Explore the rugged beauty of Maine and some of its most iconic lighthouses, from the Nubble Lighthouse in southern Maine to West Quoddy Head Lighthouse, the easternmost point in the continental U.S. Along the way, enjoy charming seaside towns, fresh seafood and iconic spots, like historic downtown Portland, Kennebunkport and Acadia National Park. Whether you’re after history, nature or just a breath of salty air, the Lighthouses of Maine Tour promises a wonderful week. Enjoy all of the fun and beauty of the northeast in the company of Christian friends.
FRIDAY, SEPT. 18: Arrive in Portland, Maine. Check-in begins at 3 p.m. at the Portland Doubletree by Hilton. Join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner and settle in for a wonderful tour. (D)*
SATURDAY, SEPT. 19: Relax on our luxury coach as you enjoy a guided tour of Portland-area lighthouses, including the iconic Portland Head, the most photographed lighthouse in the country. Enjoy lunch on your own in historic downtown Portland, followed by a survey of beautiful Casco Bay aboard the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad. Our day winds down back at the hotel with a relaxing dinner. (B,D)
SUNDAY, SEPT. 20: After breakfast, we head south to Kittery to join a local church for worship. Lunch is on your own in the quaint Wallingford Square in Kittery. Our afternoon will find us viewing
two iconic Maine lighthouses: Nubble and Whaleback. We will stop for fresh seafood (non-seafood options available) in York on our way back to Portland, and then prepare to head north to Bar Harbor in the morning. (B,D)
MONDAY, SEPT. 21: Today will begin with breakfast and check out at the Doubletree. Heading north toward Bar Harbor, we’ll stop at Pemaquid Point Lighthouse. Lunch will be on your own in downtown Camden, often called the “Jewel of the Coast.” This quintessential New England town is perfect for exploring with its picturesque harbor and historic architecture. Our day ends in Bar Harbor with check-in at our home for the next two days, the Atlantic Oceanside Resort. With stunning grounds and amazing ocean views, this property has a pick-up stop for the free Island Explorer shuttle to downtown Bar Harbor. Dinner is on your own at the hotel or in Bar Harbor. (B)
TUESDAY, SEPT. 22: Choose how you would like to start your day. A morning sail along the coast of Mount Desert Island is offered for those who would like a little adventure. You can help hoist the sails, or just relax on the deck of the schooner The Margaret Todd as we view Acadia National Park from the water and try to spot some of the three lighthouses in Frenchman Bay. Alternatively, you can opt for a leisurely start to the day and join the group for our afternoon guided tour of the beautiful Acadia National Park. We will see nine mountains over 1,000 feet high, stone bridges,
lakes, trails and carriage roads, and 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. Dinner is on your own one more time in tranquil Bar Harbor. (B)
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 23: We pack up one last time and get an early start to head to the easternmost point of the U.S. and the most iconic lighthouse in Maine: West Quoddy Head. The only red and white striped lighthouse in Maine, it faces New Brunswick, Canada. From West Quoddy, we will return to Portland and settle back into the Doubletree for two more nights. (B,L,D)
THURSDAY, SEPT. 24: After breakfast, we will travel a few miles south to the famous Kennebunkport, home of the Bush Compound. Another optional boat tour is available for those seeking adventure: a lobster tour on Kylie’s Chance, where guests may see native wildlife including seals and sea birds, as well as experience the lobster harvesting process. Alternatively, you can choose to spend the morning exploring Kennebunkport's quaint shops and harbor. Our day will end with a dinner to celebrate our time together. (B,D)
FRIDAY, SEPT. 25: Breakfast will be at your leisure as you pack up and depart for home, renewed and refreshed by the beauty of Maine and the fellowship of your Christian brothers and sisters.
(B)
*Meals included with the tour fare are shown in parentheses (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
INCLUDED: The tour fare includes airport transfers, seven nights accommodation, meals listed on the itinerary, all entrance and activity fees for scheduled tours, luxury coach travel and guide service. Worship and communion will be offered on Sunday.
TRANSPORTATION FOR TOUR START/END: Individuals are to make their own travel arrangements to Portland International Jetport (PWM). Airport transfers will be provided from/to PWM. If you prefer to drive, you may leave your car parked at our first/last hotel, the Portland Doubletree, for a small fee payable to the hotel upon arrival.
IS THIS TRIP FOR YOU?: Harding University and Abundant Living tours are planned and hosted by University faculty and staff for the purpose of building community among participants and enjoying the comfort and safety of traveling with like-minded people. Guests are expected to participate in a manner consistent with Harding’s deeply held religious beliefs and in a way as to encourage and uplift the other tour participants.
MOBILITY CONCERNS: Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate wheelchairs on this tour. Participants must be able to step in and out of kneeling coach (3-4 steps). Hotels have elevators – accessible rooms may be available upon request.
MENUS: At least two options will be available at each meal. Menu selections for some of the catered meals will be requested prior to departure. If you have special dietary needs, please communicate those at time of reservation. At “on-your-own” mealtimes, participants will be provided with a variety of nearby dining options.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE: The tour fare is $2,500 per person based on double occupancy. Single occupancy reservation fare is $3,400 per person. A deposit of $750 per person is due at time of booking. The final payment is due by July 1, 2026.
CANCELLATION: All cancellations must be received by email at AlumniTravel@harding.edu or by phone at 501-279-4276. The following cancellation charges will be assessed for all cancellations:
Cancellation by March 30, 2026: full refund. Cancellation between April 1 - June 30, 2026: full refund less a fee of $300 per person. Cancellation after July 1, 2026: no refund is available, but your fare can be transferred to another person.
LIMITATIONS: It is possible that the daily itinerary may be adjusted because of unforeseen circumstances such as weather. All efforts will be made to stick to the advertised itinerary. Space is limited. Travel insurance is not provided but is recommended.
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