Maine
Coastal Maine: Portland to Bar Harbor
Program No. 21485RJ
Discover the colonial city of Portland, visit Acadia National Park and the renowned works of the Farnsworth Museum, and take a classic schooner sail along the shores of Maine.
Enroll with Confidence
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more
Protecting the Environment
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Jun 7 - Jun 13, 2025
Starting at
3,579Not seeing the date you're looking for?
To be notified if dates of this program become available, click the button below.
This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
7 days
6 nights
15 meals
6B 5L 4D
1
Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Portland, ME
6
Acadia National Park By Land & Sea
Bar Harbor, ME
7
Transfer to Portland, Program Concludes
Bar Harbor, ME
At a Glance
Immerse yourself in the local culture of picturesque seaside villages hidden amidst the rugged shorelines and ocean air of Maine. Journey through Portland’s cobblestone streets that lead you to the Old Port’s thriving foodie scene. Venture “Down East” and farther into towns exuding charm representative of the romance of Maine’s unspoiled beauty. Pass lighthouses, marvel at blue harbors and relax while the sun sets, eating a traditional lobster bake with your fellow adventurers.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles, sometimes on uneven terrain, such as dirt and cobblestones. Standing and sitting during lectures and field trips. Getting on and off motor coach.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Experience Acadia National Park’s sea cliffs with a naturalist and explore waterways on a nature cruise.
- Voyage on a classic Maine schooner and learn about the region's shipbuilding and maritime prowess.
- Explore the Farnsworth Museum, known for its trove of the Wyeth family’s artwork and other notable American masterpieces.
General Notes
This is a coaching program that travels to six Maine towns over seven days. We make every effort to allow time to explore each village and town we visit - however, please be aware that time on the bus is crucial in getting you from place to place.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Jim Sharp
At the age of 12, Jim Sharpe — without his parent’s knowledge — pilfered the family skiff and sailed across Dredge Harbor, N.J. His love for sailing never dwindled, and over the years he made his way to Maine where he discovered the Windjammer fleet out of Camden. Upon retirement, he sailed around the world with his wife. In 2007, Jim purchased property in Rockland, Maine and began to create the Sail, Power & Steam Museum, along with a Children’s Museum and boat shop.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Jim Sharp
View biography
At the age of 12, Jim Sharpe — without his parent’s knowledge — pilfered the family skiff and sailed across Dredge Harbor, N.J. His love for sailing never dwindled, and over the years he made his way to Maine where he discovered the Windjammer fleet out of Camden. Upon retirement, he sailed around the world with his wife. In 2007, Jim purchased property in Rockland, Maine and began to create the Sail, Power & Steam Museum, along with a Children’s Museum and boat shop.
Debra Levin
View biography
Debra Levin is an honors graduate of Penn State and a former teacher. Debra has led groups of seniors, students, nurses, veterinarians, and retired fire chiefs to name but a few. Back home in Boston, she spends time volunteering with the symphony, theaters, and an art museum, when not speed walking and playing Wordle.
Sam Ladley
View biography
A native Mainer, Sam summered on the remote island of Matinicus and spent as much time as possible on and around boats. He has degrees in history and public speaking and has been a lecturer for many Road Scholar programs in New England, Maritime Canada and on the Erie Canal focusing on colonial settlement of the northeast and its maritime history. Over the years, Sam has worked as a lobster sternman, visiting school lecturer, kite flyer, trip leader, and house renovator.
Gerald Berlin
View biography
After thirty plus years in health care education, Gerry embarked on a path of a long held interest in hospitality. His adventures include an eight-year stint at a Bar Harbor inn where he held various positions in food service, concierge, and guest services. Gerry also worked in the cruise industry in Bar Harbor as a member of the pier team. That last job led to Gerry’s interest in leading groups so he can share beautiful Mount Desert Island, Maine and the spectacular Acadia National Park.
Nancy Coolidge
View biography
Nancy Coolidge graduated from Mount Holyoke College, and later attended the Harvard-Radcliffe Program in business administration and worked in a bank trust department. In 1979, she became a founding trustee of the Lynch Foundation. She later moved to the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities (SPNEA), where she served as staff director from 1983 to 1992. She has since led groups to maritime Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Scandinavia, and Antarctica. She continues her work with the Lynch Foundation.
Linda Pomerleau
View biography
Linda Pomerleau is a Mainer both by birth and by choice. Since retiring from a 25-year teaching career, during which she taught Maine history and language arts to 8th graders, she has been sharing her love of Maine by leading groups in Acadia National Park and all of Mount Desert Island. Linda enjoys kayaking, biking, hiking, and snowshoeing. She also enjoys spending time looking for moose and deer with her NYC grandkids when they are in Maine, as well as fostering their love of reading.
Suggested Reading List
(7 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Coastal Maine: Portland to Bar Harbor
Program Number: 21485
Empire Falls
A Pulitzer Prize-winning novel lovingly set in a fictitious Maine mill town. Russo has composed an entertaining and poignant portrait of what lies beneath the facade of small-town New England life.
The Country of the Pointed Firs and other Stories
A much-loved novel, first published in 1896, set in a tiny fishing community along the coast of Maine. It evokes the leisurely summer atmosphere of 19th-century New England and especially the relationships among the townsfolk.
One Man's Meat
By the author of "Charlotte's Web," a collection of observant and often humorous essays about daily life on a Maine saltwater farm. A wonderful portrait of coastal small-town life, originally published in 1938.
Moon Handbook Coastal Maine
A comprehensive, highly recommended guide to the places and pleasures of Coastal Maine, including highlights in and around Portland and Acadia National Park.
Acadia National Park Map
A hiker's detailed topographic map of Acadia National Park, shown at a scale of 1:50,000, printed on tear-resistant, waterproof paper.
With Reckless Abandon: Memoirs of a Boat Obsessed Life
Jim Sharp, captain of Maine’s most famous windjammer, the schooner Adventure, recounts his adventures on both water and land (including details of the establishment of a most unusual restaurant) in this inspiring book.
Down East, A Maritime History of Maine
Maine's maritime history, from the coastal travel of Native Americans to the Basque fishing industry to the pleasure boating of today, incorporating ecology, culture and art into its well-researched history.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
7 days
Program Begins
Portland, ME
Program Concludes
Bar Harbor, ME
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
15
| 6B |
5L |
4D |
Activity Level
Immerse yourself in the local culture of picturesque seaside villages hidden amidst the rugged shorelines and ocean air of Maine. Journey through Portland’s cobblestone streets that lead you to the Old Port’s thriving foodie scene. Venture “Down East” and farther into towns exuding charm representative of the romance of Maine’s unspoiled beauty. Pass lighthouses, marvel at blue harbors and relax while the sun sets, eating a traditional lobster bake with your fellow adventurers.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Experience Acadia National Park’s sea cliffs with a naturalist and explore waterways on a nature cruise.
- Voyage on a classic Maine schooner and learn about the region's shipbuilding and maritime prowess.
- Explore the Farnsworth Museum, known for its trove of the Wyeth family’s artwork and other notable American masterpieces.
General Notes
This is a coaching program that travels to six Maine towns over seven days. We make every effort to allow time to explore each village and town we visit - however, please be aware that time on the bus is crucial in getting you from place to place.
Featured Expert
Jim Sharp
At the age of 12, Jim Sharpe — without his parent’s knowledge — pilfered the family skiff and sailed across Dredge Harbor, N.J. His love for sailing never dwindled, and over the years he made his way to Maine where he discovered the Windjammer fleet out of Camden. Upon retirement, he sailed around the world with his wife. In 2007, Jim purchased property in Rockland, Maine and began to create the Sail, Power & Steam Museum, along with a Children’s Museum and boat shop.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Debra Levin
Debra Levin is an honors graduate of Penn State and a former teacher. Debra has led groups of seniors, students, nurses, veterinarians, and retired fire chiefs to name but a few. Back home in Boston, she spends time volunteering with the symphony, theaters, and an art museum, when not speed walking and playing Wordle.
Sam Ladley
A native Mainer, Sam summered on the remote island of Matinicus and spent as much time as possible on and around boats. He has degrees in history and public speaking and has been a lecturer for many Road Scholar programs in New England, Maritime Canada and on the Erie Canal focusing on colonial settlement of the northeast and its maritime history. Over the years, Sam has worked as a lobster sternman, visiting school lecturer, kite flyer, trip leader, and house renovator.
Gerald Berlin
After thirty plus years in health care education, Gerry embarked on a path of a long held interest in hospitality. His adventures include an eight-year stint at a Bar Harbor inn where he held various positions in food service, concierge, and guest services. Gerry also worked in the cruise industry in Bar Harbor as a member of the pier team. That last job led to Gerry’s interest in leading groups so he can share beautiful Mount Desert Island, Maine and the spectacular Acadia National Park.
Nancy Coolidge
Nancy Coolidge graduated from Mount Holyoke College, and later attended the Harvard-Radcliffe Program in business administration and worked in a bank trust department. In 1979, she became a founding trustee of the Lynch Foundation. She later moved to the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities (SPNEA), where she served as staff director from 1983 to 1992. She has since led groups to maritime Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Scandinavia, and Antarctica. She continues her work with the Lynch Foundation.
Linda Pomerleau
Linda Pomerleau is a Mainer both by birth and by choice. Since retiring from a 25-year teaching career, during which she taught Maine history and language arts to 8th graders, she has been sharing her love of Maine by leading groups in Acadia National Park and all of Mount Desert Island. Linda enjoys kayaking, biking, hiking, and snowshoeing. She also enjoys spending time looking for moose and deer with her NYC grandkids when they are in Maine, as well as fostering their love of reading.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles, sometimes on uneven terrain, such as dirt and cobblestones. Standing and sitting during lectures and field trips. Getting on and off motor coach.
Small Group
(13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(7 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
7 days
6 nights
What's Included
15 meals | 6B | 5L | 4D |
3 expert-led lectures
10 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
6 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Portland, ME
Meals:
D
Stay:
Hilton Garden Inn Portland Airport
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to meet the Group Leader and confirm the time and place of Orientation. Orientation: 5:30 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will learn from a series of local experts who will give lectures and lead field trips. Program-related travel and transfers will be via private motorcoach unless noted otherwise. Meals will feature local cuisine in a variety of settings. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
2
Portland History, Old Port District, Trolley, Portland Light
Location:
Portland, ME
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hilton Garden Inn Portland Airport
Activity Note
Getting on/off a trolley. Walking up to 2 miles, approximately 1.5 hours and standing; some cobblestone streets, grass and packed dirt paths at lighthouse. Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes recommended.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will be joined at the hotel by a local expert who will provide an overview of Portland’s history. Originally called Machigonne (Great Neck) by the Native Americans who first inhabited it, the Portland peninsula was established by the British in 1632 as a trading and fishing settlement. Industry grew and Portland’s waterfront became a hub of shipping and trading companies. At one time, Maine was at the center of global commerce as products from Maine were shipped around the world. The Phoenix, the mythical bird that rises from the ashes, aptly symbolizes Portland’s legendary rebirth after the Great Fire of 1866 leveled the city for the fourth time. Almost completely rebuilt during the Victorian era, Portland has maintained much of its 19th-century architecture and flavor. Next, we’ll begin our exploration aboard a classically styled trolley with expert commentary. We’ll learn more about Portland’s diverse history and see some of its hidden gems. Towards the end of our trolley ride, we’ll stop on Cape Elizabeth at Portland Head Light, Maine’s oldest lighthouse. There, we’ll have spectacular views of Fort Williams Park while learning about this famous lighthouse.
Lunch:
At a restaurant in the Old Port district along Portland Harbor.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we’ll set out on a walking field trip around the historic waterfront known as the Old Port. Our local expert will discuss architecture and historic businesses related to the various maritime endeavors of historic Portland, the British raid during the American Revolution, and the 1855 Portland Rum Riot. We’ll end at the Maine State Pier and see port infrastructure. Afterwards, we’ll adjourn for the rest of the day.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions from fresh seafood, farm-to-table, classic New England, and more.
Evening:
At leisure. You might like to go out and explore more of this charming small city at your own pace, stroll down to the water and watch the boats venture in and out of the harbor, or simply relax. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
3
Maine Maritime Museum, Farnsworth Museum & Wyeth Center
Location:
Camden, ME
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Lord Camden Inn
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 82 miles, under 2 hours driving time. Walking and standing for approximately 1.5 hours in museum.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll check out of the hotel, board a motorcoach, and drive from Portland up Maine’s scenic coastline to Bath, renowned for shipbuilding since 1743. More than 5,000 vessels have been launched in this area that at one time had more than 200 shipbuilding firms. Then, in the company of an expert at the Maine Maritime Museum, we’ll learn how Bath became the nation’s fifth-largest seaport by the mid-19th century, producing clipper ships that sailed to ports around the world. We’ll also have some independent time in the museum to see what interests each of us most.
Lunch:
At the Maine Maritime Museum, we’ll have box lunches.
Afternoon:
Back aboard the motorcoach, our next field trip will take us to the Farnsworth Museum and Wyeth Center in Rockland. With more than 20,000 square feet of gallery space and more than 15,000 works in the collection the Farnsworth holds a nationally recognized collection of works from some of America’s greatest artists. The museum has one of the nation’s largest collections of works by sculptor Louise Nevelson. Its Wyeth Center features works by Andrew, N.C., and Jamie Wyeth. A docent will lead our exploration, consisting of several discrete components dedicated to collecting, research, exhibitions, and interpretive programs related to three generations of Wyeths in Maine: N.C., Andrew, and James. After the museum, we’ll continue north along the coast and arrive in the picturesque coastal community of Camden. We will go to the hotel and check in with some time to freshen up and relax or explore independently before dinner.
Dinner:
In a local restaurant.
Evening:
Back at the hotel, we’ll gather for a presentation by a local expert to further our knowledge of mid-coast Maine.
Day
4
Lobster Boat Study Cruise, Sail Power & Steam Museum
Location:
Camden, ME
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Lord Camden Inn
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 20 miles, under 2 hours riding time. Walking up to 2 miles and standing; unpaved terrain, walking up a marine ramp with hand rails to wooden dock, steps up/down over gap to board boat. Boat has wooden benches; half of deck shaded. Warm attire recommended.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll board a lobster boat for a maritime field trip out of Camden Harbor to learn everything about lobster and more from a staff member. As we cruise through the harbor, we’ll see how traps are pulled in everyday by professionals and amateurs alike. Afterwards, we will board the motorcoach and continue onto lunch.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Boarding our motorcoach, we’ll ride to the Sail Power and Steam Museum in Rockland and hear sea stories, shanties, and heroics on the high seas with its curator, who will lead our exploration through the museum to learn about historically significant sail power and steam-driven vessels as well as their origins, construction, and more. We’ll then return to the hotel.
Dinner:
On your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
5
Schooner Sail Penobscot Bay, Transfer to Mount Desert Island
Location:
Bar Harbor, ME
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Atlantic Oceanside Hotel & Event Center
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 80 miles, approximately 2 hours riding time. Walking on pavement to dock, up marine ramp with handrails to wooden dock, up/down steps and over gap to board schooner. Sail is weather-dependent, approximately 2.5 hours. Schooner has sails, wooden benches with cushions; single bathroom down steep flight of wooden steps. Soft-soled, non-marking shoes recommended.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
With our bags packed, we’ll check out and ride the motorcoach up the coast. Arriving in picturesque Rockport harbor, we’ll board a family-built, owned, and operated schooner for a sail. The captain will regale us with stories while pointing out the varied wildlife, lobster pots and lighthouses. We’ll also learn why the lobster fishing industry is so important to Maine’s economy and “sense of place.”
Lunch:
Boxed lunches either aboard the schooner or afterwards in a park or on the motorcoach.
Afternoon:
Leaving Mid-Coast Maine, we’ll head “Down East” on the motorcoach to Mount Desert Island, home of Acadia National Park. En route, we’ll visit the Penobscot Narrows Bridge & Observatory with the Group Leader. The observatory affords 360-degree views of the Penobscot River and Bay, the countryside, and distant mountains from the tallest bridge observatory in the world! We’ll then proceed to Bar Harbor and check in to our hotel before heading to dinner by motorcoach.
Dinner:
At a restaurant in Bar Harbor.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
6
Acadia National Park By Land & Sea
Location:
Bar Harbor, ME
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Atlantic Oceanside Hotel & Event Center
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 30 miles throughout the day with numerous stops. Getting on/off a vessel using ramps and/or stairs. Walking on uneven terrain. Getting on/off a cruise boat; nature study cruise is approximately 2 hours, weather dependent. Boat has two levels; one is covered. Participants encouraged to bring National Park Passes.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Please bring your National Park Pass if you have one. We will begin our exploration of Acadia National Park with a scenic drive up Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the Eastern seaboard, with commentary by our Group Leader as well as photo opportunities. When the serpentine summit road was built in the 1930s, it was considered the best-engineered mountain road in the world.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will explore the park by sea on an Acadia nature study cruise. On the 2-hour, fully-narrated field trip of Frenchman Bay, take in the breathtaking scenery of coastal Maine, Acadia National Park, the islands of Frenchman Bay, and the shoreline of Bar Harbor. We’ll see parts of the island only visible by water including summer mansions, Egg Rock Lighthouse, and wildlife that may be present.
Dinner:
At the hotel. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell lobster dinner.
Evening:
We’ll have a wrap-up and review of our program. Prepare for check-out, transfer back to Portland, and departure in the morning.
Day
7
Transfer to Portland, Program Concludes
Location:
Bar Harbor, ME
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; departure at 8:30 a.m.; hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.; driving about 170 miles to airport, approximately 4 hours riding time depending on traffic; expected arrival approximately 12:30 p.m., following by drop-offs at Portland Transportation Center (train station) and the first hotel. We recommend scheduling flights that depart after 2:30 p.m.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Traveling in and out of Bar Harbor without your own vehicle is difficult and time-consuming, so we have scheduled a group transfer back to Portland. Departure from Bar Harbor is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. The trip to Portland International Jetport is approximately 4 hours, with expected arrival by 12:30 p.m. We recommend scheduling flights that depart after 2:30 p.m. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
Please select a day to update the map
Map details are not available for this location.
MEALS
15 Meals
6 Breakfasts
5 Lunches
4 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Oct 11, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025
- Jun 07, 2025 - Jun 13, 2025 (Portland, ME to Bar Harbor, ME)
- Jun 14, 2025 - Jun 20, 2025 (Portland, ME to Bar Harbor, ME)
- Jul 05, 2025 - Jul 11, 2025 (Portland, ME to Bar Harbor, ME)
- Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 18, 2025 (Portland, ME to Bar Harbor, ME)
- Jul 19, 2025 - Jul 25, 2025 (Portland, ME to Bar Harbor, ME)
- Aug 09, 2025 - Aug 15, 2025 (Portland, ME to Bar Harbor, ME)
- Aug 16, 2025 - Aug 22, 2025 (Portland, ME to Bar Harbor, ME)
- Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025 (Portland, ME to Bar Harbor, ME)
- Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025 (Portland, ME to Bar Harbor, ME)
- Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025 (Portland, ME to Bar Harbor, ME)
- Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025 (Portland, ME to Bar Harbor, ME)
- Oct 11, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025 (Portland, ME to Bar Harbor, ME)
Participant Reviews
Based on 25 Reviews
Sort By:
We really enjoyed our Road Scholar Costal Maine: Portland to Bar Harbor trip. Our guide and various instructors were very knowledgeable and friendly. We feel that our Road Scholar trips totally enrich our understanding and experiences with lobster, sailing and history of Maine. We plan to continue Road Scholar adventures for many years to come. Chris & Dale, Madison, WI
— Review left October 9, 2024
Overall great trip!
— Review left September 23, 2024
The trip was well organized in an educational and fun way. I will definitely travel again with Road Scholar!!
— Review left September 3, 2024
Our Road Scholar trip was everything we expected it to be. We thoroughly enjoyed the trip, meeting new people and participating in all the activities.
— Review left September 3, 2024
Be prepared for inclement weather
— Review left July 27, 2024
Informative speakers, Fun boat rides, beautiful area to visit.
— Review left July 22, 2024
This program is a very good introduction to the past and present impact of the maritime industry to coastal Maine. Each of the field trips were important in learning about the area visited. Old Port is a great destination itself. Suggest arriving early and spending more time there.
— Review left June 22, 2024
Coastal Maine was a wonderful program. Everything was top notch! The places we visited, the speakers we had, the hotel accommodations were good, but probably the best part was our fearless leader, Nancy. My husband and I have been on many Road Scholar programs and she ranks right up near the top! Thank you, Nancy and thanks to our fellow travelers and I can't forget our bus driver, Don who got us where we had to be in plenty of time!
Miles and MaryAnn V
*****
WI
— Review left November 8, 2023
This program is a leisurely overview of coastal Maine and its transformation from its past fishermen' way of life to a more tourist oriented economy.
— Review left November 1, 2023
Stunning scenery, exceptional speakers, warm and delightful fellow road scholars. Top stars in all categories.
— Review left October 30, 2023
Beautiful scenery, fun activities, delicious local cuisine, enlightening lectures--just about the perfect Road Scholar learning adventure!
— Review left October 1, 2023
You know you've always wanted to visit Maine, so don't put it off any longer. Go with Road Scholar and find out what you have been missing in Maine. It is as beautiful as the post cards you've seen.
— Review left July 31, 2023
Go to Maine! If you go, this tour is super.
— Review left July 28, 2023
This program has outstanding variety. From experiencing a working lobster boat, to sailing on a schooner, museums, an art gallery, a great national park, light houses, wonderful accommodations, great food and more! Brian - Fargo, ND.
— Review left June 24, 2023
Excellent program! I found this to be an especially well-organized program with a great variety of topics and experiences. Our presenters were clearly well-versed in their respective areas of expertise and eager to share their knowledge. Of course, the lovely Maine scenery provided a delightful backdrop throughout the program. Since my knowledge of Maine's history was pretty meager at the outset, I learned quite a bit about the State's history, culture and character. Nancy Coolidge, our group leader, was superb; I've met many good group leaders across the 43 programs in which I've participated, and I have to say she ranks at the top.
— Review left October 23, 2022
I highly recommend this trip to anyone who wants to experience Maine. It needs to be on your bucket list
— Review left October 2, 2022
If you have not visited Coastal Maine, take this program. You will learn much about the commerce that established Maine, gain insight into the history of the northeast U.S., and hear about and meet some of the characters that dot the history of Maine.
— Review left August 1, 2022
The Coastal Maine program gives one a complete understanding and appreciation of the region. Visiting Acadia National Park is something to be treasured.
— Review left July 30, 2022
To avoid "burying the lead", I want to say up front that we enjoyed this trip immensely. An opinion unanimously shared to the extent I am aware.
Linda is highly skilled at shepherding the group to arrive on schedule to our many diverse activities. There is a good balance of scheduled events and free time. All tour guides, and especially the lecturers are both entertaining and very knowledgeable. "Lecture" is probably not the best term to use here, because to me a "lecture" implies boring one-way communication, which was not the case. "Educational performance" might be more descriptive.
The very nice weather, and stunning views -- green, green, green, and water, water, everywhere was much appreciated by this resident of the desert southwest (it's 103 F here today.) Portland's, Camden's, and Bar Harbor's wonderful residential architecture reflects popular summertime getaways for the immensely wealthy society of the turn of the century.
Portland restaurants are foodie worthy. For expedient faster service, some included meals involved making selections from a limited menu in advance, though the available variety of choices was at least adequate. Of course, by the time we arrived, we had often forgotten which items we had preordered. Linda always had the record of our choices available as convenient reminders.
Tips for all tours and included meals were covered, so unless you get carried away with souvenir shopping, you need not bring a lot of cash. Camera, yes. Cash, not so much.
— Review left July 19, 2022
My husband and I just just got back from a week in Maine. What a wonderful experience! We went on a lobster boat, a schooner, museums and tours of the cities we visited- Portland, Camden and Bar Harbor. We also visited Rockland. Our leader, Nancy was knowledgeable and friendly. We met some very interesting people from all over. We had a great time! Can’t wait to plan our next Road Scholar adventure!
— Review left June 18, 2022
Coastal Maine: Portland to Bar Harbor, October 16-22, 2021 was an excellent tour. Our group leader, Nancy Coolidge, was conscientious and solicitous of all. Group size was small. The hotels and meals were outstanding and gave many opportunities to enjoy Maine seafood. All of the lecturers were knowledgeable and entertaining and we had a wealth of "down east" experiences: cruises on a lobster boat and a schooner, two different maritime museums, a museum featuring the three Wyeth's, and enough free time to enjoy nature, explore Portland, Camden, Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, and even The Portland Museum. There is some walking but this is not a strenuous trip I highly recommend it.
— Review left October 23, 2021
Make sure that people are aware of any new eligibility for travel....not just older people (Elderhostel) and that single people will fit right in and do not have to room with a stranger and that the fee for a single room is minimal!
— Review left September 21, 2021
If you are interested in Maine and what makes its inhabitants tick, this program will be great for you. Lobsters, sailing history, and the coastal landscapes are wonderful.
— Review left August 29, 2021
My wife and I recently completed the Coastal Maine program and enjoyed the experience immensely. The trip was carefully organized, very educational, scenic and overall, very enjoyable. The food was great too.
— Review left August 6, 2021
The program Coastal Maine: Portland to Bar Harbor was enjoyable and informative.
— Review left July 17, 2021
