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Map of Coastal Maine including United States Of America

A scenic journey along Maine’s boundless coastline

With hundreds of miles of coastline begging to be explored, it’s like Maine was made for curious travellers. From flourishing cities to peaceful seaside towns and dramatic beaches, this six-day local-lead adventure takes it all in. And how could we forget about lobsters and blueberry cake? Take a tour of lively Portland, head offshore in search of whales in Boothbay, tuck into a traditional New England clambake on Cabbage Island and explore the rugged landscapes of Acadia National Park. Fresh air, fabulous food and unforgettable scenery will have you falling in love with Maine.

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Terms & Conditions
Start
Portland ME, United States
Finish
Bangor, United States
Destination
United States
Style
Comfort
Theme
Explorer
Code
STKB
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Kicking things off in lively Portland, let your local leader show you the city’s history and culture on a walking tour that takes in all the best bits.

  • Aside from welcoming locals, whales, dolphins, seals and puffins all call coastal Maine home – head out to meet them on a memorable boat trip in Boothbay.

  • It wouldn’t be a trip to New England without a clambake! Tuck into this traditional feast on Cabbage Island, trying lobster, fish chowder, blueberry cake and more.

  • Time the tide in Bar Harbor for a walk out to Bar Island before before seeing "the most beautiful lighthouse in the US" - Bass Harbor Head Light.

  • Watch the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park, the first place in the US the morning light touches.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Maine can get chilly, even in the summer. Make sure you bring layers and a rain jacket.

  • There are walking opportunities throughout this trip. We recommend you bring good quality walking shoes if you're keen to enjoy a hike - or two!

Pax whale watching from boat on Coastal Maine
New England Clam Bake plate
The streets of Old Town Portland, Maine
The harbour and boats at Boothbay
Two Atlantic puffins balancing on a rock, Portland, Maine
Golden hour at Jordan pond in Acadia National Park
Clouds and shoreline of Reid State Park, Maine

Itinerary
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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.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Portland - leader led walking tour
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting at 9am as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

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.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Reid State Park - walk
  • Boothbay - Wildlife cruise
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Please note puffins are normally only seen on the cruise from late June to early August. Whales are seen June to September.

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.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cabbage Island - New England Clam Bake
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
On rare occasions the Cabbage Island Clambake is not available. In this case we will visit a local Oyster farm for a tour and learn to shuck our own oysters, then have a clam bake dinner in town.

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.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Acadia National Park - scenic drive
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

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.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Bar Harbor - Bar Island Tidal Walk
  • Southwest Harbor - Bass Harbor Lighthouse
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

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.
Included Activities
  • Acadia National Park - hike
  • Acadia National Park - Sunrise from Cadillac Mountain
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Our trip finishes at an Airport hotel which is located 6 minutes from the airport. We will arrive at the hotel around 5pm. Please don't book a flight out until 7pm and after. If you would like to be dropped straight at the airport on our way to the hotel please let your leader know. You may also choose to stay in Bar Harbor if you wish.

If you need a lift back to Portland, ask your booking agent about the optional transfer which will have you back in Portland at around 8pm.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

5 breakfasts, 1 lunch

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (5 nights)

Included activities

  • Portland - leader led walking tour
  • Reid State Park - walk
  • Boothbay - Wildlife cruise
  • Cabbage Island - New England Clam Bake
  • Acadia National Park - scenic drive
  • Bar Harbor - Bar Island Tidal Walk
  • Southwest Harbor - Bass Harbor Lighthouse
  • Acadia National Park - hike
  • Acadia National Park - Sunrise from Cadillac Mountain

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Coastal Maine trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

FIRST DAY: Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 9.00am. Please make your own way to the Joining Point Hotel listed in the Essential Trip Information for this itinerary.
LAST DAY: We will arrive at our Bangor Airport hotel around 5pm. If flying out this night please book a flight after 7pm. Our hotel is located 6 minutes from the airport.
OPTIONAL DEPARTURE TRANSFER: This trip ends in Bangor on day 6, but if you would like to return to Portland there is an optional transfer available to book. This transfer is only available on the last day of the trip after the group is dropped off in Bangor. Those who book the transfer will arrive in Portland at approximately 8pm.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

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