Sun, Sept 15: 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)

Mon, Sept 16: 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)

Tue, Sept 17: 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 a narrated 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)

Wed, Sept 18: 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)

Thu, Sept 19: Before departing Canada, have the option to 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. Visit 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 Frankenmuth, Michigan. Check in to your hotel for one night, centrally located for easy access to unique shopping and delicious local restaurants. (B)

Fri, Sept 20: After breakfast at the hotel get a head start on your Christmas shopping with a visit to Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland. The cheery store located on the aptly named Christmas Lane is the largest Christmas store in the world with more than 50,000 products for sale. Explore the displays of ornaments, stockings, and other decorations. Learn the history of the business and visit Silent Night Chapel. Enjoy lunch on your own in downtown Frankenmuth and have more time for shopping before departing. Arrive back in Indianapolis in the evening. (B)