DAY ONE

Collect your rental car on arrival and drive to your inn, a mansion originally built in 1823 located at the city center. Check in and set out for an afternoon of exploring Portland's historic and lively downtown area. Walk along Commercial Street, stopping for lunch on Hobson's Wharf. The simple seafood menu is of unfussy local tradition, and the diner is a favorite among everyone from the local fishermen to the editors of Gourmet Magazine.

After lunch, walk through the Old Port, the revitalized warehouse district where hip boutiques line cobblestone streets. Before leaving Commercial Street, step into Maine's Pantry for all things Maine--from dilly beans and smoked fish to dried blueberries and raspberry wine truffles.

Dine tonight at a restaurant committed to serving locally grown products prepared as simply as possible.

Later, return to the inn for a game of billiards. If you'd rather stay out, check out the city's trendy new bowling alley, complete with a popular bar.

Overnight The Danforth

DAY TWO

After breakfast at the inn this morning, head north driving 1.5 hours along scenic Coastal Route 1 and down the peninsula to the shipbuilding and fishing village of Boothbay Harbor, where you’ll check in at a cozy inn.

Stop for lunch on the wharf at a famous seafood joint and, this afternoon, explore the area on foot, rent bicycles, or return to the inn and relax.

Dine at your hotel this evening, which offers fine cuisine in a casual environment.

Overnight Thistle Inn

DAY THREE

This morning, visit the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay, which features lush central gardens and miles of woodland and waterfront hiking trails.

Alternatively, you may choose to take a puffin cruise around Boothbay Harbor. Listed in Maine as a threatened species, puffins are typically found in extremely cold waters, and Boothbay is home to the southernmost Atlantic Puffin colony in all of North America.

Departing Boothbay Harbor, you'll return to Route 1, stopping for lunch at a famous diner which has been serving travelers along Route 1 for over 80 years.

Continue on a half-hour to Camden, a seaport town which boasts fine architecture and a fabulous mountain backdrop, where you’ll check into your hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon wandering into shops along the charming downtown waterfront.

For dinner tonight, we suggest a small Italian restaurant on the Camden waterfront. A simple, stylish gem, where the owner's family recipes are paired with locally produced, organic and healthy Maine coast fare.

Overnight Camden River House

DAY FOUR

Start your day today with a two-hour schooner ride, traveling where the wind is best, and taking in the sights of Penobscot Bay and the famous rocky coastline from another viewpoint. You're likely to see seals, bald eagles, guillemots (a cousin to the puffin), and possibly whales!

Next, pick up your lunch at the family-run Camden Deli, where you may choose to eat in or take out for a picnic.

After lunch, drive a few miles north to Camden Hills State Park, where you may choose from several hiking trails. A half-mile uphill hike leads to the summit of Mount Battie, offering stunning views of the coast, surrounding islands, and, on a very clear day, Acadia National Park in the distance.

For dinner tonight, feast on fresh local seafood at a nearby bistro.

Overnight Camden River House

DAY FIVE

Following breakfast at your hotel this morning, return two hours to Portland for your departure flight. Take a short break along the way to enjoy one last lobster roll in Wiscasset, where enthusiastic patrons have been gathering since the 1930s.

DETAIL PAGE

*Price is subject to change due to date and time of year of booking as well as to currency fluctuation. The price is only an estimate at this time and an accurate costing will be provided when itineraries are chosen and submitted. Prices are based on double occupancy.

Inclusions:

• Accommodation: 4 nights
• Rental car
• Schooner trip
• Days 2-5: Breakfast

Exclusions:

• International and Domestic Airfare
• Airport entrance and exit fees
• Visa (if required)
• Trip Cancellation Insurance
• Alcoholic Beverages
• Gratuities
• Items of a Personal Nature
• Optional bicycle rental
• Optional puffin cruise
• Entry fees payable on site

Please Note:

• We recommend that our clients consult their General Practitioner or Travel Clinic for advice on necessary vaccinations or medicines depending on the region to which they are traveling.
• All guests are strongly advised to take out comprehensive travel insurance covering them for all personal effects, personal accident, medical and emergency travel expenses, cancellation, and curtailment.