Mainely Maine - Lobsters and Lighthouses

Day 1

Arrive into Portland and head to the historic waterfront for dinner and your hotel accommodations bedecked with your very own moose and lobster hats - a style statement like none other. You're now an honorary Mainer! Hyatt Place Portland Old Port – 2 nights (D)

Day 2

Drive through Portland's historic neighborhoods with stops at the Portland Head and Nubble Lighthouses. Heading upcoast through Ogunquit make a midday stop for a real culinary treat - a lobsterbake luncheon! In the charming village of Kennebunkport you'll see the Bush Family compound at Walker's Point and visit the Franciscan Monastery. The evening is at your leisure along the waterfront in Portland's Old Port. (B, L)

Day 3

Visit the Maine Wildlife Park, a 200-acre slice of nature which is home to moose, black bears, mountain lions, porcupines, coyotes, owls, eagles and more, a rehabilitation center for rescued animals unable to survive on their own in the wild. Continue to the mountain village of Bethel for a stop at the Maine Balsam Fir Factory. The fragrant wood is used in a wide array of items. Make your own balsam souvenir bag! After checking into your mountainside resort, join a guided moose-viewing expedition in Grafton Notch State Park. Dinner is included at your resort with s’mores for dessert prepared by a crackling campfire. Sunday River Resort Hotel (B,D)

Day 4

Near Bangor, visit the Cabin Masters Homestead Headquarters, ground zero for the popular “Maine Cabin Masters” TV series. Now it’s time to head “downeast.” Upon arrival in Bar Harbor you’ll settle into your hotel, then head out to dinner - a traditional Maine lobsterbake (because just one lobster meal isn’t nearly enough)! Bring your appetite as the lid is raised on the colorful feast! Save some room for fun because after dinner you have a seat at the Great Maine Lumberjack Show. Nicknamed the “Olympics of the Forest,” watch lumberjacks and loggers battle it out to see who will be named Champion Splitter, just as they have for over a century in these parts. Atlantic Oceanside Resort – 2 nights (FB,L,D)

Day 5

Wake up beside the calm and stillness of Frenchman’s Bay, then head to Acadia National Park with a local guide for a comprehensive 3-hour tour of this, our first national park east of the Mississippi. Climb to the top of Cadillac Mountain for sweeping coastal views, hear the roar of crashing waves at Thunder Hole and revel in the quiet beauty of the inland scenery. After some free time for exploring the village of Bar Harbor, explore the Abbe Museum’s extensive collection of historical and cultural artifacts covering the four Native American tribes in the region. Later in the afternoon take a cruise aboard the Lulu for a scenic journey on the bay while learning more about local sea life and the all-important lobster industry. (FB,D)

Day 6

Camden Hills State Park is nestled beside Penobscot Bay and offers breathtaking views of the rugged, lighthouse-jeweled landscape. Here on the "Midcoast" explore Camden Village at midday followed by an aquaculture cruise to learn about the state's oyster industry and see the sizable local seal population. Nesting pairs of Bald Eagles also call this section of coastline home. Continue on to Bath, a charming hamlet located alongside the Kennebac River for a farewell dinner and a restful night's sleep. Hampton Inn – Bath (FB,D)

Day 7

Shipbuilding is big business here and dates from the 1600s to present day. The Maine Maritime Museum’s hands-on exhibits and shipbuilding demonstrations are explained during your visit. L.L. Bean’s flagship sporting goods store is located in nearby Freeport Village. There is also an outlet store for bargain hunters! After lunch on your own make the short drive to the Portland International Jetport for your return flight, happy in knowing you have experienced the very best of Maine! (B)