Great Lakes

Day 1: Arrival Chicago

Today you arrive in Chicago and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2: Chicago

The “City of Blues” welcomes you with its impressive skyline and countless activities. We recommend an architectural cruise; the view from the river is excellent. Visit Millennium Park and one of Chicago’s most recognizable features, “the Bean”.

Day 3: Chicago – Milwaukee – Madison Today your tour through the beautiful Great Lakes area begins with a short stop in Milwaukee, famous for its breweries and beer gardens. Continue to the capital of Wisconsin, Madison, where you will spend the night. Apx. 170 mi/ 275 km.

Day 4: Madison – Minneapolis/ St. Paul

The twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul share the same history; however, the character of the 2 cities at the Mississippi River couldn’t be any different from each other: Skyscrapers are dominant in Minneapolis; St. Paul almost looks European with its historical buildings and old churches. Apx. 270 mi/ 435 km.

Day 5: Minneapolis/ St. Paul

Walk along the “Mississippi Mile” in Minneapolis and relax in one of the many parks, visit the Mall of Amer-ica, one of the largest shopping centers in the US with its own amusement park and Sea Live Aquarium in-side, or simply take a stroll along St. Paul’s downtown area.

Day 6: Minneapolis/ St. Paul – Duluth

Drive north through the “Land of the Lakes” to Duluth, which attracts millions of visitors each year. The city at the shores of Lake Superior has one of the biggest inner harbors in the world and offers plenty of scenic walks and routes. Apx. 160 mi/ 255 km.

Day 7: Duluth – Marquette

Enjoy today’s drive to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and to Marquette, which welcomes you with popular beaches, many museums and a lighthouse. Apx. 255 mi/ 410 km.

Day 8: Marquette – St. Ignace

This part of your trip has one of the most beautiful routes you will encounter: Visit impressive waterfalls in Tahquamenon Falls National Park, take a boat cruise in Munising, or simply relax walking along one of the many beaches. You should also take the ferry to Mackinac Island. Motorized vehicles have been prohibited on the island, so visitors get to explore the area by foot, by bike or by taking a carriage ride. Apx. 165 mi/ 265 km.

Day 9: St. Igance – Traverse City

Near the “Cherry Capital of the World”, Traverse City, is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which welcomes you with spectacular views, steep cliffs, high dunes and numerous scenic walkways and routes. Traverse City is a nice resort town at the shores of Lake Michigan, with many wineries and vineyards with tastings close by. Apx. 105 mi/ 170 km

Day 10: Traverse City – Detroit

After stopping in mostly small towns, seeing beaches, cliffs and waterfalls in different National Parks along your route, today this will change with your arrival in Detroit. Visit one of the many museums in the city, most of which are located in the neighborhood around Wayne State University and the College for Crea-tive Studies. The city’s Greektown and three downtown casino resort hotels serve as part of an entertain-ment hub. Apx. 260 mi/ 415 km

Day 11: Detroit – Toronto

You cross the border into Canada and drive along Lake Erie and arrive on the last of the Great Lakes, Lake Ontario. Toronto, the most populous city in Canada, is a paradise for shopping and sightseeing fans alike. Visit the Eaton Center for your shopping needs and enjoy a stunning view over the city and Lake Ontario from the CN Tower, one of the tallest buildings in the world. Apx. 230 mi/ 375 km

Day 12: Toronto – Niagara Falls

One of the highlights of your trip awaits you, Niagara Falls. Visit Queen Victoria Park which offers beautiful views of the falls and take a boat trip to experience the full power of the water. The town, which is half Canadian and half American offers plenty; casinos an IMAX movie theater and the Skylon Tower, a restau- rant with stunning views of the falls. Apx. 80 mi/ 130 km

Day 13: Niagara Falls – Cleveland

Rock and Roll fans all over the country visit Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, a glass pyramid with excellent exhibitions and educational programs around the rock music history. Apx. 220 mi/ 350 km

Day 14: Cleveland – Elkhart

Today’s route brings you into the Ohio and Indiana Amish Country. Drive along US-20 and stop at an Amish store or visit one of Amish museums along the way. Visit the Downtown Riverwalk in Elkhart and relax in one of the many parks of the city. Apx. 240 mi/ 390 km

Day 15: Elkhart – Chicago / Departure

Enjoy a last view on Chicago’s skyline on your relatively short drive along the southern tip of Lake Michi-gan. Your trip ends with the rental car return and flight back home. Apx. 110 mi/ 175 km