Embark on a one-of-a-kind tour
With Wander with Direction’s Traverse City Wine Tours—where the journey is as memorable as the destination. Our custom-tailored boutique tours invite you to experience Northern Michigan’s breathtaking landscapes, vibrant wineries, and beyond—all from the charm of a vintage 1975 VW Bus.
More than just Traverse City Wine Tours!
Wander offers personalized experiences
Whether you’re looking to sip local wines, ciders, beers, and craft spirits, roll out a yoga mat on a scenic overlook, capture the beauty of the region with a plein air watercolor session, or hunt for Petoskey stones along the shore, we’ll craft the perfect itinerary for your dream day.
With options for 4, 5, or 6 hour private tours accommodating up to six guests, your experience is completely customizable. After you secure your date I’ll send you my adventure planning form to map out your ideal day. Relax, explore, and make unforgettable memories with Wander with Direction.
Hi There!
I’m Deb, and I’ll be your tour guide and adventure partner.
I can’t wait to help you have an extraordinary day exploring Northern Michigan.
My private VW Bus tours are all about embracing the charm of a true vintage ride. This isn’t just transportation—it’s an authentic way to explore the beauty of Old Mission and Leelanau while soaking in the nostalgia and quirks of a classic vehicle. Whether you’re looking for a wine-tasting journey, a scenic getaway, or a curated non-alcoholic experience, I’m here to craft your dream adventure.
Meet Atlas
1975 VW Bus
Atlas is my iconic 1975 VW Bus, featuring 23 windows and a fold-back sunroof for epic panoramic views. With its sleek white leather interior and nostalgic charm, Atlas provides a stylish ride for up to six guests (two bench seats, three people per bench). A group of four will ride extra comfortably.
Whether you’re cruising along scenic wine trails or exploring charming local destinations, this vintage ride ensures an unforgettable journey. Atlas provides a true vintage feel – A manual transmission, no power steering, no heat, and no A/C. Just pure nostalgia, photo ops galore, and open-road vibes.
Let’s Dig into the Details
Private & Personalized Tours
- Adults Only – All guests must be 21 and over.
- Tailor Your Trip – Choose from one of my thoughtfully designed wine tour routes, or let’s collaborate to create a custom itinerary. As a general rule, there is about 1 hour of culminated drive time and approximately 1 hour to enjoy each stop. So, for example, a 4-hour tour will have three stops.
- Food-Focused Fun – I recommend that every tour includes a food stop to keep you feeling great while making the most of the experience.
- Beyond Wine & Beer – While I specialize in wine, beer, and spirit tours, I’m also thrilled to offer non-alcoholic tours and adventures.
- Want a bit of both? Consider pairing an outdoor activity like hiking, yoga, or Petoskey stone hunting with a relaxing stop at a local winery as the final destination to unwind and celebrate the day.
- Outdoor Activities – Looking for something extra special? I also offer private outdoor yoga classes, Plein Air watercolor classes, scenic driving vista tours, guided hiking experiences, and Petoskey stone hunting to enhance your adventure and connect you with the beauty of the area.
Pricing
- $125 per hour with a minimum booking of 4 hours.
- Private Outdoor Yoga Class – Add a session for $25 per person. Yoga classes take place in the morning before it gets too hot, and the location depends on availability. All gear provided.
- Plein Air Watercolor Class – Add a guided postcard painting session for $50 per person. All art materials are provided.
Respect the Ride, Respect the Guide
I’m all about having a great time, but safety and respect come first. This vintage bus is a treasured piece of history, and I kindly ask that guests treat it with care. To ensure a safe and smooth experience for everyone, all guests must sign a waiver before departure (link provided upon booking).
Booking Process
- From your group, choose a ‘Host’, the person responsible for being the main point of contact.
- Click Here to Reserve Your Date. I only offer one tour per day, giving my guests flexibility on tour start time.
- Plan Your Adventure – After the date is confirmed, I’ll email you a page with a fun form to help design your dream tour.
- Finalize Details – We’ll have a quick chat to confirm the itinerary, answer any questions, and collect credit card info for payment and as a security hold.
- Wavier Signing – All guests must be over the age of 21 and must sign a waiver before the start of the tour. A link will be provided once payment is received.
Cancellation Policy
After completing your booking, you may cancel your tour for a full 100% refund up to 4 days before your scheduled date. Cancellations made 3 days in advance will receive a 50% refund, while cancellations within 2 days of the tour are non-refundable.
Wander with Direction reserves the right to cancel a tour at any time for any reason. In the rare event that the tour must be canceled, you will receive a full refund along with a sincere apology.