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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.

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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
climate
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itinerary
Please Note:
The itinerary for this program is different on certain dates.
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Filling Fast!
Jul 15 - Jul 21, 2023
Starting at
2,749
Itinerary Note

2023 departures will stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Portland Airport.

Jul 22 - Jul 28, 2023
Starting at
2,749
Itinerary Note

2023 departures will stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Portland Airport.

Filling Fast!
Aug 12 - Aug 18, 2023
Starting at
2,749
Itinerary Note

2023 departures will stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Portland Airport.

Filling Fast!
Aug 19 - Aug 25, 2023
Starting at
2,749
Itinerary Note

2023 departures will stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Portland Airport.

Sep 9 - Sep 15, 2023
Starting at
2,649
Itinerary Note

2023 departures will stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Portland Airport.

Sep 23 - Sep 29, 2023
Starting at
2,599
Itinerary Note

2023 departures will stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Portland Airport.

Filling Fast!
Oct 7 - Oct 13, 2023
Starting at
2,599
Itinerary Note

2023 departures will stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Portland Airport.

Oct 14 - Oct 20, 2023
Starting at
2,399
Itinerary Note

2023 departures will stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Portland Airport.

Jun 8 - Jun 14, 2024
Starting at
2,599
Jun 15 - Jun 21, 2024
Starting at
2,699
Jul 6 - Jul 12, 2024
Starting at
2,799
Jul 13 - Jul 19, 2024
Starting at
2,799
Jul 20 - Jul 26, 2024
Starting at
2,799
Aug 10 - Aug 16, 2024
Starting at
2,799
Aug 17 - Aug 23, 2024
Starting at
2,799
Sep 7 - Sep 13, 2024
Starting at
2,799
Sep 21 - Sep 27, 2024
Starting at
2,799
Oct 5 - Oct 11, 2024
Starting at
2,799
Oct 12 - Oct 18, 2024
Starting at
2,599
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Jul 15 - Jul 21, 2023
Starting at
3,559
Itinerary Note

2023 departures will stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Portland Airport.

Jul 22 - Jul 28, 2023
Starting at
3,559
Itinerary Note

2023 departures will stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Portland Airport.

Filling Fast!
Aug 12 - Aug 18, 2023
Starting at
3,559
Itinerary Note

2023 departures will stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Portland Airport.

Filling Fast!
Aug 19 - Aug 25, 2023
Starting at
3,559
Itinerary Note

2023 departures will stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Portland Airport.

Sep 9 - Sep 15, 2023
Starting at
3,429
Itinerary Note

2023 departures will stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Portland Airport.

Sep 23 - Sep 29, 2023
Starting at
3,379
Itinerary Note

2023 departures will stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Portland Airport.

Filling Fast!
Oct 7 - Oct 13, 2023
Starting at
3,379
Itinerary Note

2023 departures will stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Portland Airport.

Oct 14 - Oct 20, 2023
Starting at
3,049
Itinerary Note

2023 departures will stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Portland Airport.

Jun 8 - Jun 14, 2024
Starting at
3,299
Jun 15 - Jun 21, 2024
Starting at
3,479
Jul 6 - Jul 12, 2024
Starting at
3,659
Jul 13 - Jul 19, 2024
Starting at
3,659
Jul 20 - Jul 26, 2024
Starting at
3,659
Aug 10 - Aug 16, 2024
Starting at
3,659
Aug 17 - Aug 23, 2024
Starting at
3,659
Sep 7 - Sep 13, 2024
Starting at
3,659
Sep 21 - Sep 27, 2024
Starting at
3,659
Oct 5 - Oct 11, 2024
Starting at
3,659
Oct 12 - Oct 18, 2024
Starting at
3,299

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
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 it’s 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 Experts
Profile Image
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.

Profile Image of 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.
Profile Image of Sam Ladley
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.
Profile Image of Gerald Berlin
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.
Profile Image of Linda Pomerleau
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.
Profile Image of Eric Schmidt
Eric Schmidt View biography
Eric Schmidt grew up in eastern Iowa, graduating from Iowa State University with a B.S. in forestry. A former naval officer on a guided missile frigate in San Diego, Eric served four years then returned to the University of Iowa, where he earned an M.A. in teaching with a science credential. He retired from Douglas County, Colorado after teaching for 27 years. He lives in the Denver metro area and loves to travel, having visited 35 countries.
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.
Acadia National Park Map
by National Geographic Maps
A hiker's detailed topographic map of Acadia National Park, shown at a scale of 1:50,000, printed on tear-resistant, waterproof paper.
One Man's Meat
by E.B. White
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
by Hilary Nangle
A comprehensive, highly recommended guide to the places and pleasures of Coastal Maine, including highlights in and around Portland and Acadia National Park.
Down East, A Maritime History of Maine
by Lincoln Paine
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.
With Reckless Abandon: Memoirs of a Boat Obsessed Life
by Jim Sharp
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.
The Country of the Pointed Firs and other Stories
by Sarah Orne Jewett
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.
Empire Falls
by Richard Russo
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.





Important registration tip:
If you want to attend the live lecture, please do not wait until the last minute to enroll.
If you enroll after a lecture is complete, we’ll send you a recording of the event.