Print Full Itinerary
Itinerary: Subject to change due to local conditions, unforeseen events, or more interesting as yet unplanned awesome experiences that become available
Overview:
An amazing artistic creation is hiding in the wooded areas surrounding Boothbay Harbor, Maine. Danish artist, Thomas Dambo’s magical, mysterious, and mammoth recycled wood troll sculptures are waiting to be unearthed. These creative creations will help you discover new ways to lose-and find-yourself in the stillness of the forests as you wander the peaceful nature trails on a troll hunt. Don’t worry the trolls are friendly, but their message is something you’ll want to discover for yourself. As you find each troll, uncover their teachings and put the clues together to learn the secret of Guardians of the Seeds. This is a great chance to disconnect from the world, only to reconnect with the Earth.
We’ll continue our connection as we travel throughout the lovely coastal vistas of Maine while visiting spectacular, gleaming lighthouses, cruising along the bays, wandering quaint villages, taking scenic strolls, and enjoying delicious fresh, locally caught seafood.
This will be one of our intimate Van Adventures!
Day One: The Butterfly House
Let’s head north! We’ll take a break on our trek to Maine at The Butterfly Place, a lovely indoor garden filled with hundreds of freely flying butterflies. It’s here where we’ll enjoy a picnic style lunch and wander along the winding pathways as various varieties of butterflies sip from flowers, bask in the sunshine and flitter beautifully around your head.
Surprise Stop:
We’re only about halfway there so we’ll continue in a northern direction with a special “rest stop” along the way we know you’ll enjoy.
Ocean Gate Resort:
Once we finally hit Southport, we’ll have the pleasure of calling the Ocean Gate Resort our home for the next 4 nights.
Nestled among 33 acres of wooded pine trees and ocean view vistas, this is the perfect spot for rest and relaxation. Kick back and relax in your water view room with its classic Maine camp atmosphere.
Robinson's Wharf:
After getting settled in, we’ll make our way to Robinson’s Wharf, an enduring waterside seafood spot with lovely harbor views for an included dinner before a good night’s rest.
Day Two: Marshall Point lighthouse
This morning takes us to one of Maine’s lighthouse treasures, Marshall Point, situation on a rocky ledge at the tip of St. George Peninsula. Stroll the picturesque walkway to the light tower for lovely views and great photos in every direction and wander along the rocky shore for more scenic panorama.
The lovingly restored 1880s Keeper House and summer kitchen now houses a museum featuring photographs and documents that highlight the history of the lighthouse and peninsula.
Port Clyde:
Onto the quaint fishing village of Port Clyde that has long been an attraction to artists, perfect for wandering and exploring the General Store with Linda Bean’s Maine Wyeth Gallery up above containing original paintings and one of a kind signed prints.
McLoon's Lobster Shack:
We’ll take a shot to see if we can enjoy an included lunch at the authentic, family owned McLoons Lobster Shack located on a working lobster wharf hidden in a secluded spot with views to die for.
Roaring Spout Walk:
After, we’ll walk off our calories on the scenic Roaring Spout trail where a short, forested trail leads to a stunning spot overlooking the choppy seas.
Plan B - Claws:
If McLoons is closed, not to fret. We’ll then make our way to Rockland to the popular Claws, where sometimes there’s a line, which is well worth the wait.
Plan B - Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse:
To walk off our calories, we’ll walk on top of the water all the way out to the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, a splendidly panoramic scene.
Dinner will be on your own tonight in one of the many great restaurants in Boothbay Harbor.
Day Three: Owls Head Lighthouse
A very special place filled with striking beauty along with a tinge of mystery is our first stop of the day. A serene, wooded walkway leads to the Owl’s Head Lighthouse where from its lofty perch, the beauty of the Penobscot Bay sparkles before you.
Climb to the lighthouse perch for glorious views and visit 1854 Keepers Quarter Museum to hear stories of mystery, a “Little Lady” and bell ringing dog.
Schooner Surprise:
Now onto the cute, charming town of Camden where there is so much to explore. We start with a peaceful 2-hour ride on the Schooner Surprise where we’ll see more delightful lighthouses, wildlife, and summer estates. Grab some lunch to eat onboard as we sail the day away.
Maiden Cliff Walk:
Choose to stay in Camden for a few more hours to browse the shops and cafes or perhaps you are up for a calorie burning walk to Maiden’s Cliff where you’re rewarded with the most glorious views.
Mt. Battie:
Everyone will enjoy the scenic vistas from high atop Mt. Battie where sweeping views of Camden and surrounding islands await, don’t worry walkers, we are driving to this one.
Tonight we enjoy an included dinner in Boothbay Harbor before relaxing at the Ocean Gate for the night.
Day Four: Troll Hunt
We spend the majority of the day on our search for trolls! Wander the forests of the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden to unlock the secrets. Walk as much as you like and also spend some time among the beautiful grounds of the gardens.
*The five trolls are hidden deep in the woods with some requiring a lot of walking. The first trolls is in the central gardens, the others are in the woods about a half a mile from each other. To see all 5 trolls, the walk will be about 3 miles with some paths having uneven ground.
The signs at each troll will give you the clue needed to solve the puzzle and find the hidden seeds.
There is a shuttle available at the gardens for anyone to use but will only take you somewhat closer to the trolls. Walking is the best experience and as always, you can do as much or as little as you like. The first 2 trolls are the easiest to see and are the most accessible.
Harbor Cruise:
This afternoon, we will step aboard a delightful harbor cruise that passes by summer colonies, lovely lighthouses, captivating small islands, and seals basking on rocks.
As we travel though Boothbay Harbor, we’ll learn how lobsters are caught, traps are hauled, and more fun information about Maine’s famous lobster industry. So sit back and relax and enjoy the ride.
Once back on dry land, find a place in Boothbay Harbor for dinner on your own.
Day Five: Nubble Lighthouse
Lots more fun exploration as we make our way home!
Our first stop is one of Maine’s most picturesque places, Nubble Lighthouse at Cape Neddick perched atop a rocky outcrop, or ‘nubble’, in charming York Beach. Take in all its beauty and splendor and get your camera ready!
Amazingly, this lighthouse was chosen to be among the photos aboard the Voyager spacecraft so you know this is a very special place.
Day Five: Newburyport
Now we make our way to the quaint town of Newburyport, anchored on a rich Maritime heritage. Take some time to wander the Market Square Historic District comprised of federal style brick buildings and nearby lovely Waterfront Park. Grab some lunch before our trek back home.
Pricing & Departures:
Departs South Plainfield High School at the end of Lane Ave at 7:00 AM and returns at approximately 7:45 PM
Departs Madison’s Kings Road Parking Lot, 62 Kings Rd. at 7:45 AM and returns at approximately 7:00 PM
Departs Ridgewood’s Graydon Pool South lot (across Linwood Ave) at 8:30 AM and returns at approximately 6:15 PM
Price per person is $1,775 Twin & $2,245 Single. No reservations accepted without a deposit of $350 per person. Make checks payable to Group Tours & Travel and mail to the address below. Final payment is due June 1, 2023. Deposits are fully refundable if cancellation occurs on or before June 1, 2023. There are no refunds if cancellation occurs after June 1, 2023. Travel protection/cancellation coverage is available and highly recommended (approximately 10% of the total cost of the tour) but not included. One piece of luggage per person and one carry-on are permitted. Group Tours is not responsible for any delays, cancellations, injuries or circumstances beyond its control and reserves the right to change this itinerary. All trip components are subject to change in accordance with Government, State and Local guidelines and/or mandates. This tour will run rain or shine.
The Educated Wanderer
Group Tours & Travel
PO Box 632 Berwyn, PA 19312
973-513-9001
