Best of Coastal Maine

Lobster, Lighthouses & Acadia National Park

Date
August 4-9, 2024 | Sun / Fri – 6 Days

Location
Portland | Kennebunkport | Boothbay Harbor | Rockland | Camden | Bar Harbor | Acadia National Park

Ambassadair Trip #8813

Overview

Travel east this summer on one of Ambassadair’s most popular trips, for lobster and lighthouses, rugged Maine coastlines, and quaint seaside villages. Spend three nights in Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island, where in the late 19^th century the rich and famous tried to outdo each other with entertaining at their incredible summer estates, rivaling the estates of Newport, Rhode Island. Drive to the top of Mount Battie for panoramic views of Camden, Rockport, Penobscot Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy a walking tour of the seaside village of Kennebunkport, with its historic districts steeped in local lore and home to sea captains and shipbuilders. Drive past the Bush estate at Walker’s Point, a family retreat for more than a century. Visit Boothbay Harbor, the boating capital of New England, where you can shop for crafts and antiques or just watch the colorful sailboats and yachts in the deep, protected harbor. Enjoy delicious seafood and relax in the beautiful coastal surroundings as you relish summer in Maine.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE

Discover Acadia National Park
Tour Kennebunkport
Visit Portland Head Light & Museum
Stay on Penobscot Bay in Rockland
Scenic Windjammer Cruise
Visit to Farnsworth Art Museum
Camden Hill State Park and Mount Battie
Ample free time to explore Bar Harbor
Farewell “Lobstah” Dinner

PACKAGE INCLUDES

Roundtrip commercial air from Indianapolis to Portland, Maine
Escorted
5 nights accommodations
Breakfast daily
1 lunch, 2 dinners
Sightseeing and admissions per itinerary
Ground transportation
Hotel baggage handling

NOTE:

This itinerary includes activities where moderate walking, possibly on uneven terrain, is required.

Itinerary

Sun, Aug 4: Fly to Portland, Maine, one of America’s “happiest seaside towns,” according to Coastal Living magazine. Transfer to Kennebunkport for lunch 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 5: 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 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. Check into the Rockland Harbor Hotel, overlooking Penobscot Bay and within walking distance of shops, restaurants and galleries, as well as the Maine Lighthouse Museum and Gateway Visitor Center. From here you may take photos of the Rockland Harbor Breakwater Light or choose to take the mile walk for a closer look. The balance of the day is at leisure in Rockland to stroll in the heart of town and do as you please. (Meal: Breakfast)

Tue, Aug 6: Today’s adventure begins by setting a course for Camden, where there is free time for lunch on your own and for perusing this picturesque, quaint town. Next, head for Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park, 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 Atlantic Oceanside Hotel, a resort with its own stretch of private, pristine beach! The balance of the day is free for exploring before an included group dinner at the hotel. (B,D)

Wed, Aug 7: This morning, tour Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park with a local guide. Bar Harbor has been celebrated for its breathtaking beauty ever since it was discovered in 1604 by Samuel de Champlain, who named it “Isle de Monts Desert,” (aka Mount Desert Island). See tremendous coastline views, hear stories of Victorian “rusticators” and hear tales of lavish lifestyles as you pass the centuries-old “cottages” of the most famous residents. Continue to traverse the stunning parkland scenery on the drop-dead-gorgeous section of the loop road, the summit of Cadillac Mountain, and the crashing waves of Thunder Hole. Enjoy an included lunch with the group before time on your own to take a walk on nearby nature trails or explore around town for the remainder of the day. (B,L)

Thu, Aug 8: Today an exhilarating Windjammer Cruise awaits as you climb aboard a majestic 151-foot, 4-masted schooner. Then the day is free to further explore Bar Harbor. Tonight, enjoy a Farewell Lobsterbake Dinner. (B,D)

Fri, Aug 9: 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 Portland airport for your flight home. (B)

Hotels

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 Penobscot Bay, a short walk to the Farnsworth Art Museum. Highlights: in-room coffee/tea maker • complimentary WiFi Internet access • on-site pantry • patio fire pit • fitness center.

Atlantic Oceanside Hotel & Event Center, Bar Harbor. A waterfront hotel situated on 12 acres of oceanfront property overlooking Frenchman’s Bay; located just one mile from Acadia National Park. Highlights: in-room coffee/tea maker • complimentary WiFi Internet access • restaurant • indoor/outdoor pools and Jacuzzi • fitness center • free shuttle to downtown.

Pricing