From Chicago to MontrealA cruise featuring the Great Lakes

Itinerary

Overview
This is a voyage to some of the most magnificent wonders of North America, a voyage on which you'll discover vibrant towns and vast expanses of natural splendor. Starting from Chicago sail the magnificent shores of Lake Michigan to scenic Charlevoix. Explore beautiful Mackinac Island, a Victorian-era haven; enjoy a train ride through the dramatic scenery of the Agawa Canyon; savor the sunsets upon Lake Huron; and discover Great Lakes history in Alpena at its excellent maritime museum. Witness the dramatic marvel of the Welland Canal, where its seven locks will lower our ship over 300 feet. Guests will have the opportunity to stay aboard the entire transit or visit the extraordinary Niagara Falls. Spend a day visiting Kingston and then continue through the St. Lawrence Seaway, with its system of lakes, canals, and locks before reaching the vibrant city of Montreal.

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Monday, August 18, 2014 - Chicago, Illinois, United States, Embark
Fly to Chicago and embark Yorktown. (D)

Tuesday, August 19 - Saugatauck, Michigan
Arrive in Saugatuck, nestled off the shores of Lake Michigan and Kalamazoo Lake. Originally a lumber town, Saugatuck eventually became known for its fruit production, especially its peaches. In the early 1900s Saugatuck was a prime summer destination for Chicago urbanites. Today, it is known for its historic buildings and churches, unique shops, and many art galleries, which you will have an opportunity to explore. Also enjoy a scenic ride through the coastal dunes on specially designed dune schooners. (B,L,D)

Wednesday, August 20 - Charlevoix
The tumbling hills of Michigan's scenic northwest are blanketed with maple and spruce. Explore lovely Charlevoix, including the unique “mushroom” houses built by local architect Earl Young. (B,L,D)

Thursday, August 21 - Mackinac Island
Arrive on idyllic Mackinac Island, a Victorian-era haven where cars are forbidden and bicycles share the road with horse-drawn carriages. Explore this quaint island and see the ancient limestone formations that were considered sacred by the Straits Indians; the impressive Fort Mackinac, built atop a high cliff by the British in 1780; and the landmark Victorian Grand Hotel. Also enjoy free time to stroll along streets lined with ginger-bread-trimmed buildings and browse in the charming shops. (B,L,D)

Friday, August 22 - Sault Ste. Marie, Agawa Canyon, Ontario, Canada, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, United States
Enter the scenic waterways of the North Channel, which lead to Sault Ste. Marie. Our full-day tour by train travels inland through the magnificent scenery of the Agawa Canyon. (B,L,D)

Saturday, August 23 - Alpena, Presque Isle, Alpena
Arrive in Thunder Bay to call at the lovely town of Alpena, home to an outstanding maritime museum with displays on Great Lakes maritime history. Alternately, travel north to the small peninsula of Presque Isle, an untouched place of great beauty with two historic lighthouses. Pristine forests, numerous inland lakes, and 72 miles of Lake Huron shoreline on the central flyway make Presque Isle a birder's paradise. (B,L,D)

Sunday, August 24 - Detroit
After sailing through Lake Huron we'll arrive in Detroit. Tour the Henry Ford Museum. A National Historic Landmark, the property houses a vast array of historic automobiles, machinery, furniture exhibits, and other Americana. (B,L,D)

Monday, August 25 - Cruising Lake Erie
Spend all day cruising around Lake Erie. (B,L,D)

Tuesday, August 26 - Lake Erie, Welland Canal, Niagara Falls, Lake Ontario
Arrive this morning at Port Colborne, then disembark for an excursion to Niagara Falls, where we'll see both the American Falls and Horseshoe (Canadian) Falls. Reboard Yorktown and begin the dramatic passage from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario via the Welland Canal. A series of seven locks designed as a continuous flight of “stairs” lowers Yorktown 324 feet over a distance of 27 miles. From the decks of the ship witness the mechanics of this engineering marvel, which took over 100 years to complete. (B,L,D)

Wednesday, August 27 - Kingston, Ontario, Canada
Located at a strategic location, the junction of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, Kingston was founded in the 17th century by the French as a fur-trading settlement becoming later an important British military post. Today, Kingston is one of Canada's most charming and best-preserved cities, justly known for its many historic 19th-century buildings. Our exploration of the city will include its major landmarks, such as the Fort Henry National Historic Site, built in 1832; the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes; and the Bellevue House, with its beautiful gardens. (B,L,D)

Thursday, August 28 - Cruising the St. Lawrence Seaway
Navigate the St. Lawrence Seaway, a system of lakes, canals, and locks that provide a deepwater passage from Lake Ontario to the St. Lawrence River. (B,L,D)

Friday, August 29 - Montreal, Quebec, Disembark
Disembark in Montreal following breakfast. (B)