Sail on an 11-day cruise through the Great Lakes aboard Victory II. Begin with a hotel stay near Chicago’s Navy Pier and explore the city’s iconic architecture and local cuisine. Cruise across Lakes Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario with stops in Escanaba, Mackinac Island, Sault Ste. Marie, Detroit, Cleveland, and Port Colborne near Niagara Falls. Tour Fort Mackinac by horse-drawn carriage, experience the power of Niagara Falls up close, and explore key cultural sites like the Henry Ford Museum and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. From natural wonders to industrial heritage and vibrant cities, this itinerary offers a well-rounded journey through North America’s inland seas, blending historic charm and scenic cruising with engaging shore excursions and relaxed sailing days.
Highlights
Experience a horse-drawn carriage tour on car-free Mackinac Island
Sail through the Soo Locks connecting Lake Superior to Lake Huron
Explore the Henry Ford Museum in Detroit and its historical artifacts
Visit Escanaba’s Sand Point Lighthouse and historical local museums
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Stay in one of Chicago's finest hotels and feel the city's vibrant energy. Chicago, with its bold and dynamic character, embodies the spirit of America. Begin your adventure at Navy Pier, surrounded by skyscrapers, and indulging in local cuisine and unique dialects. Explore the iconic Magnificent Mile, and discover hidden mom-and-pop eateries offering the best deep-dish pizza, Italian beef, and classic Chicago dogs. This city captures the heart of the Midwest, promising an unforgettable adventure.
Begin your adventure in Chicago. Visit the Art Institute of Chicago, walk through Millennium Park, and take a river cruise to see the city's architecture. Enjoy excellent dining and nightlife before setting sail.
Relax as you sail the clear waters of Lake Michigan. Take in the stunning coastal views, watch for local wildlife, and enjoy the peacefulness of the open water.
Explore the natural beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Visit the historic Fayette Historic State Park, hike the trails of Hiawatha National Forest, and discover the region’s rich history at the Delta County Historical Museum.
Included Excursion:
EXPLORING ESCANABA’S HISTORY
Get to know a little about “Esky,” the third largest city on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Visit the iconic Sand Point Lighthouse, once a beacon of safety for passing marine traffic here along the coastal shoals of the Little Bay de Noc. And soak up some valiant local history at a pair of museums that highlight Escanaba’s legacy of military heroism.
Activity Level: Light
Duration: Half Day
POINTS OF INTEREST
Sand Point Lighthouse, Delta Chamber of Commerce Museum, UP-Military Museum
Step back in time on the charming Mackinac Island. Tour the historic Fort Mackinac, ride a horse-drawn carriage through the picturesque streets, and savor the island’s famous fudge.
Included Excursion:
MACKINAC ISLAND CARRIAGE EXPLORATION
Step back to quieter times on a scenic survey ride around Mackinac Island by horse-drawn carriage with stops at the key must-sees. With its period architecture and ban on motorized vehicles, sightseeing on Mackinac is like time-traveling to the 1800s, but with cell service. VCL guests enjoy complimentary admission to Fort Mackinac and the Grand Hotel.
Activity Level: Light
Duration: Half Day
POINTS OF INTEREST
Mackinac by authentic carriage, Surrey Hill, Arch Rock, Fort Mackinac, Grand Hotel
Day 6: Sault Ste. Marie (Soo Locks), Michigan | Lake Superior
Witness the impressive Soo Locks in action. Visit the Tower of History for panoramic views, explore the River of History Museum, and enjoy outdoor activities like boating and fishing in the St. Marys River.
Included Excursions:
SOO LOCKS WITH DOWNTOWN STOP
From a commanding observation deck, watch the parade of boats, ships, and freighters navigate the Soo Locks on the St. Marys River, an engineering marvel linking Lake Superior to the lower Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway. Learn about how the locks came to be at the Visitor Center. And see how sailing can go very wrong at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Society.
Activity Level: Light
Duration: Half Day
POINTS OF INTEREST
Soo Locks Observation Deck & Visitor Center, Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society, downtown Sault Ste. Marie
LSSU CENTER FOR FRESHWATER RESEARCH & EDUCATION
Spend time at your leisure exploring the Lake Superior State University freshwater research center. Located right at the dock, this state-of-the-art facility is committed to the study and conservation of vital Great Lakes resources through education, research, and community engagement. Docents are on hand to field your questions.
Activity Level: Light
Duration: Half Day
POINTS OF INTEREST
LSSU Center for Freshwater Research and Education (dockside)
Cruise across the expansive Lake Huron. Marvel at the beautiful shoreline, enjoy the spectacular sunsets, and relax in the tranquility of the open water.
Day 8: Detroit, Michigan | Scenic Sailing on Lake Erie
Dive into Detroit’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Visit the Detroit Institute of Arts, explore the revitalized RiverWalk, and experience the city’s vibrant music scene.
Enjoy a day of scenic sailing on Lake Erie. History sails alongside you as we ply these waters. Imagine grand ships & the War of 1812. Vibrant cities beckon from the shore.
Included Excursion:
THE HENRY FORD MUSEUM OF AMERICAN INNOVATION
Have your mind expanded and your imagination inspired as you explore a unique museum dedicated to the breakthrough innovations that have shaped America’s history. Encounter vehicles, artifacts, and interactive exhibits that demonstrate how those who blaze trails in transportation, technology, and manufacturing can make an enduring difference.
Activity: Light
Duration: Half Day
POINTS OF INTEREST
Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
Cleveland’s vibrant renaissance. Visit the Cleveland History Center, explore the trendy Ohio City neighborhood, and take a relaxing walk in the Rocky River Reservation. Don’t miss the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Included Excursion:
ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME
Lose yourself in a purple haze of incomparable rock history and memorabilia, all housed within a sleek six-floor I.M. Pei-designed museum building on the Lake Erie waterfront. From Prince’s #2 Blue Angel Guitar to the set from Pink Floyd’s The Wall to a signature gallery of every RRHOF Inductee and much more – everything about this place rocks.
Activity: Light
Duration: Half Day
POINTS OF INTEREST
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Day 10: Niagara Falls (Port Colborne), Ontario | Scenic Sailing on Lake Ontario
Experience the breathtaking power of Niagara Falls. Explore the charming town of Port Colborne, visit the Welland Canal, and enjoy a peaceful walk along the waterfront parks.
Scenic sailing on Lake Ontario is exhilarating. Urban beauty unfolds as you cruise past towering skylines and experience captivating sunsets as they paint the horizon.
Included Excursion:
VOYAGE TO THE FALLS
Experience nature’s power at its most exhilarating on the ever-popular Voyage to the Falls boat excursion. Time will seem to stand still as you feel the mist, hear the roar, and listen to your heart pound! Enjoy up-close views of Niagara Gorge, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls – and a face-to-face encounter with the Canadian Horseshoe Falls.
Activity: Moderate
Duration: Half Day
POINTS OF INTEREST
Boat trip into Niagara Gorge, American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Horseshoe Falls
Day 11: Toronto, Ontario | Disembark
1 Breakfast
End your cruise in Toronto, Canada’s dynamic metropolis. Visit the Royal Ontario Museum, take a ferry to the Toronto Islands, and enjoy the vibrant arts and food scene in the Distillery District. From the iconic CN Tower to the eclectic neighborhoods, Toronto offers something for everyone.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$7,2992-3 travelers
Cat. D - Outside Stateroom
Area: 158 sq. ft.
Located on the Main Deck. Room amenities include a Queen bed or two single beds, a full bathroom with shower, a writing desk with chair, and interior access.
Cat. C - Outside Stateroom
Area: 152 sq. ft.
Located on the Saloon Deck. Room amenities include a Queen bed or two single beds, a full bathroom with shower, a writing desk with chair, and interior access.
Cat. B - Outside Stateroom
Area: 146 sq. ft.
Located on Cabin Deck. Room amenities include a Queen bed or two single beds, a full bathroom with shower, a writing desk with chair, and interior access.
Cat. A - Outside Stateroom
Area: 185 sq. ft.
Located on the Cabin Deck. Room amenities include a Queen bed or two single beds, a full bathroom with shower, a writing desk with chair, and interior access.
Cat. AA - Deluxe Outside Stateroom
Area: 161 sq. ft.
Room amenities include direct access to the open-air Promenade Deck, a Queen bed or two single beds, a full bathroom with shower, a writing desk with chair, exterior access, and a mini refrigerator.
Cat. OS - Owner's Suite
Area: 335 sq. ft.
Room amenities include a semi-private terrace, a Queen bed, a full bathroom with shower, a sitting area with sofa and dining table, an interior entrance, and a mini refrigerator.
Initial deposit is $500pp for double occ, $1000 for single occ, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 190 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
