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Undiscovered Great Lakes | Viking Expeditions

Viking Expedition Cruises | "Undiscovered Great Lakes"
8 Day Cruise | Thunder Bay to Milwaukee | 2022 & 2023

On this 8-Day, Viking Expedition Cruise aboard the Viking Octantis, discover boreal forests and cross the width of Lake Superior from Duluth to the Soo Locks, exploring the Apostle Islands and Keweenaw Peninsula along the way. Hike along clifftop trails for sweeping views of the lake. Gain insight into the unique features and ecosystems of remote wilderness islands and admire Kakabeka Falls, the "Niagara of the North." Then, step back in time at historic Fort William and on the quaint, car-free streets of Mackinac Island.
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​Day 1 - Embarkation Thunder Bay, Ontario
Day 2 - Thunder Bay, Ontario
Day 3 - Duluth, Minnesota
Day 4 - Apostle Islands, Wisconsin
Day 5 - Houghton, Michigan
Day 6 - Scenic Sailing of Soo Locks Transit
Day 7 - Mackinac Island, Michigan
Day 8 - Disembark in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Sailing Dates | Viking Undiscovered Great Lakes Cruise

viking cruises logo
viking expeditions cruise ship

Undiscovered Great Lakes | 8 Day Cruise

Departing From:  Thunder Bay, ON to Milwaukee, WI
Ports of Call: 
Thunder Bay, ON • Duluth, MN • Apostle Islands, WI • Houghton, MI • Mackinac Island, MI • Milwaukee, WI
​itinerary
Day 1 | Thunder Bay, ON
Day 2 | Thunder Bay, ON
Day 3 | Duluth, MN
Day 4 |
Apostle Islands, WI
Day 5 | 
Houghton, MI
Day 6 | Sail the Soo Locks
Day 7 | Mackinac Island, MI
Day 8 | Milwaukee, WI
2022 sailing dates
Sep 3 - Sep 10
Sep 17 - Sep 24
2023 sailing dates
May 26 - Jun 2
Jun 9 - Jun 16
Jul 7 - Jul 14
Starting at
USD $6,495.00
​to $17,995.00

​Per Person, based on double occupancy *
BOOK NOW

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Embarkation Thunder Bay, Ontario  

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Thunder Bay
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Pre-Cruise Extension to Churchill
​on Hudson Bay

Embark the ship and settle in.  You will have free time to explore this Lake Superior city on your own or meet your fellow travelers and Viking Expedition team.

​
​Explore more before or after your expedition cruise.
​Ask your Great Lakes Cruise Specialist for more details. 
OPTIONAL Pre-CRUISE EXTENSION: 5 NIGHTS IN CHURCHILL AND WINNIPEG**
Set out in search of Arctic wildlife in the “Polar Bear Capital of the World.” Witness beluga whales in their natural habitat and watch in awe as they frolic in the water. Explore plains blooming with colorful flora and teeming with life, including arctic foxes and the occasional summer polar bear.

HERE YOU WILL FIND YOUR DAILY ITINERARY & HOTEL INFORMATION

ALL THIS IS INCLUDED:
  • 2 hotel nights in Winnipeg; 3 hotel nights in Churchill (as shown or similar)
  • 14 meals: 5 breakfasts (B), 4 lunches (L), 5 dinners (D)
  • 5 guided tours: Winnipeg Panoramic Tour; Churchill, Parks Canada Visitor Centre & the Itsanitaq Museum; Whale Safari & Dogcarting; Polar Bear Discovery; Beluga Whales by Zodiac
  • Fully escorted by your Viking Tour Director
  • Flight from Thunder Bay to Winnipeg; roundtrip flights between Winnipeg and Churchill
  • All transfers (Airport meet and greet transfers included when air is purchased with your cruise package.)
 
2022 PRICING:


  • From USD $5,599.00 Per Person (May-September)
  • ​Please call for reservations.  Space is limited. 

NOTE: Extension is not available on all departure dates; confirm availability & seasonal pricing when booking. Pricing may vary by departure or activity date. Activity order may vary. Accommodations are subject to change depending on availability; if advertised hotel is not available, a similar hotel will be confirmed.

Day 2 - Thunder Bay, Ontario 

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Morning Briefing 
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Sleeping Giant
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Boating to Thompson Island
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​Relive the region’s history at Fort William, an accurate recreation of an early 19th-century fur trading post, or hike the trails of Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, an area of tabletop mountains, sweeping vistas and towering granite cliffs. Explore the unusual natural phenomenon of Ouimet Canyon, which shelters a unique, fragile ecosystem. Then, discover the roaring Kakabeka Falls, tucked away in a pristine boreal forest setting.

A Day in the Life of an Explorer

Morning Briefing
​Gather with your Viking Expedition Team to discuss the day’s activities. After a nourishing breakfast from the World Café, assemble your gear so you are ready to explore.

​Hike Sleeping Giant
Set off into the old-growth forests along the shores of Lake Superior. Keep watch for local wildlife as you hike through striking natural scenery.

Lunch with a Local Twist
Recount your morning activities while dining on locally inspired cuisine. Make sure to save room for a Persian roll, Thunder Bay’s iconic deep-fried cinnamon bun with pink berry icing.

RIB Cruise
Glide across the placid waters of Lake Superior in a RIB to tiny Thompson Island, then disembark in search of billion-year-old geological wonders.
​
Reach Across Cultures
Learn songs, traditional fishing techniques and plant uses from members of the Anishinaabe First Nations.

​Relax & Reminisce
After a day of intriguing exploration, enjoy the sunset while you share photos and stories with fellow guests on the Aquavit Terrace.

Day 3 - Duluth, Minnesota 

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North Shore Scenic Railroad
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Glensheen Estate
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Canoeing down the St. Louis River
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​Tour Glensheen, the former estate of Gilded Age capitalist Chester Adgate Congdon. Learn about Duluth’s role in Great Lakes shipping during a visit to the SS William A. Irvin lake freighter. Or, board the North Shore Scenic Railroad for a journey along Lake Superior. Follow in the footsteps of fur traders during a paddle down the St. Louis River, or witness thousands of migrating raptors flying along the bluffs outside Duluth.
​
Today's Choice of Inclusive Shore Excursions
NORTH SHORE SCENIC RAILROAD TOUR
Highlights: Lake Superior Railroad Museum and Vintage Train Ride

​Duration: 4 Hours - Special Interest - Easy Activity
​

Board a vintage steam locomotive for a picturesque ride through the colorful history of railroad travel. Start your journey at the historic Union Depot, now home to the Lake Superior Railroad Museum. Admire its collection of 23 vintage locomotives and more than 40 different pieces of rolling stock; you may even get the opportunity to sit in the cab of the enormous Duluth, Missabe and Iron Range No. 227, a “Yellowstone”-style locomotive that was one of the biggest steam engines ever built. Afterward, board your vintage train for a trip on the North Shore Scenic Railroad, a heritage railroad that runs through Duluth and will take you along the shore of Lake Superior and deep into the sublime Northwoods. As you travel, your knowledgeable guide will regale you with the history of Duluth, its harbor and the importance of the railroads to the development of northern Minnesota and Wisconsin.​

Shore excursions vary by departure and are subject to change.
DULUTH'S LAKEFRONT TOUR 
Highlights: SS William A. Irvin Freighter and Great Lakes Aquarium
Duration: 4 Hours - Sightseeing - Moderate Activity


Explore Duluth’s Downtown Waterfront during visits to its aquarium and a retired Great Lakes freighter. See the nearby Aerial Lift Bridge, a city landmark looming over the entrance to Duluth’s harbor for more than a century. It was the US’s first transporter bridge when it opened in 1905 and was converted to a vertical lift-style bridge in 1930. Head to Canal Park for a visit to the William A. Irvin steam freighter, the flagship of US Steel’s Great Lakes fleet for more than 40 years. Take a guided tour of the ship while learning more about the region’s maritime history. Afterward, walk to the Great Lakes Aquarium, home to 205 different species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. Enjoy the opportunity to marvel at its two-story, 85,000-gallon tank stocked with fish species from the Great Lakes or learn about North American river otters at Otter Cove.​

Shore excursions vary by departure and are subject to change.
GLENSHEEN ESTATE TOUR
Highlights: Former Estate of Gilded Age Capitalist Chester Adgate Congdon

Durations: 3.5 Hours - Special Interest - Moderate Activity

Discover the incredible wealth of a Gilded Age captain of industry during a visit to the Glensheen Historic Estate. Board your motor coach for a short drive this lakeside mansion, the former family home of late-19th-century lawyer, entrepreneur and capitalist Chester Adgate Congdon. Completed in 1908, Glensheen cost the present-day equivalent of around $22 million. Set amid 12 acres of English-style landscaping and formal terraced gardens, it is a striking memento from a long-forgotten era. Enjoy a guided tour of the grounds before heading inside to marvel at the eclectic mix of styles that grace the mansion’s 39 rooms. Late Victorian melds with Federalist and art nouveau styles to create an opulent atmosphere. Learn more about Congdon and his estate’s colorful history as you admire the rich wood paneling, original furnishings and Congdon’s private collection of American painters whose works adorn the walls.​

​Shore excursions vary by departure and are subject to change.
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF FUR TRADERS  (HISTORIC TRAIN & CANOEING)
Highlights: Scenic ride on a Historic Train and Canoeing down the St. Louis River
​
Duration: 4 Hours - Active - Special Interest - Demanding Activity


Uncover Duluth’s historic role as a Great Lakes transportation hub during an excursion along the St. Louis River. Duluth’s location at the confluence of the St. Louis River and Lake Superior has made it an important center for commerce since the days of 17th-century fur trappers, who would canoe their pelts from the inland lakes to sell to European traders. This trend has continued to modern times, albeit with trains and freighters. You will embark on a scenic ride upstream to your canoe on board a historic train, learning about the region’s colorful history along the way. After a short safety briefing, board your canoe and follow your guide on a leisurely paddle back downstream. Get a glimpse into what life was like in bygone days and keep watch for wildlife as you wind your way down the river. Disembark your canoe, then return to your awaiting Viking Expedition ship.​

​​Shore excursions vary by departure and are subject to change.
HAWK RIDGE BIRD OBSERVATORY
​Highlights: Witness Raptors soaring along the Bluffs outside Duluth
​
Duration: 3 Hours - Active - Special Interest - Moderate Activity


Admire the majesty of birds of prey in flight during this seasonal excursion to the Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory. Every year, hundreds of thousands of migrating raptors, with origins as far-flung as the Arctic and South America, converge along the western tip of Lake Superior, many sticking close to the bluffs overlooking Duluth. Travel to the observatory, located in the hills outside of the city. Follow your naturalist guide on a short hike through the surrounding countryside. Then, return to the ridge’s edge for the main attraction. Watch as raptors and vultures fly above and below you, dipping and diving as they play and hunt using air currents. Your guide will offer insight into the different species you may see. Keep watch for golden and bald eagles, turkey vultures, northern harriers, rare peregrine falcons and more as you witness this fascinating natural phenomenon. Afterward, return to your Viking Expedition ship.

​​​Shore excursions vary by departure and are subject to change.

Day 4 - Apostle Islands, Wisconsin

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Devils & Stockton Island
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Sea Caves by Kayak
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Archipelago Sailing

Venture into the coniferous forest of white spruce and balsam fir that dominates the 22 islands that comprise the Apostle archipelago. Discover the dune bogs and lagoons that provide an unusually broad variety of habitats, and spot bald eagles. Explore the vaulted chambers of the ever-changing sea caves that line local shores in a kayak or learn the art of seamanship while sailing the waters between the islands. 

​
​Today's Choice of Inclusive Shore Excursions
DEVILS & STOCKTON ISLANDS  (SMALL BOAT CRUISE)
Highlights: Sea Caves and Ecosystem of Lake Superior's Archipelago 

​Duration: 4.5 Hours - Natural World - Special Interest - Moderate Activity


Explore two of the Apostle Island’s most interesting isles during a small-boat cruise. Don your life jacket and board your vessel for a ride across the water to Devil's Island, the northernmost island in the archipelago. Admire the stratified red- and gold-streaked sandstone rock that make up the island’s surface and the extensive sea caves that were sculpted from the exposed billion-year-old bedrock by Lake Superior. View the late-19th-century lighthouse that guards the island’s northern tip, then head over to the beaches of Stockton Island, the largest of the archipelago and home to the highest concentration of black bears in North America. Explore the diverse plant communities that live along the many trails, such as the unique lagoon ecosystem inhabited by various carnivorous plants. Your naturalist guide will point out the many fascinating features of the area, including the famous singing sands of Julian Bay.​

​​Shore excursions vary by departure and are subject to change.
SEA CAVES BY KAYAK 
Highlights: Admire Fascinating Geological Formations from a water-level vantage

​Duration: 4 Hours - Active - Natural World - Demanding Activity

Discover the spectacular array of sea caves that honeycomb Bayfield Peninsula cliffs by kayak. Millions of years of wave action from Lake Superior have eroded and undercut the island’s cliffs, carving delicate arches, vaulted chambers and hidden passageways into the red- and gold-streaked sandstone rock; many of these geological features can only be reached from the water. Don your life jacket and receive a short safety briefing, then board your kayak and follow your naturalist guide to the first of several fascinating caves. Marvel at the power and artistry of nature as you leisurely glide through these ancient formations. Gain insight from your guide into the process of their creation and learn how because of the fragile nature of the sandstone, the caves are in a constant state of transformation, gradually changing over time. After admiring several caves, you will make your way back to your Viking ship.​

​​Shore excursions vary by departure and are subject to change.
LAKE SUPERIOR HIKE
Highlights: Coastal Trail with Sweeping Cliff views of Sea Caves and the Lake

Durations: 4 Hours - Active - Natural World - Demanding Activity


Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore during a hike along Lake Superior. Meet your naturalist guide and head out down the rugged Lakeshore Trail, a 4½-mile long path that runs past the cliffs and above the mainland sea caves. You will cross small streams and traverse steep inclines as the trail meanders through ravines and hollows. Along the way, your guide will explain the unique flora and fauna of the region. There will be several stops at observation points, where you will be able to view the fascinating sea caves from above. Millions of years of erosion have carved delicate arches, vaulted chambers and hidden passageways into the red- and gold-streaked sandstone rock. You will also enjoy sweeping views of the Apostle Island archipelago and gaze out at the waters of Lake Superior as it stretches to the horizon and beyond.​

​​Shore excursions vary by departure and are subject to change.
ARCHIPELAGO SAILING CRUISE 
Highlights: Scenic Cruises and the Art of Seaman
​
Duration: 4 Hours - Natural World - Special Interest - Easy Activity 


Learn the fundamentals of sailing while enjoying a scenic cruise through the natural beauty of the Apostle Islands. You will explore the picturesque coastlines of the archipelago, full of steep cliffs, bizarre rock formations, verdant forests and lonely lighthouses. At the pier, board your sailing vessel and meet your experienced captain, who will plan the best course based on the direction of the wind and weather conditions before skillfully navigating through the waters of Lake Superior. You will have an opportunity to participate as much as you like in sailing; take the wheel, help handle the lines or just relax while you cruise. Admire the intricately sculpted pillars and arches of the sea caves, created by millions of years of incessant pounding by the lake’s waves, and the dense boreal forests that blanket these uninhabited isles. At the end of your cruise, you will return to shore and your Viking Expedition ship.​​

​
Shore excursions vary by departure and are subject to change.

Day 5 - Houghton, Michigan

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Eagle Harbor Lighthouse
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Hungarian Falls
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Bete Grise

​Discover more about the area’s 7,000 years of copper mining history and descend 370 feet below the surface into the Quincy Mine to learn about life and working underground. Hike through verdant forests to admire the beautiful, cascading veils of the Hungarian Falls. At the Bete Grise Preserve, glide through the marshlands in a kayak as you observe local birdlife of the Keweenaw Peninsula.

​Today's Choice of Inclusive Shore Excursions
COPPER MINING HISTORY OF THE KEWEENAW PENINSULA TOUR
Highlights: Geologic Events and Life Underground in the Mine

​Duration: 4 Hours - Special Interest - Moderate Activity

Discover the geological features that created the world’s richest copper ore deposits in the Keweenaw Peninsula. The peninsula is the location of the Earth’s oldest and largest lava flow; this volcanic activity created an almost pure source of recoverable copper. Visit the Keweenaw National Historical Park, where you will gain insight into these unique geological conditions. Exhibits showcase the history of mining; learn how indigenous people began mining in the region more than 7,000 years ago—a practice that continued up until the last mine closed during the 1960s. Afterward, head to the Quincy Mine, nicknamed “Old Reliable” during its heyday because of its profitability. Enjoy a guided tour of its museum-style exhibits, then retrace the steps of thousands of miners with a guided descent to the seventh level of the mine. Learn about life underground and witness a demonstration of drilling equipment before resurfacing.​

​​Shore excursions vary by departure and are subject to change.
HOUGHTON BY FOOT
Highlights: Landmarks of Former Mining Boom Town

​Duration: 2.5 Hours - Sightseeing - Moderate Activity 


Enjoy a glimpse into Houghton’s heyday during a guided walk through its downtown and waterfront. The city is inextricably connected to the copper mining boom of the 19th and 20th centuries; at one point, Houghton had more millionaires than any other US city. The compact downtown area has maintained some of its former flair; many of the well-preserved buildings trace their roots back to the boom days. Meet your knowledgeable guide, who will lead you through downtown while regaling you with interesting facts and local anecdotes. You will see such landmarks as the Portage Lake Lift Bridge, the only link between the two halves of the Keweenaw Peninsula; the Italian Renaissance Douglass House, which originally opened as a hotel in 1860; and Dee Stadium, a turn-of-the-century ice rink and the birthplace of professional ice hockey in the US in 1903. End your walk back at your Viking Expedition ship.​

​​Shore excursions vary by departure and are subject to change.
hungarian falls hike 
Highlights: Cascading Waterfalls and Scenic Vistas
​
Duration: 3.5 Hours - Active - Natural World - Demanding Activity 


Explore the natural beauty of the Keweenaw Peninsula during a hike to admire the Hungarian Falls. Named after a group of Hungarian-born lumberjacks who discovered them, the falls are a series of cascading veils located across a half-mile stretch of Dover Creek. Your naturalist guide will lead you along a path through mixed hardwood forests of maple, oak and birch, interspersed with stands of pine and hemlock. Learn about the billion-year-old Keweenaw Fault and other geologic forces that shaped the peninsula. Admire the beauty of the uppermost falls before hiking downstream to marvel at the “The Bluffs,” a picturesque cascade set in a steep gorge. Continue to the lowermost falls, a series of three drops that spill over the red sandstone rocks to the creek almost 100 feet below. From your perch at the top of the falls, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valley and nearby Torch Lake.​

​​Shore excursions vary by departure and are subject to change.
BETE GRISE EXPLORE   (HIKE & KAYAKING)
Highlights: Hike and Kayak through an important Great Lakes Ecosystem
​
Duration: 4 Hours - Active - Natural World - Demanding Activity 


Investigate the fascinating range of natural habitats that exist inside the Bete Grise Preserve by foot and kayak. This 1,500-acre protected nature area, located along Lake Superior, is one of the Upper Peninsula’s most important coastal plain marsh systems. It provides a home for more than 300 species of plants, as well as eagles, migratory waterfowl and shore birds. Follow your knowledgeable naturalist guide as you hike through the wetlands, learning more about the endemic plants that grow here. Later, board your kayak to view the marshes from another perspective; these wetlands also provide a habitat for many fish and amphibians. Gain insight into the complex web of life that exists in these quiet waterways as you make your way to the shoreline, where two miles of sandy beaches surround the bay and the lake. Paddle along the coast, enjoying sweeping views of the lake and the dunes.​

​Shore excursions vary by departure and are subject to change.

Day 6  - Scenic Sailing: Soo Locks Transit 

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Pass between Lake Superior and Lake Huron via this 1850's-era engineering marvel. Pass through the Soo Locks in the St. Mary’s River, heading from Lake Huron into Lake Superior. Observe the massive gates of this ingenious feat of engineering as they close, then watch as the water flows in through the gravity-fed valves to bring your Viking Expedition ship up to the level of Lake Superior.
​
A Day in the Life of an Explorer
Enjoy the stillness of dawn while watching the sun rise over the lake with a warm cup of coffee from your Nordic Balcony.

Soo Locks Transit - Admire this wonder of engineering and ingenuity that connects Lake Superior and Lake Huron. Take in the views from the Explorers’ Lounge as you pass through its massive gates.

Sit back and relax in The Aula, your ship’s dynamic venue for lectures and entertainment. Immerse yourself in an informative documentary about the Great Lakes region as you cruise on the big screen..

Lecture -  The Gales of November - Hear the theories surrounding the mysterious sinking of the Great Lakes freighter Edmund Fitzgerald, "the Mighty Fitz,” which lies on the bottom of Lake Superior off treacherous Whitefish Point.

Onboard Science - Build your own current-tracking buoy, then release it onto the lake. Take a seat in The Aula and watch in real-time as your buoy bobs and weaves its way with the currents.

Stargazing - Watch as the night sky comes alive in a kaleidoscope of twinkling stars. Remote and free from ambient city light, you may see the swirling Milky Way and the steady glow of distant planets.

Day 7 - Mackinac Island, Michigan

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Enjoy an exciting day on idyllic Mackinac Island, located in the Straits of Mackinac, which link Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. This charming island is well known as a haven for pedestrians and bicyclists; motor vehicles are banned here, and the only way to access the island is by boat. Take a sightseeing excursion by horse-drawn carriage to important historical sites. Or, choose to dine at the elegant Grand Hotel, a Victorian-era building with the world’s longest front porch. Alternatively, explore the forested shores of Mackinac Island by kayak.​

​
Today's Choice of Inclusive Shore Excursions 
mackinac by horse-drawn CARRIAGE
Highlights: Revolutionary War Fort, Victorian -Era Hotel and Scenic Downtown

​Duration: 3 Hours 
​

Discover the historical sights and yesteryear charm of scenic Mackinac Island. A National Historic Landmark, the 4-square-mile island has undergone extensive preservation and restoration, including the banning of almost all motor vehicles. You will embark on a horse-drawn carriage ride to view the island’s major landmarks. See Fort Mackinac, one of the few surviving Revolutionary War fortresses still in existence. Built atop a bluff overlooking the Straits of Mackinac, this former military outpost was the site of two strategic battles—both American losses—during the War of 1812. Admire the elegant facade of the Victorian-era Grand Hotel; a vacation destination for several US presidents, the hotel’s 660-foot-long front porch is billed as the “longest in the world.” Stroll the bustling downtown streets during a guided walking tour, then enjoy free time to explore the charming shops, or sample the island’s renowned fudge. Afterward, you will return to your Viking Expedition ship.​

​​Shore excursions vary by departure and are subject to change.
MACKINAC ISLAND NATURAL WONDERS BY BIKE
Highlights: Two-Wheel Tour Highlights Natural Beauty
and Historic Sites

​Duration: 3.5 Hours - Active - Sightseeing - Demanding


Experience Mackinac Island’s natural beauty during a bike ride along scenic Lake Shore Drive. The island is well known for being free of most motor vehicles and a haven for pedestrians and bicyclists. Meet your guide, receive your bike and a short safety briefing, then set out from the downtown area on Lake Shore Drive. This 8-mile road encircles the island, passing many of its famous landmarks. Your guide will lead you past lovely vistas, forested landscapes and isolated beaches. Stop to admire Arched Rock, a natural limestone formation looming over the shoreline from 146 feet above. You will also see several of the island’s historic sites, such as the cliff top Fort Mackinac and the elegant Victorian-era Grand Hotel. While you ride, learn about the island’s fur-trading history, strategic importance within the Great Lakes and emergence as a resort destination. Afterward, you will return to your Viking Expedition ship.​

​​Shore excursions vary by departure and are subject to change.
straits of mackinac by kayak
Highlights: Scenic views of the Upper Peninsula from the Water

Durations: 3 Hours - Active - Natural World - Moderate 


Paddle into the Straits of Mackinac for a scenic journey around Mackinac Island. Located in its namesake straits, where Lake Huron meets Lake Michigan, the island is an ideal place to go out and kayak among striking natural settings. At your disembarkation point, meet your guide and naturalist, then receive your life jacket and a short safety briefing. Board your kayak and head out into the straits. Depending on the weather, your guide will choose the best route for your excursion. You may enter the straits and paddle over underwater caves and rock formations en route to Arch Rock. Or, enjoy striking views of the Mackinac Bridge, stoic island lighthouses and the West Bluff as you glide over the water toward Devil’s Kitchen. Admire the beautiful views of the Upper Peninsula before returning to your Viking Expedition ship.​ 

​​Shore excursions vary by departure and are subject to change.
MACKINAC ISLAND & THE GRAND HOTEL TOUR & LUNCH
Highlights: Horse Drawn Carriage Tour and Lunch at Elegant Hotel
​
Duration: 4.5 Hours - Meal-Sightseeing-Moderate

 
Explore the highlights of Mackinac Island and enjoy lunch at the iconic Grand Hotel. You will embark on a leisurely horse-drawn carriage tour—almost all motor vehicles are banned from the island—to view the island’s major landmarks. See Fort Mackinac, one of the few surviving Revolutionary War fortresses still in existence. Built to defend the surrounding waterway, this former military outpost sits atop a 150-foot-tall bluff overlooking the Straits of Mackinac; it was the site of two strategic battles during the War of 1812. Explore the bustling downtown streets during a guided walking tour, then head to the Victorian-era Grand Hotel. Built in 1887, this Queen Anne–style hotel is a registered National Historic Landmark. Here, you will enjoy its fabled buffet-style lunch while admiring sweeping views of the Straits of Mackinac from the world’s longest front porch. Afterward, you will return to your awaiting Viking Expedition ship.​

​​​Shore excursions vary by departure and are subject to change.

Day 8 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin  - Disembark

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Milwaukee 
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Post Cruise Extension to Chicago

Disembark your ship and extend your exploration with three days of discovery in Chicago, featuring the Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium and Art Institute of Chicago, or return home.
​
​
Explore more before or after your expedition.
​Ask your Great Lakes Cruise Specialist. 
OPTIONAL POST-CRUISE EXTENSION: 2 NIGHTS IN CHICAGO **
Explore the world-class Art Institute of Chicago and admire the works of one of America’s greatest architects, Frank Lloyd Wright. View the city’s skyline from the water during a river cruise and savor hearty, soul-warming cuisine as you explore Chicago’s food heritage.

HERE YOU WILL FIND YOUR DAILY ITINERARY & HOTEL INFORMATION

ALL THIS IS INCLUDED:
  • 2 hotel nights in Chicago (as shown or similar)
  • 5 meals: 2 breakfasts (B), 1 lunch (L) & 2 dinners (D)
  • 3 guided tours: Art Institute of Chicago; Architecture Cruise; Frank Lloyd Wright Historic District
  • Fully escorted by your Viking Tour Director
  • All transfers (Airport meet and greet transfers included when air is purchased together with your cruise package.

 2022 PRICING:
  • From USD $1,199.00 Per Person (May-September)
  • ​Please call for reservations.  Space is limited. 

NOTE: Extension is not available on all departure dates; confirm availability & seasonal pricing when booking. Pricing may vary by departure or activity date. Activity order may vary. Accommodations are subject to change depending on availability; if advertised hotel is not available, a similar hotel will be confirmed.
​For reservations and more Information please call our
​Travel Specialist Toll Free at 1-888-756-9008
Email: Info@GreatLakesCruises.com
* Prices listed are available from select departure gateways: Boston, Chicago, 
Dallas/ft Worth,Los Angeles,New York, San Francisco, Washington D.C.
Shore Excursions open 171 to 60 days prior to sailing, depending on stateroom category purchased. 
**Optional Upgrade - Pre or Post-Cruise Packages can be reserved up to 30 days prior to sailing.

REQUEST A QUOTE

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Complete Directory of all our Great Lakes Cruises

​* Cruise fares quoted are in U.S. dollars, per person (based on double occupancy).  Single Supplements also available.  
Cruise Fares do not include, airfare (on select cities), Discretionary gratuites for vessel crew and tour operators,
Travel Protection, Personal Expenditures including Transportation Costs incurred while traveling to and from embarkation ports, Transfer to and from the airport along with Hotel Stays and Cancellations
(unless noted otherwise).  Shore excursions vary by departure and are subject to change.  
​Rates and Schedules are subject to change at any time.


Updated: 8/12/21 - BB

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