Cherry Country, Island Life and the Spirit of Detroit

Welcome to Michigan! Upon arrival at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), collect your luggage and make your way to the Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport, conveniently located within the airport terminal. With no need for transfers or shuttle buses, it's the perfect place to relax after your international flight before your Michigan adventure begins.

The remainder of the day is at leisure. You may wish to enjoy dinner in the hotel's restaurant, unwind with a swim in the indoor pool, make use of the fitness centre, or simply relax and recharge ahead of tomorrow's short flight to northern Michigan and the beautiful shores of Grand Traverse Bay.

Today, you will take a short flight to Traverse City, the gateway to northern Michigan and the beautiful shores of Grand Traverse Bay. On arrival, collect your rental car and make the short drive into the city, where you'll spend the next four nights exploring one of Michigan's most picturesque regions.

After settling into your accommodation, we recommend beginning your visit with lunch at the Grand Traverse Pie Company, where you can sample one of the area's famous homemade pies, including the region's signature cherry pie. Spend the remainder of the afternoon exploring downtown Traverse City, strolling along the waterfront or simply relaxing by the bay. This evening, perhaps enjoy dinner at Artisan, located within the Delamar Traverse City, where locally inspired cuisine is complemented by beautiful waterfront views across Grand Traverse Bay, providing the perfect introduction to northern Michigan.

Today, we suggest discovering the spectacular Old Mission Peninsula, one of northern Michigan's most scenic drives. Surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of Grand Traverse Bay, the peninsula is renowned for its rolling vineyards, cherry orchards, charming rural communities and panoramic lake views.

Spend the day visiting some of the region's award-winning wineries, including Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery, where you can enjoy a guided wine wagon tour through the vineyards, sample locally produced cool-climate wines and relax in the beautiful Secret Garden, home to more than 6,000 lavender plants. Continue exploring the peninsula's boutique wineries, stopping at scenic viewpoints along the way before returning to Traverse City. This evening, why not round off the day with a relaxing sunset cruise on Grand Traverse Bay, offering wonderful views of the city skyline from the water.

Today, we recommend heading west towards the spectacular Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, regularly recognised as one of America's most beautiful landscapes. Towering sand dunes overlook the vast expanse of Lake Michigan, while scenic drives and spectacular viewpoints provide unforgettable photo opportunities.

Continue your journey around the picturesque Leelanau Peninsula, where quiet country roads lead through vineyards, lakeside communities and rolling countryside. Be sure to stop in the charming harbour village of Leland, better known as Fishtown, where weathered fishing shanties, independent shops, smokehouses and cafés line the waterfront. Enjoy lunch at the popular Village Cheese Shanty before spending the afternoon exploring the peninsula's boutique wineries, artisan food producers and scenic shoreline.

Spend today exploring everything Traverse City has to offer. Begin with breakfast at one of the city's many independent cafés before wandering through the compact downtown, where you'll find boutique shops, galleries, speciality food stores and locally owned restaurants. Don't miss a visit to Cherry Republic, where you can sample an incredible range of cherry-inspired products, from chocolates and preserves to wines, beers and sauces.

Later, visit the beautifully restored Village at Grand Traverse Commons, a remarkable redevelopment of the former Northern Michigan Asylum. Today, its historic buildings are home to independent boutiques, cafés, restaurants and galleries, while guided tours of the original underground tunnels provide a fascinating insight into the site's history. The remainder of the afternoon can be spent relaxing along the waterfront, enjoying one of Traverse City's sandy beaches, or perhaps hiring a bicycle to explore the shoreline. This evening, take the opportunity to sample another of the city's excellent waterfront restaurants while watching the sun set over Grand Traverse Bay.

Today, leave Traverse City behind and enjoy the scenic drive north to Mackinaw City, where you'll leave your hire car on the mainland before boarding the ferry for the approximately 25-minute crossing to Mackinac Island. As the island comes into view, you'll immediately notice the absence of motor vehicles. Instead, horse-drawn carriages, bicycles and pedestrians set the pace, creating a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time.

After checking into your hotel for a three-night stay, spend the remainder of the day exploring the charming downtown area, browsing its independent boutiques, galleries and famous fudge shops. This evening, enjoy a drink at the iconic Pink Pony, overlooking the harbour, before relaxing over dinner as you begin to embrace the slower pace of island life.

Today, we recommend joining the Mackinac Island Carriage Tour, the perfect introduction to the island's fascinating history and natural beauty. The leisurely tour takes you past many of the island's most notable landmarks while providing an insight into its Native American heritage, military history and Victorian architecture.

Following the tour, visit Fort Mackinac, where restored buildings, interactive exhibits and historical demonstrations bring the island's past to life. We also recommend enjoying lunch at the Fort Mackinac Tea Room, where spectacular views overlook downtown Mackinac Island and the sparkling waters of Lake Huron. Spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure before perhaps rounding off the day with a relaxing sunset cruise or another visit to the waterfront.

Enjoy a full day at leisure to experience Mackinac Island at your own pace. One of the best ways to explore is by hiring a bicycle and cycling the scenic eight-mile route around the island's shoreline, passing dramatic limestone cliffs, secluded beaches, woodland scenery and beautiful lake views. Along the way, stop at some of the island's quieter viewpoints and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere that makes Mackinac Island so unique.

Later, visit the magnificent Grand Hotel, one of America's most iconic historic hotels. Whether you choose to enjoy lunch, afternoon tea or simply explore the beautifully maintained gardens and famous front porch overlooking the Straits of Mackinac, it's an experience not to be missed. Spend the remainder of your final afternoon wandering through the charming downtown, browsing the independent shops, sampling the island's famous handmade fudge or returning to the Pink Pony for one final drink overlooking the harbour before enjoying your last evening on this unforgettable island.

After a leisurely breakfast, board the ferry back to Mackinaw City, where you'll collect your hire car before beginning the scenic drive south to Detroit. The journey offers a final opportunity to enjoy Michigan's beautiful landscapes before arriving in the state's largest city, where you'll spend the next three nights.

You'll most likely arrive during the late afternoon or early evening, so we suggest taking things at a relaxed pace. After checking into your hotel, perhaps head to the lively Detroit Riverwalk for an evening stroll, taking in views across the Detroit River towards neighbouring Canada, before enjoying dinner at one of the city's many excellent restaurants. If you're looking to round off the day in style, finish with cocktails at The Shelby, an atmospheric speakeasy hidden within a former bank vault beneath Detroit's Financial District.

Today is yours to discover Detroit, a city that has reinvented itself while proudly celebrating its rich automotive, musical and sporting heritage. We recommend beginning with a walk through Downtown Detroit, where beautifully restored historic buildings stand alongside striking modern architecture, vibrant public spaces and an ever-growing collection of restaurants, cafés and independent businesses.

No visit would be complete without exploring Michigan Central Station, one of Detroit's most remarkable restoration projects. Once an international symbol of the city's decline, this magnificent Beaux-Arts railway station has been lovingly restored by the Ford Motor Company and now serves as a centre for innovation while celebrating Detroit's remarkable history. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxing Detroit Princess Riverboat cruise along the Detroit River, offering wonderful views of both the Detroit and Windsor skylines while learning more about the city's fascinating past.

If your visit coincides with the sporting calendar, we highly recommend experiencing one of Detroit's professional sports teams. Depending on the season, you may have the opportunity to watch the Detroit Tigers (MLB), Detroit Lions (NFL), Detroit Red Wings (NHL) or Detroit Pistons (NBA), providing an authentic American sporting experience and a memorable evening in one of the USA's great sporting cities.

Today, we suggest visiting The Henry Ford in nearby Dearborn, one of America's premier museum complexes. Comprising The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, the 80-acre Greenfield Village and the fascinating Ford Rouge Factory Tour, it's easy to spend much of the day exploring the exhibits celebrating American innovation, engineering and the legacy of Henry Ford. Although you can comfortably spend a full day here, even a half-day visit offers a fascinating insight into one of America's greatest success stories.

For lunch, be sure to stop at the legendary Buddy's Pizza, widely regarded as the birthplace of Detroit's famous square deep-dish pizza. With its light, airy base, caramelised cheese crust and distinctive rectangular shape, it's a true Detroit culinary institution and an experience not to be missed.

If time permits, you may wish to explore more of Detroit's legendary Motown heritage, browse the city's independent shops or simply relax before your journey home. This evening, round off your Michigan adventure with dinner at The Whitney, one of Detroit's most iconic restaurants. Set within a magnificent nineteenth-century mansion, The Whitney combines elegant surroundings, exceptional cuisine and fascinating history, providing the perfect finale to your unforgettable journey through the Great Lakes State.

Enjoy a final morning at leisure in Detroit before making your way to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) for your onward flight home. Depending on your departure time, you may wish to enjoy a leisurely breakfast, take one last stroll along the Detroit Riverwalk, browse the city's shops or simply relax before your journey.

If you're not quite ready for your holiday to end, speak to your Discover North America Travel Specialist about possible trip extensions.