The Great Lakes
Discover the majestic waters of the Great Lakes, five awe-inspiring, crystal-clear bodies of water that stretch across eight USA states and the Province of Ontario. Explore its stunning 10,000 miles of shoreline, sail across its crystal blue waters, relax on its sandy beaches and get immersed in its idyllic lakeside towns and vibrant cities from the sweet sounds of Motown in Detroit, the jaw-dropping Chicago skyline and the rock ‘n’ roll city of Cleveland.
At a glance
- Largest group of freshwater lakes in the world
- Interesting lakefront cities of Chicago, Green Bay and Cleveland
- Incredible shoreline dotted with picturesque islands, lighthouses, beautiful beaches and stunning vistas
Special Offers
Take a look at our selection of special offers from across America

Save up to £850 per booking
Book by 31st July and take advantage of our exclusive savings
Enjoy savings of up to £850 on your America holiday, plus enjoy an included rail upgrade and 10GB of data on us.
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10GB of FREE data
Stay connected with up to 10GB of FREE data
Stream, surf, and share more with up to 10GB data on us. Book by 31st July 2025.
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Best time to visit the Great Lakes
The best time to visit the Great Lakes depends on your priorities and the activities you're interested in.
In spring (May-June) there's blossoming nature, temperate weather ideal for hiking, birdwatching (especially in May during migration), and exploring areas like Sleeping Bear Dunes. Water temperatures are still cool, but it's great for scenic beauty. Be aware of mosquitoes during June.
Autumn (September-October) has stunning autumn foliage (especially in Michigan's Upper Peninsula by mid-October), comfortable temperatures for hiking and other outdoor activities, and beautiful lighthouse photography opportunities.
Summer (June-August) is universally hailed as the best time for water activities (boating, swimming, kayaking), warmest weather, and the most vibrant atmosphere with numerous festivals and events. July and August are the warmest months.
Winter (December-February) is the time to go if you enjoy winter sports like snowmobiling, skiing, snowshoeing, or ice climbing. The scenery can be beautiful with snow and ice.
Contact our travel experts to start planning your holiday to the Great Lakes
Contact usRecommended holidays
Explore a collection of our handpicked Great Lakes holidays below

Architecture, Music & The French Quarter
This holiday showcases the USA’s rich musical heritage of bluegrass, country, rock 'n' roll, rhythm 'n' blues and soul.
10 Nights From
£1,373
ppOverview
This holiday showcases the USA’s rich musical heritage of bluegrass, country, rock 'n' roll, rhythm 'n' blues and soul.
What’s included?
- International flights from the UK in economy class
- Accommodation for 9 nights
- Amtrak from Chicago to Memphis and Memphis to New Orleans in Coach class

Great Lakes Explorer
Centred around some of the world’s most amazing natural wonders, this trip will take you to three of the Great Lakes and Great Lake states
13 Nights From
£1,948
ppOverview
Centred around some of the world’s most amazing natural wonders, this trip will take you to three of the Great Lakes and Great Lake states
What’s included?
- International flights from the UK based on economy class
- Accommodation for 13 nights
- 12 days intermediate car hire with insurance coverage, unlimited mileage and taxes

Route 66 – Classic Americana
Passing through eight states and covering three time zones, Route 66 is the classic self-drive trip that gives great insight into a journey well-travelled.
15 Nights From
£2,000
ppOverview
Passing through eight states and covering three time zones, Route 66 is the classic self-drive trip that gives great insight into a journey well-travelled.
What’s included?
- International flights from the UK based on economy class
- Accommodation for 15 nights
- 14 days intermediate car hire with fully inclusive insurance, unlimited mileage and taxes

America's Music Cities
Travel from the windy city of Chicago, along famous Route 66 to New Orleans the home of jazz music. Other highlights include the music cities of Memphis, Nashville, and Muscle Shoals.
15 Nights From
£2,087
ppOverview
Travel from the windy city of Chicago, along famous Route 66 to New Orleans the home of jazz music. Other highlights include the music cities of Memphis, Nashville, and Muscle Shoals.
What’s included?
- International flights from the UK based on economy class
- Accommodation for 15 nights
- Graceland Elvis Experience Tour including Airplanes
- 10 days intermediate car hire with insurance coverage, unlimited mileage, and taxes

The Ultimate Michigan & Great Lakes Explorer
This trip will take you to all five of the Great Lakes including three Great Lake States plus the Canadian Province of Ontario. From pristine waters to remarkable national parks, there is so much to explore and discover on this amazing holiday.
16 Nights From
£2,448
ppOverview
This trip will take you to all five of the Great Lakes including three Great Lake States plus the Canadian Province of Ontario. From pristine waters to remarkable national parks, there is so much to explore and discover on this amazing holiday.
What’s included?
- International flights from the UK based on economy class
- Accommodation for 16 nights
- 15 days compact car hire with fully inclusive insurance, unlimited mileage and taxes

Discover Route 66 by Rail
Ride the rails from Chicago to Los Angeles and get your kicks on Route 66.
15 Nights From
£2,656
ppOverview
Ride the rails from Chicago to Los Angeles and get your kicks on Route 66.
What’s included?
- International flights departing from the UK based in economy class
- Accommodation for 15 nights
- Amtrak train from Chicago to St Louis in Coach class
- Amtrak overnight train from St Louis to Albuquerque in Coach class
- Amtrak train from Albuquerque to Flagstaff in Coach class
- Return Amtrak transfers from Flagstaff to Williams
- Amtrak overnight train from Williams to Los Angeles in Coach class
- One day Chicago Hop on/off Bus tour
- 90-minute St Louis Narrated Trolley Tour
- Round trip Grand Canyon Railway from Williams to the Grand Canyon
- One day Los Angeles Hop-on Hop-off Bus tour

Journey Across the USA by Rail
Perfect for rail enthusiasts and for non-drivers this epic coast to coast rail tour includes the iconic and much-loved cities of New York, Washington DC, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco and the awe-inspiring wonder of the Grand Canyon.
18 Nights From
£3,483
ppOverview
Perfect for rail enthusiasts and for non-drivers this epic coast to coast rail tour includes the iconic and much-loved cities of New York, Washington DC, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco and the awe-inspiring wonder of the Grand Canyon.
What’s included?
- International flights departing from the UK in economy class.
- Accommodation for 18 nights
- Amtrak train from New York to Washington DC in Coach Class
- Amtrak overnight Floridian from Washington DC to Chicago staying in a roomette
- Amtrak overnight Southwest Chief from Chicago to Flagstaff staying in a roomette
- Amtrak overnight Southwest Chief from Flagstaff to Los Angeles staying in a roomette
- Amtrak Coast Starlight from Los Angeles to Emeryville in Coach Class
- Amtrak coach from Emeryville to San Francisco
- One day hop on/off bus tour of New York
- One day hop on/off bus tour of Washington DC
- One day hop on/off bus tour of Chicago
- Full day Grand Canyon tour from Flagstaff
- One day hop on/off bus tour of Los Angeles
- Two day hop on/off bus tour of San Francisco including Alcatraz

Chicago, Beale Street, The Mighty Mississippi & New Orleans
A journey taking you from cosmopolitan Chicago through to the southern states of the US by rail and on river, visiting places that shaped world music and left no-one untouched!
17 Nights From
£6,022
ppOverview
A journey taking you from cosmopolitan Chicago through to the southern states of the US by rail and on river, visiting places that shaped world music and left no-one untouched!
What’s included?
- International flights from the UK in economy class
- Accommodation for 8 nights
- Amtrak from Chicago to Memphis in a bedroom accommodation
- 1 night pre-cruise hotel accommodation including breakfast in Memphis
- 7 nights on board American Cruise Lines in an outside cabin
- All inclusive on American Cruise Lines including all meals, snacks, non-alcoholic and selected alcoholic beverages
- Shared transfer between Memphis hotel and cruise terminal
- One standard shore excursion in each port of call
- Gratuities on board American Cruise Lines