June 17-22, 2013
(6 days)
Pickup: Lancaster, Ephrata
Lv-7:00 am Rt-9:00 pm
Price per person: $1,085 Double $1,328 Single
$1,022 Triple $975 Quad
Deposit - $200 per person at registration
Balance due by April 26, 2013
5 breakfasts 6 dinners
MON, JUN 17 (Day 1) We depart Lancaster, PA for Wells, ME. Dinner is included at a fine local favorite. You may even choose to have lobster! (D)
TUE, JUN 18 (Day 2) Today we travel to Kennebunkport and enjoy a lobster fishing excursion. Not only will we see lobster traps hauled from the sea, but we will learn about the challenging life of a lobster fisherman, have the opportunity to see the rocky Maine Coastline, and also see former President Bush’s summer cottage from the water! Proceed to Portland where lunch and shopping on own are available in The Old Port District of Portland, filled with interesting shops and restaurants. Enjoy a guided tour of Portland with our local guide and learn all about its history. Of course we will visit the Portland Head Light, which was commissioned by George Washington. Our guided tour will also include Victoria Mansion, the Longfellow House, the Portland Observatory, and the Eastern Promenade, where one will see breathtaking views of Casco Bay. We arrive at the Grand Summit Resort, Maine, located at Sunday River and checking into the Grand Summit Resort for dinner and overnight accommodations. (B, D)
WED, JUN 19 (Day 3) With our local guide, we travel just a short distance to Bumpus Mine. This mine became famous in the 1930's when it produced the world's largest Beryl Crystal, now resting at the Museum of Natural History in New York City. After learning about mines and gems, we visit Bethel Outdoor Adventure and enjoy sluicing for your own special, rare mineral. Next we enjoy lunch and shopping on your own in Bethel. For those not wishing to peruse the stores, enjoy an optional short walking tour with a member of the Bethel Historical Society. Then it is back to the resort for about 2-3 hours of relaxation, in preparation for our moose safari. Following dinner, we depart on a two-hour moose safari with our local moose naturalist who will teach you the facts and fiction of these great animals. Our first stop is at “The Artist Bridge”— one of the most photographed covered bridges in Maine. Have your cameras ready as we head to Grafton Notch State Park, stopping at Screw Auger Falls, where we will spot feeding areas and learn about moose mating rituals. We continue north to Errol, New Hampshire, and the head of the Androscoggin River, which has some of the largest moose populations in the area. All of these former locales are known places where the moose congregate at dusk! Then we return to Sunday River for dessert and a good night of rest. (B, D)
THU, JUN 20 (Day 4) We head to Freeport, Maine, home of L.L. Bean's Flagship Store. Here we are sure to enjoy the free time for lunch and shopping. Next, travel to the historic ship building city of Bath, Maine, where we will visit the Maine Maritime Museum and experience Maine's rich seafaring history on the banks of the Kennebec River. Learn about the Percy & Small Shipyard which built very large 4, 5, and 6 mast wooden ships including the Wyoming, the world's largest wooden ship. We head to the quaint fishing village of Boothbay Harbor, for a two night stay. Dinner is included at our resort and we are within walking distance to the quaint harbor village of Boothbay. (B, D)
FRI, JUN 21 (Day 5) First thing this morning we head to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens right in Boothbay Harbor. The 248-acre botanical gardens are located on the Sheepscot River and feature miles of trails and acres of gardens and woodlands. While there treat yourself to a fresh cup of coffee in their cafe or shop in the gift shop located in the new visitor center. Return to Boothbay Harbor for lunch and shopping on our own. This afternoon, enjoy a narrated harbor cruise where we will see marine wildlife and the working harbor. Be sure to bring your camera, as there are wonderful views and scenery to be captured on film, including the very playful seals that make their home nearby. A traditional Maine “suppah” is included at your hotel this evening. (B, D)
SAT, JUN 22 (Day 6) After breakfast, we begin our journey homeward bound, taking many fond memories with us! (B, D)