Overview

EXPERIENCE AN AMERICAN TREASURE ON THIS AMERICA 250 TOUR!

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Acadia National Park and the charming coastal towns of Bar Harbor, Freeport, and Portland, Maine. This unforgettable senior group tour offers a perfect blend of natural wonders, historical sites, and shopping opportunities. Immerse yourself in the rich history of the Gilded Age, explore stunning coastal landscapes, and indulge in the local charm of Maine.

About This Tour

Join Best of Times Travel on a remarkable journey to Acadia National Park, a true gem of the American Northeast. Explore the park's stunning scenery, including the iconic Cadillac Mountain, and learn about the Gilded Age families who shaped the region. Experience the quaint coastal towns of Bar Harbor and Portland, offering unique shopping experiences and delicious local cuisine.

Your Tour Includes

• Deluxe motorcoach transportation
• Comfortable hotel accommodations
• Delicious meals, including breakfast and dinner
• Guided tour of Acadia National Park
• Free time to explore Bar Harbor and Portland
• Knowledgeable tour director
• Luggage handling and taxes

Highlights

• Acadia National Park: Marvel at the breathtaking beauty of the park's mountains, lakes, and coastline.
• Cadillac Mountain: Ascend to the summit of Maine's highest peak and enjoy panoramic views.
• Bar Harbor: Discover the charming coastal town, explore its shops, and savor fresh seafood.
• Portland, Maine: Experience the vibrant city's historic waterfront, art galleries, and diverse dining scene.
• Freeport, Maine: Experience the discount shopping mecca of Maine and the Home of famous LL Bean..
• Gilded Age History: Learn about the wealthy families who shaped the region, including the Rockefellers, Morgans, and Vanderbilts.
• Free Time: Enjoy leisure time to explore at your own pace.

Roundtrip Motor coach Transportation*
2 Nights Hotel Accommodations
4 Meals: 2 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners
Riding Tour of Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park 

Free Time and Visit of Portland, Maine 

Free Time and Visit to Freeport, Maine and Home of famous L.L. Bean
Services of a Best of Times Travel Tour Manager (Gratuity Included)
Luggage Handling & Taxes
Step-On-Guide Gratuities Included 

• Optional Travelers Insurance by Chubb is offered - Click Here for Details on Chubb Travel Insurance Program

*Single Group Pick-Up.  Non-Group Bookings will be required to travel to the nearest Best of Times or Group Set Pick-Up Location. Best of Times Travel will notify you of the closest departure point to where you live approximately 3 weeks prior to the trip departure date. 

Here are the Specific Terms & Conditions of Sale For this program.

Rates and itineraries shown here were in effect at the time of printing and no changes are anticipated; however, Best of Times Travel reserves the right to withdraw any tour or to make any rate changes, as necessary. Prices are subject to change. A deposit is always required to confirm a reservation. A Deposit of $200pp, plus insurance premium (if selected) is due upon registration to confirm your reservation. Travel Insurance: We recommend your purchase of optional travel insurance. This optional travel insurance is per person and the premium is based on the overall trip cost. Travelers MUST purchase the plan at the time of initial deposit. Coverage will not be in place unless your full Deposit is received. Cancellation schedule and fees are in place regardless of cancellation reason (including, but not limited to, force majeure, health pandemics or government restrictions). Travel Insurance Premium is also Non-Refundable regardless of cancellation reason. Payment in full must be received by April 1st, 2026 or this may result in an automatic cancellation. Please note: All cancellations must be made in writing and sent to Best of Times Travel via email to cancellations@bestoftimestravel.com or via mail. The date of cancellation is deemed to be the date received by Best of Times Travel. Cancellation Charges for this programs are as follows: Cancellations from date of booking until 4/1/26 have no cancellation fee. Cancellations from 4/2/2026 until 4/30/2026 will be assessed a cancellation fee of 75% of the total fare. Cancellations after 4/30/2026 will receive no refund, 100% of the total fare. Best of Times Travel is not responsible for any refunds over and above said amount. Best of Times Travel reserves the right to issue any refunds due, in whole or in part, in the form of future travel credit.

*Pre-Existing Medical Condition Exclusion Waiver has the following stipulations: plan must be purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment, insured must be medically able to travel at time of purchasing the plan, all pre-paid, nonrefundable trip costs need to be insured. This information is a brief description of the features of this insurance program. Coverage & pricing may vary by state. The provision of this document is for informational purposes only and is not an  insurance contract. Coverage is being marketed by Chubb Insurance Solutions Agency, Inc. located at 202 Halls Mills Road, Whitehouse Station, New Jersey 08889. Insurance benefits are underwritten by ACE Property & Casualty Insurance  Company located at 436 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106. 

 We travel from home heading for the great shores of Maine.   With its heady mixture of artistic and outdoor adventure, Maine is stylish and sophisticated, genuine and welcoming—a place where grey flannel and plaid flannel can coexist. Modern marvels mingling with maritime history.  Forever tied to its maritime heritage, Portland maintains much of its 19th century architecture and character of the trading and fishing settlement it once was when established in 1632.   We begin our adventure, stopping in Portland, Maine for lunch on our own and time to see the historic Old Port area.  At the heart of Portland’s Old Port is the working waterfront, home to fishing and lobstering boats hauling in their catch of the day and just about every other vessel you can imagine from water taxis to tall ships. Portland's unique maritime ties mingle with the sophisticated urban center of the city.   This makes for a unique blending of past and present as the 18th century brick buildings mix with cutting-edge modern architecture. The cobblestone and brick streets of the Old Port lead visitors down pathways to world-class restaurants, boutiques, bars, and maybe even a speakeasy or two.  We then continue this afternoon north to Bangor Maine to get settled into our Hotel, the Fairfield Inn & Suites.  Tonight our dinner is included as we dine out on the town, then settle in for a good night of rest.      

Breakfast awaits before we head to Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park.  It was a Frenchman, Samuel Champlain, who made the first important contribution to the historical record of Mount Desert Island. He led the expedition that landed on Mount Desert on September 5, 1604 and wrote in his journal, “The mountain summits are all bare and rocky..... I name it Isles des Monts Desert.”  For a select handful of Americans, the 1880s and the “Gay Nineties” meant affluence on a scale without precedent. Mount Desert, still remote from the cities of the East, became a retreat for prominent people of the times. The Rockefellers, Morgans, Fords, Vanderbilts, Carnegies, and Astors, chose to spend their summers here. Not content with the simple lodgings then available, these families transformed the landscape of Mount Desert Island with elegant estates, euphemistically called “cottages.” Luxury, refinement, and ostentatious gatherings replaced buckboard rides, picnics, and day-long hikes of an earlier era. For over 40 years, the wealthy held sway at Mount Desert, but the Great Depression and World War II marked the end of such extravagance.  Though the affluent of the turn of the century came here to frolic, they had much to do with preserving the landscape that we know today. It was from this social strata that George B. Dorr, a tireless spokesman for conservation, devoted 43 years of his life, energy, and family fortune to preserving the Acadian landscape.  Forty-five miles of rustic carriage roads, the gift of philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr. and family, weave around the mountains and valleys of Acadia National Park.  Today we travel through the National Park and enjoy terrific guided commentary and sights on this wonderful adventure.  This afternoon we will enjoy lunch on our own at one of the many eating establishments in downtown Bar Harbor.  Then take some time to wander through the downtown shops and sights that make up this lovely seaside.  But before we depart Bar Harbor we take in what is considered to be a "MUST DO" when you travel to Maine, and that is enjoy our INCLUDED LOBSTERBAKE!  Enjoy a 1 1/4 lb. Lobster, Mussels, Corn on the Cobb, Potatoes, Rolls, Blueberry Cake, Coffee and Iced Tea.  For those that don't do seafood, we've got you covered, enjoy a delicious steak instead.  A vegetarian option is even available for those that need it.  After this scrumptious dinner we head back to our hotel for a good night of rest.  Sleep well.

 We begin our day with a breakfast before heading out for for Freeport Maine internationally famous as a world-class shopping destination and home to famous L.L. Bean.   Experience why Freeport is a favorite Maine vacation destination. Located on the shores of Casco Bay, the historic village is world-famous for outdoor outfitters, shopping outlets, and local boutiques. Their iconic Maine restaurants are proud to serve the freshest local fare, and the craft brewery scene is hopping.  Enjoy our time here browsing at any one of almost a 100 different outlet shops or stop into L.L. Bean and take in a demonstration.  We will have lunch on our own before departing late this afternoon.  Rest stops enroute to home as we depart with fond memories of Maine’s great escapes.