LAKE ANN BUS TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Slow Rolling Through Benzie: A Private Cruise in a 1975 VW Samba
A private, 4–6 hour tour in Atlas, a restored 1975 VW microbus, that prioritizes the journey through Benzie County’s scenic drives, Leelanau wine trails, and small‑town charms.
Slow Rolling Through Benzie: A Private Cruise in a 1975 VW Samba.
Hop into Atlas, a restored 1975 Volkswagen Type 2 Brazilian Deluxe Kombi, and let a slow‑paced, intentionally curated day reveal Benzie County’s hidden nooks and panoramic backroads. Wander with Direction’s private VW Bus tours treat the microbus itself as part of the attraction: the vintage ride frames scenic Leelanau wine trails or charming towns, and the emphasis is as much on the unhurried passage between stops as on the stops themselves.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Atlas, a vintage 1975 VW "Samba" Microbus
This is not a shuttle; Atlas is a restored 1975 Volkswagen Type 2 Brazilian Deluxe Kombi (23‑Window “Samba” style). Riding in the bus is deliberately nostalgic—manual transmission, no power steering, a louder, characterful engine and a moon roof that must be fully open or closed—so guests experience the quirks and charm of a true vintage vehicle.
A slow, scenic circuit of Benzie County
Tours are curated to showcase dispersed points of interest around Benzie County—expect panoramic drives, scenic pullouts and visits to local towns or trails. The focus is intentionally unhurried: with stops spread out, the experience is about the journey through Northern Michigan’s landscape as much as any single destination.
Customizable: craft beverage or non‑alcoholic itineraries
Whether you want a craft beverage loop, a scenic getaway, or a wholly non‑alcoholic day out, tours are tailored to your interests. Each private tour is designed to match the group’s preferences while keeping the pace relaxed and memorable.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The day unfolds at a measured tempo: a pickup in or near Lake Ann, easy conversation and vistas from a classic microbus, brief curated stops at wineries or village main streets, and long stretches of scenic road where the bus and its passengers simply coast through Northern Michigan. The tour’s value is the deliberate slowness—uncovering crannies and peaceful corners of Benzie County rather than racing between checklist attractions.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this private VW bus tour suits — and who it does not.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Pack clothing layers (it can be cool with the top down), hair ties or hats for wind in the rear, and water or drinks in sealed containers—there are no cup holders onboard.
Expect a vintage ride without modern HVAC: the bus has no heat and no air conditioning, and the moon roof must be fully open or fully closed.
Bring sealed drinks and dress in layers to respond to wind and changing temperatures while riding with the moon roof open.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How many guests does the VW microbus hold?
Maximum guests is 6 people, seated on two bench seats that hold about three average‑sized people each; an extra spill‑over passenger seat exists but the guest count remains capped at 6 to preserve vehicle performance on hills.
How far will you travel for pickup?
The operator lives in Lake Ann and will travel approximately 30 minutes in any direction to pick up your party; pickups beyond that may incur additional billable tour time.
Can we add extra time to the tour on the fly?
Possibly—depending on the operator’s schedule, tours can be extended for an extra fee; the operator typically plans only one tour per day, making add‑ons feasible when time allows.
Do you host children?
No. Guests younger than 18 cannot be hosted due to liability, lap seat‑belt, insurance and waiver restrictions.
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 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) that was restored in Brazil and later imported into the United States.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Wander with Direction LLC is licensed as a Transportation Company and Limousine Carrier in Michigan and carries both livery insurance and general liability insurance; the operator also holds a commercial use permit for tours in Sleeping Bear National Park.