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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, blueberry cake and local wine? 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.

Start
Portland, 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.

  • But it’s not only the food that’s fabulous here – head to the town of Lincolnville to visit a local vineyard and sample their wine in a 200-year-old barn.

  • Swap peaceful coastline for rugged landscapes in Acadia National Park where you’ll drive and walk to discover mind-blowing natural sights.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Please ensure you consult your local government’s advice regarding domestic travel prior to booking this trip.

  • This trip is new to our range this year. And while we have thoroughly researched every detail of the logistics, new destinations and working with new partners can sometimes throw us some unexpected surprises. More often than not, it’ll be a great surprise. But every now and again there might be a hiccup. We like to think that’s what puts the ‘adventure’ in ‘adventure travel’.

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. If you’d like to see Portland from a different perspective, heading out on a sea kayaking tour is a fantastic option – paddle out to the mid-19th-century Fort Gorges to discover the history of Casco Bay.
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 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 lunch (the lobster here is so good it really shouldn’t be missed!). After a good feast, continue to the postcard-pretty seaside town of Boothbay, your base for the evening. The town’s colourful streets are a joy to explore, so pick up an ice cream and get wandering.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Reid State Park - walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

The morning is yours to discover more of delightful Boothbay. You may like to hop aboard the Boothbay-Twin Villages-Pemaquid Trolley for a super fun way to explore the town. If you’re after some history, 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 beautifully manicured Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens are also well worth a visit. Regroup in the early afternoon and 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! 
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • 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 seem June to September.

Ready your appetite and loosen your belt – you’re in for a treat today. Jump aboard a boat for 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, an absolute highlight for many visitors to the corner of the country. 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
Please note our experience on Cabbage Island runs from mid June to early September. For departures outside this time we will have a clam bake lunch 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. Make a stop along the way in Lincolnville, home to the celebrated Cellardoor Winery. Step into a 200-year-old barn and sample some splendid locally made wine and learn about its production in Maine. Continue your drive to Acadia National Park. 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 off to observe a 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
  • Lincolnville - wine tasting
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Rise bright and early to make the most of your final day. Journey back into the park, this time heading to Jordan Pond to explore on foot. This reflective pond really is a sight to behold, and today you can either 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 that lies on the mainland. Here the untamed surf crashes against the rocks and puts on quite the show. In the afternoon, continue to the city of Bangor, arriving at around 5pm, at which point your adventure will come to an end. If you’d like to spend some more time exploring this inland city, just get in touch ahead of time and we’d be happy to arrange additional accommodation (subject to availability).
Included Activities
  • Acadia National Park - hike
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.
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
  • Lincolnville - wine tasting
  • Acadia National Park - hike

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

Travellers on Intrepid trips are required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. Read details here.

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.
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.
COVID: Please ensure you have checked local state information regarding COVID-19 restrictions and regulations before you travel

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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