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Coastal Maine: Lobsters & Lighthouses
Portland
Local Food & Culture
Oyster Shucking Class
Maine Maritime Museum
Victoria Mansion
Discover maritime history, scenic landmarks, and mouthwatering seafood on this journey along Maine’s rugged coastline. Begin in the historic waterfront town of Portland and see the city’s best attractions, including Portland Head Light, before gathering for a savory lobster bake dinner cruise. Indulge in a full day at leisure in Portland to explore how you wish with a variety of optional excursions. Become a master shucker at Maine Oyster Company, then travel to Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island to tour Acadia National Park with a ride up to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, followed by free time to soak up the spirit of this maritime community. In Camden, embark on an immersive lobster haul cruise and learn how to haul, bait, and reset lobster pots. Stroll through the largest botanical garden in New England during our stop in Boothbay and learn about seafaring history at the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath. We conclude this incredible journey with time at leisure at Bearskin Neck in Rockport.
Trip overview may vary by departure.
Highlights
Morning Lobster Haul Cruise
Revel in a quintessential maritime adventure with a 90-minute lobster fishing cruise in the picturesque Camden Harbor. We charter a private boat for a personal, hands-on experience where seasoned lobstermen show us how to haul, bait, and re-set lobster pots while sharing the intricacies of this industry. Watch for views of marine life and Curtis Island Lighthouse, built in 1836. Have your camera ready to capture the excitement of it all!
Privately Chartered Casco Bay Sunset Cruise
Set sail for relaxation and awe-inspiring scenery aboard our privately chartered boat. The sky transforms into a gorgeous blend of orange, pink, and purple as we glide along the calm waters of this glistening bay. Enjoy views of the inner islands, historic lighthouses, charming seaside villages, and more while soaking up coastal Maine’s natural beauty. We may also spot seabirds soaring overhead and playful seals or other marine life!
Bar Harbor
Nestled along the shores of Mount Desert Island, this coastal town is known as the gateway to Acadia National Park lush forests, and rugged coastline from the summit of Cadillac Mountain. With free time, you can indulge in the town’s diverse culinary scene, stroll along the quaint streets lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes, or choose an optional excursion, such as whale watching.
Fort Williams Park & Portland Head Light
Once a guarded area to warn citizens of oncoming British attacks, this area on Cape Elizabeth is now most famous for Maine’s oldest lighthouse: Portland Head Light. Perched on the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, it provides incredible views of the rugged shoreline and Casco Bay. Explore the remnants of Fort Williams and stop at the award-winning museum, located within the former Keepers’ Quarters to browse lighthouse lenses and interpretative displays.
Coastal Maine Botanical Garden
Watch how nature unfolds in a breathtaking botanical display of seasonal blooms! This horticultural haven spans 295 acres, weaving together lush gardens, meandering paths, and scenic waterfront views for perfect tranquility. Discover the history of the gardens as you wander through themed landscapes like the Meditation Garden, the whimsical Bibby and Harold Alfond Children’s Garden, and the enchanting Fairy House Village.
- Day 1: Fly to MassachusettsWe arrive in Boston and check in to our comfortable accommodations for the evening.
- Day 2: PortlandAfter an included breakfast, we’re off to Portland for a guided tour. This historic waterfront town boasts unique shops, art galleries, and Victorian-era homes. We stop at Fort Williams Park and Museum to discover maritime and military history as well as Portland Head Light, the most photographed lighthouse in the United States and Maine’s oldest. Afterwards, enjoy time at leisure in the Old Port district. Wander down cobblestone streets to marvel at the 19th-century architecture, walk out by the scenic fishing piers, and shop for souvenirs. Tonight, we get to know fellow travelers over a Welcome Dinner before our privately chartered Casco Bay sunset cruise.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 3: Leisure DayToday is yours for personal exploration in the beautiful city of Portland! Soak up relaxation at the hotel or choose from an array of optional activities, including a ferry ride to Fort Gorges, a fishing excursion, diving deeper into history at local museums, watching for whales and puffins on a cruise, and more.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 4: Oyster ShuckingOur morning begins with a tour of Victoria Mansion, a National Historic Landmark with fascinating architecture and remarkable original interiors. After lunch, we become master shuckers at the Maine Oyster Company! Learn from the experts how to shuck and eat your own oysters while enjoying an included draft pour of your choice. Later, we travel to Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island and check in to our hotel for the next two evenings.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 5: Acadia National ParkFollowing an included breakfast, we travel to Acadia National Park. Known as the “Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast,” it offers spectacular views of the rocky coastline, dense woodlands, granite peaks, and majestic wildlife. Our guided tour brings us to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point along the North Atlantic. The rest of the day is free to explore all that the seashore community of Bar Harbor has to offer. This is the perfect place for water recreation – whale watching, kayaking, and a variety of narrated tours. You can also view over 200 native species of flora at the Wild Gardens of Acadia, learn about Indigenous cultures at Abbe Museum, or stroll down historic Shore Path.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 6: Lobster CruiseThis morning, we head to Camden for a privately charted lobster haul cruise. Our hands-on experience includes a lobster fishing demonstration before we get to help haul, bait, and reset lobster pots. After lunch on your own, we travel to Boothbay to visit the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, the largest botanical garden in New England. Enjoy a stroll through some of the wonderful exhibits, such as the Native Butterfly and Moth House, Native Bee Exhibit, Founder’s Grove, and more. This evening, we check in to our hotel in Brunswick and gather for an included dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 7: RockportWe begin our morning with a visit to the Maine Maritime Museum, nestled along the Kennebec River in Bath. Take a walk through the state’s seafaring history with hands-on activities and fascinating artifacts, such as a 1906 schooner and the country’s only surviving wooden shipyard. This afternoon, we travel to Kennebunkport for a delightful Farewell Lunch. Later, we drive to Bearskin Neck in Rockport for dinner and time at leisure.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Day 8: Fly HomeWe return home with fond memories of our adventures along Maine’s scenic coastline.
Meals Included: Breakfast
What's Included
All Accommodations
- 1 night at SpringHill Suites Boston Logan Airport Revere Beach
- 2 nights at Cambria Portland Downtown - Old Port
- 2 nights at Bar Harbor Grand Hotel
- 1 night at The Brunswick Hotel
- 1 night at Rockport Inn & Suites
Attractions & Highlights
- Fort Williams Park & Portland Head Light
- Portland guided city tour
- Oyster shucking class
- Victoria Mansion guided tour
- Acadia National Park guided tour
- Coastal Maine Botanical Garden
- Morning lobster haul cruise
- Maine Maritime Museum
10 Excellent Meals
- Privately chartered Casco Bay sunset cruise
- Farewell Lunch in Kennebunkport
Learn more about what's included with the Holiday Advantage.
Birmingham - Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport