From the St. Lawrence Seaway to ChicagoA cruise featuring the Great Lakes

Itinerary

June 22 - Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Embark
Fly to Montreal and embark Yorktown. (D)

June 23 - The St. Lawrence Seaway
Navigate the St. Lawrence Seaway, a system of lakes, canals, and locks that provide a deepwater passage from the St. Lawrence River to Lake Ontario—and a fascinating glimpse of North America’s heartland. (B,L,D)

June 24 - Kingston, Lake Ontario
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, later becoming 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, including the Fort Henry National Historic Site, built in 1832; the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes, whose exhibits highlight the maritime history of the Great Lakes; and the Bellevue House, with its beautiful gardens. (B,L,D)

June 25 - Port Weller, Welland Canal, Niagara Falls, Lake Erie
Arrive this morning at Port Weller, from where Yorktown begins the dramatic passage from Lake Ontario to Lake Erie via the Welland Canal. A series of eight locks designed as a continuous flight of “stairs” lifts Yorktown 326.5 feet as you transit. From the decks of the ship witness the mechanics of this engineering marvel, which took over 100 years to complete. Then disembark for an excursion to Niagara Falls, one of North America’s most spectacular natural wonders, where you’ll see both the American Falls and Horseshoe (Canadian) Falls. (B,L,D)

June 26 - Cruising Lake Erie, Detroit, Michigan
Spend the day enjoying lectures and the onboard amenities of Yorktown as you cruise Lake Erie. This evening we arrive in Detroit. (B,L,D)

June 27 - Detroit, Cruising Lake Huron
In the morning, tour the Henry Ford Museum. A National Historic Landmark, the property houses a vast array of historic automobiles, machinery, furniture exhibits, and other Americana. In the afternoon, cruise through Lake St. Clair and Lake Huron en route to Alpena. (B,L,D)

June 28 - Alpena, Presque Isle
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. BirdWatching magazine has identified it as one of the top ten birding spots in the country. (B,L,D)

June 29 - Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, Agawa Canyon, Ontario, Canada
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)

June 30 - Mackinac Island
Arrive in beautiful Mackinac Island, a Victorian-era haven where cars are forbidden and bicycles share the road with horse-drawn carriages. Explore this idyllic 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)

July 1 - Lake Michigan, 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)

July 2 - Saugatuck
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)

July 3 - Chicago, Illinois, Disembark, Fly Home
Disembark in Chicago following breakfast. (B)