Along the Maine Coast by Land and Sea, 11 days/10 nights

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Boston

1 night at Doubletree Hotel Boston (Standard), or Back Bay Hotel (Superior)
On arrival, head to your hotel for the night. Whether on the Standard or Superior tour you will be close to all attractions, so before dinner, take time out to get to grips with your surrounds.

Day 2: Boston - Portsmouth

1 night at Anchorage Inn (Standard), or Sheraton Portsmouth (Superior)
After a good night sleep, there's plenty of time to explore Boston. Culture vulture will enjoy the Freedom Trail, incorporating 16 historical sites and covering two and a half centuries of America's most significant past. Great fun is the Boston Duck Tour - the ‘duck' being a renovated World War II amphibious landing vehicle which glides past attractions such as State House, Bunker Hill and Boston Common. It also takes you right into the Charles River for breathtaking views of the Boston and Cambridge skyline. When you're done, it's an easy 50 minute drive to Portsmouth.

Day 3: Portsmouth - Camden

1 night at the Windjammer Cruise Ship (Standard and Superior)
The nation's 3rd oldest city and one of America's top walking destinations, it's time to don your comfy shoes and head out the door! First on the agenda perhaps is Strawberry Banke, a living history museum, which offers a glimpse into the lives of everyday people who've lived here for nearly four centuries. There are also historic buildings to admire, art galleries and distinctive artisan's boutiques. Later, leave Portsmouth for Camden, taking time to enjoy the stunning Maine Coastal Route which bypasses some very charming towns and villages. On arrival at Camden, head directly for the Harbour to join your Maine Windjammer Cruise. Boarding is at 5.30pm. 

Days 4-6: Sailing Maine's islands

2 nights at the Windjammer Cruise Ship (Standard and Superior)
Ahoy my hearties! Today kick-starts your 2-day marine adventure exploring the many and varied islands of Maine. There's no time to lie in bed, you'll rise early, maybe in time for an exhilarating sunrise, then enjoy a hearty breakfast with the captain. As the crew prepares the schooner, why not go rowing perhaps or swim in the ocean. A shore-side lobster bake is a great way to end the day with plenty of walking in-between on the islands, so again, those comfy shoes will come in handy!

Day 6: Camden - Bar Harbor

1 night at Wonder View (Standard), or Bluenose Inn (Superior)
Back on dry land, enjoy the quaint village of Camden before departing for Bar Harbor. Considered to be the jewel of the Maine coast, it boasts an abundance of fine dining restaurants and dozens of shops, boutiques and galleries. There's also the Farnsworth Art Museum, great hiking and bicycle tours. Arrive in Bar Harbor later that afternoon, your home from home for the next 2 nights. 

Day 7: Bar Harbor

1 night at Wonder View (Standard), or Bluenose Inn (Superior)
You've a full day to explore Arcadia National Park, one of the most beautiful in the United States. This 35,000 acre park is graced with natural scenic beauty in abundance and includes 120 miles of granite hiking trails and 27 miles of historic carriage trails. It's also home to Cadillac Mountain, the tallest in the US. Charming Bar Harbor is the gateway to this national park and a welcome retreat after a busy day sightseeing with plenty of restaurants serving superb seafood to tempt you.

Day 8: Bar Harbor - Portland

1 night at Best Western Merry Manor (Standard), or Nonantum Resort (Superior)
Say goodbye to Bar Harbor today and continue along Maine's scenic coastline south to Portland. An old seacoast town, today it's a very funky city - Maine's largest - filled with galleries, one-of-a-kind boutiques and some incredible restaurants serving everything from New England clam chowder and lobster rolls to nouvelle cuisine. There's plenty to see and do, so no time to waste!

Day 9: Portland - Kennebunkport - Portland

1 night at Best Western Merry Manor (Standard), or Nonantum Resort (Superior)
After spending some time touring Portland's historical centre and Old Port, take time out to visit Kennebunkport, an historic waterfront artisan's community. Alternatively, head to Freeport, home to outlet shops galore including the world-famous LL Bean store to stock up on outdoor clothes! 

Day 10: Portland - Ogunquit - Boston

1 night at Doubletree Hotel Boston (Standard), or Back Bay Hotel (Superior)
It's time to head to Ogunquit today, a quaint fishing hamlet whose name actually means ‘beautiful place by the sea'! The sea certainly is a focal point, but there's plenty to enjoy here, including the mile-long Marginal Way over rocky ocean cliffs to Perkins Cove with its fantastic restaurants and art galleries. Enjoy some last minute souvenir shopping and a mouth watering lobster dinner before heading back to Boston. 

Day 11

After an incredible ten days exploring the myriad delights Maine has to offer, both on land and by sea, it's time to return home to UK, taking a treasure trove of memories with you!

Please Note: Tour is operated by Tourmappers North America. Hotels are subject to change.

driving distances

Boston > Portsmouth 58 miles

Portsmouth > Camden 132 miles

Camden > Bar Harbour 76 miles

Bar Harbour > Portland 174 miles

Portland > Kennebunkport > Portland 62 miles

Portland > Ogunquit > Boston 113 miles

Please note:

Between 26 May '12 - 19 Jun '12 Saturday and Tuesday arrivals only

Between 20 Jun '12 - 29 September '12 Saturday arrivals only