Michigan, United States
Wine tours from $69, sightseeing cruises, and day trips to Sleeping Bear Dunes—what each one really includes.
Wine tours are the main draw in Traverse City, making up about 70% of the 64 experiences on offer. Most tours fall in the $60–$100 range, with 64% of all options priced under $100 and only 3% below $40. Sailing trips and day tours to Sleeping Bear Dunes round out the top choices.
The best-reviewed tours consistently feature knowledgeable local guides, clear itineraries, and time spent at multiple stops. 97% of all tours are rated 4 stars or better, and almost all confirm instantly when booked. Free cancellation is the norm, with 91% of tours offering it.
Traverse City’s catalogue is built around wine: over half the tours are wine-focused, with several offering visits to three or four wineries in a single afternoon for $69–$89. Sailing cruises and day trips to Sleeping Bear Dunes are the next most-booked, with water tours starting at $49 and day trips to the dunes at $169. Only 3% of tours are rated below 4 stars, so low satisfaction is rare.
Most people pay $60–$100 for a half-day tour, with just 6% of options under $40 and 28% over $200. Private tours and charters are available but make up a smaller share, with higher prices. Almost all tours confirm instantly and include free cancellation, except for a handful of sailing trips with stricter terms.
Wine tours differ in what’s included: some cover tasting fees or a bottle, others charge extra at each stop. Sailing trips typically include drinks and snacks, but check whether meals are part of the price. Day trips to the dunes include lunch and all fees.
| Private and Luxury | 55 | $125 |
Wine tours suit most visitors, especially those looking for a social afternoon with stops at multiple wineries. The $69–$89 range covers most group tours, which typically include transportation and a guide, but tasting fees are often extra—expect $8–$15 per stop. Some tours, like the four-winery option, include a Yeti cooler and premium bus, while others offer a complimentary bottle or more personal service. If you want to avoid driving, group tours are the most practical, but private tours or designated driver services are available for a higher price.
Sailing cruises appeal to those wanting a scenic experience on the bay. The $49 sightseeing cruise is the most affordable way onto the water, but food and drinks cost extra. For a splurge, the $189–$229 sails include local food, wine, and cocktails, with a focus on relaxing and socializing. Day trips to Sleeping Bear Dunes, at $169, cover lunch, snacks, and all entry fees, making them a good value for a full-day outing.
For small groups or families, the rickshaw tour offers a private city overview for $159 per bike (up to three people), with a local guide and flexible pickup. Self-guided options exist but are less popular, with only 3% of tours under $40 and limited inclusions.
Where reviews are critical, it’s often about missed expectations. Some wine tours have been criticized for not following the advertised itinerary or not including promised stops (wine tours). A few sailing trips have disappointed when weather led to cancellations or when the food didn’t match the price (sailing cruises). The rickshaw tour has several complaints of no-shows. On the ghost tour, a few reviews mention outdoor-only routes in cold weather and last-minute time changes.
Almost all Traverse City tours confirm instantly—59 out of 60 measured—so last-minute bookings are possible for most. However, sunset sailing cruises and rickshaw tours are flagged as likely to sell out, especially in peak months.
Free cancellation is standard on 91% of tours, but sailing trips often have stricter terms with no refunds. For popular wine tours and sunset cruises, booking at least a week ahead is safest, especially on weekends.
The only walking tour focused on Traverse City's haunted history.
4.8 ★ · 142 reviews · 1 h 30 min
Includes Haunted Traverse Tour Co.'s Tours are hosted by experienced local guides · 100% Outdoor Walking Tour · History of Traverse City
The only sightseeing cruise on the bay, offering views not available from land tours.
4.8 ★ · 243 reviews · 2 h
Includes Restroom on board
Priced per vehicle for up to three, making it a better deal for small groups.
4.5 ★ · 77 reviews · 1 h
Includes All Fees and Taxes · Driver · Pedicab
35 min at the stops, of 1 h in total
The only wine tour that includes a complimentary bottle of wine with every reservation.
5.0 ★ · 545 reviews · 4 h
Includes Every Reservation gets a complimentary bottle of wine! · Wine Samples/Splashes ARE available on our tour- flights, bottles, food are extra · Luxury SUV - GMC Yukon/Chevrolet Suburban - Cadillac Escalade
Combines wine and distillery stops, unlike the other wine-only tours.
5.0 ★ · 126 reviews · 4 h
Includes Wine Samples/Splashes ARE available on our tour- flights, bottles, food are extra · Luxury SUV - GMC Yukon/Chevrolet Suburban - coming soon Cadillac Escalade · NON PARTY BUS - semi private, we combine couples, groups of 6-7 most likely have their own
55 min at the stops, of 4 h in total
Offers a premium limo-style bus, while others use standard vehicles.
4.9 ★ · 264 reviews · 4 h
Includes Yeti Style Cooler for Customer Use · Premium Limo Style Bus · Local Tour Guide
3 h at the stops, of 4 h in total
The only tour with over 2,500 reviews, far more feedback than any other listed.
4.9 ★ · 2,672 reviews · 5 h
Includes Yeti Style Cooler for Customer Use · Premium Limo Style Bus · Local Tour Guide
4 h at the stops, of 5 h in total
Focuses on the Leelanau Peninsula, while others visit Old Mission.
4.9 ★ · 435 reviews · 5 h
Includes Drinking and Snacking is allowed on the bus · Appointments (Not reservations) are made by Magic Shuttle Bus for all customers on the tou · Air-conditioned vehicle
4 h at the stops, of 5 h in total
The only tour that includes lunch, snacks, and drinks in the price.
4.9 ★ · 95 reviews · 6 h
Includes Private transportation · All Fees and Taxes · Snacks, drinks and lunch included.
5 h at the stops, of 6 h in total
Offers hands-on sailing plus local food and drinks, unlike the other water tours.
4.9 ★ · 185 reviews · 2 h 30 min
Includes Hands-on sailing. · Sample local fare from fan favorite local restaurants · Enjoy local beer, spirits and wine
The only sunset sail that includes a full charcuterie board and signature cocktails.
4.8 ★ · 246 reviews · 2 h 30 min
Includes Includes wine tasting, local beer, cider, and Wind Dancer signature cocktails by TC Whiske · Local cheese and crackers, elevated charcuterie board, award winning Great Lakes Potato Ch · Snacks made from some of Traverse City's favorite makers.
Lets you use your own car with a designated driver, which none of the others offer.
4.8 ★ · 188 reviews · 5 h
Includes Custom Itinerary with Reservations where needed · Designated Driver for 5 Hours
10 min at the stops, of 5 h in total
Sold by Viator. Prices and review counts checked on 10/09/2026.
Most group wine tours do not include tasting fees; expect to pay $8–$15 per stop. Some tours include a complimentary bottle or sample, but check each listing for details.
Most tours confirm instantly and can be booked last-minute. However, sunset sails and rickshaw tours may sell out, so booking a week ahead is recommended for those.
Day trips to Sleeping Bear Dunes include private transportation, lunch, snacks, and all entry fees. The tour lasts about six hours with most of the time spent at the dunes.
Most sailing cruises have stricter cancellation terms and do not offer refunds. Check the cancellation policy before booking, especially for sunset sails.
Most tours are priced between $60 and $100. Only 6% are under $40, and 28% are over $200, mainly private charters or specialty experiences.
Yes, sightseeing cruises and some wine tours welcome families. The rickshaw tour accommodates up to three people per bike and can be a fun way to see the city.
Most complaints are about missed stops or itinerary changes on wine tours, no-shows on rickshaw tours, and cancellations or limited food on sailing trips.
Many wine tours, cruises, and the rickshaw tour offer hotel pickup. Check the specific listing for availability and details.
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