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Down East Ramble with Friends of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania

September 12 – 19, 2026

8 Days, 18 Meals

Starting from $4,589 per person

Activity Level: Moderate

Trip Details

Journey north as rolling landscapes give way to salt kissed breezes, historic harbors, and storybook seaside towns. This Rail & Sail adventure carries you from Connecticut’s charming shoreline to the rugged beauty of Maine. This is the getaway that lets you sit back, breathe deep, and savor the journey as much as the destination.

Booking Deadline: June 14, 2026

Low booking deposit of $100 per person

Daily Itinerary

Saturday, September 12, 2026 - Depart for New England & All Aboard in Connecticut

*Early morning departure, time will be confirmed closer to travel.

Depart this morning from Central PA and journey north toward the charm of Connecticut. Today, step back in time at the Railroad Museum of New England, where vintage locomotives and rolling stock tell stories of America’s golden rail era. Then, enjoy a nostalgic ride along the Naugatuck Railroad, winding through the scenic Naugatuck River Valley. Check into the hotel then enjoy dinner at the Mill On The River.  Hotel: Hampton Inn, Windsor, CT. (Lunch, Dinner)

Sunday, September 13, 2026 - Rails of Connecticut & the Coast of Maine

Visit the Connecticut Trolley Museum, where gleaming electric trolleys take you on a journey through time. Continue north to the picturesque state of Maine, stopping for lunch on your own before an afternoon visit and train ride at the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad & Museum, offering waterfront views of Portland’s harbor. Take time to settle in and freshen up before concluding the day with a delicious Maine-style dinner at Taste of Maine, known for its coastal views and fresh seafood. Hotel: Hampton Inn, Bath, ME (Breakfast, Dinner)

Monday, September 14, 2026 - Steam, Sail, and Scenic Maine

After breakfast, tour the Maine Coast, and climb aboard the Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway, an authentic two-foot-gauge railroad lovingly maintained by dedicated volunteers. Afterward, visit the fascinating Sail, Power & Steam Museum, where nautical heritage comes alive through historic vessels and maritime exhibits. Continue to beautiful Bar Harbor and check into the Bar Harbor Regency overlooking Frenchman Bay for a relaxing two-night stay. Hotel: Bar Harbor Regency, Bar Harbor, ME (Breakfast, Dinner)

Tuesday, September 15, 2026 - Majestic Acadia & Whale Watching Adventure

Wake to the scent of salt air and the promise of an unforgettable day in coastal Maine. After breakfast, set out on a guided tour of Acadia National Park, where nature’s grandeur unfolds at every turn — from wind-swept rocky shores to evergreen forests and shimmering lakes. Journey up the summit of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point along the U.S. Atlantic coast, where breathtaking 360° views of Frenchman Bay make for the perfect photo opportunity. Enjoy free time and lunch on your own in Bar Harbor village. Later, embark on a whale watching cruise, keeping your eyes peeled for humpbacks, finbacks, and playful dolphins gliding through the deep blue waters. This evening, enjoy another dinner together as a group. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Wednesday, September 16, 2026 - Downeast Rails, Classic Cars & Coastal Charm

Following breakfast, check out and set off to board the Downeast Scenic Railroad for a delightful ride through Maine’s lush countryside. Continue south, touring to Mid-Coast Maine, enjoying lunch on your own in one of the charming seaside towns. This afternoon, visit the Owls Head Transportation Museum, showcasing classic automobiles, vintage aircraft, and engineering marvels of a bygone era. Later, arrive in the charming town of Ogunquit, named by the Abenaki Native Peoples, meaning “beautiful place by the sea”. This evening, enjoy an unforgettable lobster bake, celebrating Maine’s most famous delicacy. Hotel: Gorges Grant Hotel, Ogunquit, ME (Breakfast, Lobster bake Dinner)

Thursday, September 17, 2026 - Trolleys, Lighthouses & Broadway by the Beach

Start your day with breakfast, then tour through the beautiful seaside town of Kennebunkport, enjoying coastal views along with Walker’s Point, home to former President Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush. Then we’ll explore the world’s oldest and largest electric railway museum—the Seashore Trolley Museum—where beautifully restored streetcars take you gliding through the pines. After lunch on your own in Dock Square, continue to the village of York for a picture stop at the iconic Nubble Lighthouse at Cape Neddick, one of the most photographed beacons in America. This evening, enjoy a delicious dinner followed by a performance at the legendary Ogunquit Playhouse, “America’s Foremost Summer Theatre.” (Breakfast, Dinner)

Friday, September 18 - Essex Steam & Scenic Sails

After breakfast, journey south to Essex, Connecticut. Enjoy a boxed lunch and ride aboard the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat in the Connecticut River Valley. Relax as the vintage steam engine chugs past rolling hills and historic towns before transitioning seamlessly onto a leisurely riverboat cruise. Continue to the Hampton Inn for a relaxing night’s stay and enjoy dinner together with the group. Hotel: Hampton Inn, Waterbury, CT (Breakfast, Boxed Lunch, Dinner)

Saturday, September 19, 2026 - Final Tracks Homeward

Following breakfast, make one last stop at the Danbury Railway Museum, where hands-on exhibits and vintage locomotives offer a fitting finale to your rail themed adventure. Following, enjoy lunch before continuing home to Central PA. An included sit down dinner stop will be made on the way home. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

**Itinerary is subject to change at any time without advanced notice and/or compensation.

Highlights

  • Railroad Museum of New England & Naugatuck Railroad
  • Connecticut Trolley Museum
  • Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad & Museum
  • Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway Museum
  • Sail, Power & Steam Museum
  • Acadia National Park with Cadillac Mountain
  • Whale watching cruise
  • Downeast Scenic Railroad
  • Seashore Trolley Museum
  • Ogunquit Playhouse performance
  • Essex Steam Train & Riverboat Cruise
  • Danbury Railway Museum

Included Benefits

  • Parking and roundtrip motorcoach transportation
  • Seven-night hotel accommodations
  • Meals: 7 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 8 Dinners
  • Admissions and sightseeing as listed in the itinerary
  • Baggage Handling (one bag per person)
  • Northeast Unlimited Tours Tour Director and Guide Service
  • All taxes and gratuities for the included features
  • Services of a AAA Discoveries Journey Manager

General Info

Payment

PRICE PER PERSON – Member of Friends of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania:
Double Occupancy: $4,589
Single Occupancy: $ 5,849
Triple Occupancy: $4,209
Quad Occupancy: $4,019

PRICE PER PERSON –NON Member of Friends of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania:
Double Occupancy: $4,639
Single Occupancy: $5,899
Triple Occupancy: $4,259
Quad Occupancy: $4,069

Rates are subject to availability at the time of booking and include taxes, fees, and fuel surcharges, which are subject to change. All pricing and included features are based on a minimum of 25 full-fare passengers.

Payment Schedule

A deposit of $100 per person will confirm your reservation. Final payment is due to AAA by  July 7, 2026.

Cancellation Policy

After July 7, 2026 – No refunds

Activity Level:

Moderate: Good mobility is required for this trip. Climbing stairs and standing for 2-3 hours at a time, as well as walking on uneven terrain may be necessary. Portions of the itinerary may include higher altitudes. The itinerary may involve longer days up to 12-14 hours in length. This activity level is not recommended for travelers with significant mobility concerns.

Travel Assistance:

For person comfort, group participants who need assistance are required to have a traveling companion who is capable of and totally responsible for providing the needed assistance.
GRP#7526

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Travel Insurance?

For your protection, AAA recommends travel insurance. Pre-existing medical conditions may be waived with proper coverage if travel insurance is purchased within 14 days of initial deposit only. Other conditions may apply; ask your travel agent. AAA recommends Allianz.

What will the weather be like?

Temperatures for Connecticut and Maine in Mid September average in 50s-70s with cooler mornings and evenings. Casual clothes that are good for layering and comfortable walking shoes are recommended; be prepared for potential inclement weather.

How many bags may I bring?

One suitcase per person will be allowed. You may also bring a small carry-on bag.

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