6 Days / 5 Nights | Rating: Easy | Start / End: Traverse City, MI
- E-bikes Available
A secret summer paradise of quiet back roads, towering sand dunes and crystal blue lakes awaits you on our exclusive bike trip through the breathtaking wonders of northern Michigan. Immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Lakeshore voted Good Morning America’s Most beautiful place in America (2018), pedal along the majestic shores of Lake Michigan, and discover the charm of car free biking on Mackinac Island. Indulge in the splendor of Michigan’s summer playground, where every pedal stroke unveils a picture-perfect postcard come to life.
Travel the Sojourn Style
EXPERIENCES, NOT BIKE TOURS
While we love our cycling, it makes up only one facet of what a true Sojourn trip entails. We believe in immersing ourselves in local cultures and discovering the hidden gems of the world.
REGIONAL PLANNING SPECIALISTS
From Vietnam to France to Glacier National Park, we are committed to offering exceptional trips in regions with which we are deeply familiar. We personally design and operate each of our trips.
PREMIER ACCOMMODATIONS
We carefully select from some of World’s renowned hotels. From highly reviewed and acclaimed Hotel de Londres in San Sebastian, Spain or the Reverie Saigon, Vietnam, one of the leading hotels in the World.
UNWAVERING ATTENTION TO SERVICE
Our commitment to provide you with unwavering service starts from the moment you first interact with the Sojourn team. We believe the little details matter and make the Sojourn vacation a life-list worthy experience for our guests.
PROFESSIONAL TRIP LEADERS
Gracious, engaging, and intelligent, our expert team of tour leaders consist of professionals from all walks of life and make exceptional travel companions. Always a step ahead, they are adept at everything from spinning wrenches to whipping up fabulous picnic lunches.
YOUR VACATION, YOUR PACE
We believe that at the end of the day, you are at the helm of your own vacation. We offer an array of day-to-day options to enable you to approach each day at your own pace.
Day 1
Meet your tour leaders at the (pre-trip hotel) to be fitted for your bikes, followed by a gorgeous ride through the Leelanau Peninsula. Our final destination for the day will be The Homestead Resort in Glen Arbor. Along the way, take in views of Traverse Bay and Old Mission Point as we ride along the 17-mile Leelanau Trail, part of the Traverse Area Recreation Transportation (TART) network of trails, from Traverse City to Suttons Bay. We will enjoy a group lunch in Suttons Bay and then set off for our final destination at The Homestead for our welcome reception and group dinner at the Café Manitou overlooking majestic Lake Michigan. We’ll get to know
GOOD TO KNOW
Every Sojourn trip is different in their own unique ways. We want you to be aware of them so that you can only have the best experiences possible. Please know, whichever trip you choose we are committed to make it the trip of a lifetime!
The Homestead as our base of operations through Wednesday morning. This gorgeous property has all the amenities of an all-inclusive resort and you’ll have the opportunity to sample the offerings later in the week.
LODGING:
The HomeStead, Glen Arbor, MI
(231)334-5000
thehomesteadresort.com
CYCLING OPTIONS:
17 Miles
47 Miles
Day 2
We’ll depart from The Homestead for a stunning loop ride through the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Lakeshore, voted the Most Beautiful Place in America by USA Today. We’ll ride along the aquamarine waters of Glen Lake and then down to Empire, where we’ll hop on the Leelanau Heritage Trail and onto the 7.8-Mile Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. Your leaders will treat you to a wonderful lunch on Picnic Mountain, and then you have the option to do a leisurely hike through the dunes on the Cottonwood Trail. Make sure to stop at the Dune overlook where you will get a world-class vista of Lake Michigan from an observation deck placed at the top of a
KEEPING YOU POSTED
We’re constantly looking for ways to enhance our trips. We’ll do our best to notify you of any changes in this itinerary. Other changes may be communicated to you on the trip by your leaders.
450-foot sand dune. For those who want a different hike option, you can join one of your leaders for a strenuous hike up the dune climb and then about 4 miles through the dunes, reuniting with your bikes in Glen Haven. Glen Haven, the small village on the Lake Michigan shoreline, is a step back in time when small villages and docks supplied fuel to steamers along the Great Lakes. On the final stretch home, visit Glen Arbor, where you can shop a bit on your way back to The Homestead. Dinner is on your own at one of the fine establishments at The Homestead.
LODGING:
The HomeStead, Glen Arbor, MI
(231)334-5000
thehomesteadresort.com
CYCLING OPTIONS:
18, 32 Miles
HIKING OPTIONS
1.2 or 4.5 Miles
Day 3
Today is a day of options. Join your leaders for a bucket list loop ride on Old Mission Point, taking in lakeshore views, orchards, vineyards, as well as the Old Mission Point Lighthouse located directly on the 45th parallel – halfway between the equator and the North Pole. For those looking for a day on the water, enjoy a kayak paddle on your own down the Crystal River with the local Crystal River Outitters, followed by lunch on your own in Glen Arbor. Or choose to spend the day enjoying The Homestead; treat yourself to a massage at the spa, rent a paddleboard and go out on Lake Michigan, sit on the beach and read a book, or make your own adventure. We’ll all convene for a lovely dinner at Nonna’s Ristorante.
LODGING:
The HomeStead, Glen Arbor, MI
(231)334-5000
thehomesteadresort.com
CYCLING OPTIONS:
41 Miles
PADDLE OPTION (on your own)
4.5 Miles
Day 4
We start the day with one last breakfast at The Homestead and then we board the van for a shuttle to Boyne City. Our morning ride will take us 19 miles from the outdoor enthusiast center of Boyne City through rolling hills, farms, and wooded roads to the charming town of Charlevoix, nestled between Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix. Enjoy lunch on your own in Charlevoix – pick your favorite or try some Pierogi’s at Marek’s Harbor Grill or The Back Lot Charlevoix. Explore town and enjoy a walk out on the South Pier to see the Lighthouse. There is also ample boutique shopping for clothing, jewelry, or at the local art galleries. The afternoon consists of a mellow 17.5-mile ride on the Little Traverse Wheelway from Charlevoix to the Stafford’s Perry Hotel in Petoskey. Enjoy a group dinner at the Noggin Room Pub located in the hotel.
LODGING:
Stafford’s Perry Hotel, Petoskey, MI
(231)347-4000
ThePerryHotel.com
CYCLING OPTIONS:
18 Miles
37 Miles
Day 5
Today offers the longest ride option and spectacular riding as we head further north. We’ll hop on the Wheelway for a few miles as we leave Petoskey behind and pass through Harbor Springs and onto the 20-mile historic Tunnel of Trees route. Lake Michigan in all its glory will peek through the trees as we wind north and see summer cottages of all shapes, sizes, and vintage. We’ll pause for lunch in Cross Village at the historic Legs Inn – so named for the woodstove legs that adorn the roofline – and then continue into Mackinaw City on a mixture of quiet roads and bike paths. A quick ferry ride will take us to carless Mackinac Island, where bikes and horses are the only means of transportation. We’ll stay at the historic Grand Hotel and have our farewell reception and dinner on the premises.
LODGING:
Grand Hotel, Makinac Island, MI
(906)847-3331
grandhotel.com
CYCLING OPTIONS:
29 Miles
53 Miles
Day 6
On our final day, we’ll enjoy breakfast at the Grand Hotel and then board a horse-drawn carriage for a historic tour of Mackinac Island. Following the tour, you can take your bike on a final ride on the 8.2-mile loop around the island or spend your final hours shopping in the downtown area. A short ferry ride back to Mackinaw City will reunite us with the Sojourn van, and we’ll shuttle 2.5 hours back to Traverse City, where we can drop you at the Cherry Capital Airport or a local hotel.
CYCLING OPTIONS:
9 Miles
Tour Accommodations
The HomeStead, Glen Arbor, MI
The Homestead is a beachfront resort offering a wide range of unique lodging choices supported by luxurious facilities. It is located on the beach and is surrounded by the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. (3 Nights).
1 Wood Ridge Drive
Glen Arbor, MI 49636
TheHomeSteadResort.com | (231)334-5000
Stafford’s Perry Hotel, Petoskey, MI
For over 122 years, the Perry Hotel has proudly stood overlooking Little Traverse Bay; welcoming visitors to the crown jewel of Michigan’s “Gold Coast.” Guests get to enjoy the unique décor in each of the 75 guest rooms, and of course the breathtaking vistas that first gave inspiration to the expression “Million Dollar Sunset” for which Petoskey is now famous. (1 Night)
100 Lewis Street
Petoskey, MI 49770
ThePerryHotel.com | (231)347-4000
The Grand Hotel, Makinac Island, MI
Since 1887, Grand Hotel beckons guests to a time where old-world meets new charm. Discover the rich history and tastefully preserved architecture of this National Historic Landmark, while enjoying the hotel’s modern amenities and unsurpassed service. (1 Night)
286 Grand Ave
Makinak Island, MI 49757
grandhotel.com | (906)847-3331
Travel & Tour Quick Facts
| TOUR START | 8:30 AM - Tour start at Veteran’s Park in Traverse City (723 Wayne St, Traverse City, MI 49684) |
| TOUR CONCLUSION | 4:00 pm – Group return to Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City. Departure flights should not be scheduled prior to 6:00pm |
| TRAVEL TO/FROM TOUR | Fly into Cherry Capital Airport, Traverse City (TVC) |
| DAYS/NIGHTS | 6 Days/5 Nights |
| INCLUDED MEALS | All breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 4 dinners. |
| ACTIVITIES | Cycling, hiking and optional kayaking |
| RATING | Easy/Intermediate - certain days or section of routes have gently rolling hills with some longer grades. However, those instances will be few and the overall trip is at an easy level for cyclists who don’t cycle often. Van option available for those tougher segments if you choose to opt out. |
What’s Included?
| EQUIPMENT | Road or hybrid bike, helmet, rear light, seat bag for road bike or rack bag for hybrid, map case, water bottle, and jersey. Bring clipless pedals, seat, or helmet for a more personalized fit. |
| VAN SUPPORT | Rides supported by a Sojourn van as well as a tour leader on a bicycle. |
| TOUR LEADERS | Two experienced tour leaders guide each trip from start to finish. |
| RIDE NOURISHMENT | A selection of snacks and refreshments are supplied throughout all rides. |
| RIDE INFORMATION | Detailed route directions, maps, downloadable GPS routes, and a daily briefing are provided. |
| OFFICE SUPPORT | At your service 9:00am – 6:00pm EST, Monday – Friday. 802-425-4771 |
| DETAILED INFORMATION | A full complement of detailed trip and travel information will be provided upon confirmation of reservation. |
| E-BIKES & TANDEMS | Limited Electric Assist Bikes are available on all tours. Tandems are also available on on our US and Canada tours for an additional fee. Call us at 1-802-425-4771 for details |
Weather
| Makinac Island, MI | Aug |
|---|---|
| High °F | 74° |
| Low °F | 57° |
WE’RE HAPPY TO CHAT!
Call: 802.425.4771
Write: info@gosojourn.com
Visit: GoSojourn.com
PRICES & SCHEDULE
All prices and schedules are subject to change at any time.
Click HERE to view the latest departure dates & prices.
