Chicago 12-Person Premium 4-Day East Tour

Day 1: Chicago → Detroit → Toledo → Cleveland

Henry Ford Museum

General Motors Renaissance Center

Maumee Bay State Park

Today we will drive from Chicago to Detroit. Detroit is the largest city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It was once the world's traditional automobile center and music capital, and the headquarters of the three largest automobile companies in the United States: General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler. Detroit is also one of the important cultural and artistic centers in the United States, with a rich historical and cultural heritage. After our visit to Detroit, we will head to Maumee Bay State Park. Finally, overnight in Cleveland.

Itinerary:

Chicago → Detroit → Henry Ford Museum (Optional, 60 mins) → General Motors Headquarters (30 mins) → Toledo → Maumee Bay State Park (Mandatory, 30 mins) → Cleveland

Transportation: Driving from Chicago to Detroit

Distance: 280KM

Time: 4h20m

Henry Ford Museum

The Henry Ford Museum is a large historical museum complex with indoor and outdoor exhibition areas. It is located in Dearborn, Michigan, USA. It was built in 1929 with the purpose of preserving American history as much as possible for future generations to visit and learn about, and to better understand the lives of Americans at that time. In fact, the entire complex also includes IMAX theaters, Green Village and other attractions.

General Motors Headquarters

The headquarters of General Motors, one of the largest automobile companies in the United States. Located on the Detroit River, the complex consists of seven buildings. It cost $500 million to build in the 1970s and still shows the prosperity of Detroit in those days. We will have the opportunity to appreciate many classic and high-end car models.

Transportation: Driving from Detroit to Toledo

Distance: 70KM

Time: 1h10m

Maumee Bay State Park

Maumee Bay State Park's landscape is created by the intersection of the land and Lake Erie, creating a unique atmosphere. Resort lodges, cabins and golf courses are set amidst picturesque meadows, wet woods and lush marshes. More than 300 bird species have been observed here.

Transportation: Driving from Toledo to Cleveland

Distance: 109KM

Time: 2h

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Day 2: Cleveland → Letchworth State Park → Buffalo → Niagara Falls

Letchworth State Park

Buffalo Naval Park

Buffalo City Hall

Today we will set off to Letchworth State Park, a vast park area known for its stunning scenery and hailed by many travelers and photographers as "one of the most picturesque areas in the eastern United States." Then go to the Naval Military Park on the shore of Lake Erie, where you can admire warships, airplanes, tanks, etc. Then we went to Buffalo City Hall, which has 32 floors. It is tall and iconic. It is one of the tallest municipal buildings in the United States and one of the tallest buildings in western New York State. Then head to taste authentic Buffalo wings and experience the unique flavor of this city. After dinner, you will get a close-up view of the night view of Niagara Falls and experience the charm of the falls in a unique way.

Itinerary:

Cleveland → Letchworth State Park (Mandatory, 90 mins) → Buffalo → Buffalo Naval Park (Optional, 30 mins) → Buffalo City Hall (outside visit, 15 mins) → Niagara Falls Night View Tour (Optional, 90 mins)

Special Note:

In order to ensure a better travel experience for guests and guarantee that they can watch the fireworks display of the waterfall on the same day (except for no fireworks display on that day).

Transportation: Driving from Cleveland to Letchworth State Park

Distance: 220KM

Time: 3h50m

Letchworth State Park

Letchworth State Park, renowned as the "Grand Canyon of the East," is one of the most scenically magnificent areas in the eastern U.S. The Genesee River roars through the gorge over three major waterfalls between cliffs--as high as 600 feet in some places--surrounded by lush forests.In 2015, Letchworth won the USA TODAY Readers' Choice Award for Best State Park in the United States! Letchworth came out on top of the 19 other state parks nominated for the contest, chosen from more than 6,000 parks across the nation.

Transportation: Driving from Letchworth State Park to Buffalo

Distance: 60KM

Time: 1h10m

Buffalo Naval Park

Buffalo Naval and Military Park is located on the shore of Lake Erie in downtown Buffalo. This place is more like a museum than a park. The "exhibits" here are three warships docked in the Buffalo River: USS Little Rock, USS The Sullivans, USS Croaker and USS PTF-17. Various monuments, airplanes, tanks, etc. stand on the lawns along the coast. For military fans, this is definitely one of the attractions you must visit.

Buffalo City Hall

Buffalo City Hall is the city hall of Buffalo, New York, USA. This Art Deco building was built in 1931. It has 32 floors. It is tall and iconic. It is one of the tallest municipal buildings in the United States and one of the tallest buildings in western New York State. When you walk into the building, the dome, painted murals, and huge sun patterns on the stained glass roof exude the ultimate charm of Art Deco! You can also climb to the top to overlook the city view and Lake Erie.

Niagara Falls Night View Tour

During the trip, we will go to [One Park, Two Islands, Three Falls], go deep into Niagara Falls Park, and see a wide variety of exotic flowers and trees up close; stand on two islands - Ram Island and Moon Island, and appreciate the magnificence of the Water of Thor from multiple angles in the dark; see the three major waterfalls - Horseshoe Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and American Falls, and feel the majestic momentum of nature presented by the different faces of the waterfalls under the illumination of colorful neon lights. At this time, don't forget to pick up your camera and take a photo with them.

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Day 3: Niagara Falls

Maid of the Mist

Cave of the Winds

Niagara SkyWheel

Niagara Falls Viewing Platform

Niagara Falls Cave of the Winds

Today you will have a whole day to explore Niagara Falls, known as the "Water of Thor". The abundant and vast water vapor shocked all the visitors who came to watch. There are many ways to visit the falls. You can look at it from the foreground observation deck. The most special way is to take the "Maid of the Mist" waterfall boat, shuttle between the turbulent waterfalls, into the confusing water mist, feel the thrilling sound of the waves, and the cleansing mist. You can choose to have waterfall activities in the beautiful or Canadian areas to experience the beauty of the waterfall from different angles!

Itinerary A (US Side):

Maid of the Mist (Optional, 1 hour) → Goat Island & Luna Island (45 mins) → Cave of the Winds (Optional, 1 hour) → Niagara Scenic Trolley (Ticket included, 15 mins)

or participate in itinerary B at your own expense (fee included: Niagara SkyWheel, Skylon Tower + Lunch, Journey Behind the Falls)

Itinerary B (Canada Side):

Maid of the Mist (Optional, 1 hour) → Transit Canada → Niagara SkyWheel (30 mins) → Skylon Tower + Lunch (75 mins) → Table Rock Centre (30 mins) → Journey Behind the Falls (30 mins) → Return to the US Side

Special Notes:

If you participate in Canada itinerary, a valid US passport or a valid passport along with your US green card is required. For those who do not have a US passport or green card, a valid passport along with a valid US visa AND a valid Canada visa are required.

Maid of The Mist

The Maid of the Mist is the most monumental boat trip in the United States since 1846. There is no better way to experience Niagara Falls in the United States. Put on a blue raincoat and take aboard the dreamy Maid of the Mist boat to experience the refreshing mist, surging waves, and roaring waterfalls produced by more than 2 million liters of water per second. As a unique fleet of yachts, under the skilled command of captains, they have been sailing safely in the waves of the Niagara Gorge for more than 100 years and have carried tens of millions of tourists directly into the depths of the misty water.

Cave of the Winds

The entrance to the Cave of the Winds is on Goat Island, where there is a small museum and a small cinema. You can then take an elevator down 53 meters in the Niagara Gorge cave to the bottom of the valley. Standing at the foot of the falls, looking up, you will see the falls rushing down with overwhelming momentum, which can't help but make people feel passionate and resonate with nature.

Niagara Scenic Trolley Tour

Start your Niagara Falls tour by tram! The tram takes you on a circular route from the Aquarium of Niagara Falls to Goat Island, with stops along the way. Visit popular attractions at the falls, from Old Fort State Park to jet boat rides!

Niagara SkyWheel

Soar 175-feet above Niagara Falls for the view of a lifetime! The Niagara SkyWheel is a totally unique sightseeing opportunity. As one of Canada’s largest observation wheel, The SkyWheel towers over the Niagara Falls horizon, treating you to unsurpassed views of the Horseshoe and American Falls, the Niagara River, Niagara Parks and other landmarks. The ride duration varies from eight (8) to twelve (12) minutes with spectacular aerial views for miles in every direction.

Skylon Tower

The Skylon Tower allows visitors to get a better view of Niagara Falls. It is the closest tower to the Horseshoe Falls. It is over 100 meters high. Half of the elevator leading to the observation deck on the top of the tower is inlaid with glass, so you can enjoy the scenery while the elevator is going up and down. There are theaters and game venues in the tower, and the top floor is a revolving restaurant. You will have the opportunity to enjoy a meal in the famous 360-degree revolving restaurant, or enjoy a more family-friendly casual dining in the Summit Suite buffet restaurant in the tower. The beautiful scenery is in full view. Whether it is a romantic meal for two or a family vacation, you can enjoy the luxurious and superior dining environment and world-class culinary cuisine! During the dining period, Ride-to-the-Top and Indoor/Outdoor Observation Deck Niagara Falls are free to enter.

Table Rock Centre

At the edge of the Horseshoe Falls you’ll find the famous Table Rock Complex, where millions of people from around the world travel every year for a first-class view of the majestic Niagara Falls. The "Table Rock" got its name from a large rock shelf that used to sit a little further north of where the Table Rock Complex stands today. It has fabulous lookout points that place you mere yards away from the thundering Horseshoe Falls. From here, you will experience the thrill of watching 2,800 cubic meters of water crash down to the base of the Falls below. Experience a two-level indoor viewing gallery called the Grand Hall, where a panoramic views of the falls can be appreciated up close!

Journey Behind the Falls

This is one of Niagara's oldest tourist hotspots. Take the elevator down 125 feet and through a short tunnel you will reach two outdoor observation decks and two entrances directly behind the falls. Walk to the upper and lower observation decks to experience the magic of Horseshoe Falls from directly below the falls. You will experience the spectacular sight of one-fifth of the world's fresh water rushing into the basin below. The height at the foot of the observation deck may make you "wet" or amazed, but don't forget that after all this, one-fifth of the world's fresh water, Niagara Falls, a must-see in a lifetime, will appear before your eyes!

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Day 4: Cleveland → Chicago

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Today we will set off for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, located on the shores of Lake Erie, one of the five Great Lakes. Here you can see the records and performance costumes left behind by well-known music stars, and feel the musical atmosphere of that era. Then head to Cuyahoga Valley National Park, where you’ll be surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, including waterfalls, rolling mountains, caves, and winding, rugged rivers. Finally, drive back to Chicago.

Itinerary:

Cleveland → Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (Optional, 30 mins) → Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Mandatory, 30 mins) → Chicago

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is dedicated to the memory of the most celebrated and influential artists, producers, engineers, and others who have influenced the music industry in some significant way through rock and roll. Like the Cleveland Music Festival, the Hall of Fame comes alive with the energy, passion, and soul of music. The 150,000 square foot museum features seven floors and four theaters for films, special events, free public programs, and a variety of changing exhibitions.

Transportation: Travel by car from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Distance: 30KM

Time: 35m

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is an American national park that preserves and reclaims the rural landscape along the Cuyahoga River between Akron and Cleveland in Northeast Ohio. Cuyahoga Valley features natural, man-made, and private attractions, which is unusual for an American national park. The natural areas include forests, rolling hills, narrow ravines, wetlands, rivers, and waterfalls. About 100 waterfalls are located in the Cuyahoga Valley. The park has many trails, most notably the 20-mile (32 km) Towpath Trail, which follows a former stretch of the 308-mile (496 km) Ohio and Erie Canal and is popular for hiking, bicycling, and running. Animals found in the park include raccoons, muskrats, coyotes, skunks, red foxes, beavers, peregrine falcons, river otters, bald eagles, opossums, three species of moles, white-tailed deer, Canada geese, gray foxes, minks, great blue herons, and seven species of bats.

Transportation: Travel by car from Cuyahoga Valley National Park to Chicago

Distance: 370KM

Time: 6h