Mackinac Island & Michigan
With High Tea at the Grand Hotel
August 1 - August 7, 2026
Mackinac Island & Michigan
August 1 - August 7, 2026Highlights
- Explore Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
- Spend 2 nights on Mackinac Island
- Sip Tea at the Grand Hotel
- Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride
- Tour the Ford Factory & Henry Ford Museum
- Time to explore personal interests
- Suggestions for additional things to see
- And More... See itinerary for details
Activity
Read more about WTT Activity Levels
- 70% Easy
- 30% Moderate (Mackinac Island is car-free, you will need to walk moderate distances to enjoy this island; Drive distances can be long)
Mackinac Island is located far from major airports, which means to visit this location, the group has two long days of driving. The Tour Leader will provide rest and meal stops. Walking is a key component of this tour. On some days, between walking tours and personal exploration at included activities, you can expect to walk 3-5 miles over the course of a day. Museums and gardens are often quite vast and towns, though quaint, often have restricted parking making walking the preferred choice. Additionally, Mackinac Island is completely car-free. We will walk to most destinations and activities while on the island.
Your Responsibilities as a Solo Traveler
As a solo traveler you are responsible for yourself, your possessions, your physical fitness, and all other aspects related to participation in the WTT tour you have chosen. Be sure to read the itinerary closely to better understand the physical requirements necessary for the tour.
WTT tours are not suitable for anyone whose mobility is challenged or compromised. If you struggle with walking, standing or negotiating stairs or if you are in doubt as to your ability to meet the physical activity requirements, you should not sign up for this trip.
Itinerary
Saturday, 01 August 2026: Arrive Grand Rapids, Michigan; Welcome Dinner (D)
Schedule your arrival into Grand Rapids to arrive no later than 4:00pm and take local transportation to the hotel. Grand Rapids is simply our launch point for this tour. If you'd like to see more of Michigan's second largest city, consider adding on the Early Arrival package which includes entrance to two of Grand Rapids major sites: The Gerald Ford Museum and the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. The tour begins at 6:00pm in the lobby of the hotel. Our Welcome Meeting will be followed by dinner together to get acquainted and discuss our upcoming adventure. Overnight Grand Rapids - 1 night
Sunday, 02 August 2026: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore; Traverse City (B,D)
We depart Grand Rapids this morning, headed for Sleeping Bear Dunes along the shore of Lake Michigan. The park is known for the tall dunes that afford wonderful views across the lake. Good Morning America named Sleeping Bear Dunes one of the most beautiful places in the USA. The vistas around these parts are simply spectacular with miles of sand beaches and bluffs that tower 450 feet above the lake. We'll stop in the charming coastal town of Frankfort where there will be time to stretch our legs. After a full day of sightseeing, we'll have a casual dinner and spend the night in Traverse City. Overnight Traverse City - 1 night
Monday, 03 August 2026: Drive to Mackinaw City; Ferry to Mackinac Island; Island Carriage Tour (B,L)
We're off to Mackinac Island today. Mackinac Island is further north than it appears on a map. It's an approximate 2-hour drive and then a half-hour ferry ride which will put us on the island around lunch time. It's a delightful ride across the Straits of Mackinac, the strip of water connecting Lakes Michigan and Huron. The only transportation on the island is by horse and buggy, bicycle or foot, so be prepared to walk from the ferry dock to the hotel. This afternoon we take a horse-drawn carriage tour of the island to see landmarks such as the historic fort, Surrey Hills Museum, Arch Rock and Stuart House. Overnight Mackinac Island - 2 nights
Tuesday, 04 August 2026: Personal Day; High Tea at Grand Hotel (B,O)
This morning and early afternoon are yours to enjoy on the island as you wish. Perhaps you'd like to visit a butterfly farm or rent a bike and cycle around parts of the island--a very popular pastime. Or, if you like to laze by the water, you can watch the ferries ply the straits, making "rooster tails." What surprises most people when they see the water of Lake Huron for the first time is how sparkling clean and clear it is. Late this afternoon we'll re-gather to have afternoon tea at the lovely iconic Grand Hotel.
Wednesday, 05 August 2026: Depart Mackinac Island for Detroit Area (B,L)
We depart Mackinac Island this morning, returning to the mainland by ferry and then driving south toward Detroit. This is a very long day, but we will make stops along the way to stretch our legs and have lunch together. We finish our day near the airport, just outside of Detroit. Overnight Detroit Airport Area - 2 nights
Thursday, 06 August 2026: Ford Factory Tour; Henry Ford Museum; Farewell Dinner (B,D)
A visit to The Henry Ford Museum is a "must-do" experience when in Michigan. This is more than just a car museum. We begin with a factory tour to see where automobile manufacturing as we know it came of age, and where the technology of tomorrow is on display today. We'll then visit the museum itself, a vast collection assembled by Ford of artifacts documenting the breakthroughs, both big and small, that have made America what it is today. The afternoon is free for your own further exploration and discovery. You can easily spend all day here. We'll enjoy our Farewell Dinner tonight and recount our adventures of the week.
Friday, 07 August 2026: Return Home from Detroit (B)
Sadly, our time together has come to an end. Schedule your departure flight at your convenience. Based on the departure time you provide WTT, your Tour Leader can assist with organizing travelers into small groups so you can ride-share to the airport if you wish.
Mackinac Island & Michigan
August 1 - August 7, 2026Pricing
Room Share
$3,323.00Single Room
$4,571.00Non-Members
ADD $50.00Status of this Tour
Trip Full and Closed
Tour Pricing Includes
- All meals and activities expressly listed in the itinerary, PLUS...
- All tipping of local guides
- WTT Tour Leader to enhance the individual & group experience
- Arranged room sharing with another solo traveler
- Travel Dollar credits (a benefit of WTT membership) toward future travel with WTT
Not Included In The Price
- Airfare or other transportation to and from the tour
- Airport transfers
- Meals and activities not specified in the itinerary
- Any personal expenses or expenditures
- Any pre- or post- tour arrangements
- Any gratuities for the WTT tour leader
- Travel Insurance
Payment Dates -and- Cancellation Terms for This Tour
You have 3 days to cancel and receive a refund. Thereafter, the amount required at time of reservation is non-refundable and the following cancellation penalties will be enforced.
Monday, 2 Feb 2026: Last day $250 deposit can be converted to a credit for use on a new reservation; thereafter the deposit is forfeited.
Sunday, 3 May 2026: Balance Due. Cancellation after this date but before Wednesday, 17 Jun 2026 results in a cancellation penalty of 50% of your Total Tour Cost.
Wednesday, 17 Jun 2026: Cancellation on or after this date results in a cancellation penalty of 100% of your Total Tour Cost.
Using Parked Credits: If traveler cancels during the 3-day cancel without penalty period, used credits will be re-parked with the original expiration date(s). Thereafter, cancellation will result in forfeiture of the total amount of parked credits used. If applicable, additional cancellation penalties will be assessed based on date of cancellation.
To Cancel: Should you need to cancel after
your space on this tour is confirmed, you must use the Cancellation Form. Cancellation penalties are based on the date we receive your
cancellation form. No other method of communicating a cancellation will be accepted.
Insurance Reminder
Trip Cancellation / Trip Interruption Insurance is not included in the cost of the tour. It is your responsibility to determine the amount and type of coverage you require to recoup some or all of your travel investment, whether you cancel, are unable to complete the tour, or the tour cannot operate. Section 4.0 of WTT Terms & Conditions explains what will happen to your payments in the unlikely event that your tour cannot operate.
WTT is not licensed to sell travel insurance. You can purchase travel insurance from any provider you choose. To get an idea of rates, please go to NTA Travel Protection Plan (Enter 206063 for the "Tour Operator Location #") or TravelGuard.
Mackinac Island & Michigan
August 1 - August 7, 2026Flights, Transfers & Lodging
Arrival & Departure Information
Travelers will make their own air arrangements as follows:
When searching for flights for this trip, be sure to search "Multi-city" or "Multiple Destinations." For comparison, you may also want to search for one-way fares.
Arrival Airport: GRR - Grand Rapids, MI (Gerald R. Ford Int'l Airport)
Arrival Date: Saturday, August 1st. Arrive no later than 4:00pm.
Arrival Transfer: Use local shuttle or taxi service. Details provided in Final Travel Instructions.
Depart Airport: DTW - Detroit, MI (Detroit Metropolitan Airport)
Departure Date: Friday, August 7th. Depart at your convenience.
Departure Transfer: Use local shuttle or taxi service. WTT Tour Leader will assist in coordinating ride sharing.
When to Book Your Air
Once you have booked your flights (or other transportation arrangements), use the Travel Arrangements Form to send WTT your flight details. Use the same form to update your information should it change.
Airport Transfer Information
When arrival transfers are not included: WTT will provide suggestions to get to the hotel in your Final Travel Instructions about 2-3 weeks before the start of the tour. You'll also be able to see who else is arriving at the same time if you want to coordinate ride-sharing to the hotel.
Don't Worry. We're Expecting You: One of the reasons we ask for your travel arrangements is so we know when you're arriving and can approximate when you should be at the hotel. Your Final Travel Instructions will have instructions on what to do and who to contact if your flight is delayed.
Lodging / Hotels
Grand Rapids: Courtyard Grand Rapids Downtown
Traverse City: Cambria Hotel Traverse City
Mackinac Island: Lilac Tree Suites
Detroit Airport Area: Embassy Suites Detroit Metro Airport
Whenever possible, we choose hotels that are near the city center and/or where there are things to do and places to eat within walking distance of the hotel. When the chosen hotel is not within walking distance of much, transportation options, at the traveler's expense, are typically available.
In the unlikely event WTT is unable to provide the hotel accommodation(s) listed, for whatever reason, WTT will substitute similar quality accommodation(s) at no additional cost to the traveler.
Want to Arrive a Day Early?
- The room (standard check-in times apply)
- Breakfast the following morning
- Half-day Excursion to Gerald Ford Presidential Museum and Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
- $222.00 Roomshare pp $360.00 Single Occupancy
Early Arrival Hotel: This tour uses the same hotel used on the first night of the tour.
Additional Reminders About This Tour
Mackinac Island & Michigan
August 1 - August 7, 2026Destination Information
What do others say about this tour and traveling with WTT?
How Does Room Sharing Work?
On the Reservation Form there are 3 choices regarding room-sharing.
Note: Certain room-types may be unavailable at the time you make your reservation. If a room-type is unavailable the choice will be greyed out.
- Select "Yes, I want to share a room" and WTT will assign you a roommate when Final Travel Instructions are sent.
- You can specify a roommate by entering her name where indicated. If your named roommate is not on the tour, for any reason, WTT will assign you a roommate unless you pay to have your own room, if available.
- Select "No, I do not wish to share a room" if you want to have your own room. Additional costs apply.
- All shared rooms have 2 beds
- All shared rooms are non-smoking
- No special requests about your roommate can be accommodated
- See "Frequently Asked Questions" TAB for more details
How Active is this Tour?
- 70% Easy
- 30% Moderate (Mackinac Island is car-free, you will need to walk moderate distances to enjoy this island; Drive distances can be long)
Mackinac Island is located far from major airports, which means to visit this location, the group has two long days of driving. The Tour Leader will provide rest and meal stops. Walking is a key component of this tour. On some days, between walking tours and personal exploration at included activities, you can expect to walk 3-5 miles over the course of a day. Museums and gardens are often quite vast and towns, though quaint, often have restricted parking making walking the preferred choice. Additionally, Mackinac Island is completely car-free. We will walk to most destinations and activities while on the island.
Your Responsibilities as a Solo Traveler
As a solo traveler you are responsible for yourself, your possessions, your physical fitness, and all other aspects related to participation in the WTT tour you have chosen. Be sure to read the itinerary closely to better understand the physical requirements necessary for the tour.
WTT tours are not suitable for anyone whose mobility is challenged or compromised. If you struggle with walking, standing or negotiating stairs or if you are in doubt as to your ability to meet the physical activity requirements, you should not sign up for this trip.
What is the Group Size?
You will be introduced to the WTT Tour Leader when you receive your Final Travel Instructions, about 2-3 weeks before the tour begins.
Learn about your fellow travelers after final payment by visiting MyWTT. Room sharing assignments will be listed in the Final Travel Instructions.
What meals are included and how are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Each day of the itinerary lists the included meals for that day (B,L,D,O=Other). When a meal is not included, the WTT Tour Leader will have suggestions for where to eat.
You do not have to dine alone unless it is your personal choice. You'll most likely be dining with new acquaintances you've made, or you can join the Tour Leader.
Dietary Restrictions: Vegetarian and gluten-free dietary restrictions can be accommodated on this tour with limited selections.
What clothing and items should I pack for this trip?
In general, daytime temperatures in Michigan are likely to be in the high 80s with nighttime lows in the 60s. Temperatures tend to be a bit cooler on Mackinac Island, with bright, sunny days and highs typically in the mid-70s and evenings in the 50s. We suggest you monitor weather apps leading up to the time you depart for the most current information.
For This Tour You May Want—
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Smart-casual wear for Afternoon Tea at the Grand Hotel
- Swimsuit
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and hat
- Jacket/sweater for cool mornings and evenings
Good Packing Habits—
- Bring what you need to get a good night's sleep, such as ear plugs, white noise generator, sleeping aids, etc. Unfamiliar noises of all types can disrupt your rest.
- Pack a limited amount of comfortable, casual clothing that layer and coordinate. Your fellow travelers will not mind or even notice – seeing you in the same clothing.
- Bring only two pairs of everyday shoes: one pair of well-broken-in walking shoes, and a second pair that could do double-duty as a walking shoe or a slightly dressy shoe.
- Pare down your beauty regimen to the bare minimum and always pack travel-sized toiletries.
- Pack medication in your carry-on and pack only as much as needed for the duration of your tour plus a few extra days as a precaution.
What are the luggage restrictions for this tour?
We will use the WTT Coach. Luggage restrictions are driven by the physical space limitations of this vehicle and the requirement that all travelers be able to manage their own belongings without assistance.
- It is best to travel as lightly as possible. Most travelers regret when they have packed too much.
- You may bring one suitcase plus small shoulder bag/day pack/purse.
- Maximum suitcase size: 22-23 inches in height. This is the size of bag that fits into the overhead bins of aircraft. Suitcases larger than this will not fit properly in the WTT coach; don't bring them.
- The weight of your bag should not exceed 30 pounds as you will need to lift it into the coach luggage compartment.
- You are responsible for managing your own belongings. We expect you to take your belongings from the coach to your room and to bring it back to the coach and load it on days we change hotels. We do not provide luggage pulls; they are not safe and are inconvenient. The possibility of steps exist at most hotel entrances.
How much money should I bring on this tour?
Only you can determine the optimum amount of cash to take on tour. When budgeting for out-of-pocket expenses, there are several aspects to consider: the number of meals you are responsible for, the amount of money you like to have on-hand for snacks and drinks, and your individual shopping interests and habits. More and more, restaurants are no longer allowing groups to split the bill. Therefore, you might want to have cash-on-hand for meals on your own when dining with others in the group.
What are the tipping guidelines for this tour?
All tips to local guides will be paid on your behalf.
- You are responsible for tipping waitstaff, porters, or other individuals who provide a service to you at the hotel, or other public locations.
- You may want to tip your WTT Tour Leader for an outstanding job. The amount is entirely a personal preference. If you'd like a guideline, consider $8-$10 per day.
What other Additional Information do I need to know?
Can I transfer my deposit to another tour?
To get off this tour and register for another tour, you must follow these steps - in the order shown:
2) WAIT before submitting your new reservation! You must receive the Cancellation Confirmation email before submitting your new reservation. This can take up to 2 business days. The Cancellation Confirmation email will list the amount of parked credits from this tour that are now available to use on a new reservation.
3) COMPLETE the new Reservation Form and USE the parked credits towards your deposit on the new tour.
Note: If you used Parked Credits to pay the deposit on this tour, these credits cannot be used a second time and are not eligible to be transferred.
What happens if I need to cancel this tour?
Our Promise to You
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