LAKE ANN BUS TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Cruise the Leelanau Peninsula in a Restored 1975 VW Samba — Slow, Scenic, Singular
A private, 4–6 hour tour from Wander with Direction that places you in Atlas, a 1975 VW microbus, for curated stops along Leelanau’s wine trails, towns, and viewpoints.
Cruise the Leelanau Peninsula in a Restored 1975 VW Samba — Slow, Scenic, Singular.
Hop into Atlas, a restored 1975 Volkswagen Type 2 Samba, and spend a relaxed half-day tracing the Leelanau Peninsula’s wine trails and charming towns. Wander with Direction’s private VW Bus Tour blends panoramic lake-adjacent views, deliberate local stops, and the unmistakable nostalgia of a vintage microbus to create an immersive, small-group experience.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Atlas: a 1975 VW Type 2 Samba
Riding in Atlas is part of the trip — a fully restored 23-window 1975 Brazilian Deluxe Kombi with a manual transmission and vintage quirks that make the journey as memorable as the destinations.
Curated Stops on the Leelanau Peninsula
Tours are seasonally curated to mix wine tastings, food stops, art experiences, and scenic viewpoints — a flexible itinerary shaped around your interests to balance discovery and leisure.
A Slow, Convertible-Like Drive
With the moon roof and open-air feeling, the tour emphasizes fresh lake air, sweeping views, and the easy pace of a private, convertible-like ride that invites lingering at handpicked local favorites.
What the day feels like
What the Day Feels Like
Over a 4–6 hour window you settle into bench seats in a restored VW microbus while your driver-curator guides a private route across Leelanau’s wine trail and nearby towns. Expect a mix of planned tastings or non-alcoholic alternatives, food and art stops, and scenic pullouts; each tour is designed around your interests so the day feels deliberate, unhurried, and tailored.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this private VW Bus Tour works best for — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Private tours run approximately 4–6 hours.
Pickup is provided; the operator will travel roughly 30 minutes in any direction from Lake Ann for pickup without adding billable time—longer distances may incur extra tour time charges.
Dress in layers; bring hair ties or a hat for wind in the open roof; carry water or beverages in sealed containers since there are no cup holders onboard.
Atlas is a restored vintage vehicle with manual transmission, no power steering, no A/C or heat, and a loud engine; the moon roof is either fully open or closed, and the bus is not suitable for severe-weather driving.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How many guests does the VW microbus hold?
Maximum guests is 6 people; there are two bench seats that seat three average adults each. Although an extra spill-over passenger seat exists, the guest cap remains six to ensure the vehicle can manage local hills.
How far will you travel for pick up?
The operator lives in Lake Ann and will travel approximately 30 minutes in any direction to pick up your party; longer distances may require added, billable tour time.
Can we add extra time to the tour on the fly?
Possibly. Depending on the operator’s schedule, extra time can be added for a fee; the provider typically plans only one tour per day, which makes extensions feasible but subject to availability.
Are children allowed on the tour?
No. For liability reasons related to lap seat belts, insurance, and waivers, guests younger than 18 are not permitted.
What are the age requirements?
Guests on wine tours must be at least 21 years old; guests on non-alcoholic tours must be at least 18 years old.
What make and model is Atlas?
Atlas is a 1975 Volkswagen Type 2 Brazilian Deluxe Kombi (23-window “Samba” style), restored in Brazil and later imported to the U.S.
Is Wander with Direction licensed and insured?
Yes. Wander with Direction LLC is licensed and insured, registered as a Transportation Company and Limousine Carrier in Michigan, and carries livery and general liability insurance; the operator and vehicle are commercially permitted for tours.