Beyond the Map Travel & Tours

Mackinac Island featuring the Tulip Time Festival

Apr 30 - May 8, 2027

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Linda Kobza

Beyond the Map Travel & Tours

Overview


Imagine spring unfolding in millions of colorful tulips, the clip-clop of horse-drawn carriages on a peaceful island with no cars, and two unforgettable nights at one of America’s most iconic resorts.

This nine-day journey through Illinois and Michigan brings together the excitement of Chicago, the breathtaking blooms of Holland’s Tulip Time Festival, and the timeless charm of Mackinac Island. We’ll tour the island by horse-drawn carriage, dine at the legendary Grand Hotel, explore the remarkable Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village, and enjoy experiences that blend history, scenery, culture, and a little old-fashioned elegance.

Best of all, the hotels, transportation, sightseeing, and many of the meals are already planned—so you can simply relax and enjoy the journey.

Travel with me in spring 2027! Join the Priority Interest List to receive the complete itinerary, pricing, and booking information before the trip is announced to the public.

Day 1 · Fri, Apr 30 · Chicago


Arrival in Chicago

Get ready for a relaxing journey through the tranquil beauty of Mackinac Island and the Great Lakes region. This stunning landscape comes alive amid old-fashioned traditions. No activities are included today as flight arrival times will be scatter...

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Hyatt Regency Chicago

151 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601, United States of America

Hotel: Hyatt Regency Chicago. Enjoy your stay in downtown Chicago at the Hyatt Regency Chicago at the start of your journey. Additional details Location This hotel is located just off Michigan Avenue in the heart of the Magnificent Mile. It lies w...

Day 2 · Sat, May 1 · Chicago


Guided Chicago city and architecture tour

Begin your day with a locally guided tour of Chicago’s remarkable and impressive architecture. This dynamic city goes by many names including "Second City" and “The Windy City," but no matter what you call it, you’re sure to fall in love. Highligh...

Welcome dinner in Chicago

This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

Day 3 · Sun, May 2 · Holland


Chicago to Holland, Michigan and Grand Rapids transfer

This morning, you will depart Chicago via motorcoach and make your way to Holland, Michigan, to celebrate the Tulip Time Festival. Later, arrive in the nearby city of Grand Rapids for an evening at your leisure.

Holland Tulip Time Festival and Windmill Island Gardens

*After an included lunch in Holland, a local guide will show off the town’s beautiful floral displays while also giving you the history of this celebration dating back to 1929. Your tour will end with time to explore the Windmill Island Gardens an...

Courtyard Grand Rapids Downtown

11 Monroe Avenue Northwest, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503, United States, United States of America

Hotel: Courtyard Grand Rapids Downtown. Stay in the nearby city of Grand Rapids after your visit to Holland’s Tulip Time Festival, with an evening at your leisure to explore Grand Rapids on your own. Additional details Location This hotel is locat...

Day 4 · Mon, May 3 · Mackinac Island


Scenic drive to Mackinaw City and ferry to Mackinac Island

This morning, enjoy a scenic drive before arriving in Mackinaw City at the tip of Michigan’s lower peninsula. You will have some time to explore this coastal vacation town and grab lunch before boarding the ferry that will take you back to a simpl...

Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island

286 Grand Avenue, Mackinac Island, Michigan 49757, United States of America

Hotel: Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island. Your home for the next two nights is the glorious Victorian-era resort, the Grand Hotel. Both your hotel and the island itself are National Historic Landmarks. The island is a natural gem with over eighty perce...

Day 5 · Tue, May 4 · Mackinac Island


Horse-drawn carriage tour of Mackinac Island

Horse-drawn carriage tour of Mackinac Island Climb aboard your horse-drawn carriage for an island tour that includes stops at the Surrey Hills Carriage Museum and Arch Rock. Following your tour, savor some time to enjoy all of Mackinac Island’s qu...

Evening dining and music at Grand Hotel

Choose from a menu of tasty delicacies when you dine at the elegant Salle à Manger. After dinner, enjoy a cup of coffee while listening to the refined sounds of the Grand Hotel's orchestra. If you crave a secluded hideaway, retreat to the charming...

Day 6 · Wed, May 5 · Bay City


Mackinac Island to Bay City transfer

Enjoy some leisure time at the Grand Hotel and in town before departing this afternoon for your riverfront accommodations in Bay City. This evening is at leisure. Perhaps you will head to the river walk where you can explore the downtown on your own.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bay City - Riverfront

1 Wenonah Park Place, Bay City, Michigan 48708, United States of America

Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bay City - Riverfront. Stay at riverfront accommodations in Bay City, with easy access to the river walk and downtown area. Additional details Location This hotel warmly welcomes guests in Bay City. Facilities The...

Day 7 · Thu, May 6 · Detroit


Guided tour of Alden B. Dow home and studio

Today, explore the architectural artistry of Alden B. Dow’s home and studio during a guided tour. This legendary 20th century architect designed his home to be the peak of Mid-Twentieth Century Modern Architecture, and since its construction it ha...

Travel from Bay City to Detroit

Continue your journey to Detroit, a city with a soul as deep as its history – where roaring engines, Motown melodies, and bold architecture tell stories of resilience and reinvention.

Detroit history tour: speakeasies, mob, and lawmen

After dropping luggage off at the hotel, step into a fascinating chapter of the city’s past as you explore Detroit’s colorful history. From Prohibition-era speakeasies to legendary mob families and the lawmen who chased them, you’ll uncover tales ...

Hilton Garden Inn Detroit Downtown

351 Gratiot Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48226, United States of America

Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Detroit Downtown. Stay in downtown Detroit, close to the city’s historic sites and vibrant musical and automotive heritage. Additional details Location This hotel is located in Detroit. Facilities The hotel has a lift and ...

Day 8 · Fri, May 7 · Dearborn


Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village

Today we visit Dearborn, hometown of Henry Ford and the Ford Motor Company. At the Henry Ford Museum, learn how the automobile forever changed American life and society. Then take in the historic homes at Greenfield Village, and see the workshops ...

Farewell dinner with Detroit musical legacy

During your farewell dinner this evening, get ready to be immersed in Detroit’s musical legacy as a passionate local musician shares sounds and stories of Motown legends, jazz greats, and the creative forces that shaped the city.

Day 9 · Sat, May 8 · Detroit


Tour ends in Detroit

Your tour ends today, leaving you with a bounty of happy memories from your visit to America’s heartland. Breakfast is included before your departure.

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