DAY ONE

Collect your rental car at the airport and arrive in downtown Portland in time for a lunch of locally sourced, thoughtful fare at a nearby restaurant.  The menu here is packed with local organic ingredients. Maine sourced, and Mediterranean inspired.

 After lunch you will set out on a private walking tour, carving a path through the streets of the charming Old Port. A hundred years ago this area was home to fish houses, canneries, industrial factories and textile mills and the air was heavy with industrial smoke. In today’s Old Port the air is fragrant with the fresh ocean breeze and scents of coffee houses, bakeries, and award-winning restaurants, all tempting passersby as they wind their way through the scenic narrow streets.

Your friendly and engaging guide will take you to several venues where you will have an opportunity to sample delectable, Maine-inspired foods and obtain a behind-the-scenes look at those who craft these culinary delights. Along the way, you will learn about the colorful local history unique to the “Port City.”

As you sample the fare at the various stops, your guide and the proprietors will discuss the history behind their industry, the uniquely Maine products that are used and a few hints to the secrets of their award-winning success. The tastes that you will have a chance to sample may include: Fresh Maine lobster served with a unique twist, Maine artisan cheeses from local farms, the best Maine smoked seafood, Downeast Maine wild blueberry preserves with scones, the original whoopie pie, dark chocolate truffles made with Aroostook County potatoes and nationally recognized handcrafted ales.

Later visit Maine Mead Works on your own, where you'll sample a unique honey wine, made with 100% Maine wildflower honey. An ancient beverage, the wine takes on distinct flavors depending on the season of the honey.

The last of the afternoon can be spent at your leisure. Relax at your inn or visit some of the quirky boutiques along the Old Port waterfront.

We recommend you dine this evening at a highly-acclaimed restaurant located a block from the waterfront in the heart of the Old Port. Housing a wood burning oven with which hardwood and applewood fires cook local meats, seafood, and produce, the restaurant’s menu changes daily and is inspired by seasonal ingredients.

Overnight Pomegranate Inn

DAY TWO

This morning, follow Coastal Route 1 a little over an hour to Waldoboro, where you'll step into an unassuming bakery and pick up a picnic lunch. The bakery makes arguably the best sandwiches in the state, offering an incredible variety of homemade breads.

Leaving the bakery, you'll turn onto Route 220, driving half an hour into the countryside to an award-winning farm, winery, and distillery. Here, you'll have a chance to hike through farmlands and wooded trails along the Medomak River, stopping to picnic at your leisure and sample flavored gins, rum, brandy, and a variety of fruit wines.

Wind your way north to the small town of Appleton, for a taste of award-winning artisan goat and sheep cheese at a scenic creamery, where you’ll enjoy a private tour followed by a guided tasting.

Head onwards to Camden, known as the “village where the mountains meet the sea,”  where you'll check into a charming, cozy inn and take time to relax before dinner.

For dinner tonight, we suggest a nearby world-class restaurant housed inside a restored Victorian home, which serves unique dishes that might include salads topped with gingerbread croutons, grilled octopus, and pumpkin swordfish.

Overnight Camden Maine Stay

DAY THREE

Enjoy breakfast at the inn this morning, after which you’ll have some time to explore Camden.

Today, you will drive a few miles north to a gorgeous seaside working farm. You will be met by the owner in her converted barn on the oceanfront, and your visit will include a guided walk through the property, and a cooking class, when possible. Recent classes include: Traditional savory piemaking, cobblers and buckles, and gourmet gardening/preserving seasonal tastes.

Next, you will visit a beautiful 68-acre vineyard which features sweeping views of Levenseller Mountain in the distance. The winery and vineyard is another carefully restored post and beam barn space, filled with artisan wines made on site.

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

Overnight Camden Maine Stay

DAY FOUR

Enjoy a quiet morning in Camden on your own. You may wish to go for a morning hike, taking in the view from atop Mount Megunticook, or schedule a trip aboard a traditional schooner.

Return to Portland at your leisure, stopping first in Rockport, where you'll visit an indoor market and café, which offers local fruits and vegetables, an authentic butcher and deli, and fabulous baked goods.

Arriving in Portland this afternoon, check into your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure—exploring the area on foot, or shopping.

Dinner tonight is suggested at a restaurant favored among locals, where locally-sourced mussels are a must. After dinner, stop into the city's favorite beer garden, which offers 25 rotating beers on tap from both near and far.

Overnight Pomegranate Inn

DAY FIVE

Return your rental car at the airport this morning before meeting your departure flight or continuing on to the next part of your adventure.

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
• Culinary walking tour
• Complementary wine tasting
• Creamery visit and tasting
• 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
• Cooking class: Subject to availability

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.