Sun, Aug 8: Fly to Portland, Maine, one of America’s “happiest seaside towns,” according to Coastal Living magazine. Transfer to Kennebunkport for lunch on your own at Kennebunkport’s Dock Square on the Kennebunk River. Next, enjoy a narrated walking tour with a local guide before returning to Portland’s waterfront to check in to the hotel for one night. Enjoy a free evening on your own.

Mon, Aug 9: After breakfast at the hotel, take a self-guided tour at the Portland Head Light & Museum. Depart for the popular waterfront in Boothbay Harbor where you can enjoy lunch and sightseeing. Head to Rockland for a visit to the Maine Lighthouse Museum and Gateway Visitor Center and see the Rockland Harbor Breakwater Light. Once you have had some time at the visitor’s center, check into your hotel and have the balance of the day at leisure in Rockland to stroll in the heart of town, shop, have dinner and take in views of the Penobscot Bay. (Meal: Breakfast)

Tue, Aug 10: Visit the Farnsworth Art Museum, which celebrates Maine’s role in American art and offers a nationally recognized collection of works from many of America’s greatest artists. Its Wyeth Center features works of N.C., Andrew and Jamie Wyeth. Then it’s off to Camden, where there is free time for lunch on your own and perusing this picturesque, quaint town. Head for Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park, where you can stand where Edna St. Vincent Millay penned her poem “Three Mountains.” This is also the background for movie and TV shots of quintessential New England. Arrive in Bar Harbor and check in to the Harborside Hotel, a luxurious oceanfront resort in the heart of town. Your evening is free for dinner and exploring. (B)

Wed, Aug 11: This morning, see Acadia National Park on a guided motorcoach tour, then head to Jordan Pond House for a delicious family-style lunch and their famous popovers. Enjoy some free time to take a walk on nearby nature trails before returning to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the town with its upscale seaside shops and restaurants. (B,L)

Thu, Aug 12: Enjoy a Windjammer Cruise aboard a majestic 151-foot, 4-masted schooner. Then the day is free to further explore Bar Harbor. Tonight, enjoy a Farewell Lobster Dinner at Stewman’s Lobster Pound. (B,D)

Fri, Aug 13: After a leisurely morning, depart Bar Harbor for Portland. Stop in Freeport for great outlet shopping and lunch on your own (don’t miss the Wicked Whoopies) before arriving at the Portland airport for your flight home. (B)

Hilton Garden Inn, Portland. Situated in the Historic Old Port District overlooking Casco Bay and the working waterfront. Walking distance to boutique shopping, gourmet restaurants, jogging path, and family attractions. Highlights: in-room coffeemaker, mini-fridge & microwave • complimentary high speed Wi-Fi Internet access • restaurant • bar • indoor heated pool and whirlpool • fitness center.

Rockland Harbor Hotel, Rockland. Located in the center of town along the Penobscot Bay, a short walk to the Farnsworth Art Museum. Highlights: in-room coffee/tea maker • complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access • on-site pantry • patio fire pit • fitness center.

The Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina, Bar Harbor. The Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina is the premier resort facility in Bar Harbor, nestled in downtown, and just moments away from Acadia National Park. Highlights: in-room coffee/tea maker • complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access • four restaurants • bar • pool and Jacuzzi • spa • tennis courts • fitness center.