Skip to Main Content
Road Scholar logo
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.
Watch VideoWishlistShare
Start
National ParksOn the RoadSmall GroupMost Popular
Length
7 days
Rating (4.92)
Activity Level
Starts at
2,799

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

7 days
6 nights
15 meals
6B 5L 4D
1
Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Portland, ME
2
Portland History, Old Port District, Trolley, Portland Light
Portland, ME
3
Maine Maritime Museum, Farnsworth Museum & Wyeth Center
Camden, ME
4
Lobster Boat Study Cruise, Sail Power & Steam Museum
Camden, ME
5
Schooner Sail Penobscot Bay, Transfer to Mount Desert Island
Bar Harbor, ME
6
Acadia National Park By Land & Sea
Bar Harbor, ME
7
Transfer to Portland, Program Concludes
Bar Harbor, ME
View Full Itinerary

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 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
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
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.
Profile Image of Debra Levin
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.
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 Nancy Coolidge
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.
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.
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.
Search for a Title
Start Enrolling





Recommended For You