immigrants drawn by the extensive pine groves populated this area and spread their culture throughout the town.
Day 3
DRIVING DISTANCE: 157 MI / 253 KM
La Crosse - Winona - Red Wing - Minneapolis/
Saint Paul
Today's scenic drive follows the Mississippi River, made famous in American history by Mark Twain's novels. Enjoy spectacular views in Minnesota, where the river begins, from atop the bluffs near Winona, once a busy steamboat landing in the 1800s. Make a stop in Wabasha at the National Eagle Center and find out about the national symbol's resurgence. Continue along the Great River Road north to the city of Red Wing, a scenic river town brimming with Victorian architectural treasures. Proceed to the metropolitan area of Minneapolis and Saint Paul.
Day 4
Minneapolis/Saint Paul
Minneapolis, one of the Twin Cities, is home to America's best known retailers along Nicollet Mall, a pedestrian walkway. Summit Avenue, the longest avenue of Victorian homes in America, leads to the cathedral of Saint Paul and the stately capitol building. In Bloomington, Mall of America® is the largest shopping and entertainment complex in the United States under one roof. Enjoy savings with Minnesot's tax-free clothing policy in over 500 stores. Nickelodeon Universe®, the nation's largest indoor family theme park, Underwater Adventures® Aquarium, restaurants, miniature golf and 14 cinemas offer hours of family fun.
Day 5
DRIVING DISTANCE: 256 MI / 425 KM
Minneapolis / Saint Paul - Duluth
The city of Duluth is a blend of quaint homes and steep hills, offering tremendous views of Lake Superior, and the world's largest freshwater port. The historic Depot and its museums within remind visitors of the region's surge of European immigrants in the 1800s. In lakeside Canal Park, restaurants, nightclubs, shops, sightseeing cruises and ore boat tours entertain visitors. Cross back into Wisconsin to explore the lakeside village of Bayfield and the pristine Apostle Islands. Cruise the islands aboard an excursion boat or take a short ferry ride to Madeline Island to tour Big Bay State Park.
Day 6
DRIVING DISTANCE: 340 MI / 540 KM
Duluth - Keweenaw Peninsula - Marquette
Travel into Michigan and explore the picturesque Keweenaw Peninsula. See historic Fort Wilkins and visit the Delaware Copper Mine before continuing by the L'Anse Indian Reservation to Marquette.
Day 7
DRIVING DISTANCE: 240 MI / 390 KM
Marquette - Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
St. Ignace
Follow scenic State Route 28 to Munising. Cruise boats go past the Pictured Rocks celebrated in Longfellow's, 'Song of Hiawatha'. This stunning area is revered as the nucleus of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Continue past the two striking Tahquamenon Falls to St. Ignace.
Day 8
St. Ignace - Mackinac Island - St. Ignace
Take the ferry to the timeless resort island of Mackinac, where cars are prohibited, and bicycles and horse-drawn carriages rule the roads. Visit Fort Mackinac, perched on a bluff overlooking the harbor, and enjoy the view from the magnificent veranda of the elegant old Grand hotel. Return to St. Ignace in late afternoon.
Day 9
DRIVING DISTANCE: 160 MI / 256 KM
St. Ignace - Colonial Fort Michilimackinac -
Cherry Orchard Drive - Traverse City - Sleeping
Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Cross the impressive bridge over the straits and visit Colonial Fort Michilimackinac. Then continue to one of the world's largest cherry growing regions and see some of the largest sand dunes along Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. Overnight in the resort town of Traverse City.
Day 10
DRIVING DISTANCE: 295 MI / 470 KM
Traverse City - Ann Arbor - Detroit
Drive across the state of Michigan to the university town of Ann Arbor and on to Dearborn, where you may visit the Henry Ford Museum. Arrive in Detroit, the nation's automobile manufacturing center, where the Civic Center and resurgent downtown core rise beside the river.
Day 11
DRIVING DISTANCE: 240 MI / 384 KM
Detroit - Niagara Falls
Cross into Canada and drive through the province of Ontario to one of America's great natural wonders, Niagara Falls.
Day 12
Niagara Falls (Toronto)
A full day to enjoy the staggering power and beauty of Niagara Falls. A ride on the Maid of the Mist brings visitors close to the thundering waters (optional). Enjoy a spectacular view of the Horseshoe Falls from vantage points at the Table Rock Scenic Tunnels. Another option would be a day trip to the metropolis of Toronto.
Day 13
DRIVING DISTANCE: 242 MI / 389 KM
Niagara Falls - Pittsburgh
Return into the United States and drive past Buffalo, through New York, and into Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Day 14
DRIVING DISTANCE: 140 MI / 225 KM
Pittsburgh - Cleveland
Enter the Buckeye State and discover the 'New American City' of Cleveland, home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Day 15
DRIVING DISTANCE: 250 MI / 400 KM
Cleveland - Sandusky - Indiana Amish Country
Today continue on scenic Route 6 along Lake Erie by Vermilion to Sandusky, then enter Indiana. Discover the colorful and historic northern part of this state, home of the third largest Amish community in the country, and have a glimpse into the daily life of this extraordinary cultural group. Overnight in Nappanee, in the heart of Indiana's Amish Country.
Day 16
DRIVING DISTANCE: 50 MI / 80 KM
Indiana Amish Country-Chicago Departure
Drive along scenic U.S. 12 back into Illinois and to Chicago, the beginning and end of the Great Lakes tour. Return the car at the airport before the departure flight.
