Hit the Highway on this ultimate Magnificent Michigan Road Trip

From Motown to Mackinac: Discover the Heart and Soul of Michigan?

This self-drive holiday through Michigan delivers the perfect blend of high-octane city culture, pristine lakeside wilderness, and pure nostalgia. Simply pick up your rental car in Detroit and prepare for the ultimate Great Lakes loop.

• Detroit: Start your engines in Motor City. Explore the legendary Motown Museum, admire world-class masterpieces at the Detroit Institute of Arts, and sample the city's booming, innovative culinary scene.
• Saugatuck: Drive west to Lake Michigan's stunning coastline. This artistic beach town charms visitors with its towering Oval Beach sand dunes, local art galleries, and historic hand-cranked chain ferry.
• Grand Rapids: Head north to America’s premier "Beer City." Pair a walk through the breathtaking Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park with a tasting flight at a world-class craft brewery.
• Traverse City: Cruise into the freshwater paradise of the north. Tour the scenic, boutique vineyards of the Old Mission Peninsula and scale the massive, golden slopes of nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes.
• Mackinaw City: Arrive at the edge of the Lower Peninsula. Drink in dramatic views of the mighty Mackinac Bridge and explore historic lighthouses guarding the straits.
• Mackinac Island: Leave your keys behind for a car-free island sanctuary. Travel by horse-drawn carriage, cycle the scenic eight-mile coastal highway, and indulge in world-famous, decadent island fudge.
• Bay City: Journey south to the maritime shores of Lake Huron. Stroll the beautiful Riverwalk Pier and hunt for treasures in Michigan's largest antique center.
• Frankenmuth: Finish your epic journey in "Little Bavaria." Feast on a legendary family-style chicken dinner and experience year-round festive magic at Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland before heading back to Detroit.

From city skylines to island serenity, freedom awaits on the open road on this Michigan road trip. 

Tour starts and ends in Detroit

2 nights - Detroit, 2 nights - Saugatuck, 2 nights - Grand Rapids, 2 Nights - Traverse City, 1 Night - Mackinaw City, 2 nights - Mackinac Island, 1 night - Bay City, 2 Nights - Frankenmuth

Days 1 & 2

Detroit, MI

Begin your trip in Detroit, a city shaped by its deep automotive roots, musical legacy, and powerful cultural revival. Spend your days enjoying a walk along the Detroit Riverwalk, a scenic waterfront promenade stretching along the Detroit River. It’s perfect for a relaxed stroll, with views across to Canada, plus plenty of cafés, public art, lively spots to pause and take in the atmosphere, as well as great dining and opportunities to catch a sporting event. From there, head to the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, where America’s story of invention and progress comes to life. Expect an impressive lineup of historic artifacts, including the Rosa Parks Bus and early presidential vehicles, all showcasing the evolution of transport and design.

If you have extra time, you could also add a visit to nearby Belle Isle Park, a peaceful island park offering green space, skyline views, and a quieter contrast to the city buzz.

Overall, these two days blend art, innovation, music, and waterfront relaxation—giving you a well-rounded introduction to Detroit’s character and legacy.

2 Nights – Detroit

Hotel – DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Detroit Downtown - Fort Shelby (Inc Breakfast)

Day 3 & 4

Detroit, MI – Saugatuck MI (190 miles)

The drive from Detroit to Saugatuck takes around 2-3 hours. Once you get there head downtown where you are able to explore the small artsy town known for its independent boutiques, galleries, ice creams and cafés located right along the waterfront. Enjoy a walk along the Kalamazoo River where you can watch small boats and ferries; short rides on the historic chain ferry are also available.

 Spend your afternoons at Oval Beach, with soft sand, dunes, and plenty of space to relax or swim. You can spend time sunbathing, walk the long shoreline, or cool off in Lake Michigan’s clear water. There are also gentle dune paths nearby of you want a short climb for elevated views over the lake – picture perfect! An optional sunset stop at Saugatuck Dunes State Park, where forested dune trails lead to a quieter, natural stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline — ideal for a calm walk and sunset views.

2 Nights – Saugatuck

Hotel – Lake Shore Resort (Inc Continental Breakfast)

Day 5 & 6

Saugatuck, MI – Grand Rapids, MI (40 miles)

This morning leave Saugatuck and make your way east to Grand Rapids. It’s a nice straightforward journey so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy a relaxed morning to explore. Once in Grand Rapids you can spend you time exploring the city’s highlights such as the vibrant downtown areas along the Grand River, where you’ll find shops and public art installations. The city is well known for its craft beer scene and cultural spots, so you might also visit a brewery or check out the Grand Rapids Art Museum depending on your interests. In the evening enjoy dinner downtown and experience the city’s urban atmosphere.

2 Nights – Grand Rapids

Hotel – Canopy by Hilton Grand Rapids (Inc Breakfast)

Day 7 & 8

Grand Rapids, MI – Traverse City, MI (140 miles)

Today enjoy a scenic a drive along western Michigan towards Traverse City,  You will be spending two days here, giving you time to explore one of Michigan’s most popular lakefront destinations at a relaxing pace. One of the best day trips from here is a visit to the famous Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, where you can hike scenic dune trails, take in panoramic views of Lake Michigan, and explore one of the most iconic landscapes in the Midwest.

Back in town, you can spend time exploring Front Street with its boutique shops, cafés, and ice cream spots, or try some of the local food scene, which focuses heavily on farm-to-table dining and Michigan wines and cherries. If you’re interested in wine, the nearby Old Mission Peninsula or Leelanau Peninsula offer scenic winery routes with beautiful vineyard views. In the evenings relax with waterfront sunsets and a stroll along the bay after a full day exploring.

2 Nights – Traverse City

Hotel – Delamar Traverse City (Room Only)

Day 9

Traverse City, MI – Mackinaw City, MI. (102 miles)

This morning, you’ll travel from Traverse City up to Mackinaw City, a scenic drive of around 2.5–3 hours along the northern part of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. This is a great travel day with beautiful shoreline views as you get closer to the Straits of Mackinac.

Once you arrive in Mackinaw City, you can explore the small waterfront town, which is known for its views of the Mackinac Bridge and its role as the main gateway to Mackinac Island. You can spend time walking along the shoreline parks where you’ll often see ferries coming and going across the straits, and it’s also worth visiting the historic Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse and Fort Michilimackinac for great photo opportunities and a bit of local history. The downtown area is small and friendly, with shops, fudge stores, and casual spots to grab a snack or ice cream while enjoying the lake views. If you want something more relaxed, you can walk along the boardwalk or sit by the water and watch the light change over the bridge as the day winds down. The evening is usually calm and scenic, making it a nice time to enjoy a lakeside dinner and get ready for your trip to Mackinac Island or the next stage of your itinerary.

1 Night – Mackinaw City

Hotel – Hamilton Inn Select Beachfront Mackinaw City (Inc Breakfast)

Day 10 & 11

Mackinaw City, MI – Mackinac Island MI. (Ferry)

Your next two days will be spent on Mackinac Island, a unique destination where cars aren’t allowed and transport is mainly by walking, cycling, or horse-drawn carriage. After arriving by ferry, you can settle in and start exploring the island’s charming downtown.

A great first activity is heading up into Mackinac Island State Park, which covers most of the island and offers scenic forest trails, quiet viewpoints, and access to natural landmarks like Arch Rock, one of the island’s most famous limestone formations overlooking Lake Huron.

You can also visit Fort Mackinac, where you’ll get a glimpse into the island’s military history along with panoramic views over the harbour. For something more iconic and leisurely, a walk or bike ride around the island’s shoreline loop is a must, offering constant lake views and peaceful stops along the way.

For guests who like to take things at a slower pace — perhaps enjoy a horse-drawn carriage tour, relax at a café, or visit the famous Grand Hotel with its historic charm and world’s longest porch overlooking the water. Evenings on the island are especially atmospheric, with quiet streets, lake sunsets, and a calm, timeless feel that makes it one of the most memorable parts of your trip.

2 Nights – Mackinac Island

Hotel – Grand Hotel (Room Only)

Day 12

Mackinac Island MI – Bay City, MI (Ferry & 180 miles)

Leave Mackinac Island in the morning by ferry back to the mainland at Mackinaw City or St. Ignace, then begin your drive south to Bay City, which takes around 3.5–4.5 hours depending on route and stops. It’s a nice transition day as you move from the relaxed island atmosphere back into mainland Michigan, with the option to break up the journey along Lake Huron for scenic views or small coastal towns. Once you arrive in Bay City, you can spend the afternoon exploring its revitalised downtown along the Saginaw River, where you’ll find waterfront walkways, local shops, and casual dining spots. For a unique experience, consider a BaySail cruise aboard the historic schooner Appledore IV, offering scenic day sails or sunset cruises on the Saginaw River and Bay. A walk along the riverfront or a stop at one of the parks is a great way to unwind after the journey, and in the evening you can enjoy a relaxed dinner while watching boats pass through the marina area.

1 Night – Bay City

Hotel – DoubleTree by Hilton Bay City - Riverfront (Inc Breakfast)

Day 13 & 14

Bay City, MI – Frankenmuth, MI. (25 miles)

This morning you travel the short drive to Frankenmuth. Once you arrive, you can spend the day exploring Frankenmuth, a charming Bavarian-style town known for its traditional German-inspired architecture, boutique shops, and cosy riverside setting along the Cass River. A popular activity is strolling through the main streets, sampling local treats, and enjoying the unique themed atmosphere that makes the town feel very different from the rest of Michigan.

You might also visit attractions like the famous Bronner's Christmas Wonderland, the world’s largest Christmas store, which is open year-round and packed with decorations and festive displays. Another option is to take a relaxed walk or riverboat-style cruise along the Cass River or simply enjoy a traditional meal at one of the well-known German-style restaurants in town. The evening is typically very laid-back, with warm lighting, river views, and a cosy atmosphere that makes Frankenmuth a pleasant and relaxing final stop on this leg of your trip.

2 Nights – Frankenmuth

Hotel – Bavarian Inn Lodge (Room Only) 

Day 15

Frankenmuth, MI – Detroit, MI (100 miles)

This morning head back to Detroit to start your journey home. 

TOUR COST

All 'from' prices quoted below are per adult person, per package in £ GBP

The exact cost of the tour will depend on the date of travel and the availability at the time you book.

Your holiday includes:

Return flights to Detroit

7 Nights accommodation as above including all taxes

Breakfast as stated above

Car hire including all taxes, fees, unlimited mileage and breakdown cover.

October - March = From £2,099 per person based on 2 adults sharing

June - September = From £2,999 per person based on 2 adults sharing

Pre, post or extra nights

Pre, post & extra nights within the itinerary are available to be added to this tour, please let us know at time of booking if you would like to extend your stay anywhere and we will be happy to quote the extra nights.