Take a break from the world and immerse yourself in the “Crown Jewels of Lake Superior,” the Apostle Islands. Experience several of these gems - scenic archipelago of twenty-one islands by land and water, marveling at the famous red sandstone sea caves, crystal-clear waters, scenic overlooks with lush greenery, historic lighthouses, and nature-carved rock formations while lodging steps away from windswept beaches. A visit to Wisconsin wouldn’t be complete without stopping to pick up some cheese before heading home.
• Explore the history and beauty of the Apostle Islands, the “Jewels of Lake Superior.”
• Three-night stay in Scenic Ashland, WI on the shores of Lake Superior
• Discover the award-winning exhibitions in the National Medal recipient, Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum
• Enjoy a Swiss experience in New Glarus at the Chalet Landaus
DAY 1: CENTRAL IOWA
The day starts in Springfield, MO as we board our deluxe motor coach. We will collect fellow Sunrise travelers in the Kansas City area and continue north to Central Iowa. We will share a welcome dinner this evening. D
DAY 2: ASHLAND ON LAKE SUPERIOR
Today we will continue our northward journey through Minnesota and into Wisconsin along Lake Superior. Tonight is our first of three nights in Ashland’s premier resort on the South shore, The Hotel Chequamegon. B, D
DAY 3: APOSTLE ISLANDS
We travel to Bayfield, WI and embark on a relaxing cruise among the Apostle Islands, so named by the missionaries who thought there were 12 islands (in reality, there are 22). Sparkling clear waters, historic lighthouses, spectacular sea caves, extraordinary rocky outcrops, captain’s stories and informative commentary are part of this memorable experience. Later, enjoy a 3-course lunch at the elegant Victorian Old Rittenhouse Inn before enjoying some free time in the area. B, L
DAY 4: MADELINE ISLAND
This morning, we will take a ferry to beautiful Madeline Island, the only Apostle Island inhabited year-round. Join a local guide on a tour of the island and museum, see a weaving demonstration, have a great pub lunch, and have time for some shopping before heading back to the mainland this afternoon. B, L
DAY 5: CENTRAL WISCONSIN
We leave our beautiful surroundings on Lake Superior to journey south. We stop to visit the internationally recognized Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum and explore its exceptional galleries. Enjoy dinner before an overnight stay in a Swiss-inspired Chalet in New Glarus, Wisconsin. B, D
DAY 6: NEW GLARUS/DES MOINES
Before leaving this charming Swiss Village, we pay a visit to the Swiss Historical Village Museum and learn the unique story of the founding of New Glarus in 1845. Of course, no trip to Wisconsin is complete without a stop to pick up Madeline Island Ferry Chalet Landaus cheese! Visit the Alp & Dell Cheese shop and listen for yodeling before arriving in Des Moines, IA, for the night. A mangers reception is available for you this evening, or you can enjoy the onsite restaurant. B
DAY 7: RETURN HOME
Our last day together will be spent reliving the great adventure we have in wonderful Wisconsin! There will be a stop to drop our friends from the Kansas City area before continuing to Springfield, MO. B
ACCOMMODATIONS
Night 1: Hampton Inn & Suites, Mason City, IA
Nights 2-4: The Best Western Hotel Chequamegon, Bayfield, WI
Night 5: Chalet Landaus Inn, New Glarus, WI
Night 6: Embassy Suites, Des Moines, IA
Dates
- Depart: July 19, 2025
- Return: July 25, 2025
Price Per Person
- Double $1,999
- Triple/Quad $1,799
- Single $2,579
Helpful Hints
The Hotel Chequamegon in Ashland is just steps from several local shops and restaurants. The marina is also within easy walking distance; here the sunrises and sunsets can be spectacular!
Located on Lake Superior, Chequamegon Bay covers over 33,000 acres- that must be why the official slogan is “Find yourself next to the water”.
During your free time, be sure to take in the main business district of Ashland, WI. This 8- block area is listed on the National Registry of Historic places and features a fascinating trip through history via more than 20 different murals.
Weather
Average temperatures in Northern Wisconsin range from highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s; a light rain jacket is recommended.
Other General Information
We will send 3 key communications for your tour; “Get Ready” is your email confirmation and initial tour information sent upon registration, “Get Set” email will be sent about two months before departure, “Go” trip documentation mailing is sent via USPS 3-4 weeks before departure and will include your daily itinerary, luggage tags and final departure information.
Travel Protection is optional and highly recommended and can be purchased until the day before departure. We offer Travel Guard from AIG, which costs 8.5% of your tour, information about which will be sent with your Get Ready email.
Unless otherwise noted, your Sunrise Tour includes: Professional Sunrise Tour Director, meals as indicated, local step on guides including gratuity (international tour guide gratuity inclusion vary by tour), deluxe motorcoach transportation w/rest room, admission to activities and events as indicated, airfare from designated airports, transportation to/from designated airports from our convenient local pickup points*, luggage handling at hotels when available
We believe tipping is a personal and discretionary interaction between our guests and our staff. A typical gratuity for your Sunrise Tour Director and motorcoach driver may be $5-$7per person, per day on tour. Sunrise Shuttle drivers appreciate gratuities (suggest $5 per person) for excellent service as well. Our staff will not solicit gratuities or pass out envelopes.
We are happy to offer refreshments on most motorcoach travel days on tour. We recommend you bring a refillable water bottle to maintain healthy hydration.
If less than 4 people request a pickup point, we may ask that you choose another pickup point from which to join your Sunrise Tour.
If you would like to join a tour from a city not listed as a departure point, we would love to have you along! Please discuss arrangements with our friendly reservation team. From a departure city not listed, typical airfare will be +$100 higher than our published fare for domestic tours, and +$200 for international tours.
If you have a TSA precheck or Airline Rewards numbers, you MUST give those numbers to our reservations team at least 60 days before departure, otherwise they may not be applied.
Preferred seating may not be available on group air. In some cases, seats are not assigned until the airport. Your tour fare includes an economy seat on the flight; it does not include seat selection. Seat upgrades may be available at an additional cost.
To help make our tours the most comfortable in the business, we limit Sunrise Tours motorcoaches to 80% capacity, or 44 passengers on a coach built for 55. We reserve the right to amend this practice.
Your Tour Director will rotate seats on the motorcoach each day of your tour. A single fare does not guarantee two seats on coach; you may be seated next to another friendly Sunrise Tours guest.
Terms and Conditions
Please refer to our policies HERE for more information on our terms and conditions.
