26035 Fruit Loop of Michigan

Day 1

Day 1 • Monday, July 27
Welcome to Michigan!
Your adventure begins with convenient departures across Southeast Iowa as you settle into your comfortable Windstar motorcoach and enjoy the anticipation of the week ahead. As the miles roll by, you’ll have time to relax, visit with fellow travelers, and ease into vacation mode before arriving in Grand Rapids, where you’ll check into the Drury Inn & Suites. This evening’s Kickback reception offers a warm welcome with hearty fare and beverages, setting the tone for the relaxing days to come.

Day 2

Day 2 • Tuesday, July 28
Gardens, Glass & Grand Traverse Bay
The next morning unfolds in a place where art and nature exist in perfect harmony. At Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, winding pathways lead you through lush gardens, tranquil wetlands, and expansive outdoor galleries where monumental sculptures rise from the landscape. Inside the conservatories and exhibition spaces, brilliant glass creations glow with color and light in a stunning display of artistic imagination. It’s a sensory experience that feels both peaceful and inspiring.
A short drive into the countryside brings you to Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery, a beloved local institution where Michigan’s agricultural heritage shines. Here you’ll enjoy a boxed lunch, sample regional wines, and browse shelves filled with fresh baked goods, preserves, and market treats. The afternoon drive north introduces you to the beauty of Michigan’s shoreline as you arrive in Traverse City, the heart of the state’s famed fruit belt. Dinner this evening offers your first taste of Northern Michigan’s culinary scene before a restful night at your hotel.

Day 3

Day 3 • Wednesday, July 29
Cherries, Lighthouses & Tall Ship Music
Traverse City greets you with a blend of history, waterfront beauty, and small-town charm. Your morning visit to The Village at Grand Traverse Commons reveals a fascinating story of transformation. Once a grand 19th-century campus, the beautifully restored buildings now house boutiques, cafés, and galleries. As you stroll the grounds and hear the stories behind the architecture, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the region’s past and present.
Lunch from a local pie company adds a delicious touch before your scenic journey along Old Mission Peninsula, a slender stretch of land dividing Grand Traverse Bay. With water views on both sides, vineyards and orchards dot the rolling countryside. At Mission Point Lighthouse, the panorama feels endless, a perfect place to pause and soak in the peaceful rhythm of lake life.
The afternoon continues at a multi-generation cherry farm, where you’ll wander among rows of trees and learn why this region is famous for producing some of the finest cherries in the country. Sampling the fruit and browsing local products offers a true taste of Michigan’s agricultural roots. After time to freshen up, the day concludes with a memorable evening on the water. Aboard a tall ship schooner, live music drifts across Grand Traverse Bay as the sun begins its descent, painting the sky in warm hues reflected on the water — a quintessential Northern Michigan moment.

Day 4

Day 4 • Thursday, July 30
Dunes, Maritime Legends & Lake Michigan Shores
The landscape grows even more dramatic as you travel to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, a place often called one of the most beautiful shorelines in America. Towering dunes rise above the sparkling expanse of Lake Michigan, and scenic overlooks provide sweeping views shaped by glaciers thousands of years ago. With a knowledgeable guide sharing stories of the region’s natural history and maritime lore, the scenery comes alive in a way that deepens your appreciation for this remarkable place.
In Ludington, lunch is paired with a look into the area’s maritime heritage. Exhibits and restored buildings reveal the stories of sailors, shipbuilders, and the communities that grew along the lakeshore. As you continue south to Holland, dinner introduces the welcoming atmosphere of this charming lakeside town.

Day 5

Day 5 • Friday, July 31
Dutch Delights & Blueberry Bliss
Dutch heritage comes to life the following day as a local guide in traditional attire shares the story of Holland’s founding and cultural traditions. Windmills, historic neighborhoods, and vibrant public spaces reflect a proud connection to the Netherlands. At Nelis’ Dutch Village, you’ll step into a world of wooden shoes, traditional crafts, and lively demonstrations, enjoying lunch amid colorful gardens and charming shops.
Later, the pace slows delightfully at a blueberry farm where rows of bushes stretch across the landscape. Picking berries straight from the branch is a simple pleasure, and the farm-to-table dinner that follows celebrates the flavors of the season in a setting that feels both rustic and memorable.

Day 6

Day 6 • Saturday, August 1
Windmills, Wooden Bowls & Rolling Dunes
Your final full day captures the spirit of Holland and its lakeshore surroundings. At Windmill Island Gardens, manicured grounds bloom with color, and the authentic Dutch windmill stands as a proud symbol of heritage and craftsmanship. The experience continues at Holland Bowl Mill, where skilled artisans shape wood into beautiful heirloom pieces, offering a glimpse into a craft tradition that has endured for generations.
After lunch, adventure calls in nearby Saugatuck, where a dune ride carries you across rolling hills of sand shaped by wind and time. The ride is equal parts exhilarating and scenic, with panoramic views that showcase the rugged beauty of the Lake Michigan shoreline. Free time in Saugatuck’s inviting downtown allows for browsing art galleries, boutiques, and lakeside shops before enjoying dinner on your own.

Day 7

Day 7 • Sunday, August 2
Homeward Bound
All too soon, the journey turns toward home. As you travel back through Michigan and into Illinois, there’s time to reflect on the week’s highlights — the glow of sunset on the bay, the scent of orchards in the warm air, the laughter shared over meals, and the simple joy of discovering new places at a relaxed pace. By the time you arrive back in Iowa, you’ll carry with you not just souvenirs and photos, but a collection of experiences that capture the essence of a Michigan summer.