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Maine Coast: Purely Acadia 2010
Available Tour Dates:
September, October
http://www.vbt.com
What's Included
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5 nights in historic inns
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12 meals-5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
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FREE use of our custom VBT bicycle and helmet
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Service of two VBT Trip Leaders
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FULL VAN SUPPORT
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Daily route directions and maps
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Ferry transfer to Little Cranberry Island and visit to the Isleford Historical Museum
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Admission to Acadia National Park
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5% Frequent Traveler Credit to use on your next VBT vacation
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Special Good Buy Discount
Rating Level: Easy/Moderate
Maine Coast: Purely Acadia 2010
Cycling along rugged coastlines with lighthouse views…following quiet park roads where cars aren’t ever allowed to go…keeping our eyes open for shorebirds and playful seals — this really is the way life should be.
On the car-free carriage roads in Acadia National Park and the quaint lanes of Cranberry Island, discover a world perfect for cyclists. We’ll experience the power of crashing surf and the calm of tranquil harbors, with ample time to pause and enjoy the local bounty, from Maine’s oldest treasures — its famous lobsters and succulent blueberries — to the microbrews which are attracting new fans from around the world.
Discovery Highlights
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DISCOVER Mount Desert Island by bicycle
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PLAY on Sand Beach and view the dramatic coast
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CYCLE Rockefeller's famed car-free carriage trails in Acadia National Park
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SAVOR delicacies, from microbrews to lobster to Jordan Pond House popovers
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PEDAL along gently rolling hills and the rocky Maine coastline
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VISIT quaint Little Cranberry Island by car-free ferry
What to Expect
This tour offers the full range of easy terrain mixed with moderate and challenging hills and is ideal for beginning and experienced cyclists. Our VBT van support shuttle is always available for those who need assistance with the hills.
Rating Level: Easy/Moderate
Daily Mileage: 13 - 26 miles
Daily Cycling Time: 2 - 4 1/2 hours
1-800-245-3868
Interested in a tour?
Talk to one of ourTour Consultants
for details.
Itinerary
Day 1 of BIKE TOUR Arrive Bar Harbor
VBT Active Vacations and the Bar Harbor-Bangor Shuttle Bus have teamed up to provide an included shuttle service from the Bangor Airport to Bar Harbor and the start of your tour. If you are flying into Bangor, please call the Bar Harbor-Bangor Shuttle Bus to make reservations to and from Bar Harbor at 207-479-5911. Be sure to advise them you are a VBT guest when you make your reservation. There is no refund available for guests who are unable to make use of this transfer service. To be sure that you arrive to the tour on time, please make sure your flight arrives in Bangor by 11:00 am. If you arrive after 11:00 am, you may have to take a later shuttle and miss the beginning of your tour.
Our group meets at the Bar Harbor Inn. After settling in, explore this lovely seaport town until mid-afternoon. At 3 p.m., join your VBT Trip Leaders for a safety and bike-fitting session, followed by a short warm-up ride. At 5:00 p.m., meet up with the group for a tour orientation and welcome reception before a 7:00 p.m. dinner at the inn.
Day 2 of BIKE TOUR Cycle carriage trails to Jordan Pond
Today, cycle on Acadia's famed car-free carriage roads, which were established by John D. Rockefeller. Your loop takes you around Eagle Lake to Jordan Pond. Lunch is on your own. We recommend stopping at Jordan Pond House for their elegant fare, including their famous popovers. The afternoon ride offers exceptional views of Bubble Pond and Cadillac Mountain. Savor the flavors of Maine tonight during a lobster dinner at the inn. Afterward, there are sometimes free band concerts on the town green.
Day 3 of BIKE TOUR DISCOVERY DAY! Cycle to Sand Beach/Optional sea kayaking, whale watching or a sunset cruise
Spend the morning riding on the Park Loop Road to Sand Beach, where you can relax on the shore or take an easy hike. After lunch at the Fabbri Memorial Picnic Area, cycle back to Bar Harbor or, for additional miles, continue on the Park Loop Road past Cadillac Mountain Summit Road. This afternoon, you may choose among optional activities (at your own expense): guided sea kayaking in Frenchman Bay, a whale-watching excursion or a sunset cruise on the schooner Margaret Todd. Or browse in Bar Harbor's charming gift shops and boutiques. For dinner, enjoy the fine restaurants in town.
Day 4 of BIKE TOUR Explore Northeast Harbor
Today, cycle to the quiet side of Mount Desert Island with plenty of time to check out the local microbrewery and enjoy lunch. Then continue cycling to Northeast Harbor, with views of the spectacular fjord of Somes Sound. In Northeast Harbor, you will find many attractive boutiques, galleries, gardens and eateries. Asticou Inn overlooks the beautiful protected harbor full of sailboats and luxury yachts. Take advantage of the amenities at the inn, including a heated outdoor swimming pool and clay tennis courts. Dinner will be at a local restaurant tonight.
Day 5 of BIKE TOUR DISCOVERY DAY! Explore Little Cranberry Island and Northeast Harbor
After a leisurely breakfast at the inn, we board a car-free ferry to Great Cranberry Island (15 minutes) and continue on by ferry to Little Cranberry Island (10 minutes). Visit this pristine hamlet, which hosts a year-round community of lobstermen, boat builders, craftsmen, and “rusticators.” Low-bush cranberries grow profusely in the fall. The berries are about the size of green peas, and they grow right in the ground rather than in bogs. Visit the Islesford Historical Museum before boarding the ferry back to Northeast Harbor (30 minutes). Enjoy an optional visit to the Azalea and Thuya gardens before our final farewell celebration dinner at the inn.
Day 6 of BIKE TOUR Enjoy the Carriage Trails before departing
This morning we will cycle up to Acadia National Park and enter the carriage trails one last time, enjoying the views along the west side of Jordan Pond on our way back to Bar Harbor. As we bid adieu, you'll agree with the state's motto that this is truly “the way life should be.”
VBT has arranged facilities for your use between 12 and 4 p.m. to shower and change before leaving. The innkeepers of the Bar Harbor Inn ask that you depart by 4:00 p.m.
Average Daily Temperature:
Bar Harbor:
|
Jun 71° Jul 73° Aug 76° |
Sep 68° Oct 60° |
1-800-245-3868
Interested in a tour?
Talk to one of ourTour Consultants
for details.
Maine Coast: Purely Acadia 2010
|
September 12, 2010 |
$2,095 |
|
September 19, 2010 |
$2,095 |
|
September 26, 2010 |
$2,095 |
|
October 3, 2010 |
$1,895 |
1-800-245-3868
Interested in a tour?
Talk to one of ourTour Consultants
for details.
Pre and Post Trip Extensions
There are no extensions available for this tour.
1-800-245-3868
Interested in a tour?
Talk to one of ourTour Consultants
for details.
Accommodations
Bar Harbor Inn
Built in 1887, this inn is close to all of Bar Harbor’s attractions. Take in views of Frenchman Bay through the dining room’s picture window. The Inn’s new luxury spa opened in spring 2006.
Asticou Inn
This historic country inn overlooking the blue waters of Northeast Harbor offers modern-day amenities including a heated swimming pool and clay courts.
Average Daily Temperature:
Bar Harbor:
|
Jun 71° Jul 73° Aug 76° |
Sep 68° Oct 60° |
1-800-245-3868
Interested in a tour?
Talk to one of ourTour Consultants
for details.
Rating Level
Easy/Moderate
This tour offers the full range of easy terrain mixed with moderate and challenging hills and is ideal for beginning and experienced cyclists. Our VBT van support shuttle is always available for those who need assistance with the hills.
Average Daily Temperature:
Bar Harbor:
|
Jun 71° Jul 73° Aug 76° |
Sep 68° Oct 60° |
1-800-245-3868
Interested in a tour?
Talk to one of ourTour Consultants
for details.
Travel Protection
Cover Your Travel Investment with this Travel Protection Plan
Occasionally, unforeseen circumstances may arise which may cause you to either cancel or interrupt your vacation. We are committed to providing the best value for your travel dollar. That is why we include an insurance program on your invoice.
Schedule of Benefits Maximum Benefit Amount
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TRIP CANCELLATION & TRIP INTERRUPTION |
TRIP COST |
|
TRAVEL DELAY ($150 MAXIMUM PER DAY) |
$750 |
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BAGGAGE & PERSONAL EFFECTS |
$1,500 |
|
BAGGAGE DELAY ($150 MAXIMUM PER DAY) |
$750 |
|
ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS MEDICAL EXPENSE |
$50,000 |
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EMERGENCY MEDICAL EVACUATION |
$100,000 |
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ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT |
$25,000 |
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ONE CALL 24HR ASSISTANCE SERVICES* |
INCLUDED |
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ONE CALL TRAVEL SOLUTIONS* |
INCLUDED |
|
ONE CALL CONCIERGE SERVICES* |
INCLUDED |
*These are non-insurance services provided by One Call Worldwide Travel Services Network.
Insurance is underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company, Eatontown, NJ. This is only a brief description of the plan. The Plan Certificate, which fully details the Benefits, Limitations, and Provisions of the plan is available at www.vbt.com. This plan is administered by Trip Mate, Inc. (in CA, Trip Mate Insurance Agency), 9225 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, MO 64114 800-888-7292.
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Tour Cost Per Person |
Plan Cost Per Person |
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$1,001-$1,500 |
$119 |
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$1,501-$2,000 |
$159 |
|
$2,001-$2,500 |
$189 |
|
$2,501-$3,000 |
$229 |
|
$3,001-$3,500 |
$269 |
|
$3,501-$4,000 |
$299 |
|
$4,001-$4,500 |
$329 |
|
$4,501-$5,000 |
$349 |
|
$5,001-$6,000 |
$419 |
|
$6,000-$7,000 |
$449 |
Please Note: The rates shown are per-person and are subject to change, and include coverage for the air portion of your itinerary if VBT Active Vacations is arranging your air transportation. The Travel Protection Plan cannot be purchased after you have made your final payment or once you are inside the penalty period, whichever comes first. The cost of your Travel Protection Plan is non-refundable.
Pre-Existing Medical Condition Exclusion is waived if the plan is purchased within 14 days of initial trip payment.