Mackinac Island - A Grand Stay
A Boutique Solo Tour
July 25 - July 30, 2026
Mackinac Island - A Grand Stay
July 25 - July 30, 2026Highlights
- Stay at the Grand Hotel with its rich Movie History
- Tour Mackinac Island landmarks by Horse-drawn Carriage
- Enjoy an Elegant Afternoon Tea
- Take a Behind-the-Scenes Hotel Tour
- Boutique Size - No More than 12 Travelers
- All Travelers Enjoy Single Rooms
- Free time to Explore Personal Interests
- And More... See itinerary for details
Activity
Read more about WTT Activity Levels
- 75% Easy
- 25% Moderate (distances walked)
Your Responsibilities as a Solo Traveler
As a solo traveler you are responsible for yourself, your possessions, your physical fitness, and all other aspects related to participation in the WTT tour you have chosen. Be sure to read the itinerary closely to better understand the physical requirements necessary for the tour.
WTT tours are not suitable for anyone whose mobility is challenged or compromised. If you struggle with walking, standing or negotiating stairs or if you are in doubt as to your ability to meet the physical activity requirements, you should not sign up for this trip.
Your Hotel: Grand Hotel
Since 1887, the Grand Hotel has been beckoning guests to a time where old-world meets new charm. It's where you can experience the tradition of Afternoon Tea in the parlor, dressing up for dinner, nightly dancing to the sounds of a live orchestra, and sitting in a rocking chair on the world’s longest porch overlooking the Straits of Mackinac. Discover the rich history and tastefully preserved architecture of this National Historic Landmark, while enjoying the hotel’s modern amenities and unsurpassed service. Slow time and spend time, in the relaxed atmosphere of Mackinac Island.Itinerary
Saturday, 25 July 2026: Arrive Traverse City; Welcome Meeting and Dinner (D)
Schedule your arrival into Traverse City to arrive no later than 4:00pm and take local transportation to the hotel. The tour begins at 6:00pm in the lobby of the hotel. Our Welcome Meeting will be followed by dinner together to get acquainted and discuss our upcoming adventure. Overnight Traverse City - 1 night
Sunday, 26 July 2026: Travel to Mackinac Island; Behind the Scenes Walking Tour of the Grand Hotel (B,L)
We're off to Mackinac Island today. It's about a two-hour drive and then a half-hour ferry ride, which will put us on the island around lunch time. It's a delightful ride across the Straits of Mackinac, the strip of water connecting Lakes Michigan and Huron. We'll enjoy lunch together and get settled at the Grand where each guest room has unique combinations of fabrics and furnishings, and no two rooms are alike. You can't help but notice the bold hues and vivid patterns throughout the hotel's public spaces; the hotel was given a design makeover in 1977 by Carleton Varney, a protégé of Dorothy Draper. This afternoon we'll go "Behind the Scenes" on a two-hour walking tour to learn the history and stories of the hotel’s ever-evolving public space. We will learn what it takes to make this large, historic hotel run smoothly and the unique challenges of being on an island. Plus, we will take a sneak peek at everyone’s favorite: the Grand Hotel kitchen. We'll come away with a deeper understanding of what it takes to make the Grand Hotel truly grand! Overnight - Mackinac Island - 3 nights
Monday, 27 July 2026: Carriage Tour; Afternoon Tea at the Grand (B,O)
Mackinac Island is a pedestrian-friendly island. The only transportation available is by horse and buggy, bicycle or foot. And so we begin with a horse-drawn carriage tour of the island to see landmarks such as the historic fort, Surrey Hills Museum, Arch Rock, and Fort Mackinac Avenue of Flags. After you get the lay of the land, you might want to explore this compact picturesque town further, visit a butterfly farm, or rent a bike and cycle around parts of the island--a very popular pastime. Late this afternoon, we'll regroup for afternoon tea at the Grand. Premium teas perfectly paired with tastes and bites curated by the hotel, all accompanied by live classical music. The carnival of colors in the tearoom will amaze you!
Tuesday, 28 July 2026: Day at Leisure (B,D)
Today is yours to spend as you wish on the island. You can participate in a variety of activities and lectures offered to guests staying at the hotel. For example, the formal Victorian gardens have more than 150 varieties of flowers and plants and garden tours are complimentary. A daily schedule of events is posted in the lobby so be sure to check it out. Your Tour Leader will have suggestions and can help pair those travelers with similar interests. This evening, we'll enjoy dinner together.
Wednesday, 29 July 2026: Ferry Back to Mainland; Farewell Lunch (B,L)
Today we say goodbye to magical Mackinac Island and return to Traverse City. We will stop en route to enjoy a late Farewell Lunch. Overnight Traverse City - 1 night
Thursday, 30 July 2026: Return Home from Traverse City
Sadly, our time together has come to an end. Schedule your departure at your convenience. Your Tour Leader can assist with organizing travelers into small groups so you can ride-share to the airport if you wish.
Mackinac Island - A Grand Stay
July 25 - July 30, 2026Pricing
Room Share
Not AvailbleSingle Room
$6,582.00Non-Members
ADD $50.00Status of this Tour
Trip Full and Closed
Tour Pricing Includes
- All meals and activities expressly listed in the itinerary, PLUS...
- All tipping of local guides
- WTT Tour Leader to enhance the individual & group experience
- Travel Dollar credits (a benefit of WTT membership) toward future travel with WTT
Not Included In The Price
- Airfare or other transportation to and from the tour
- Airport transfers
- Meals and activities not specified in the itinerary
- Any personal expenses or expenditures
- Any pre- or post- tour arrangements
- Any gratuities for the WTT Tour Leader
- Trip Cancellation / Trip Interruption
Payment Dates -and- Cancellation Terms for This Tour
You have 3 days to cancel and receive a refund. Thereafter, the amount required at time of reservation is non-refundable and the following cancellation penalties will be enforced.
Monday, 26 Jan 2026: Last day $1000 deposit can be converted to a credit for use on a new reservation; thereafter the deposit is forfeited.
Sunday, 26 Apr 2026: Balance Due. Cancellation after this date but before Wednesday, 10 Jun 2026 results in a cancellation penalty of 50% of your Total Tour Cost.
Wednesday, 10 Jun 2026: Cancellation on or after this date results in a cancellation penalty of 100% of your Total Tour Cost.
Using Parked Credits: If traveler cancels during the 3-day cancel without penalty period, used credits will be re-parked with the original expiration date(s). Thereafter, cancellation will result in forfeiture of the total amount of parked credits used. If applicable, additional cancellation penalties will be assessed based on date of cancellation.
To Cancel: Should you need to cancel after
your space on this tour is confirmed, you must use the Cancellation Form. Cancellation penalties are based on the date we receive your
cancellation form. No other method of communicating a cancellation will be accepted.
Insurance Reminder
WTT is not licensed to sell travel insurance. You can purchase travel insurance from any provider you choose. To get an idea of rates, please go to NTA Travel Protection Plan (Enter 206063 for the "Tour Operator Location #") or TravelGuard.
Mackinac Island - A Grand Stay
July 25 - July 30, 2026Flights, Transfers & Lodging
Arrival & Departure Information
Travelers will make their own air arrangements as follows:
Arrival Airport: TVC - Traverse City, MI (Traverse City Cherry Capital Airport)
Arrival Date: Saturday, July 25th. Arrive no later than 4:00pm.
Arrival Transfer: Use local shuttle or taxi service. Details provided in Final Travel Instructions.
Depart Airport: TVC - Traverse City, MI (Traverse City Cherry Capital Airport)
Departure Date: Thursday, July 30th. Depart at your convenience.
Departure Transfer: Use local shuttle or taxi service. WTT Tour Leader will assist in coordinating ride sharing.
When to Book Your Air
Once you have booked your flights (or other transportation arrangements), use the Travel Arrangements Form to send WTT your flight details. Use this same form again to update your information should it change.
Airport Transfer Information
When arrival transfers are not included: WTT will provide suggestions to get to the hotel in your Final Travel Instructions about 2-3 weeks before the start of the tour. You'll also be able to see who else is arriving at the same time if you want to coordinate ride-sharing to the hotel.
Don't Worry. We're Expecting You: One of the reasons we ask for your travel arrangements is so we know when you're arriving and can approximate when you should be at the hotel. Your Final Travel Instructions will have instructions on what to do and who to contact if you flight is delayed.
Lodging / Hotels
Traverse City: Cambria Suites
Mackinac Island: Grand Hotel
Traverse City: Cambria Suites
Whenever possible, we choose hotels that are near the city center and/or where there are things to do and places to eat within walking distance of the hotel. When the chosen hotel is not within walking distance of much, transportation options, at the traveler's expense, are typically available.
In the unlikely event WTT is unable to provide the hotel accommodation(s) listed, for whatever reason, WTT will substitute similar quality accommodation(s) at no additional cost to the traveler.
Want to Arrive a Day Early?
Worried about possible flight delays? Consider arriving one day before the official tour start date. Many of our travelers choose this optional service. Your pre-tour package includes:
- The room (standard check-in times apply)
- Breakfast the following morning
- Scenic excursion to Mission Point Lighthouse
- $732.00 Single Occupancy
The pre-tour package is an optional service. Rates are established at time of tour posting. Early check-in is solely at the discretion of the hotel and cannot be arranged in advance.
Early Arrival Hotel: This tour uses the same hotel used on the first night of the tour.
Mackinac Island - A Grand Stay
July 25 - July 30, 2026Destination Information
What do others say about this tour and traveling with WTT?
How Active is this Tour?
- 75% Easy
- 25% Moderate (distances walked)
Your Responsibilities as a Solo Traveler
As a solo traveler you are responsible for yourself, your possessions, your physical fitness, and all other aspects related to participation in the WTT tour you have chosen. Be sure to read the itinerary closely to better understand the physical requirements necessary for the tour.
WTT tours are not suitable for anyone whose mobility is challenged or compromised. If you struggle with walking, standing or negotiating stairs or if you are in doubt as to your ability to meet the physical activity requirements, you should not sign up for this trip.
What is the Group Size?
You will be introduced to the WTT Tour Leader when you receive your Final Travel Instructions, about 2-3 weeks before the tour begins.
Learn about your fellow travelers after final payment by visiting MyWTT. Room sharing assignments will be listed in the Final Travel Instructions.
What meals are included and how are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Each day of the itinerary lists the included meals for that day (B,L,D,O=Other). When a meal is not included, the WTT Tour Leader will have suggestions for where to eat.
You do not have to dine alone unless it is your personal choice. You'll most likely be dining with new acquaintances you've made, or you can join the Tour Leader.
Dietary Restrictions: Vegetarian and gluten-free dietary restrictions can be accommodated on this tour with limited selections.
What clothing and items should I pack for this trip?
Daytime temperatures in Traverse City are likely to be in the low 80s with nighttime lows in the 60s. Temperatures tend to be a bit cooler on Mackinac Island with bright, sunny days and highs typically in the mid-70s. Evenings see a break in temperatures with nights in the 50s. It is usually a bit humid throughout Michigan in the summer. We suggest you monitor weather apps before you depart for the most current information.
For This Tour You Will Want—
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Jacket/sweater for cooler mornings and evenings
- Umbrella/rain jacket
- Smart-casual wear—Every evening at Grand Hotel is a special occasion. After 6:00pm, dresses, skirts, blouses, dress sweaters, and dress slacks are the preferred attire for women. No denim or shorts are allowed. This applies for all areas inside the hotel with the exception of the Cupola Bar.
- Swimsuit
- Athleisure to wear if you plan to bike or kayak
Good Packing Habits—
- Bring what you need to get a good night's sleep, such as ear plugs, white noise generator, sleeping aids, etc. Unfamiliar noises of all types can disrupt your rest.
- Pack a limited amount of comfortable, casual clothing that layer and coordinate. Your fellow travelers will not mind or even notice – seeing you in the same clothing.
- Bring only two pairs of everyday shoes: one pair of well-broken-in walking shoes, and a second pair that could do double-duty as a walking shoe or a slightly dressy shoe.
- Pare down your beauty regimen to the bare minimum and always pack travel-sized toiletries.
- Pack medication in your carry-on and pack only as much as needed for the duration of your tour plus a few extra days as a precaution.
What are the luggage restrictions for this tour?
We will use the WTT Coach. Luggage restrictions are driven by the physical space limitations of this vehicle and the requirement that all travelers be able to manage their own belongings without assistance.
- It is best to travel as lightly as possible. Most travelers regret when they have packed too much.
- You may bring one suitcase plus small shoulder bag/day pack/purse.
- Maximum suitcase size: 22-24 inches in height. This is the size of bag that fits into the overhead bins of aircraft. Suitcases larger than this will not fit properly in the WTT coach; don't bring them.
- The weight of your bag should not exceed 30 pounds as you will need to lift it into the coach luggage compartment.
- You are responsible for managing your own belongings. We expect you to take your belongings from the coach to your room and to bring it back to the coach and load it on days we change hotels. We do not provide luggage pulls; they are not safe and are inconvenient. The possibility of steps exist at most hotel entrances.
- Upon arrival to Mackinac Island, dock porters will greet you to transport the group's luggage. All and only our group's luggage will be placed on a luggage cart that is labeled and sent up to the hotel. Luggage transfers are approx. 3 hours from docks to guestroom. Due to any luggage delays, please keep medicine or valued essential items on person in a carry-on.
How much money should I bring on this tour?
Only you can determine the optimum amount of cash to take on tour. When budgeting for out-of-pocket expenses, there are several aspects to consider: the number of meals you are responsible for, the amount of money you like to have on-hand for snacks and drinks, and your individual shopping interests and habits. Be sure to keep cash on hand for sharing restaurant tabs, cabs, tips, and smaller purchases. More and more, restaurants are no longer allowing groups to split the bill. Therefore, you might want to have cash-on-hand for meals on your own when dining with others in the group.
What are the tipping guidelines for this tour?
- You are responsible for tipping waitstaff, porters, or other individuals who provide a service to you at the hotel, or other public locations.
- You may want to tip your WTT Tour Leader for an outstanding job. The amount is entirely a personal preference. If you'd like a guideline, consider $8-$10 per day.
Can I transfer my deposit to another tour?
To get off this tour and register for another tour, you must follow these steps - in the order shown:
2) WAIT before submitting your new reservation! You must receive the Cancellation Confirmation email before submitting your new reservation. This can take up to 2 business days. The Cancellation Confirmation email will list the amount of parked credits from this tour that are now available to use on a new reservation.
3) COMPLETE the new Reservation Form and USE the parked credits towards your deposit on the new tour.
Note: If you used Parked Credits to pay the deposit on this tour, these credits cannot be used a second time and are not eligible to be transferred.
What happens if I need to cancel this tour?
Our Promise to You
It doesn’t matter which tour you choose.
You’ll find your people and make memories that last a lifetime.