Day 1 - Fly from the UK to Detroit and pick-up your car

Since its founding in 1701, the city on the Detroit River has had many identities, including fur trading post, shipping centre, automotive capital and home of the Motown sound. Detroit’s downtown is a unique mixture of its industrial and musical heritage, with great dining, shopping, architecture and museums. 

Visit the Motown Museum, also called Hitsville U.S.A., to see the instruments and recording equipment used by iconic names such as Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin and The Supremes. And as the birthplace of Techno, Detroit hosts Movement, an annual electronic dance music festival.

Not to be missed is the Henry Ford Museum and its collection of Americana, from light bulbs and cars to historic structures like the laboratory of Thomas Edison, relocated from New Jersey to the outdoor Greenfield Village. Tour the famous Ford Rouge Plant and F-150 pick-up truck assembly line.

Spend some time viewing the impressive collection at the Detroit Institute of Arts, including Diego Rivera’s massive “Detroit Industry” murals. Stroll to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History or check out the display of General Motors’ vehicles at Renaissance Centre overlooking the Detroit River.

Stay two nights in Detroit

Day 3 - Detroit to Grand Rapids, approx. 160 miles

Grand Rapids is the state’s second largest city, on the banks of the Grand River, and has been named by Expedia as one of America’s Super Cool Cities. With a vibrant craft beer scene, plenty of great places to eat, enjoy live music or be inspired by the arts and culture scene, Grand Rapids won’t disappoint. 

Numerous outdoor activities are available in the area, and with the city itself having walking and biking trails, parks and the Grand River flowing through downtown, you can enjoy a full urban outdoor adventure. Rent a canoe or kayak for a guided tour on the river, or head to Millennium Park where you can kayak, canoe, paddleboat or paddleboard and explore the park’s 100 acres of water and four miles of shoreline. 

If you are looking for something a bit more sedate, take a scenic paddle boat trip on the river or stroll the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park with works by Auguste Rodin, Henry Moore and Claes Oldenburg, several themed gardens and “American Horse”, the 24 foot tall sculpture by Nina Akamu based on Leonardo Da Vinci’s original drawings.

Stay two nights in Grand Rapids.

Day 5 - Grand Rapids to Traverse City, approx. 185 miles

Nestled along the deep blue waters of scenic Grand Traverse Bay on Lake Michigan, picturesque Traverse City is one of the most popular destinations in the USA’s Great Lakes region, a charming “real American small town”. Traverse City has transformed from a rustic holiday community into a charming and sophisticated small city with streets, parks and public spaces harmonizing with the scenery surrounding them. The downtown area has tree-shaded Victorian walkways lined with boutiques, coffeehouses and restaurants. With a large population of artists, craftsmen and musicians, the community has a rich cultural life featuring dozens of galleries, studios, museums and a wealth of performing talent. 

Surrounded by a glacier-carved landscape of deep freshwater lakes and rolling hills, the Traverse City area has 230 miles of continuous Lake Michigan shoreline that attracts swimmers, sailors, boaters, beachcombers and kayakers. Discover Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, a 60 mile curve of beaches, coves, islands and hills, perfect for hiking, picnicking, sunset watching and star gazing. Catch the Mishe-Mokwa (Mother Bear) ferry at Manitou Island Transit in Leland and spend the day roaming South Manitou Island with its tall lighthouse, giant cedars, shipwrecks and isolated beaches. 

Stay two nights in Traverse City.

Day 7 - Traverse City to Marquette, approx. 20 miles

A longer drive today, but it is well worth it as you head to the Upper Peninsula (known as the U.P.) which is bounded by Lake Superior to the north, the St Mary’s River to the east and Lake Michigan and Lake Huron to the south. 

Marquette acts as a great base for exploring the region, sitting of the shores of Lake Superior at the mid-point of the Upper Peninsula. A small, friendly city, Marquette has preserved its historic charm and natural beauty. You will find familiar European fare such as the pasty brought to the region by Cornish miners, and Finnish dishes such as Juutoa and Sauna Makkara.

Besides the extensive coastline, the region has large areas of state and national forest, rugged hills, cedar swamps and over 150 waterfalls and so attracts visitors interested in an array of outdoor activities. Hike some of the North Country Scenic Trail which spans eight states including crossing Michigan’s U.P. and provides a great wilderness experience. Along the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, marvel at the multi-coloured sandstone cliffs, beaches, sand dunes, waterfalls, inland lakes, streams, forests and wildlife, and enjoy a guided kayaking tour, hiking, fishing, picnicking or a boat or scuba diving tour.

Stay three nights in Marquette

Day 10 - Marquette to Mackinac Island, approx. 165 miles (plus ferry)

Head to Mackinaw City where you can leave your car and catch the ferry to Mackinac Island, taking approx. 20 minutes. 

The island sits on Lake Huron, between Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas. This timeless resort from the 19th Century offers a quaint retreat from the trappings of modern-day life. All transportation is by foot, bicycle, horseback or carriage – no cars are allowed! This is a great place to relax and just sit and soak up the beautiful lake views or you can choose to be more active and enjoy the outdoor options.

 

Mackinac Island State Park, with trails, woods and a stunning limestone arch rock formation, covers most of the island and offers numerous options for walking or hiking, as well as cycling. Explore the 1780 Fort Mackinac, perched on a bluff overlooking the harbour, rent bikes and cycle the island’s eight mile perimeter, stroll past Victorian-era cottages and delight in the winged creatures at the Butterfly House. There are plenty of options to explore the island from the water as well, with kayak or boat tours, parasailing, fishing and sailing charters. 

In the waterfront downtown area you will find unique shops, great dining and a selection of fudge shops, a timeless Mackinac Island tradition!  

Stay two nights on Mackinac Island

Day 12 - Mackinac Island to Bay City, approx. 180 miles

Nestled on Michigan’s eastern shoreline with easy access to the Saginaw Bay and the deep, blue waters of Lake Huron, waterfront Bay City has something to suit everyone. 

Whether it’s strolling along the Riverwalk, shopping in the Antique Center or City Market, taking in a concert, sampling a craft beer or tucking into some great local cuisine, you’ll find it here. But more than that, being on the bay, the city is known for its shoreline and water based attractions and activities. Go for a scenic, three-hour sail on the iconic Appledore Tall Ships schooners on Saginaw Bay, or take an eco-tour through Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge, an outdoor paradise known as “The Everglades of Michigan.” Fishing enthusiasts can also sign up for a charter on Saginaw Bay and into Lake Huron in search of walleye, yellow perch and salmon.

Bay City State Park, situated on the shores of the Saginaw Bay, is home to one of the largest remaining freshwater, coastal wetlands on the Great Lakes, the Tobico Marsh. Stroll or relax on more than a thousand feet of sandy beach or walk the scenic trails through 2,000 acres of wetland woods, wet meadows, cattail marshlands and oak savannah prairies.

Stay one night in Bay City

Day 13 - Bay City to Port Huron, approx. 115 miles

Port Huron is known as the Maritime Capital of the Great Lakes with some unique sites to be explored. The vast presence of the Blue Water Bridges connecting Port Huron to Ontario in Canada dominates the lakeshore skyline, and you can discover the beaches and trails below, or even take a day trip across the border. 

Immerse yourself in maritime history by visiting the only existing lightship on the Great Lakes, the Huron Lightship. At the Great Lakes Maritime Center learn more about the great lake and ocean going freighters navigating one of the busiest waterways in the world. Also tour Fort Gratiot Lighthouse, Michigan’s oldest working lighthouse. Visit the Thomas Edison Depot Museum depicting the inventor’s life when he lived in Port Huron. 

Port Huron’s historic downtown boasts some grand brick storefronts housing quaint shops, galleries, cafes, restaurants and more. 

Stay one night in Port Huron. 

Day 14 - Port Huron to Detroit, approx. 65 miles

A short stretch today back to Detroit in time to drop off your car and check-in for your flight.