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MACKINAC ISLAND’S 59TH ANNUAL LILAC FESTIVAL 5 Days / June 14 Mackinac Island’s lilacs were introduced by French Missionaries in the 1660’s. Each June these centuries-old shrubs fill the island with purple blossoms and a lovely fragrance; Mackinac Island celebrates with a spectacular Lilac Festival! Day 1. Welcome aboard! Today we get acquainted with fellow travelers and make our way to Holland, Michigan. En route to our accommodations, we stop to see “De Zwaan” the giant authentic Holland windmill towering over the 36 acres of manicured gardens, dikes and canals. Lodging: Country Inn by Carlson, Holland, MI Day 2. Rise and shine; enjoy a continental breakfast at the inn then board the coach for a journey through the beautiful landscapes of central Michigan. We arrive in Mackinaw City and board the ferry to Mackinac Island. This island retains an atmosphere of the 19th Century with no automobiles allowed, transportation is via horse carriage or bicycle. Arriving on the island, we are greeted by our host and transferred to the hotel where a welcome reception awaits. This hotel is an all suites property ideally situated on Main Street near the dock within walking distance to shops and historic attractions. This afternoon you are free to stroll about and enjoy the magic of this island “lost in time”; then gather to watch the world’s longest horse hitch parade. After a full day it is time to relax and enjoy your suite. Lodging: The Lilac Tree Hotel, Mackinac Island, MI (2 nights) Day 3. Breakfast is included at the Chippewa Hotel followed by a horse-drawn tram tour of the island. In June, Mackinac Island’s lilac trees burst forth in a spectacular display and a sweet fragrance that drifts across the entire island. Some trees are 300 years old, brought here by the early settlers. The tour is followed by the Grand Luncheon Buffet at the famous Grand Hotel; and, a self-guided tour of the public space in the hotel & grounds – Front Porch, gardens, stables, shops, etc. Today is the day after the annual festival and therefore a bit more quiet allowing you to enjoy your exploration of the island on your own the remainder of the day - rent a bike, visit the old fort, shop – you get to choose how to spend your time. Lilac-themed gift items are found in all the shops and purple is definitely the “color of the day”. We highly recommend the fudge shops! Day 4. Breakfast is included at the nearby Chippewa Hotel. We ferry back to the main land and travel to Grand Rapids. Our first stop is the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park – a year-round botanical garden featuring a tropical conservatory, stunning outdoor gardens, nature trails and more than 100 magnificent sculptures by renowned artists. June features a glorious display of roses. Lodging: Holiday Inn Express, Grandville, MI Day 5. A continental breakfast at the hotel gets us started for the day. We then visit the Gerald R. Ford Museum that reviews the highlights of the lives of President and Mrs. Ford. This afternoon we are homeward bound! Included meals: 4 Continental or Full Breakfasts 1 Lunch
Tour cost: $ 474. per person Child/Teen $ 799. per person 4/room $ 849. per person 3/room $ 949. per person 2/room $1399. Single |