Niagara Falls – NEW!

Welcome Aboard! Rustad Tours is eastward bound, to witness the spring season emerge with crisp green color and blossoming trees along the roadsides, taking our usual stops along the way with an included lunch. By early evening, we check into our hotel accommodations in Menominee, MI. (L)

Make sure your camera is ready today! This morning, we’ll take a scenic drive along the waters of Green Bay and to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, surrounded by stunning state and national forests. Imagine the sight of Voyageurs, traders, and missionaries paddling their way through these waters during the 1600s! Along the way, we’ll make a stop for an included lunch in Manistique, MI, a scenic harbor town. While there, be sure to check out the Manistique East Breakwater Lighthouse right across the street from our lunch spot. This iconic lighthouse stands as a beacon on the shores of Lake Michigan and offers a great photo opportunity for a panoramic view of the lake. By early afternoon, we’re transported by ferry to Mackinac Island. You’ll feel as though you’re about to be transported back in time to a magical storybook land with rich history, natural beauty, and charm. Life moves at a slower pace here, providing you with a special time to relax and take in life’s simple pleasures. A horse-drawn carriage will meet us at Shepler’s Ferry dock for a carriage tour of Mackinac Island. Enjoy the clip-clop of the horse’s feet as we take in highlights around town, travel through the State Park, and make stops at Arch Rock and Fort Mackinac. After our carriage ride, there will be plenty of free time to explore, shop, and let your taste buds lead the way to a quaint café for an evening meal on your own before it’s time to depart! Tonight, our hotel accommodations are in St. Ignace, MI. (B) (L)

Today, our travels take us to a unique community known as “Little Bavaria.” The small town of Frankenmuth was founded by German missionaries back in 1845 and has ever since embraced its Bavarian heritage, offering a blend of European charm and small-town hospitality. Among its many notable features, it’s known for the mouth-watering and world-famous chicken dinners at Zehnder’s Restaurant, “where everyone comes for the food and stays for the memories.” After lunch, we’ll discover the rich history of Frankenmuth during a city tour. You’ll fall in love with its unique atmosphere and architecture, with highlights that include the Bavarian Inn Glockenspiel and Scenic Covered Bridges. A must-see for anyone coming to Frankenmuth includes a stop at the “World’s Largest Christmas Store,” designed in alpine architecture. Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland was founded in 1945 by Wally Bronner (known as Mr. Christmas). What began as a small sign painting business, Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland grew out of a childhood love of “Everything Christmas” of Wally Bronner. Be sure to visit the replica of the Silent Night Memorial Chapel, a project that was near and dear to Wally’s heart. In keeping with the German theme of Frankenmuth, Wally added this chapel with the permission of the country of Austria in 1972. The chapel serves as a tribute to the Christmas song, “Silent Night,” sung on Christmas Eve in 1818 in Salzburg, Austria. Tonight, our hotel accommodations are in Port Huron, MI. Your evening meal is on your own. (B) (L)

Get ready for an amazing day with some of the most stunning sites you’ll ever see at the Niagara Falls in Ontario. Rustad Tours has made reservations for the “Best View of Niagara Falls” and a luncheon at the Skylon Towers Revolving Restaurant, one of the top attractions in Niagara Falls, famous for having the most sweeping vistas of Niagara Falls. Savor your choice of entrée while marveling at Niagara Falls. By mid-afternoon, we board a boat for the Hornblower Cruise on the Niagara River, where you’ll “Explore the Roar!” This breathtaking voyage to the base of the Niagara Falls is an unforgettable journey including a spectacular view of the Niagara Gorge, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. For a spectacular culmination of this cruise, you’ll experience a close-up encounter with the iconic Canadian Horseshoe Falls and the dramatic power of Niagara Falls! Following our cruise, we take in the IMAX-Niagara Adventure Theater. This dramatic 3D production plunges you into the magic of Niagara Falls on the big screen, discovering the history that goes deeper than the formation of the falls. This evening, Rustad Tours made reservations for our tour group at the Hilton Niagara Falls Hotel & Suites for a two-night stay. We have requested an extra-special amenity of Niagara Falls View Rooms for an experience you’ll never forget! Your evening meal is on your own at the hotel. (B) (L)

There’s so much to see!! A full day of exploring and touring with a local guide provides us with a “Show & Tell” area tour of the Niagara Falls region. A must-see stop includes Table Rock at the crest of the Horseshoe Falls, providing fantastic photo-op views! We travel along the Niagara River Parkway, one of Canada’s most scenic highways. Some of our tour highlights include passing by pristine vineyards, historic venues and beautiful homes. You’ll marvel at the sight of the “World’s Largest Floral Clock” at the botanical gardens. Next, we’re on our way to Niagara on the Lake (Canada’s first capital and has been designated as the “Prettiest Town in Canada”) to the Majestic Chateau des Charmes’ vineyard for our included noon meal. It was founded in 1978 by Paul Bosc, a fifth-generation French winegrower. This picturesque setting of the magnificent chateau is the focal point of their pristine vineyard. Later in the afternoon, you’ll have some free time at the “Niagara on the Lake” shopping district, offering a diverse shopping experience. Whether it’s antique shops, specialty foods, boutiques, wines, or unique gifts, you’re sure to have a fun time! After an exciting and exhilarating day, we return to our hotel for a free evening and dinner on your own. (B) (L)

After a hearty breakfast, we begin our western trek, stopping for an included noon meal in Port Huron, MI. Our afternoon travels take us to our museum tour in Detroit, MI. The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Museum, formerly a factory, was built in 1904. It was the second center of automobile production of the Ford Motor Company, after the Ford Mack Avenue Plant. It was here that the company created and first produced the Ford Model T. This car has been credited with initiating the mass production of automobiles in the U.S. It was the first factory where more than 100 cars were assembled in one day. After the factory went through a series of owners, it became a museum in 2001. The museum’s primary focus is on the beginnings of the U.S. automobile industry. By early evening, we arrive at our hotel accommodations in Jackson, MI. Your evening meal is on your own. (B) (L)

Our morning travels continue westward to our first destination of the day in Chicago, IL. Chicago is situated on the shores of Lake Michigan and is one of the largest cities in the US. Chicago prides itself on the bold architecture and skyline that’s punctuated by its iconic skyscrapers. Our attraction and included noon meal is located at the Sky Deck atop the Iconic Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower). At 1,451 feet, it is the highest observation deck in the U.S. You’ll experience this “Sky-High” event on the 103rd floor for a jaw-dropping 360-degree view of the entire Chicago Skyline, Lake Michigan, and even neighboring states on a clear day! Take the challenge to “Step-Out on the Ledge” and feel the most unique and exciting perspective Chicago has to offer! This afternoon, we continue our travels west and into the beautiful state of Wisconsin to Fort Atkinson and the Country Inn & Suites, our last evening on this memorable tour. Tonight, you’ll be treated to a dinner show at the Fireside Theatre. After the dinner show, we return to our hotel for a good night’s rest! (B) (L) (D)

We’re homeward-bound, making our usual stops with an included lunch along the way. Rustad’s “Niagara Falls Tour” has packed in a multitude of “Bucket-List” locations and experiences that are sure to be great memory-makers! We hope you’ll reminisce about your favorite memories and experiences of this tour as we travel back to Rustad Tours in Kerkhoven. We’ll have some refreshments and treats waiting for you when you arrive! It is our hope that you’ll cherish the special memories from this tour for years to come! (B) (L)