Classic Great Lakes self-drive tour

Today you can enjoy a privately guided tour alongside a local expert to visit some of Chicago's finest architecture, from soaring skyscrapers to sophisticated Art Deco buildings. The rest of the day is free to explore Chicago's myriad of museums or pay a visit to the 360 Observation Deck for sweeping views across the city.

This morning, collect your hire car and drive along the Western shores of Lake Michigan toward Milwaukee. Explore "Brew City" alongside a local guide to learn about its vibrant and historic districts, with stops along the way to indulge in some of the city's most famous delicacies.

Spend the morning exploring the highlights of Milwaukee, including the Pabst Theater, Milwaukee Art Museum, and the Greek Orthodox Church, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The highlight for many, though, is the Harley-Davidson museum, which celebrates over 100 years of these iconic motorcycles. In the afternoon, make your way along the Door Peninsula, an area known for its charming small towns and picturesque landscapes.

The day is yours to explore Ephraim, a sleepy village nestled within a scenic peninsula featuring 482 km (300 miles) of shoreline, picturesque lighthouses, and well-known for its cherry and apple orchards. If you're feeling more adventurous, the area offers five state parks with ample opportunities for walking, cycling, swimming, or fishing.

From Ephraim, drive along Highway 41, a scenic road that hugs the Green Bay and passes through the Escanaba River State Forest and Hiawatha National Forest to Marquette, a town well regarded for its host of outdoor activities.

Michigan's Upper Peninsula is lightly populated and teeming with picturesque forests, lakes, and mountains. Its many state parks are a haven for wildlife, including black bears, wolves, and birdlife. Moose, in particular, thrive in large numbers here. There’s also a wide variety of outdoor activities to enjoy, including excellent walking trails, fishing, kayaking, and mountain biking. Marquette itself offers two lakeside beaches and is known as a diving hotspot.

Enjoy another scenic lake-edge drive today as you make your way to Mackinac Island, with the coastline dotted with small villages and state parks. Park your car at Mackinaw City and take the foot passenger ferry over to Mackinac Island. The afternoon is free to explore this car-free island at your own pace.

Mackinac Island offers a peaceful and natural retreat to its visitors, with plenty of walking and cycling paths to explore. Most of the island is a state park, and transportation is confined to horse and carriage. Visit historic Fort Mackinac and the island's limestone bluffs and emerald-green forests.

This morning, take the ferry back to the mainland and return to your car. Drive south along Lake Michigan, hugging the Grand Traverse Bay as you go. On arrival at Sleeping Bear Dunes, feel free to explore and immerse yourself in the picturesque landscapes of Crystal River and Lake Michigan.

Today is yours to explore the majestic, sweeping sand dunes of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. You may wish to take the ferry to the little islands of North and South Manitou, or take the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. Other options include a visit to Grand Traverse Lighthouse or wine tasting at some of the nearby wineries.

Make your way south along the Eastern shores of Lake Michigan to Saugatuck. You may wish to stop at Ludington State Park and the little town of Manistee for scenic views over Lake Michigan, or pay a visit to Saugatuck Dunes State Park along the way.

Today you'll depart Saugatuck, making the drive along the shores of Lake Michigan back to Chicago. Drop off your hire car before making your way to the airport for your onward flight.