Coastal Maine

Lobster Boat Cruise, Scenic Harbor Cruise and a Whale Watch Cruise

1st Day: We will be traveling through Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and into New Jersey to spend our first night in the Mt. Laurel area.

2nd Day: Today we’ll travel to Coastal Maine.  Our hotel for the evening is in Portsmouth NH, across the Piscataqua River from Maine. Take some time to relax and freshen up before a welcome dinner. (CB, D)

3rd Day: Enjoy breakfast and depart for a visit to the Portland Head Light for a picture stop followed by a guided tour of Portland.  Move on to Freeport for some free time to shop and visit the world famous LL Bean store, and many other outlets. Continue north and visit the Fort Knox State historic site, one of America's best preserved examples of seacoast fortifications and the Penobscot Narrows Observatory, the tallest bridge observatory open to the public in the world.  Here we'll enjoy breathtaking views of the Penobscot Bay area.  This afternoon we'll arrive at Mount Desert Island known as the home of Acadia National Park and the town of Bar Harbor.  Tonight, enjoy dinner at one of Bar Harbor's fine restaurants. (B, D)

4th Day:. After breakfast this morning, we’ll tour through one of America’s beautiful and treasured National Parks - Acadia National Park. Visit Thunder Hole along with other scenic picture stops and travel to the top of Cadillac Mountain for spectacular views of Frenchman’s Bay, Porcupine Islands and Bar Harbor. Mid-day, we embark on an exciting Whale Watch Cruise out of Frenchman’s Bay. Be sure to have your camera as we witness these magnificent mammals feed and frolic in their ocean playground. After the cruise, enjoy a planned dinner at one of Bar Harbor’s great restaurants. (B, D)

5th Day: Following breakfast, we’ll continue ‘downeast’ through the pretty coastal towns of Thomaston, Rockland and Camden. Enjoy a visit to the Maine State Prison Store in Thomaston and travel to the top of Camden’s Mount Battie for beautiful views! Continue on to Boothbay Harbor for a relaxing two-night stay. Take some time to settle in before enjoying a delicious seafood dinner on the harbor front. (B, D)

6th Day: Following breakfast, we’ll depart for a visit to the Boothbay Railway Village. Step back in time at this mid-19th to mid-20th century rural Maine Village and experience the unique, interactive activities offered, such as steam or diesel train rides, rail bus or rail car rides, Model T rides, blacksmith and artisan demonstrations, hands-on history lessons and so much more! Later, we’ll return to Boothbay Harbor and for a scenic harbor cruise! Enjoy a glimpse of the variety of beauty, wildlife, summer colonies, seals and lighthouses, along with narration and history of the area. Upon return from the cruise, enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure. Tonight, enjoy another delicious dinner! (B, D)

7th Day: Start the day with breakfast before making our way to the popular summer resort of Kennebunkport for a scenic drive along the ocean to Walker’s Point passing the summer home of past President George H.W. Bush. Continue on to the seaside village of Ogunquit - named by the Abenaki Indians meaning, "Beautiful place by the sea" to board the 'Finest Kind' cruises for a firsthand lobstering experience!  Take some time to settle in before enjoying a traditional down east Clambake and a chance to try Maine Lobster! (B, D)

8th Day: After breakfast, enjoy a picture stop to one of the most photographed lighthouses in the workd - Cape Neddick Lighthouse, more popularly known as "the Nubble".  We begin our journey back to North Carolina overnighting in Lancaster, PA. Included tonight will be an Amish Feast. (B, D)

9th Day: Have breakfast and board the coach for our return trip home. Arriving back at approximately 6:30 PM. (CB)

Special Notice: Balance is due 30 days prior to departure. Cancellation within 30 days of departure will result in payment forfeiture.