Day 1 CHICAGO, Illinois | DISEMBARK
Fly to Chicago, one of America's most vibrant and historic cities, and embark Yorktown in the afternoon. Sail in the early evening.
Day 2 HOLLAND | SAUGATUCK | HOLLAND, Michigan
Arrive this morning in Saugatuck, nestled off the shores of Lake Michigan and Kalamazoo Lake. Originally a lumber town, Saugatuck eventually became known for its fruit production, especially its peaches. In the early 1900s Saugatuck was a prime summer destination for Chicago urbanites. Today, it is known for its historic buildings and churches, unique shops, and many art galleries, several of which you will have the opportunity to visit.
Day 3 SHEBOYGAN, Wisconsin
Excursion: Keukenhof Gardens. Call in lovely Sheboygan, located on the shore of Lake Michigan at the mouth of the Sheboygan River. French explorers landed on the shores in the 17th century, and in the early 19th century, it became a fur trading port. Tour the impressive John Michael Kohler Arts Center, recognized nationally as one of the country's best galleries devoted to contemporary art, and drive to nearby Kohler, the center of the Kohler Company, or visit Kohler-Andrae State Park with its scenic trails through dunes, wetlands, and woodlands.
Day 4 MACKINAC ISLAND, Michigan
Arrive in beautiful Mackinac Island, a Victorian-era haven where cars are forbidden and bicycles share the road with horse-drawn carriages. Explore this idyllic island and see the ancient limestone formations that were considered sacred by the Straits Indians; the impressive Fort Mackinac, built atop a high cliff by the British in 1780; and the landmark Victorian Grand Hotel. Also enjoy free time to stroll along streets lined with ginger-bread-trimmed buildings and browse in the charming shops.
Day 5 ALPENA | PRESQUE ISLE |ALPENA, Michigan
Arrive in Thunder Bay to call at the lovely town of Alpena, home to an outstanding maritime museum with displays on Great Lakes maritime history. There is also the opportunity to travel north to the small peninsula of Presque Isle, an untouched place of great beauty with two historic lighthouses. Pristine forests, numerous inland lakes and 72 miles of Lake Huron shoreline on the central flyway make Presque Isle a birder's paradise.
Day 6 CRUISING LAKE ERIE and LAKE HURON
Enjoy a day at sea as Yorktown navigates from Lake Huron through the St. Clair River into Lake St. Clair and on to the Detroit River. Pass by the glittering city of Detroit with its beautifully renovated International Riverfront with its attractive waterfront parks and the Renaissance Center, home of General Motors world headquarters on our way to Lake Erie.
Day 7 PORT WELLER | WELLAND CANAL |NIAGARA FALLS | LAKE ERIE
Arrive this morning at Port Weller, from where Yorktown begins the dramatic passage from Lake Ontario to Lake Erie via the Welland Canal. A series of seven locks designed as a continuous flight of “stairs” lifts Yorktown 324 feet over a distance of 27 miles. From the decks of the ship witness the mechanics of this engineering marvel, which took over 100 years to complete. Stay on board for the entire transit or disembark for an excursion to Niagara Falls, one of North America's most spectacular natural wonders, where we'll see both the American Falls and Horseshoe (Canadian) Falls.
Day 8 TORONTO, Ontario, Canada |DISEMBARK
Disembark in Toronto and transfer to the airport for return flights home.
