TRUSTWORTHY TRAVEL

Day 1, Sunday, September 13, 2026 (D)

Begin your adventure with Trustworthy Travel as we embark towards the breathtaking coast of Maine, with meals and rest stops along the way. 

On our journey to Ogunquit, Maine, we make a stop at the Nubble Lighthouse for a perfect photo opportunity. Locally known as “The Nubble,” the Cape Neddick Light Station is celebrated for its picturesque setting and charming appearance. Its stunning views from Sohier Park, coupled with the beautiful local scenery and rich history, contribute to its status as one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world. Each year, around half a million tourists flock to the park to admire the lighthouse, which stands majestically across the channel, making it a must-see destination.

Dinner tonight is included at a local favorite.  After dinner, we’ll check-in at the Hampton Inn in Wells, Maine, for one night.

Day 2, Monday, September 14, 2026 (B,D)

After an included breakfast at our hotel, we’ll meet our Local Guide for a tour of Kennebunkport. Drive past the sandy beaches and rocky coastline, past the George & Barbara Bush estate at Walker’s Point, and hear the history of these shipbuilding towns and the legend of the Wedding Cake House.  You will also visit the Franciscan Monastery, with its beautiful landscaping, outdoor shrines, and chapel.

Savor a leisurely lunch and explore the shops at Dock Square in Kennebunkport. This charming area boasts a picturesque waterfront and is adorned with unique shops, delightful boutiques, and inviting restaurants featuring a tempting selection of local crafts as well as the iconic lobster roll.

This afternoon, you’ll set sail from the beautiful Kennebunk River waterfront and learn about lobstering! On this 60-minute Lobsterboat Fishing Excursion, not only will you see lobster traps hauled from the sea, but you will learn about the challenging life of a lobster fisherman, and have the opportunity to see the rocky Maine coast.

Later, you’ll depart for Bar Harbor. Along the way, we’ll stop by Portland Head Light for the perfect photo opportunity. The Portland Head Light, gracefully perched on the breathtaking coastline of Cape Elizabeth, provides stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged cliffs that surround it. Its iconic white tower, topped with a vibrant red roof, has been a hallmark of the area since it was commissioned by George Washington in 1787.

Then sit back and enjoy the scenic “Downeast” coastal drive to Bar Harbor.  Along the way, you’ll encounter tranquil, protected harbors bustling with working lobster boats. Keep your eyes peeled for ospreys and majestic bald eagles nesting high in the spruces that line the rugged coastline. As you travel, you might spot deer grazing in open fields, moose foraging in the wetlands, and harbor seals making their annual pilgrimage to serene coves.

Check-in for a delightful three-night stay at the charming Acadia Inn Bar Harbor, perfectly located for your adventures in Acadia National Park. Relax in cozy accommodations and take advantage of a variety of excellent amenities, including a heated outdoor pool, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration. Your room is thoughtfully equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi, an in-room mini-fridge, a coffee maker, a hair dryer, and much more to ensure a comfortable and relaxing stay.

Dinner tonight is included at a local restaurant.

Day 3, Tuesday, September 15, 2026          (B,D)

Enjoy a breakfast buffet this morning at the Resort.  This morning, meet your local guide for a tour of Acadia National Park. The first national park founded east of the Mississippi, you’ll see nine mountains over 1,000 ft high, stone bridges, lakes, ponds, trails, and carriage roads.  You will travel the entire Park Loop road with stops at Cadillac Mountain, Thunder Hole on Ocean Drive and Sieur De Mont Springs Wild Gardens of Acadia, and hear about the rich and famous visitors who built summer cottages here.

One of the park’s most famous highlights is Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the East Coast, where breathtaking panoramic views await you. As you continue along the loop, you’ll discover Sand Beach, a picturesque sandy stretch nestled between rocky cliffs, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Just a short distance away, Thunder Hole captivates visitors with its dramatic natural rock formation that produces a thunderous sound when waves crash during high tide. Otter Cliff offers yet another stunning vista, providing a breathtaking overlook of the ocean and the rugged coastline. As you venture further, you’ll arrive at Jordan Pond, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and the iconic Bubble Mountains that rise majestically in the background, making it an ideal spot for picnics and leisurely walks along the paths. Enjoy some free time to explore the park at your own pace and soak in the beauty that surrounds you.

This afternoon, you’ll return to our hotel for free time to explore Bar Harbor at your leisure.

Time for a Maine Lobster Bake Dinner with all the fixings at a unique waterfront location.

Day 4, Wednesday, September 16, 2026        (B,D)

After an included breakfast buffet this morning, we will embark on a Sightseeing-Nature cruise of Frenchman’s Bay.  Cruise along the calm waters of the harbor and see a variety of marine life on this narrated excursion.  See harbor seals basking on the rocks and enjoy the majestic scenery of the Maine coast.

Enjoy free time and lunch on your own in Bar Harbor with ample time to explore the waterfront shops and shoreline walking path.

Then, prepare for an unforgettable experience on the Down East Scenic Railroad, an adventure that transports you to a bygone era of elegant travel aboard lovingly restored, one-hundred-year-old passenger coaches. Glide along 12 miles of well-maintained tracks that showcase Maine’s railroad history. The trip features professional narration highlighting points of interest such as an old sawmill, wild blueberry facilities, nesting ospreys, beaver lodges, and the historic Ellsworth Train Station. Watch as the locomotive uncouples and maneuvers to the rear of the train, then reconnects to take you across the Union River and back on your return journey.

Next, get ready for the thrilling Great Maine Lumberjack Show!  Experience “the Olympics of the Forest” as it comes to life, showcasing competitions reminiscent of those held by lumberjacks and loggers a century ago. You’ll hear the classic sound of crosscut saws echoing through the air, just as they did in logging camps throughout the Maine woods. Watch in awe as talented lumberjacks demonstrate exciting sports such as wood chopping, sawing, tree climbing, ax throwing, and the crowd-pleasing log rolling—each presented with a modern twist. This high-energy performance combines history, comedy, and non-stop action, making it an unforgettable experience!

After your included dinner, return to your hotel later this evening.

Day 5, Thursday, September 17, 2026             (B)

After an included breakfast buffet at the hotel, you’ll travel back through mid-coast Maine.

This morning, you will visit Fort Knox State Historic Site, home to Maine’s largest historic fort and the region’s most visited site. Though it was never involved in battle, Fort Knox boasts a rich history, remarkable architecture, and exceptional craftsmanship. Construction took place from 1844 to 1864, ultimately costing over $1 million. This granite fort, the first of its kind in Maine, was strategically located along the narrows of Penobscot Bay to defend against potential British naval attacks. Its original purpose was to protect Bangor, a key source of shipbuilding lumber, amidst the Maine-New Brunswick border dispute following the Aroostook War. Serving as a testament to Maine’s early struggles for freedom, Fort Knox also garrisoned troops during the Civil War and the Spanish-American War.

After the Fort Knox tour, you will visit the Penobscot Narrows Observatory, part of the Fort Knox State Historic Site. This engineering marvel offers stunning views of Maine’s mid-coast region as well as Mount Desert Island. Rising 42 stories above the Penobscot Narrows Bridge, this impressive observatory provides a unique perspective on the landscape below. Access to the observatory is available through the Fort Knox Historic Site, making it a perfect addition to your visit. Experience breathtaking vistas and the remarkable construction of this iconic tower!

As you continue your journey through central and southern Maine, you will have the opportunity to grab those last-minute souvenirs at Boulay Farm Market & Country Store in North Berwick, Maine. This family-friendly farm and market specializes in locally sourced and “made in Maine” products. It features a country store with a wide array of items, including locally sourced meats, canned goods (preserves, maple syrup), and crafts. Boulay Farm & Market emphasizes community, connection to the land, and family traditions, offering a space to experience the charm of country living.  Continue on to Sturbridge, MA.  Dinner is on your own this evening.  Check-in at your overnight accommodations in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.

Day 6, Friday, September 18, 2026          (B)

Enjoy an included breakfast at the hotel and check-out.  Visit the Mark Twain House Museum, the historic home of Samuel Clemens, known as Mark Twain, one of America’s greatest writers and social critics. Twain lived in this house from 1874 to 1891 and created some of his most celebrated works here, including The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court. As you take a guided tour of the beautifully preserved home and its grounds, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in Twain’s literary world. Stand in the very rooms where he crafted his beloved stories and gaze out his bedroom window just as he did, drawing inspiration from the same views that sparked his imagination. It’s a unique opportunity to connect with this literary icon. 

After the tour, we continue our journey home with rest and meal stops along the way, arriving home in the early evening.