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.

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 optional lunch. The lobster here is so good it really shouldn’t be missed! Then you’ll 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. After your cruise, the rest of the day is yours to explore the postcard-pretty seaside town of Boothbay, your base for the evening. (B)

The morning is yours to discover more of delightful Boothbay. You may like to hop aboard the Boothbay-Twin Villages-Pemaquid Trolley to explore the town or 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 manicured Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens are also well worth a visit. When it comes to lunch, you’re in for a treat. Jump aboard 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, a highlight for many visitors, where you’ll 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. (B/L)

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. Continue your drive to Acadia National Park where you’ll want to 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 and buy a Lobster Roll at an iconic road stop (optional), then observe the 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. (B)

After breakfast, take a stroll out to Bar Island in Frenchman Bay at low tide when a strip of dry land appears, making it possible to walk to the island. The island can only be reached on foot for a few short hours on either side of low tide, but there’s no need to worry as your expert local leader will ensure your visit to the island is perfectly timed. Later, take a drive out to Southwest Harbor to see what many call "the most beautiful lighthouse in the US" - Bass Harbor Head Light. The rest of your time in the town of Bar Harbor is yours to explore your way. You may like to rent a kayak, take a leisurely stroll around town or head out for an optional dinner with your group to celebrate the final night of your Maine adventure. (B)

Rise bright and early to make the most of your final day with a drive up Cadillac Mountain to watch the sunrise. Journey back into the park, this time heading to Jordan Pond, a reflective pond that is a sight to behold, and 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 on the mainland. Here the untamed surf crashes against the rocks and puts on quite a show. In the afternoon, continue to the city of Bangor, arriving at around 5pm, at which point your adventure will come to an end. (B)