While the Great Lakes - Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario - hold an astonishing 1/5 of the world's total fresh water supply, they also play host to one of the world's most exciting and affordable holiday destinations. With 11,000 miles of coastline, the region covers seven states and the Canadian Province of Ontario.
For more information on this itinerary, as well as general information on visiting the Great Lakes of North America, visit http://www.greatlakesnorthamerica.co.uk/
GREAT LAKES FLY/DRIVE ITINERARY
16 Days/15 Nights
Go Back in Time, Flash to the Future, Cruise the Lakes, Witness the Beauty, Travel, Relax, Explore, Shop, Imagine and Experience!
Day 1 Arrive in Chicago
Arrive in Chicago and spend the afternoon discovering the city. Chicago offers excellent cultural and sports activities. Try a famous Chicago-style pizza before checking out the nightlife.
Day 2 Chicago to Madison (196 miles/312 km)
Take a walking tour of Chicago, noted for its architecture in the downtown Loop, shop the "Magnificent Mile" of North Michigan Avenue and stroll along the Lakefront of Lake Michigan. Take in one of the best views of the city from the top of the John Hancock Observatory. In the afternoon, drive north along the beautiful lakeside to Madison, the capital of Wisconsin.
Day 3 Madison to Minneapolis/St. Paul (270 miles/432 km)
Travel across Wisconsin, "America's freshwater playground," to Baraboo to see the Circus World Museum. Splash in to Wisconsin Dells for a boat tour on the Wisconsin River and view the magnificent Sandstone bluffs. Continue traveling across Wisconsin to the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota.
Day 4 Minneapolis/St. Paul
Enjoy the parks and lakes of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. "Shop 'til you drop" at the famous Mall of America. With over 500 stores and 14 movie theaters, there will be no shortage of activities.
Day 5 Minneapolis/St. Paul to Grand Rapids (173 miles/279 km)
Travel north through the "Land of 10,000 Lakes" to Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Nestled in tall timber on the western edge of the Mesabi Iron Range, Grand Rapids, the birthplace of Judy Garland, is rich with the dual heritage of iron mining and logging.
Day 6 Grand Rapids to Ashland (175 miles/280 km)
Return to Wisconsin through Ashland, the gateway to the Apostle Island National Lakeshore, a magnificent natural wilderness region. Cruise among the islands of Lake Superior, the largest body of fresh water in the world, for a memorable and lasting impression of the picturesque area. Take a ferry to Madeline Island to tour the old trading post and Indian burial grounds.
Day 7 Ashland to Marquette (185 miles/298 km)
Travel to Michigan and explore the Keweenaw Peninsula. While en route to Marquette, Minnesota, visit historic Fort Wilkens, see the Delaware Copper Mine and go to the L'Anse Indiana Reservation.
Day 8 Marquette to St. Ignace (162 miles/261 km)
Follow scenic Michigan State Road 28 to Munising. Take a cruise into Lake Michigan past the Pictured Rocks National Lake Shore to view the sandstone cliffs, caves, arches and columns. Drive to Tahquamenon Falls State Park near Newberry to view two striking waterfalls on the Tahquamenon River before arriving in St. Ignace, Michigan.
Day 9 St. Ignace
Take the ferry to spend the day on Mackinac Island, a timeless resort island where no motor vehicles are allowed. Take a horsedrawn carriage or rent bicycles. Visit Fort Mackinac, perched on a bluff overlooking the harbor. Return back to St. Ignace late afternoon.
Day 10 St. Ignace to Detroit (288 miles/461 km)
Journey through Michigan to Detroit, home of Motown and Motor City, USA. Stay in nearby Dearborn, home of the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. This living history museum explores the industrial revolution and achievements of famous Americans such as the Wright Brothers and Thomas Edison.
Day 11 Detroit to Toronto (245 miles/392 km)
Leave the United States for Canada and drive along the shores of Lake Erie through Ontario for the cosmopolitan city of Toronto, located on the shores of Lake Ontario. While in Toronto visit the CN Tower, the Skydome, Parliament Buildings and shop at Eaton Place.
Day 12 Toronto to Niagara Falls (80 miles/130 km)
Drive to Niagara Falls through Ontario's wine growing region and stop at the charming town of NiagaraontheLake. View Niagara Falls from the Canadian side and ride on the Maid of the Mist through the thundering waterfalls to the basin of Horseshoe Falls.
Day 13 Niagara Falls to Pittsburgh(242 miles/389 km)
From Niagara Falls, travel back to the United States along the south shore of Lake Erie, stopping at historic Fort Erie and Welland Canal before heading south through Pennsylvania and arriving in Pittsburgh, "America's Renaissance City." Take a cable car ride up the scenic Duquesne incline as you discover the majesty of Pittsburgh's city skyline. Visit one of many world class cultural institutions including the Andy Warhol Museum of Art.
Day 14 Pittsburgh to Cleveland (140 miles/225 km)
Make your way to Cleveland, the "New American City." In Cleveland, visit the famous attraction featuring good ol' rock and roll music The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. Have a relaxing evening at one of the many restaurants located in the Flats.
Day 15 Cleveland to South Bend (260 miles/416 km)
Drive to Indiana, the "Hoosier State." Visit the Northern Indiana Amish Community, then continue to South Bend, home of world famous Notre Dame University and America's great industrial legacy, the Studebaker Corporation.
Day 16 South Bend to Chicago (99 miles/158 km)
Stop at Indiana Dunes en route to Chicago prior to the flight home.