Best Maine Tours & Holidays 2024/2025 Intrepid Travel

The land of the lighthouses: where rugged beauty meets old town, coastal charm.

The state of Maine on the USA’s east coast is undoubtedly a hidden gem. Loved for its quaint fishing villages, traditional New English architecture, dramatic coastline, and iconic lighthouses, this top destination promises to deliver an unforgettable adventure. Whether you prefer cycling through the breathtaking and lush Acadia National Park or wandering the historic streets of Portland, our tours and holidays in Maine offer a little something for everyone. Guided by your leader, feast on a lobster roll (or two), embark on a brewery tour, check out some pretty amazing waterfalls or come face to face with artwork inspired by the very state you’re travelling around. With heaps of natural beauty and historical significance, this picturesque destination will quickly and completely steal your heart.

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Things to do in Maine

Acadia National Park in Maine, United States.

Cycle through the Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is full of natural beauty and the best way to see it all is to cycle through it. Recognized as one of the United States’ most beloved parks, this destination offers you the chance to explore rugged coastlines and lush greenery all from the seat of your bike. Stop off at iconic spots throughout the park such as Thunder Hole and Cadillac Mountain and take in the impressive scenery from the sparkling waters of Sand Beach to the breathtaking and incredibly photogenic Eagle Lake.

Farnsworth Art Museum in Portland, Maine.

Wander around the Farnsworth Art Museum

While Maine might be known for its natural beauty, it’s also produced several famous artists including Winslow Homer and the Wyeth family who have used the rocky headlands and expansive scenery found in this state as inspiration for their artwork. View these famous pieces for yourself at the Farnsworth Art Museum in Portland. With a promise to celebrate Maine’s role in American art, this museum showcases fascinating exhibitions you can spend hours wandering through.

Portland Head lighthouse at sunset in Maine.

Marvel at the Portland Head Lighthouse

You can’t come to Maine and not marvel at a lighthouse or two, especially since this state features 65 different lighthouses in total. One of the best (and most popular) lighthouses is the one found in the New England town of Portland. Perched peacefully on the coastline, this lighthouse is a magnificent spot to see Mother Nature in action with waves crashing constantly over the uniquely shaped rock formations below.

Tulips at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Maine.

Walk among the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

If you’re looking for another outdoor adventure, then take a stroll through the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Perfect for soaking up some peace and quiet, these gardens offer you a chance to connect with nature and learn about horticulture in a fun and exciting way. Full of fun activities like seeking out hidden trolls placed throughout the garden, as well as native flora and fauna, this destination is a must-visit.

Visit Victoria Mansion

A much-loved, iconic Portland landmark, the Victoria Mansion promises to fulfill all of your fairytale fantasies with its amazing and intricate architecture. Featuring its original interiors, this domestic masterpiece is truly one of a kind from the royal-like reception room to the sweeping bookshelves of the library. Wander through a piece of American history and marvel at the antique details and luxurious décor as you learn about the house and its past.

Set sail on the Camden Harbor

Considered to be one of the coastal jewels of Maine, this picturesque seaport town is guaranteed to take your breath away from the epic ocean scenery to the seemingly never-ending white sails on the harbor. The perfect way to spend an afternoon, float into Penobscot bay on a cruise or self-chartered sailboat, marveling at the rugged landscape, the many fishing vessels with fresh seafood aboard, and a lighthouse (or two) from the water.

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Maine FAQs

Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine to join a trip in Maine?

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Learn more about Intrepid’s COVID-19 policy

Where is Maine?

Maine is located within the New England region of the United States next to New Hampshire and Vermont. It also borders parts of Canada, namely New Brunswick and Quebec.

How to get to Maine

Traveling to Maine is relatively easy with a range of options including driving, catching a flight, or taking public transport in the form of a bus or train. Unfortunately, while you can use ferries to get to different areas of Maine, there are no ferries that travel between Maine and other neighboring states.

Getting around Maine

There are several ways you can travel around Maine from catching public transport and utilizing rideshare options, to driving and flying. Maine has an efficient and reliable public transport system in place with bus and train networks that service the majority of cities and regions in the state. While you can catch a flight between popular destinations in Maine, you're often better off driving as the state is on the smaller side and you'll be able to see more of Maine's natural beauty.

What's the weather like in Maine?

The weather in Maine is dictated by which area of the state you're in; coastal, southern interior (middle section of Maine), and northern interior (northern section of Maine). These individual sections have a slightly different climate so you can expect different weather patterns for each. The coastline is largely affected by the ocean and will often have cooler summers and colder winters than the rest of Maine. The two inland regions experience temperatures that are similar with cold winters and warmer summers.

What to pack for Maine

Packing for Maine largely depends on what time of the year you're traveling in and which region of the state you're staying in. If you're sticking to the coastal area of Maine, the temperatures are often cooler (even in summer) so you should always pack appropriate cold-weather clothes. This includes pants, sweaters, long shirts, and wet weather shoes. The rest of Maine experiences fairly normal seasons so you can pack dresses, shorts, and t-shirts for summer and the previously mentioned winter clothes for the colder seasons. You should also pack sensible footwear for walking/hiking as Maine is known for its natural beauty and expansive national parks and other green landscapes.

When's the best time to visit Maine?

The most popular time to visit Maine is during the months of summer and fall where the temperatures are a bit warmer and the weather is nice enough to participate in outdoor activities such as cycling and hiking. While August is the most popular month to travel to Maine, you might also want to consider traveling in spring (March, April, and May) as several destinations aren't as crowded and you're still likely to experience enjoyable weather.

Is it safe in Maine?

Maine is considered to be the safest state in the United States according to a recent study completed in 2021. This is largely due to a strong sense of community spirit and a smaller population compared to other states. Featuring low crime rates and quality infrastructure, you can safely assume you'll be fine traveling around the state. However, crime can still occur so it's best to always be aware of your surroundings, avoid traveling alone (especially at night), and stick to well-populated areas that you feel comfortable in.

Is Maine accessible for travellers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.