Coastal Maine

Welcome to Portland, Maine! The state’s biggest city retains a small-town charm with its endearing cobbled streets, open green spaces and independent food scene. A meeting will take place at 9am this morning where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers, then let your leader show you the layers of the city’s history on a walking tour. Take in the historic Old Port, beautiful waterfront and lively downtown as your leader shares stories of Portland’s past, stretching all the way back to 1632. After your walking tour, you may like to grab some lunch at one of the city’s wonderful eateries – your leader will be able to recommend some great spots. The rest of the day is free for your own discoveries. If you’d like to see Portland from a different perspective, heading out on a sea kayaking tour is a fantastic option – paddle out to the mid-19th-century Fort Gorges to discover the history of Casco Bay.

Included Activities:
-Portland - leader led walking tour

Make the most of Maine’s dazzling coastline and drive to Reid State Park, where you’ll have some time to explore its sandy beaches a catch a view of the centuries-old Seguin Island Lighthouse. Jump back in the vehicle and drive to lovely little Georgetown where you’ll have free time to grab some lunch (the lobster here is so good it really shouldn’t be missed!). After a good feast, continue to the postcard-pretty seaside town of Boothbay, your base for the evening. The town’s colourful streets are a joy to explore, so pick up an ice cream and get wandering.

Included Activities:
-Reid State Park - walk

The morning is yours to discover more of delightful Boothbay. You may like to hop aboard the Boothbay-Twin Villages-Pemaquid Trolley for a super fun way to explore the town. If you’re after some history, pay a visit to the Boothbay Region Historical Society, located in a home built in 1874, where you can browse rooms filled with artifacts, photographs, maps and memorabilia. The beautifully manicured Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens are also well worth a visit. Regroup in the early afternoon and head out to experience the fabulous diversity of Maine’s coastline on a wildlife watching cruise. Board your comfortable boat and head out to sea as a local guide helps to spot puffins, seals, dolphins, sharks and several different species of whales – this is an afternoon you’re sure to remember! 

Included Activities:
-Boothbay - Wildlife cruise

Ready your appetite and loosen your belt – you’re in for a treat today. Jump aboard a boat for a scenic cruise along Maine’s picturesque coastline, disembarking at Cabbage Island. You’ll be greeted by the owners of the island before sitting down to a traditional New England clambake, an absolute highlight for many visitors to the corner of the country. Tuck into fish chowder, lobster, steamers, potato, onion, egg, corn on the cob and what’s said to be the best blueberry cake in Maine. The clambake is cooked in the tradition style, steamed over an open fire between layers of seaweed and covered with tarpaulins, ensuring none of the delicious flavour escapes. After your meal you may like to take a stroll along the seafront, or simply relax beneath the shade of the giant oak tree before catching the boat back to the mainland.

Included Activities:
-Cabbage Island - New England Clam Bake

Venture away from the peaceful surroundings of Boothbay and drive towards the wild landscapes of Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island, brimming with rugged mountains, rocky beaches and dense woodlands. Make a stop along the way in Lincolnville, home to the celebrated Cellardoor Winery. Step into a 200-year-old barn and sample some splendid locally made wine and learn about its production in Maine. Continue your drive to Acadia National Park. Have your camera at the ready, because on arrival you’ll undertake a 27-mile looped drive around the park, taking in some of its most spectacular sights. Stop off to observe a dramatic natural phenomenon at Thunder Hole, admire the turquoise waters of Sand Beach and snap some pictures at the towering Otter Cliff. After the drive, settle into your hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure.

Included Activities:
-Acadia National Park - scenic drive
-Lincolnville - wine tasting

Rise bright and early to make the most of your final day. Journey back into the park, this time heading to Jordan Pond to explore on foot. This reflective pond really is a sight to behold, and today you can either take a gentle stroll along the nature trail, or undertake a more challenging trek along the shore trail. After your walk, stop off at a nearby restaurant where you’ll have the chance to pick up some lunch, then pay a visit to Schoodic Point, the only part of the national park that lies on the mainland. Here the untamed surf crashes against the rocks and puts on quite the show. In the afternoon, continue to the city of Bangor, arriving at around 5pm, at which point your adventure will come to an end. If you’d like to spend some more time exploring this inland city, just get in touch ahead of time and we’d be happy to arrange additional accommodation (subject to availability).

Included Activities:
-Acadia National Park - hike