Per person, from €1859 in low season and from €2059 in high season.
Based on two persons traveling together sharing a double room.

What's included?

• 14 overnights in standard hotels

• Your digital roadbook (day-by-day programme)

Not included

• Your international flight and rental car

• Optional excursions, tips, meals and drinks and personal expenses

Travel Documents

• Travel documents: All Belgian nationals* (children and babies included) must be in possession of an international e-passport (biometric) containing min. 2 blank pages, valid at day of entry and during the entire stay. Connections recommends to let common sense prevail and to build in some slack in terms of validity. Often unforeseen circumstances (weather factors, volcanoes, and threats all kinds) are the cause of a mandatory postponed return date. A credit card is required upon check-in at the hotels and also when renting a car.Please keep this in mind. We strongly recommend you to print out the Esta- or Eta permit and to have it on you while you travel to avoid problems.

• All passengers who travel to and /or via the U.S. must apply for an electronic travel authorization at least 72 hours prior to departure. The ESTA ($ 40) procedure must be requested via the official website link https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov and paid by a personal credit card only.

• Travellers who have visited Cuba since 12 January 2021 or who wish to travel to Cuba prior to a visit to the United States are not eligible for ESTA and must apply for a US visa at a US Consulate before travelling to the US.

• Travellers with a non-Belgian nationality and / or travellers travelling on a foreign passport are invited to spontaneously report this matter to the Connections travel consultant and shall contact their respective embassy (s) or Consulate (ate) to obtain the latest updates concerning all current travel requirements and documents. They must apply for an electronic travel authorization at least 72 hours prior to departure via the official website link https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov and pay by a personal credit card only.

Insurances

Have a safe and carefree trip: travel fully insured with our Protections travel insurance! Our Protections insurance policies offer various formulas in order to offer you the widest possible cover (with even a fly-on-time, natural catastrophes and epidemics) for both single journeys or for the entire year. We guarantee you the best protection at the best price.

Health

No mandatory vaccinations. To verify the latest updates on health requirements, please surf to https://www.itg.be.
Medical interventions and costs can soon become outrageous in the U.S.A. Reflect before leaving and subscribe a decent travel insurance. Our protections All-in Premier insurance was especially designed specifically for travel to the U.S.A. and provides ample cover for all major calamities (fly-on-time and natural disasters included)!

Time zones

The United States span 4 time zones:

• Eastern (- 6 h)

• Central (- 7 h)

• Mountain (- 8 h)

• Pacific (- 9 h)

Payments methods

A personal credit card is required upon check-in at the hotels and also when renting a car. The most convenient method of payment is by credit card but cash euros and dollars in small amount come in handy. Inform yourself timely, as from January 15, 2015 your Visa and/or MasterCard credit card (and possibly other types of credit cards) has automatically been set to "not for use in the US, for US car rental agencies and during cruises under the American flag".

You must then apply for a release of your credit card. This may be done prior to your arrival in the U.S. (in your bank branch or via the telephone number listed on the back of your credit card or by means of a special form available for PC banking) as well as after arrival in the US (through a withdrawal at an ATM. Please note, in this case there will be a transaction fee charged to your account). The same applies to the Maestro function in your bank card.

The Five Great Lakes of North America

These lakes form the largest freshwater system in the world — bigger than some European countries. Lake Superior is the largest and deepest, known for its rugged coastline and crystal-clear waters. Lake Michigan, the only lake entirely within the U.S., boasts pristine beaches and impressive dunes. A road trip around the Great Lakes introduces you to stunning natural scenery and the rich cultural heritage of American and Canadian communities that line the shores.

Chicago – The Windy City

Start your adventure in Chicago, a metropolis on Lake Michigan’s shores with a dazzling skyline. Explore Millennium Park and its famous “Bean,” shop along the Magnificent Mile, and immerse yourself in world-class museums like the Art Institute and the Field Museum. Don't miss the deep-dish pizza or a classic Chicago-style hotdog. Navy Pier is fun for the whole family, and a boat tour gives you incredible views of the city’s architecture from the water.

Mackinac Island – A Step Back in Time

Mackinac Island is a magical, car-free island between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Explore on foot, by bike, or horse-drawn carriage through streets lined with Victorian homes. Visit historic Fort Mackinac and the iconic Grand Hotel, with its record-breaking veranda. Stunning coastline views, natural formations like Arch Rock, and locally made fudge make this a truly memorable stop.

Toronto and Niagara Falls

No Great Lakes journey is complete without visiting Toronto and Niagara Falls. Toronto, a vibrant city on Lake Ontario, delights with multicultural neighborhoods, the towering CN Tower, and bustling markets like St. Lawrence Market. Just 90 minutes away, the roaring Niagara Falls await. Feel the spray on a boat tour (Hornblower or Maid of the Mist) and explore the surrounding state park. Don’t miss the nearby vineyards — ideal for a relaxing break after the excitement.

Travel Tips for Your Great Lakes Adventure

The best time to travel is from May to October, when the weather is mild and nature is at its best. Be prepared to cross the U.S.–Canada border multiple times, so carry a valid passport and possibly an eTA for Canada. Book your stays in advance — especially on Mackinac Island. A rental car gives you full flexibility, but check ferry schedules and parking info ahead of time. Weather near the lakes can change quickly, so pack layers even in summer.