Nearly fifteen thousand years ago, the last of the great glaciers retreated, leaving us with the legacy of the Great Lakes. The lakes are unique, for although they are called lakes, they are in reality vast inland seas that comprise one-fifth of the world’s fresh surface water. First used as a means of transport by Algonquin and Iroquois tribes, the Great Lakes later became a thriving commercial hub and a heavily traveled waterway with the arrival of European settlers. And more than fifty years ago, the Great Lakes were North America’s treasured summer destination. Traverse the waters of the Great Lakes aboard the 138-guest Yorktown cruise ship. On this unique itinerary, which encompasses American and Canadian ports, travelers will witness Native American culture on Manitoulin Island; experience the majestic grandeur of the shores of Lake Superior at Whitefish Point; enjoy Mackinac Island’s bygone Victorian charms; marvel at the splendid landscape of the Door Peninsula; and visit the delightful town of Saugatuck, nestled along Lake Michigan’s great sand dunes. A highlight of the voyage will be transiting the Soo Locks that connect Lake Huron and Lake Superior.

Highlights:

Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, historic Saugatuck, bucolic villages and beautiful landscapes of Door Peninsula, Victorian-era Mackinac Island, Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Soo Locks, Native American powwow on Manitoulin Island, tranquil village life of Bayfield.

Cruise Departure Dates:
From Chicago: June 16, June 30, July 14, August 18, 2012
From Detroit: June 23, July 7, August 11, 2012

Chicago is the home of the blues and the truth of jazz, the heart of comedy and the idea of the skyscraper. Here, the age of railroads found its center, and airplanes followed suit. Butcher of hogs and believer in progress, it is one of the world's great cities, and yet the metropolitan luxuries of theater, dining, and shopping have barely put a dent in real Midwestern friendliness. It's a city with a swagger, but without the surliness or even the fake smiles found in other cities of its size. Downtown is compact and walkable, featuring the Golden Mile, skyscrapers, museums, marine pier, grand parks, and every type of restaurant.

Meet your professional driver for a private airport transfer in a private vehicle.

The Swissotel Chicago, where a sense of refinement and elegance pervades every detail - truly setting the hotel apart among luxury hotels in downtown Chicago, Illinois. A cozy arrangement of chairs and sofas surround an open fireplace - inviting you to linger over our collection of books or the original photomedia tapestry by Jan Gilbert. Pamper yourself with the award-winning hospitality at Swissôtel Chicago, which sets the standard for downtown Chicago hotel accommodations.

Overnight at Swissotel .

After you are picked up from the hotel enjoy a sightseeing tour of Chicago, the “Windy” city, well known for its architecture with private vehicle and driver. One of the few America cities where America’s premier 19th century architects were allowed to design with the true nature of this grand city in mind. You will explore the historical and architectural highlights which make up the story of Chicago, home to America’s first and tallest skyscrapers. Lakeshore at least 80 km across natural reserves and beaches. You will admire the waterfronts, parks and some of the most Important Museums of Chicago. You will stop en route for a photo opportunity at the Planetarium.  Continuing north on Lakeshore Drive, you will admire the first residences of Chicago's turn of the century millionaires located on the "gold coast", past the lagoon, the zoo and back into the heart of the city. Michigan Avenue, one of the main streets in the city. You will hear about the events that helped form the city of Chicago; Native American Indians from Fort Dearborn settling into this new metropolis, the fire of 1871, the river legends and learn about the post depression era contributors to urban development, Frank Lloyd Wright- Mies Van De Rohe. Vist the Historical center of finance. Particular focus on century-old buildings and monuments in the city. A stop at the tower in commercial part of town and the most touristic. Free time to take a break and walk around until the return to the hotel.

Overnight at Swissotel .

Relax on your luxury cruise ship as you navigate the largest grouping of freshwater lakes in the world, the magnificent Great Lakes. Holding one fifth of the world's surface freshwater, and dividing a portion of mainland Canada and the United States, a journey through these waterways provides access to cities and towns along this historic transportation and trade route.

Meet your professional driver for a private port transfer in a private vehicle.

Embark the Yorktown today at the Chicago pier, as you begin your voyage through North America's prolific Great Lakes.

The Yorktown is the perfect vessel for relaxed and convivial exploration of America’s great coastal waterways. 257 feet long, 43 feet wide, with a draft of 8 feet, the Yorktown is able to maneuver in secluded waterways and visit small ports that are inaccessible to larger vessels. Accommodating 138 guests in 69 exterior cabins, the Yorktown enjoys an atmosphere of warm and relaxed informality that endears it to repeat and new guests alike. In addition to a large sun deck, the Yorktown boasts a spacious lounge for social gatherings and lectures as well as quiet space for private conversation. The ship’s cuisine, served in a dining room large enough to accommodate all guests at once, emphasizes American regional culinary traditions and specialties.

Overnight at Yorktown (B,L,D).

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.

Overnight at Yorktown (B,L,D).

Separating Green Bay from Lake Michigan, today you call in Sturgeon Bay, located on Wisconsin’s stunning Door Peninsula. Sturgeon Bay, positioned on a canal that cuts through the peninsula is a lovely and quaint town. Spend the day exploring the Door Peninsula’s bucolic villages and remarkable landscapes, well known for its abundance of cherry orchards.

Overnight at Yorktown (B,L,D).

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.

Overnight at Yorktown (B,L,D).

Arrive at Whitefish Point, located on Lake Superior and drive to Tahquamenon Falls State Park for a look at the Upper Falls. Return to Whitefish Point where there will be an opportunity to visit the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, located in a Coast Guard station built around a lighthouse which dates from 1861. Yorktown will then transit the Soo Locks, known as the busiest in the world, where some 12,000 ships pass annually.

Overnight at Yorktown (B,L,D).

Land at Little Current, the main settlement on Manitoulin, the world’s largest freshwater island and one of 30,000 islands that grace Lake Huron. Manitoulin, home to the rare Red-shouldered hawk and Cape May warbler, is also home to the Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve, a thriving Native American community that bears the distinction of being the only tribe in Canada never to have ceded title to their land. Drive to the reserve, where a traditional Native American powwow will be held, and visit the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation, whose exhibits chronicle the story of the native people of Manitoulin.

Overnight at Yorktown (B,L,D).

Arrive in Goderich, located on the shore of Lake Huron and famed for its sunsets. Drive south along the shore to the charming village of Bayfield. Perfectly blending the tranquility of village life with some of the finest offerings of any big city, Bayfield is a quaint village filled with many delights. Spend time enjoying its art galleries, delightful boutiques, and smart cafés.

Overnight at Yorktown (B,L,D).

You've reached your end destination for this cruise journey, and it is time to disembark your ship, one voyage through the spectacular Great Lakes richer.

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).