Fri, Oct 1: Board your motorcoach in Indianapolis and head north to Michigan. Take the ferry to Mackinac Island and check in to the Bicycle Street Inn, ideally located on Main Street in the center of downtown. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner at the hotel. (Meal: Dinner)
This morning, take a horse-drawn carriage tour of the island. Have lunch at the Grand Hotel,a National Historic Landmark, and explore the property or simply relax and take in the spectacular views from a rocking chair on the world’s longest porch. The remainder of the day is free to shop for fudge and other goodies in the quaint town, or explore the island on your own. (B,L)

Sun, Oct 3: Spend the morning at leisure before taking the ferry to St. Ignace to meet the motorcoach and drive to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. At the Soo Locks Visitor Center view the displays that chronicle the construction and the men that made the locks possible, and wander out to the observation platform alongside the MacArthur Lock for great views of boats in the locks. Then, while on anarrated cruise actually ride through the Soo Locks and enjoy a sailor’s eye view of the International Highway Bridge, railroad bridges, and St. Mary’s Rapids. Cross the border into Canada and check in to the Delta by Marriott Sault Ste. Marie Waterfront for the next two nights. (B,D)

Mon, Oct 4: Board the Agawa Canyon Train for a full day excursion traveling over towering trestles, alongside pristine northern lakes and rivers, and through the awesome granite rock formations and vast mixed forests of the Canadian Shield. Take in the views as the rail line hugs the canyon wall while descending 500 feet to the floor of the canyon, and hear about points of interest and some of the rich history of the region. The train stops at Canyon Park where you can take scenic walks on gravel trails leading to several waterfalls, experience an invigorating climb to the unforgettable lookout platform perched above the tracks, or simply relax and soak in the amazing view of Algoma Country ablaze in fall color. Re-board the train for the return ride to Sault Ste. Marie, and enjoy dinner with the group at the hotel. (B,L,D)

Tue, Oct 5: Before departing Canada, visit the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre, which explores the north’s unique history of bush flying and forest fire suppression. Interactive displays include flight simulators, a cockpit demonstrator, a 3-D adventure showcasing the intense fury of battling a forest fire, and a collection of 24 bushplanes. At the Museum Ship Valley Camp, tour the ship deck and view the cabins to see how the sailors lived. Housed inside the ship’s massive cargo holds are an Edmond Fitzgerald exhibit and four aquariums stocked with fish from the Great Lakes region. Drive across the “Mighty Mac” bridge on the way to Hillman, Michigan and check in to the Thunder Bay Resort. Travel through the resort by horse-drawn carriage as guides tell stories and the history of the territory. Cross a wooden bridge to view wild elk up close in the Preserve before arriving at a log cabin to enjoy dinner cooked frontier-style on twin antique wood stoves, served with a sampling of locally produced wines. Then board your carriage for the short ride back to your evening’s rest. (B,D)

Wed, Oct 6: After breakfast at the hotel depart for home, arriving early evening. (B)

Bicycle Street Inn & Suites, Mackinac Island, Michigan
Superbly located on Main Street in the center of downtown Mackinac Island, the hotel perfectly blends the Victorian character of Main Street while offering all of the modern interior touches. Highlights: in-room coffee maker, refrigerator and microwave • complimentary wireless Internet • restaurant • bar • fitness center.

Delta by Marriott Sault Ste. Marie Waterfront, Ontario, Canada.
Ideally situated on the boardwalk with stunning river vistas. Highlights: in-room coffee maker and refrigerator • complimentary wireless Internet • restaurant • bar • fitness center • indoor pool • whirlpool.

Thunder Bay Resort, Hillman, Michigan
Located on Thunder Bay River in a beautiful setting of pine trees and an 18-hole golf course. Highlights: spacious suites with kitchen, refrigerator and coffeemaker • restaurant • complimentary wireless Internet • hot tub.