Christmas Prelude In Maine

Day 1

Depart Pennsylvania and travel north to the beautiful state of Maine with rest and meal stops enroute as needed. A photo stop will be made at Maine's southernmost lighthouse - Nubble Lighthouse adorned with white lights for the holiday season. Enjoy the view and have your camera ready to take photos. Continue your travels to Ogunquit, Maine, which means "beautiful place by the sea". Upon arrival, you check-in at your host hotel for the next four nights, the Meadowmere Resort (207-646-9661). The hotel is located in the heart of Ogunquit, Maine and features an indoor heated pool and jacuzzi, game room and arcade, fitness center and wireless internet throughout the property. Guest room amenities include a mini refrigerator, hair dryer, and a coffee maker. Dinner is included tonight at a nearby restaurant.

Day 2

Breakfast is included at a local favorite restaurant this morning and followed by private holiday wreath making workshop taught by a local balsam expert. Maine is known for its fresh, local Christmas tree farms. Today, you'll learn from local farmers about the Balsam Fir wreath-making industry and make your own to take home with you. Next, you board the motorcoach and make your way to Freeport to explore on your own the Freeport Sparkle Celebration. There are lots of holiday displays and lights, daily activities and shopping. MarthaStewart.com named Freeport one of "The Most Charming Small Towns to Visit During the Christmas Season". Maps, coupons and a Sparkle Celebration schedule will be provided the day of the tour. Lunch is on your own while in Freeport. Next, it's off to the L.L. Bean Northern Lights annual event. Your wonderland awaits from Santa and his reindeer to sparkling trees, skating and more, there'll be magic in the air and plenty of daily events and activities to enjoy like ice skating, the life-sized snow globe, the model train village, Twinkle Light Tunnel and more. Dinner is included at an area restaurant before you return to the hotel for the night.

Day 3

Breakfast will once again be included at a local restaurant before you travel to Maine's south coast hub of Kennebunkport. Your local guide will provide a narrated riding tour through the villages of Kennebunk and Kennebunkport which includes driving past the sandy beaches and rocky coastline, past the George Bush estate at Walker's Point, hear the history of these shipbuilding towns and the legend of the Wedding Cake House. You will also visit the seaside Franciscan Monastery with its beautiful landscaping, outdoor shrines and chapel. Lunch and dinner will be on your own today at Dock Square in Kennebunkport. This neighborhood nestled in the center of town bustles with boutique shops, art galleries and numerous cafes and eateries sure to please your appetite and budget. You will re-group after lunch and take a ride into yesteryear and discover the heritage of America's Grand Trolley era at the Seashore Trolley Museum. Take a scenic ride through the Maine countryside on a restored streetcar and learn about its restoration here. Then, return to Dock Square to gear up for the magical festivities. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore Kennebunkport on your own with plenty of shopping at unique boutiques and listen or sing along with the entertainers and carolers strolling the charming village all dressed up in old-fashioned decor for the holidays. You will be present to help kick-off the 42nd Annual Christmas Prelude. Witness the tree lighting, join in with the carolers, and gather to view the Prelude fireworks. This festival is an historic and memorable tradition of a real New England Christmas. You will return to the hotel following the fireworks display. (Please be sure to dress appropriately for the weather conditions as you will be outside a good bit of the afternoon and evening.)

Day 4

Once again, breakfast will be included at an area restaurant before you have a tour of the Victoria Mansion. This impressive and historic Italianate villa, built in 1858, has been a popular landmark visible from the Portland Harbor. The elegant furnishings and unique décor help tell the story of a Maine man who made his fortune in the South and returned for the summer to live in downtown Portland. See the mansion all decked out for the holidays. Afterwards, you will have free time to browse in downtown and have lunch on your own in Portland's historic district, the Old Portland Exchange. The Old Port area has been restored to 19th century splendor with cobblestone streets and beautiful Victorian brick buildings. After your time downtown, you board the motorcoach for transport to the Portland Stage Company for a holiday themed performance (TBA - 2023 show scheduled was not available at time of publication). After the show you will meet your local guide for a narrated driving tour of Portland. You'll see views of Longfellow's boyhood home, sea captain houses and the elegant Victoria Mansion as you drive through the historic neighborhoods overlooking the islands of Casco Bay in Portland Harbor. The tour will include a stop at Portland Head Lighthouse, the most photographed lighthouse in America. Dinner is included at an area restaurant before you return to the hotel for the night.

Day 5

Enjoy breakfast at a local favorite restaurant before you depart for home with magical memories of Maine and joy in your heart. Meal and rest stops will be made as needed on the way home.

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***ALL WOLF'S TOURS - TIMES AND ITINERARY SUBJECT TO CHANGE***

B=Breakfast, CB=Continental Breakfast, D=Dinner