LAKE ANN BUS TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Nostalgia on Wheels: A Private VW Bus Ride Through Traverse City’s Vineyards and Towns
A 4–6 hour private tour in a fully restored 1975 VW microbus that delivers personalized stops through Northern Michigan’s wine trails, neighborhoods, and vistas—this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
Nostalgia on Wheels: A Private VW Bus Ride Through Traverse City’s Vineyards and Towns.
Climb into Atlas, a restored 1975 Volkswagen Type 2 Brazilian Deluxe Kombi, and set out on a relaxed, personalized 4–6 hour tour of Traverse City and its surrounds. Wander with Direction frames each route around neighborhoods, local flavors and craft beverages, mixing well-known favorites with lesser-known stops so the ride feels unhurried, intimate, and distinctly nostalgic.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Atlas: a 1975 VW Samba-style Kombi
This is not a modern shuttle—Atlas is a fully restored 1975 Type 2 Brazilian Deluxe Kombi (23-window “Samba” style). Riding in the bus is part of the experience: vintage quirks, manual transmission and an aesthetic built for slow, scenic travel.
Curated craft beverage and food stops
Tours can center on craft beverages, local food, or a non‑alcoholic exploration—each outing is tailored so you sample the character of Traverse City at thoughtfully chosen stops.
Personalized, nostalgic exploration
These private tours emphasize a relaxed, personalized pace: scenic wine trails, charming towns and panoramic viewpoints are woven together to create an effortless, memorable day.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The tour unfolds like a slow drive through postcard landscapes: climbing into the vintage bus, cruising between vineyards and waterfront neighborhoods, stopping for tastings or short walks, and riding with the moon roof open when the weather allows. It’s a curated, comfortable half-day that prioritizes local character and a relaxed tempo.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this fits—and who it doesn’t
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Private tours run approximately 4–6 hours.
Pickup is provided; the operator offers pickup from Lake Ann and will travel approximately 30 minutes in any direction without adding billed time.
Bring clothing layers (it can be cool with the top or moon roof down), hair ties or hats for wind, and water or drinks in sealed containers—there are no cup holders onboard.
No open alcohol is allowed on the bus.
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 will hold three average-sized people each; if guests are XL they may occupy 1.5–2 seats. An extra spill-over seat exists next to the driver, but the guest cap remains 6.
How far will the operator travel for pick up?
The operator lives in Lake Ann and will travel approximately 30 minutes in any direction to pick up your party; substantially farther pickup may require added billable tour time.
Can the tour be extended on the fly?
Depending on the operator’s schedule, tours can be extended for an extra fee. Only one tour is planned per day, so add-ons are possible when time allows.
Do you host children?
No. Due to liability issues related to lap seat belts, insurance, and waivers, guests younger than 18 cannot be hosted.
What is the age limit for guests?
All guests on wine tours must be at least 21 years old. Guests on non-alcoholic tours must be 18 years or older.
What make and model is the bus?
Atlas is a 1975 Volkswagen Type 2 Brazilian Deluxe Kombi (23-window “Samba” style). It was restored in Brazil, later imported to the U.S., and is registered to the operator.
What is it like to drive and ride in Atlas?
Atlas has a brand-new engine but remains a quirky, vintage vehicle: manual transmission, no power steering, no heat or A/C, a louder-running engine, and the moon roof must be fully open or closed. Split safari windows limit windshield wiper effectiveness, so the bus is not reasonable for severe-weather driving.
Is the operator licensed and insured?
Yes. Wander with Direction LLC is registered with the State of Michigan as a Transportation Company and Limousine Carrier (ID #5803200521), carries livery and general liability insurance, and the driver holds a Michigan chauffeur’s license. The vehicle is registered and the company holds permits for certain park activities.