LAKE ANN PRIVATE FIELD GUIDE
Cruise Leelanau in a Restored VW Samba: A Private, Artist‑Led Day on the Lake
A privately guided VW Bus tour of the Leelanau Peninsula, tailored around wine, food, art, and scenic shorelines for an effortless half‑day escape.
Cruise Leelanau in a Restored VW Samba: A Private, Artist‑Led Day on the Lake.
Climb into a restored vintage VW Bus and glide through Leelanau’s rolling lanes, where wine tastings, handpicked food stops, artist visits and lakeside viewpoints are woven into a relaxed, personalized four‑hour route that feels effortless and intentional.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A genuine vintage ride
This experience centers on the charm and nostalgia of a true vintage VW microbus—an experience that’s as much about the ride as the destinations, with a restored Samba‑style bus that frames the region’s scenery in a way a modern van cannot.
Curated stops: wine, food, art, vistas
Tours are seasonally curated to blend winery tastings, local bites, artist encounters and scenic lookout stops—each tour is designed around your interests for a balanced mix of discovery and leisure.
Top‑down wind, lake light and local flavor
With the moon roof and open‑air feel, guests settle into a convertible‑like ride to take in fresh lake air, sweeping views and the sensory details of Northern Michigan that make a short, private tour feel like a small escape.
What the day feels like
How the private VW Bus tour feels
You board a restored, 23‑window VW microbus for a relaxed, four‑hour private run around the Leelanau Peninsula. The itinerary is flexible and crafted to your tastes—wine tastings can sit beside non‑alcoholic options, stops for small plates or local bites, studio visits with an artist, and well‑timed scenic pullouts. The pace is unhurried: an intentional blend of driving, sampling and lingering.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this private VW Bus tour suits — and who it doesn’t.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a four‑hour private tour; seasonal offerings and stops vary with the calendar—expect a relaxed half‑day outing.
Pack clothing layers (it can be cool with the top down), hair ties or hats for wind, and water or drinks in sealed containers (the bus has no cup holders).
Pickup is provided; the operator lives in Lake Ann and will typically travel about 30 minutes in any direction to collect your party—longer distances may incur added billable tour time.
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 intended for three average‑sized people each; larger guests may take up more space. An extra spill‑over passenger seat exists, but the guest cap remains six.
How far will you travel for pick up?
The operator will travel within approximately 30 minutes in any direction from Lake Ann to pick up your party; significantly longer pick‑ups may require added billable tour time.
Can we add extra time to the tour on the fly?
Depending on the operator’s schedule, tours can be extended for an extra fee—only one tour is scheduled per day, so add‑ons are sometimes possible.
Do you host children?
No. Guests younger than 18 cannot be hosted due to liability, seat belt and insurance constraints.
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 the bus?
The vehicle is a 1975 Volkswagen Type 2 Brazilian Deluxe Kombi (23‑Window “Samba” style); it was restored in Brazil, imported to the U.S., and is registered with the operator.
What is it like to drive and ride in the bus?
The bus is fully restored with a new engine but retains quirks: manual transmission, no power steering, no heat or air conditioning, louder engine noise, and an all‑or‑nothing moon roof that can create wind in the last row.
Is the operator licensed and insured?
Yes. Wander with Direction LLC is registered with Michigan authorities as a transportation company and limousine carrier and carries livery and general liability insurance; the driver holds a Michigan chauffeur’s license.