August 1–9, 2014

Operated by National Trust Tours, the Art and Architecture Along the Coast of Maine Aboard Independence experience explores the magnificent coastline and the quaint villages, historic homes, exceptional museums, and stunning scenery that line the calm waters.

Independence
Brand new in 2010, the 100-passenger Independence is the newest ship in the American Cruise Lines® fleet. All staterooms, most with private balconies, feature interior entrances, a king-size bed or two twin beds, a private shower and toilet, and large picture windows that open. The spacious and attractive dining salon accommodates all passengers at one seating. Sun decks and glass-enclosed lounges offer comfortable venues for enjoying the passing scenery, and a well-stocked library provides books and videos about our destinations for your educational enrichment.

Study Leader Information
Greg Paxton joined Maine Preservation as executive director in 2008. Greg was a Trustee of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, CEO of The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation from 1981–2008, Preservation Administrator for Historic Charleston Foundation from 1977–1981, and site manager at Mount Independence in Vermont from 1973-1976. He is a graduate of Williams College with a MA in historic preservation from the University of Vermont. He is married to Dr. Lynne Werner and has a son Burke.

Tour Itinerary
August 1 - Friday - Portland
Individual arrivals at the Holiday Inn by the Bay. Meet fellow travelers and staff at the welcome reception followed by dinner on your own.

August 2 - Saturday - Portland
After a morning lecture, visit the Portland Museum of Art for a guided tour of its superb collection, including works by Winslow Homer, Rockwell Kent, and Frederic Church among others. Next, travel to nearby Prout’s Neck, which offers stunning views of the area that inspired many of Winslow Homer’s famous paintings. Visit Portland Head Light before returning to Portland to embark the Independence. Enjoy sights along Penobscot Bay while cruising to Bar Harbor.

August 3 - Sunday - Bar Harbor
Nineteenth-century artists Thomas Cole and Frederic Church were the first to bring public attention to Mount Desert Island and what is now known as Acadia National Park. By the turn of the 20th century, it became a favorite summer retreat for affluent Americans. The Rockefellers were key in preserving the park’s landscape and abundant wildlife. In the morning, enjoy a bus tour of Acadia National Park, including spectacular Cadillac Mountain, followed by free time in the afternoon.

August 4 - Monday - Castine
Relax on board as the ship sails past Eggemoggin Reach and Deer Isle Thoroughfare en route to Castine. Enjoy the spectacular views of Maine’s magnificent wildlife and its majestic coastline. In the afternoon, fascinating walking tours through Castine’s historic district will highlight the town’s architectural beauty. One of the oldest communities in North America, Castine has had a long and varied history of occupation and was fought over by the British and colonial Americans. Walk past beautiful Federal and Greek revival homes, including former summer homes of literary figures Mary McCarthy, Robert Lowell, and Elizabeth Hardwick. Later in the day, visit the Castine Historical Society.

August 5 - Tuesday - Belfast/Camden
Travel to nearby Searsport to visit the Penobscot Marine Museum. This cluster of historic and modern buildings chronicles the area’s rich seafaring history through artifacts, vintage photographs, and dramatic marine paintings. Some areas are also dedicated to marine arts such as model making and scrimshaw. Included in the tour is a 19th-century sea captain’s home, furnished with treasures brought back from the Orient. A short afternoon cruise brings you to Camden, considered the “tall ship capital of Maine.” This charming town offers a wealth of historic and cultural attractions, including top art galleries. Take a scenic tour to Camden Hills State Park. High atop Mount Battie, experience sweeping ocean vistas, rugged coastlines and panoramic views of Camden, Penobscot Bay, and surrounding islands. On a clear day, you might spot Cadillac Mountain at Acadia National Park!

August 6 - Wednesday - Rockland
Spend the morning at the Farnsworth Art Museum showcasing Maine’s contribution to American art. Also visit the museum’s renowned Wyeth Center dedicated to works by N.C., Andrew, and James Wyeth—America’s first family of art. After lunch, visit the Olson House, where Andrew Wyeth painted many works, including the well-known Christina’s World. Enjoy a free afternoon in Rockland then return to the ship for dinner.

August 7 - Thursday - Boothbay Harbor
Take a walking tour of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Maine’s first and only botanical garden. In addition to the central gardens of the main campus, the tour includes the Lerner Garden of the Five Senses, a garden created specifically to appeal to each of our senses. There will be time to explore the gardens on your own. An alternative tour will be available to the Boothbay Historical Society, featuring artifacts that reflect the region’s colonial and coastal origins.

August 8 - Friday - Bath
Nestled on sparkling Kennebec River, Bath perhaps best exemplifies Maine’s nautical heritage. It is a vibrant community that combines its rich, centuries-old background of shipbuilding with its present claim of being selected as “One of America’s Best Small Cities.” Cultural treasures abound, including the town’s many grand examples of American architecture and unique specialty shops. Bath is also home to the Maine Maritime Museum, where your vessel will dock. The museum is located on the site of a 19th-century working shipyard, and features paintings, models, artifacts, and interpretive exhibits of life at sea and maritime technology. Alternatively, you may take the trolley ride that includes historic narration of the town.

August 9 - Saturday - Portland
After breakfast, disembark the Independence and transfer to the Portland Airport for individual flights home.

Tour Price*
Per person:
Category A - $4,610
Category AAL (Priv. Balc.) - $5,315
Category AAC (Priv. Balc.) - $5,560
Owner’s Suite (Priv. Balc.) - $7,100
Single (Priv. Balc.) - $5,900
Single - $5,500

Special Offer!
Mention Historic Hotels of America when booking your tour and receive three $100 gift certificates, each good toward a $100 refund when you book through HistoricHotels.org and stay for at least two-nights at a Historic Hotels of America hotel.**

Reservations
To book a tour please contact our tour VIP desk at +1 202 772 8000 or scalhoun@historichotels.org.

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*Rates are based on double occupancy, except where indicated.
Reservations and Payments: Reservations will be accepted accompanied by a deposit of $1,000.00 per person. Final payment is due no later than May 3, 2014. Reservations received after May 2 will require full payment.
Included: Vessel accommodations as shown in the itinerary, all meals, snacks, complimentary cocktail parties, entertainment aboard the ship, a complete program throughout the tour/cruise, including transportation, admission to all points of interest and gratuities.
Not Included: Air or land transportation to or from Portland, ME; parking facilities; airport transfers; items of a personal nature, laundry (not available onboard the vessel), phone/fax communications; meals not included on the itinerary; insurance of any kind.

**Maximum of one $100 certificate may be claimed for a refund with a minimum two night stay booked through HistoricHotels.org following the return of your tour and completion of your hotel stay. The refund will be issued within 45 days of the completion of your stay upon submitting a Great Experiences & Tours $100 refund application. Refund application must be submitted with a copy of your hotel folio receipt, the original confirmation number from your booking on HistoricHotels.org, and the Certificate number issued to you for booking your tour through Historic Hotels of America. Certificates issued are a promotion only valid toward future reservations made through HistoricHotels.org and do not have any cash value. One certificate may be used per room per two night or longer stay at the same hotel. Eligible rates include rates publicly available at time of booking. Reduced rates, rooms included in another travel or tour package, employee rates, advance purchase rates, and certain last minute sale rates are not eligible for this promotion.