MACKINAC ISLAND & MICHIGAN!Mackinac Island has a large crevice or crack, and the term was used by the early Indians as an identifying description to fellow travelers and voyagers.

YOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES:

*roundtrip deluxe motor coach transportation

*7 nights’ accommodations

with 2 nights at the Grand Hotel and 2 nights in Frankenmuth

*6 breakfasts *4 dinners

*Balloon Festival *Dog Bowl Festival

*all guided tours and admissions as specified

*All ferry crossings

*All horse-drawn carriage rides and transfers

*baggage handling, taxes and meal gratuities

*Services of tour director

Send us your reservation

and deposit of $400.00 soon.

as possible!!

Carolina Tours

455 Long's Pond Road

Lexington, SC 29073

Phone: 803-356-3000

or Toll-free 1-888-74TOURS

Fax: 803-359-2715

Email: [email protected]

CAROLINA TOURS PRESENTS...

MACKINAC ISLAND MACKINAC ISLAND MACKINAC ISLAND & MICHIGAN!& MICHIGAN!& MICHIGAN!

May 23May 23May 23---30, 201930, 201930, 2019

A Return to an Era of Victorian Affluence and

the Romance of Horsedrawn Carriages…

Plus An Exploration of Breathtaking Bridges

and Waterways on the Great Lakes…

This tour features two nights

at The Grand Hotel!

Historic and beautiful Mackinac Island is always spectacular

and the tulips should be glorious for us in late May.

Highlights of this in-depth 8 day tour of Michigan's Great

Lakes Region includes 2 nights at Mackinac Island's Grand

Hotel on Lake Huron, a ferry ride on Lake Huron, and 2

nights in the Bavarian village of Frankenmuth. We'll also

spend 1 night in Dearborn, Michigan, marveling at the Henry

Ford Museum, and 1 night at Belterra Hotel & Casino in route.

CAROLINA TOURS WILL PURCHASE THE TRAVEL INSURED

GROUP DELUXE PROTECTION PLAN ON BEHALF OF ALL

PARTICIPANTS ON THIS TOUR.

Day 4: Today we will take the ferry across to Mackinac Island! What an experience! Finally, we arrive at Mackinac

Island...a special magic! From the moment you step off the ferry, you'll feel the difference. The stunning Victorian

architecture, the abundance of horse-drawn carriages, majestic views, and historic ambiance all combine to make

Mackinac Island a destination unlike any other. We will be met at the dock by horse drawn carriages and transported to

the very elegant Grand Hotel where we will spend the next 2 nights. The crown jewel of pristine secluded Mackinac

Island, The Grand Hotel has been the World's Largest Summer Hotel since 1887. Dinner in the hotel's grand dining

room is included. (B, D)

Preliminary Itinerary

Founded in 1845 by a group of fifteen German-Lutheran missionaries who came to this area for the

purpose of teaching Christianity to the Chippewa Indians, 'Franken' depicts the province from which the

settlers came and 'Muth' means 'courage' in German. The name Frankenmuth means 'Courage of the

Franconians." Today, Frankenmuth is a thriving community of 4,400 residents who take great pride in

preserving their German heritage. Area homes, businesses, and surrounding farms remain neat and

clean reflecting this German ethic. Well-tended flowers and lush greenery abound in what many visitors

describe as the most authentic Bavarian architecture to be found anywhere in the United States!

Day 3: This morning we will enjoy breakfast at Zehnder's Bavarian Inn. We will meet our guide at Zehnder's Bavarian

Haus and depart for brief riding city tour of Frankenmuth. We don’t want to miss the Glockenspiel’s rendering of the

Pied Piper! There will also be time to enjoy the many shops located in the downtown area and have lunch in one of their

many Swiss or German themed restaurants. The baked goods here are mouth-watering...we'll also have to shop in one of

the many local bakeries for an afternoon treat! The ‘Balloon Glo’ is this evening at dusk...you won’t want to miss it!

Dinner tonight will be on your own...there are many restaurants from which to choose. (B)

The area known as "Michilimackinac" was originally called Michinnimakinong by the Indians who were

here when the French arrived from the North in 1715. The French corrupted the "n" sound with an "I."

The Indian vocabulary did not contain an "I." They also replaced the soft "sh" sound with the "ch." The

ending was heard and pronounced as "aw" by the French, but in their spelling it became the "ac." The

British, who came from the South and defeated the French, heard the term pronounced as "aw" and also

spelled it that way in English. The original Indian word "Michinnimakinong" is translated as follows:

Mich-great; Inni-connecting sound; Maki-fault; Nong-land or place. The literal translation is the "land

of the great fault." Mackinac Island has a large crevice or crack, and the term was used by the early

Indians as an identifying description to fellow travelers and voyagers. The area was also known as the

"Land of the Great Turtle" from the shape of the island and included Mackinaw City, Mackinac Island,

St. Ignace, and the Straits of Mackinac. So, whichever way you see it spelled, 'ac' or 'aw', it is always

pronounced Mackinaw!

A little more about the island….Indians inhabited the area more than 1,000 years ago using what nature

provided. Shelters were built from cedar bark, whitefish were caught, and elk, deer, and bear were

hunted. They gave the name Michilimackinac (meaning Big Turtle) to an island that lay in the middle of

the Straits waterway in tribute to the myths and legends that were created to honor nature. It later was

named Mackinac Island.

By the mid-1800s, Mackinac Island became a summer resort for the affluent; many of whom had

invested in the area's various commercial enterprises. Large railroad interests subsequently built one of

the most fabulous resort hotels in the world. It was called the Grand Hotel.

Today, Mackinac Island provides hundreds of thousands of annual visitors with a glimpse back in time

to an era of Victorian affluence and the romance of horsedrawn carriages. History about Mackinac

Island dates back to its geographic glacial formation, early Native American inhabitation, and

subsequent military occupation from the French and British to its refinement as a top summer resort in

the nation.

Day 1: Today we travel through the mountains of North Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky arriving at our first night's

destination, in the Cincinnati area. We will stay at one of our favorite hotels, an Embassy Suites, of course.

Day 2: This morning we travel to our destination state, Michigan, and will spend the next 2 nights in the Bavarian

village of Frankenmuth. You will surely enjoy the hospitality of the friendly people of Frankenmuth. Its architecture is

authentic Bavarian and, of course, Bronner's Family Christmas Wonderland is world-famous. A special treat...we will be

there for their Balloon Fest and Dog Bowl—see more information on p. 4 of your flyer! (B ,D)

Virtually every visitor to the area marvels at one of Michigan's most treasured accomplishments-the

spanning of the Straits of Mackinac by the 'mighty' Mackinac Bridge. This engineering feat took many

years of planning to complete. Plans were pursued after World War II to develop a span. Under new

leadership and a plan designed by the best structural engineers in the world, a financing package

including two revenue bonds was issued on February 17, 1954 for $96,400,033.33. Michigan, a

geographically-divided state, was finally joined by the world's longest and most graceful deep water

bridge in 1957.

Billed as the Eighth Wonder of the World, the Mackinac Bridge is the longest suspension bridge in the

world with 7,400 feet of four lane roadway suspended in the air over the beautiful Straits of Mackinac

which is 950 feet longer than the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. This vital transportation link,

which unites Michigan's two peninsulas, is responsible for stimulating tourism and economic growth in

Northern Michigan. The total length of the bridge, which includes all of its approaches, is

approximately 5 miles over 34 water piers. Its two main towers extend 552 feet above the water and go

down 210 feet below the surface of the water bedrock. The length of wire used in the cables is 42,000

miles. Enjoy the view of this mighty bridge from the ferry as we cross to Mackinac Island.

There is so much to see and do, you could spend months on Mackinac Island and never experience

everything. but more significantly, there's also plenty of opportunities to relax, revitalize, and recapture

the spirit of gracious living,...the special magic of Mackinac Island!

Constructed by the British military during the American Revolution, Fort Mackinac served as a sentinel

for the Straits of Mackinac for 115 years. Perched high on the bluff overlooking the city of Mackinac

Island and its harbor below, Fort Mackinac served as an important Great Lakes military outpost until it

was given to the people of Michigan by the federal government in 1895.

Today, the legacy of the British and American occupation is still alive inside this faithfully preserved

fortification...a national historic landmark. The Officer's Stone Quarters, one of Michigan's oldest

buildings, was built with 4 foot thick mortar walls to withstand a possible American naval attack from

the harbor. We will trace the footsteps of British and American troops on the Parade Ground and in the

fourteen historic buildings, enjoy the exhibits and period settings, and watch lively demonstrations.

Historic room settings depict American military life in the 1800s.

We will meet carriages in front of the Grand Hotel. Since motor vehicles are not permitted to intrude on the natural

beauty of Mackinac Island, there is no better way to visit this historic island to see the legendary points of interest than

by carriage. You'll be taken to areas you may not discover on bicycle or on foot. Your tour will be expertly narrated, and

you'll travel in comfortable, charming carriages "with the fringe on top." An optional stop while on tour will be Fort

Mackinac.

Day 5: After a leisurely breakfast, we will spend most of the day exploring this little island virtually untouched by time!

A visit to Mackinac Island takes you back in time where there were no cars, and the clip-clop of shod horses lets one

easily visualize the more relaxed way of life of Mackinac Island's inhabitants more than 200 years ago.

Day 7: This morning, it will be time to travel South. But first, we will visit one of the best museums in America, the

Henry Ford Museum. And, we may even catch a glimpse of yet another Great Lake, Lake Erie, in route to Ohio. We

will be staying at Belterra Hotel & Casino. This hotel offers plush accommodations and 4-star service! Pending casino

promotions, you will receive a meal coupon and $10 in slot play if you want to try your hand at a one-armed bandit!

Some folks say that their buffets are even better than Beau Rivage! (D/$10 slot play coupon, hopefully.)

Day 8: Today we will make our way home to South Carolina. What a wonderful way to begin the summer! This is one

tour we will never forget! (B)

We will continue our carriage tour; then we’ll have the rest of the day to enjoy our hotel and the charming little shops of

Mackinaw Island. An extra taxi ticket will be provided as needed. (B, D)

Day 6: We will have the morning free to relax, then it will be time to travel back to the mainland of Michigan. Talk

about a change of pace...we will check in this afternoon to our hotel in Dearborn. (B)

Remember: “Expect something special when you travel with Carolina Tours!”

Balloons Over Bavaria 2018 Frankenmuth, Michigan

Tentative schedule...timed events to be confirmed as soon

as available

Saturday, May 26 6:00 – 8:00 AM Flight – Morning Competition and flight activity Flight to launch up-wind of downtown Frankenmuth & Fly over the Community. 7:00 – 8:30 PM Flight – Evening Competition and flight activity Flight to launch from Frankenmuth River Place Field (East of River Place Shops). 9:00 – 10:00 PM 15 Balloon Glow Event – Frankenmuth River Place Field, Experience the Village of Balloons! Watch 15+ tethered balloons inflate then interact with the pilots & crew.

Sunday, May 27 6:00 – 8:00 AM Flight – Morning Competition and flight activity Flight to launch up-wind of downtown Frankenmuth & Fly over Community.

BAVARIAN INN’S BALLOONS OVER BAVARIA 2018

Enjoy one of Frankenmuth’s favorite festivals...Balloons over Bavaria, 2018.

Watch the skies over Frankenmuth fill with the colors of Hot Air Balloons.

Watch over a dozen tethered balloons inflate, then interact with the pilots &

crew. Enjoy the event flight competitions and the nightly Balloon Glow.

Enjoying the events of this festival is so easy…

it is held right across the parking lot from our hotel, the Bavarian Inn.

FRANKENMUTH RIVER PLACE DOG BOWL, 2018…

HELD IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE BALLOON FESTIVAL!

MAY 24TH — MAY 26TH

Frankenmuth, MI...America’s Largest Olympic Style Event For Dogs!

Over 25 Fun Dog Events & Competitions.

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TO A DOG BOWL? A high energy event that showcases dogs running, jumping, diving, and retrieving!

You won’t believe what these dogs can do!!

Located in Frankenmuth River Place Shops, adjacent

to our hotel, you will have time to enjoy several of

these great events:

50 yard Doggie Fun Run, Disc Dog Competitions,

Wiener Dog Races, Dog Breeds of the World Show,

DockDogs Competition