Maine's Seaside Villages & Towns 23

Day 1

Welcome Aboard! Travel in comfort aboard our deluxe motor coach as we make our way north towards the resort town of Boothbay Harbor, Maine, "The Boating Capital of New England". Our first destination is Thimble Island Cruises located in Branford, Connecticut for a delightful, 45-minute narrated cruise to the Thimble Islands. The archipelago of islands was actually hilltops before the last ice age. Called "The Beautiful Sea Rocks," by the Mattabeseck Indians, the Thimble Islands are formed of pink granite rocks, ledges, and outcroppings, and are estimated to number between 100 and 365 depending on how you differentiate between an island and a rocky outcropping. First discovered in 1614 by Adrien Block, these islands were used for everything from farming to quarrying granite, from bootlegging to hiding Captain Kidd's treasure. Today some of the wooded islands are topped with beautiful summer cottages built during the Victorian Era-complete with gingerbread trimmings. Following our cruise settle back and enjoy the scenery on our drive to Massachusetts. Before checking into our hotel in Billerica, Massachusetts for the night, we are treated to a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2

After breakfast we depart for Boothbay Harbor, Maine. Upon our arrival we meet our step-on guide, and depart for a tour of Boothbay that includes a photo-stop at Ocean Point. The Ocean Point area offers the perfect vantage point for taking in the rocky coastline, the islands, boat traffic, sea birds, and salt air. Following our tour, you will have leisure time to enjoy strolling through the winding streets of Boothbay Harbor Village while exploring the vast array of galleries, shops and restaurants along the waterfront. Lunch is on your own. Following lunch, we climb aboard Cap'n Fish's Boat Trips for a delightful Boothbay Harbor cruise, which takes us past beautiful summer homes, picturesque lighthouses, small islands, snug coves, and offers us the opportunity to view seals in their natural habitat on rock ledges. After checking into the Boothbay Harbor Inn, a waterfront hotel located on the east side of beautiful Boothbay Harbor for the next three nights, we conclude our day with a delicious dinner at the hotel. The Boothbay Harbor Inn is conveniently located near the famous Boothbay Harbor Footbridge, and is a short walking distance from the center of town.

Day 3

After breakfast we depart for the postcard town of Camden, Maine, "The Windjammer Tall Ship Capital of Maine". En route we will make a photo-stop at the Summit of Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park, with its panoramic view of Penobscot Bay. Camden offers you a wide variety of attraction options for you to enjoy and create a day of adventure and exploration on your own including a schooner cruise; the Farnsworth Art Museum; the Maine Lighthouse Museum; and the Sail, Power and Steam Museum. Additionally, the charming Village of Camden offers you quaint shops, boutiques, galleries, and restaurants to explore. Lunch is on your own. Later we return to our Inn in Boothbay Harbor where you are free to design the rest of your day and do as you wish! Be captivated by the independent spirit and friendliness of the people, as you stroll through the winding streets and explore the diverse array of interesting shops. Tonight, enjoy dinner on your own at a local restaurant that serves up great local flavors.

Day 4

After breakfast we depart for Boothbay Railway Village. Nowhere else in New England can you ride the rails behind an authentic steam locomotive surrounded by historic Maine buildings preserved in a recreated village, and view a collection of 60 antique autos. When you visit the Museum, you'll learn about how technologies like steam engines and the automobile changed life along the coast of Maine between 1850 and 1950. Your admission entitles you to a train ride on an authentic steam locomotive, and access to the two-dozen authentic period exhibit buildings and the gift shop. Also included is a behind-the-scenes steam shop tour where you learn in depth explanations of narrow-gauge railroad history and steam boiler operations. After a box lunch included, be dazzled at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. These magnificent gardens are one of Maine's most popular attractions. The Gardens 295 acres of tidal shore land contains well groomed trails that wind through forest, meadows and brilliant ornamental gardens blooming with both native and exotic plant species. While walking through the gardens view many sculptures and works of garden art created by regional artists. There are benches placed throughout the grounds for you to rest and take in the scenery. Later, we return to our Inn where you will have time to sit, relax and freshen up before we end the day by experiencing firsthand the gracious hospitality of our Inn's staff when they host a casual and traditional Maine Lobster Bake with all the trimmings for your enjoyment! Gorgeous views of Boothbay Harbor await us!

Day 5

After breakfast we depart for Portland, Maine and Portland Discovery Tours for a very special adventure on the water. Enjoy discovering the undeniable magic found along Maine's coast when we embark on a 2-hour narrated Lights and Sights Cruise. Sit back, relax as we cruise through the bustling Inner Harbor and main shipping channel and make our way past Civil War era fortifications and the lighthouses that have guided mariners into Portland Harbor for over two centuries - including a close-up view of Maine's oldest and most photographed lighthouse, Portland Head Light. This historic lighthouse was commissioned by George Washington and built in 1791. Get a glimpse into island life while cruising past the villages and Victorian cottages among the islands. We enter Diamond Pass, long considered to be the "Gateway to the Calendar Islands", view Great Diamond Island in Casco Bay, one of the most picturesque in Maine. Following our boat cruise, you will have leisure time to explore Portland's renovated Old Port area. So, look around, do some shopping and have lunch on your own. Before checking into our hotel in Billerica, Massachusetts for the night, we are treated to dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 6

After breakfast we depart for home with many fond memories of our delightful tour of coastal Maine. Our relaxing get-away adventures allowed us to discover, sample and enjoy some of the magic created by Maine's spectacular lakes, magnificent mountains, sweeping coastal scenery and unique seaside communities!

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D =Dinner