Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park 27

Day 1

Welcome Aboard! Travel in comfort aboard our deluxe motor coach to "Vacationland," Maine, for a delightful summertime get-away. Upon arrival, we check into the Meadowmere Resort in Ogunquit, Maine, a charming seaside town along Maine's picturesque southern coast. This evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at Jonathan's Restaurant, conveniently located adjacent to the resort - an inviting start to your relaxing coastal escape.

Day 2

After breakfast we depart for the postcard-perfect town of Camden, Maine, known as "The Jewel of the Maine Coast." Upon arrival, enjoy leisure time strolling the winding streets of this charming seaside village as you explore its many quaint shops, boutiques, galleries, and waterfront restaurants. Lunch is on your own. This afternoon we will make a photo stop at the summit of Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park, where you will take in a breathtaking panoramic view of Penobscot Bay. Later, we depart for Bar Harbor, Maine, and the Acadia Inn for the next three nights. Our accommodation is situated on four acres bordering Acadia National Park and the charming coastal village of Bar Harbor. This classic Bar Harbor hotel features comfortable rooms, modern amenities including an outdoor pool and jacuzzi, and a wonderful location. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant featuring delicious regional flavors.

Day 3

After breakfast we depart for downtown Bar Harbor for a nature cruise on Frenchman Bay. Enjoy the coastal Maine scenery as we cruise past waterfront mansions and Acadia National Park. A naturalist on board will narrate the cruise as you search for local wildlife including seals, harbor porpoises, osprey, and eagles. Following the cruise, we return to downtown Bar Harbor for leisure time to explore the charming shops, enjoy the waterfront, and have lunch on your own. This afternoon we meet our driver/guide and climb aboard Oli's Trolley for a guided tour of Acadia National Park. Initially created in 1916, the park was given its current name, Acadia, in 1929 and is the oldest American national park east of the Mississippi River. Included on our tour is a photo stop at the summit of Cadillac Mountain, the highest of Mount Desert Island's seventeen peaks, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, Frenchman Bay, and the islands beyond. After returning to the Acadia Inn, you will have time to relax and freshen up before heading out for a traditional Maine lobster dinner at Bar Harbor Lobster Bakes, a perennial favorite among locals and visitors alike!

Day 4

After breakfast we meet our step-on guide and depart for a narrated scenic tour along the southwestern part of Mount Desert Island, the largest island off the coast of Maine. A highlight of the tour is a visit to the Seal Cove Auto Museum, featuring a remarkable collection of early automobiles and motorcycles, as well as period clothing and accessories from 1895 through the early 1920s. Antique auto enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone who enjoys captivating stories or unique experiences will be delighted by this extraordinary collection. Learn about this transformative era in American history, a time of invention, innovation, and bold ideas. After the tour, we return to the Acadia Inn, where the remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy the quiet atmosphere, peaceful surroundings, and relaxing amenities. Bring your bathing suit to take advantage of the beautiful outdoor pool and jacuzzi. For those who prefer to explore, transportation will be provided to and from the Village of Bar Harbor. Be charmed by the independent spirit and friendliness of the locals as you stroll the winding streets, browse an array of shops, and enjoy dinner on your own, ranging from quaint side-street cafés and pubs to full-service sit-down dining establishments.

Day 5

After breakfast we depart for Portland, Maine. Upon arrival, enjoy leisure time to explore Portland's beautifully renovated Old Port district. Stroll along the cobblestone streets, browse boutique shops, and savor lunch on your own at one of the area's charming cafés or seafood restaurants. Later, embark on a memorable narrated Lights and Sights Cruise. Relax as we glide through the bustling Inner Harbor and main shipping channel, passing historic Civil War-era fortifications and iconic lighthouses that have guided mariners into Portland Harbor for more than two centuries. Highlights include a close-up view of Portland Head Light, Maine's oldest and most photographed lighthouse, commissioned by George Washington and built in 1791. Along the way, enjoy glimpses of island life, Victorian cottages, and quaint coastal villages. We will pass through Diamond Pass, long known as the "Gateway to the Calendar Islands," and view Great Diamond Island in Casco Bay, celebrated for its scenic charm. Following the cruise, we continue to the Meadowmere Resort in Ogunquit, Maine, where you can check in, relax, and refresh in the comfort of your spacious room. In the evening, join us for a delicious dinner at Jonathan's Restaurant, conveniently located adjacent to the resort - an inviting conclusion to a relaxing day along the Maine coast.

Day 6

After breakfast we depart for home, taking with us fond memories of our coastal Maine adventure - filled with the charm of rugged seaside villages, delectable cuisine, breathtaking views of Maine's rocky shoreline, and two unforgettable harbor cruises!

B=Breakfast, D =Dinner