Lakes and Falls of USA and Canada
22 days from £5,050pp
22 days from £5,050pp
(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)
The holiday price excludes international flights. We are happy to quote flights separately based on your dates of travel and preferences.
Contact us Close(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)
Chicago / Milwaukee / Door Peninsula / Marquette and Lake Superior / Mackinac Island / Sleeping Bear Dunes and Traverse City / Detroit / Minneapolis / Toronto / Niagara Falls
Places visited
Overview & Highlights
Explore iconic cities, tranquil harbours, idyllic islands and the wonder of Niagara Falls on this three-week fly-drive tour traversing the USA and Canada.
Your journey begins in the USA’s third largest city Chicago, famous for its skyscrapers, museums, art, music and food. Ascend to the 360 Chicago Observation Deck for fantastic views, then take a cruise on the Chicago River before enjoying the city’s restaurants and jazz and blues venues.
Drive north-west to Wisconsin’s state capital Madison, which has a stunning location on an isthmus between two lakes and the grand Wisconsin State Capitol, one of the largest domes in the world. Then head west to Minneapolis, the City of Lakes, and explore its renowned waterways and green spaces.
Now it’s time to discover Lake Superior. Nicknamed the Freshwater Sea, this is the biggest of the Great Lakes with dozens of beautiful harbour towns. Drive along the southern shore from Duluth to Marquette in Michigan, visiting wonderful waterfalls and towering lighthouses along the way.
Head further east to the town of St Ignace where Lake Michigan meets Lake Huron. Marvel at the engineering wonder of the Mackinac Bridge before visiting Mackinac Island’s beautiful landscapes of limestone bluffs, forests and beaches.
Continue south-west to Traverse City and nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes. Recently voted most America’s most beautiful place, these dunes rise up to 85 metres, overlooking verdant forest and spectacular inland lakes.
After some well-earnt relaxation on Lake Michigan, it’s time to head back to the city to vibrant, regenerated Detroit to discover its motoring and musical heritage at the Henry Ford Museum and Motown Museum.
Cross the border and visit Canada’s biggest city Toronto, renowned for its huge waterfront, multicultural neighbourhoods and CN Tower, one of the world’s tallest buildings.
Then spend two unforgettable days in Niagara Falls, one of nature’s most incredible sights. Take in spellbinding views from observation decks, boat cruises, hikes and an optional helicopter tour, as well as the alternative perspective of Journey Behind the Falls.
Head south-west back into the USA to Cleveland, home of the fabled Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, major sports teams and craft breweries. Then return to Chicago via the fascinating Amish farming community of Nappanee, spending one more night in the Windy City as your Great Lakes adventure comes to an end.
Highlights and Included Excursions
- 360 Chicago Observation Deck
- CN Tower
- Journey Behind the Falls
Outline itinerary
Day 1Arrive in Chicago, 360 Observation Deck
Day 2Chicago River Cruise and city cuisine
Day 3Chicago trails and nightlife
Day 4Chicago to historic Madison
Day 5Madison to Minneapolis, City of Lakes
Day 6Culture and waterways of Minneapolis & St Paul
Day 7Duluth and Lake Superior southern shore
Day 8Marquette scenery and lighthouses
Day 9St. Ignace and Mackinac Bridge
Day 10Scenery of sleepy Mackinac Island
Day 11Traverse City and stunning Sleeping Bear Dunes
Day 12Music and motoring heritage of Detroit
Day 13Detroit river cruise and Belle Isle
Day 14Toronto and CN Tower
Day 15Toronto culture and cuisine
Day 16Spectacular Niagara Falls
Day 17Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries
Day 18Cleveland and The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Day 19Cleveland culture and sport
Day 20Nappanee
Day 21Return to Chicago and city sightseeing
Days Day 22Tour ends
Things to Do
Places to Stay
Our expert's opinion
“Niagara Falls is an amazing place but to fully appreciate it you should spend the night. The illuminations in the evening are breathtaking in a completely different way to the daytime views, while it’s wonderfully calm to experience Niagara at sunrise before the crowds arrive.”
Joshua has been travelling to the USA since childhood, visiting his father and four siblings on the west coast. He is fortunate to have travelled to 42 of the 50 US states, and hopes to complete the set by his next big birthday.
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