Overview
Bring your students to discover the rich natural beauty of coastal Maine on this journey through Acadia National Park. Your group can look forward to hiking along Cadillac Mountain, exploring the 400+ native plant species cared for at the Wild Gardens of Acadia, and taking in a private show at the Versant Power Astronomy Center & Jordan Planetarium.
Itinerary
Day 1
Lunch
Travel to Bangor, ME
Penobscot Bridge Observatory and Fort visit
Walk the historic grounds of Fort Knox, one of the best preserved military fortifications, and be transported to the mid-1800s when it was built. You'll experience Maine's fastest elevator as you ascend to the bridge's observatory for views of the bay and learn about the rich history of this region.
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Cadillac Mountain Course Leader-led hike
Conquer the tallest summit on the East Coast—Cadillac Mountain. You'll hike the North Ridge Trail to the summit and enjoy panoramic, sweeping vistas of Bar Harbor, Frenchman Bay, and the Schoodic Peninsula. At its peak, you'll trek along the Summit Loop for a 360-degree view of Acadia National Park.
Lunch
Jordan Pond visit
Revel in the beauty of Jordon Pond, one of Acadia's most pristine lakes, and the North and South Bubble Mountains that frame it. As you stroll the wooden boardwalks and gravel trails that hug the lake's shoreline, reflect on the glaciers that carved this impressive and beautiful landscape.
Dinner
Downtown Bangor Course Leader-led walking tour
Explore downtown Bangor on foot, stopping at the 31-foot Paul Bunyan monument before strolling through the historic district. Along the way, learn about the city’s lumber legacy, the Great Fire of 1911, and the local stories that shaped this riverside community.
Day 3
Breakfast
Sieur de Monts Nature Center visit
Discover the park's immense biodiversity and history at Sieur de Monts. Learn about the Wabanaki people, inhabitants of the area for over 13,000 years. Explore the Jesup Path boardwalk and visit the Wild Gardens of Acadia with more than 400 native plants that exist throughout the Acadia National Park.
Hike Jesup Path Loop
Sand Beach visit
Unwind at Acadia's largest sandy beach and take in the view of the crystal-clear water and dramatic, rocky cliffs. Explore the diverse tidal pools, home to crabs, sea stars, anemones, and unique shells.
Picnic lunch at the beach
Thunder Hole and Otter Point visit
Witness firsthand the power of tidal forces as you observe the sights and sounds at Thunder Hole. Learn about the unique geology and erosive forces from wind and water that created this natural wonder. Take in the view from Otter Point of the Atlantic Ocean, granite cliffs, and lush offshore islands.
Dinner
Maynard Jordan Planetarium at Versant Power Astronomy Center
Journey to other worlds and through the cosmos in an immersive planetarium experience. You'll learn what makes life on Earth possible in this virtual trip across the solar system, exploring our Moon, Mars, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn.
Day 4
Breakfast
Travel to Portland, ME
Casco Bay Harbor Lights and Sights boat tour
Tour a storybook Maine harbor filled with iconic lighthouses and Civil War forts from aboard a boat. You'll cruise through Diamond Pass, where Casco Bay and the Atlantic Ocean meet while learning about the region's rich maritime past with its bustling inner harbor and shipping channels.
Lunch
Depart for home
Dinner
Already Included
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Meals (unless otherwise noted on your itinerary)
WorldStrides Course Leader - a dynamic destination expert who brings learning to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Field Research Guide (Discovery Journal)
Scenes from Acadia
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
WorldStrides provides over $2.5 million in financial assistance each year to thousands of families. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of less than $85,000 may qualify. One simple call to Customer Service and you’ll know how much may be available for your trip even before signing up. Please note: financial assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.