You’ll love this tour if... You dream of horse-drawn carriages, lake views, and the timeless charm of Mackinac Island. If historic streets, iconic meals, and relaxing days of exploration sound like your kind of getaway, this trip will capture your heart.

Day 1 – Welcome Dinner

Your Mackinac Island adventure begins! Mackinac Island sits in Lake Huron, between Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas. Known for its unique rules that no automobiles are allowed on the island. Everything is done via horse-drawn carriages and bikes! After an early morning departure from the STL metro, stop for lunch and shopping before continuing north with games and stories along the way. After checking into the hotel, join us for a warm Welcome Dinner in South Haven, MI, hosted by Excite, a perfect chance to meet your fellow travelers. (D)

Day 2 – Welcome to Mackinac Island

After breakfast, head north with high anticipation for Mackinac. Enjoy lunch and an excursion in Traverse City! Then, arrive in Mackinaw City to catch the ferry to Mackinac Island, named one of the Top 10 Islands in the World by Condé Nast Traveler. Step off the boat into a world of timeless charm, stroll to your hotel to check in for a relaxing three-night stay. (B)

Day 3 – Carriages & Grand Views

After breakfast, enjoy a classic horse-drawn carriage tour of the island, where the clip-clop of hooves and the scent of fresh flowers take you back to a simpler time. Along the way, your driver will share stories of Mackinac’s rich history, charming Victorian cottages, and iconic landmarks. Then, indulge in the famous Grand Hotel lunch buffet, a dazzling spread of over 30 dishes, and soak up stunning lake views from the hotel’s world-famous veranda, the longest porch in the world. Spend a little time savoring the atmosphere, perhaps with a cup of coffee or a scoop of ice cream, before setting out on your own. The rest of the day is yours to explore boutiques, visit local fudge shops, or simply relax by the water’s edge, letting the island’s timeless beauty unfold at your own pace. (B, L)

Day 4 – Your Day, Your Way

One of the best parts of staying on Mackinac Island with Excite is the freedom to make the day your own. Stroll through charming shops, rent a bike to explore scenic lookout points, or step back in time at Fort Mackinac. You might even choose to hire your own horse and buggy for a truly classic island experience. Prefer a group adventure? Join us for a Sip & Sail Cruise with live music and cocktails, or hop over to Mackinaw City to tour historic lighthouses. However you spend the day, countless treasures and unforgettable views await. (B)

Day 5 – Farewell to the Island, Gilmore Car Museum

This morning we’ll board the ferry back to Mackinaw City, watching as the island’s charming shoreline and iconic Grand Hotel fade into the distance. Feel the lake breeze on your face and take in the sweeping views of the Straits of Mackinac as we glide across the water. Once ashore, head south to Kalamazoo, visit the massive Gilmore Car Museum! The museum exhibits over 400 vintage and collector vehicles and motorcycles from all eras in several buildings located on a 90-acre campus. The museum is the largest automobile museum in North America. Your hotel tonight is in South Bend, where our Farewell dinner offers another opportunity to savor great food and good company before returning to the hotel for a restful night. (B, D)

Day 6 – Homeward Bound

After a hearty breakfast, we’ll board the coach for the final stretch back to the good life. As our journey comes to a close, we hope you carry home not just souvenirs, but warm memories, new friendships, and stories you’ll treasure for years to come. (B)