Call 1-800-322-6677
3 DAYS FROM $999
3 DAYS FROM $1,499
These Highlights have been handpicked by our regional Travel Planners, based on their intimate knowledge of the destination and their conversations with our travelers.
Cruise on the 5-star Ocean Explorer, an agile and state-of-the-art expedition vessel that can navigate to places larger ships can’t
Gain deeper insights into your destinations with talks and discussions by an onboard Resident Lecturer
Enjoy scenic cruising on all 5 Great Lakes: Ontario, Erie, Huron, Superior, and Michigan
Take a trolley tour through Kingston on Lake Ontario, plus learn about aboriginal life at a Canadian village
Learn about Detroit’s economic industrial boom and leading innovation of automotive ideas on a tour through this interactive museum
Take a horse-drawn carriage tour of historic Mackinac Island, which remains car-free
Float past more than 50 architectural wonders and enjoy them from a unique perspective on the Chicago River
Sample the vintages at Niagara’s Château des Charmes, a state-of-the-art, family-owned winery
Discover Ojibwe tradition on Manitoulin Island, including a smudging ceremony and powwow
Navigate the Soo Locks at Sault Ste. Marie, where you can discover the history of this region from either the U.S. or Canadian side
Take a walk through the fascinating history of the Canadian side of the Soo Locks during a tour of the Bushplane Museum
Enjoy a colorful tour through music history with a visit to Cleveland’s iconic Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Enjoy an enlightening lecture series by resident lecturers who will bring to life the history and culture of your destinations
Learn More About Special Interest Highlights by selecting an icon below
Come for the expedition, stay for the expedition vessel. Here’s what you’ll experience on the brand-new Ocean Explorer:
Make the most of this history-rich itinerary with photographic memories you’ll hold dear forever. Here are a few highlights to look out for:
Years ago, they were the simple path of a glistening glacier, but today, the Great Lakes are a proud symbol of American heritage. You’ll enjoy picturesque cruising on four Great Lakes, each with their own stunning landscape, unique history, and treasured cultural gems. From the scenic shorelines of Lake Huron to the history-lined coast of Lake Michigan, you’ll gain a new appreciation for the story of America. Here are just a few of the historical gems that await you: Mackinac Island: With its Revolutionary-era heritage and car-free streets, it’s no wonder Mackinac is listed as a National Historic Landmark. Embark on a sightseeing tour of this remarkable island, passing landmarks such as the Grand Hotel where the movie Somewhere in Time was filmed. Then, watch history come to life as you explore Fort Mackinac, the 18th-century fortress that once served as an important Revolutionary War post and is now the centerpiece of Mackinac National Park. Great Lakes: This scenic voyage gives you the opportunity to cruise on four of the Great Lakes during your explorations. Not only will you get to witness the natural splendor of these incredible waterways, you’ll enjoy a full day of scenic sailing on two of them: Lake Michigan, the only Great Lake located entirely within the United States, and Lake Huron, the fifth largest freshwater lake in the world and the first of the Great Lakes to be discovered by European settlers. Cleveland: Journey through America’s past as you tour the historical highlights of Cleveland, from the masterpieces found at the Cleveland Museum of Art to the colorful relics of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Then, you’ll pay homage to another beloved American pastime — lunch! Savor local cuisine at the city’s oldest marketplace: the famous West Side Market. Wander through bustling aisles as vendors offer everything from seafood and baked goods to flowers and spices. Detroit: Delve into the fascinating past of our country as you explore the unique exhibits of the Henry Ford Museum. Dedicated to detailing American history and culture, you’ll see priceless artifacts such as the limousine that carried President John F. Kennedy on the day of his assassination, the bus in which Rosa Parks made civil rights history, and the chair from Ford’s Theater in which Abraham Lincoln was sitting in when he was shot. Manitoulin Island: Get a fascinating insider’s look at the rich culture of the Ojibwe Native Americans as we visit Manitoulin Island, the world’s largest freshwater island. With native and non-native communities co-existing like nowhere else on the continent, Manitoulin has a history as colorful and diverse as any in Canada. Discover how the beliefs and customs of the Ojibwe intertwine with those of the Catholic Church during a visit to the Immaculate Conception Church. Then, unveil Ojibwe tradition intricacies as you attend a smudging, a ceremonial cleansing ritual, and powwow, an expressive curing ceremony, before touring the foundation’s unique museum and art gallery.
Montréal: Before reaching the Great Lakes, you'll visit a UNESCO-listed city of design along the St. Lawrence River. It's home to more than 50 national historic sites, and it boasts a lively downtown arts and cultural scene. You'll view many of its gems, including historic Old Montréal’s stunning architecture, and the magnificent neo-Gothic Notre Dame Basilica, one of the crown jewels in Québec's rich religious heritage.
From rock and roll to indigenous culture, this Great Lakes cruise blends the old, the new, and the evergreen on a delightful 17-day itinerary. Here are some cultural highlights:
Few things reveal as much about a culture and its people as the food they eat. This journey reveals the U.S. and Canada’s strong culinary ties to the sea and to its lakes. Here are some of the many ways you will indulge in its many flavors.
The special climate in the Niagara region allows for premier winemaking conditions, as it shares the same latitude with Southern France. You'll have an opportunity to sample some local favorites:
From thundering Niagara Falls to the tranquil Great Lakes, you’ll encounter the stunning natural landscapes that have given life to some of the world’s most vibrant cities and inspired countless American artists and writers.
Some of our top Concierge suggestions for this small ship Great Lakes journey include:
Take advantage of this free, start-to-finish service by making your requests prior to your journey or during your journey. Call 1-888-982-6824 or email Concierge@vantagetravel.com to speak to a Concierge today, or simply log in to My Portfolio up to two weeks prior to departure.