Maine's Hidden Coast: Islands & Lighthouses
You'll experience the true beauty of Maine by venturing off the beaten path to explore working fishing villages and visit one of the most spectacular lighthouses on the East Coast—one of three on our trip. Learn about real Maine island living when we take a ferry to Monhegan Island—famous summer haven for artists—just 10 miles off the coast. This island's majestic scenery has been the subject of many works by legendary artists, including Rockwell Kent, Andrew Wyeth, and others.
We'll also visit Camden Harbor, known as the village "where the mountains meet the sea," with its harbor filled with lobster boats, yachts, and a fleet of grand old windjammers. Bike quiet island roads, hike through forests to magnificent ocean cliffs, and learn to kayak, spotting harbor seals and osprey and stay at some of Maine's finest Bed & Breakfasts. One night the adults dine leisurely, while the kids enjoy a barbeque at a nearby lighthouse. Explore Maine's hidden coast—the essence of Maine and the perfect coastal vacation for your family.
Itinerary
Days 1, 2 & 3 Pemaquid Peninsula and Monhegan Island, Maine
Kayak to a nearby island in sheltered Muscongus Bay for a gourmet picnic lunch • Explore Monhegan Island, where there are no cars, and some homes are still lit by kerosene lamps • Walk through the enchanted forests of Cathedral Woods, home to mystical fairy houses • Follow the island kids and go for a dip at Swim Beach or drop a line and fish off the dock • Get your cameras ready on our return trip from the island when Captain Al takes us to a colony of seals • Try the delicious homemade donuts at the New Harbor General Store • Enjoy a lobster feast near the water's edge.
Days 4, 5 & 6 Camden, Maine
Ferry to Isleboro, a quiet Maine island and secluded summer retreat of Hollywood actors and others who escape to Maine, and bike on quiet island roads • Visit a working farm that breeds endangered animals • Enjoy swimming and games at a nearby lake • Hike a short distance to the top of Mount Battie for an incredible view of the harbor and bay • Walk from our Inn to the village and visit the shops and galleries • Sample fresh seafood and wild Maine blueberries • One night, parents enjoy a dinner out, while the kids go bowling • During a free afternoon, opt for a sail on a classic windjammer, a round of golf or a relaxing massage.
Lodging
The Gosnold Arms Inn, New Harbor, Maine (3 Nights)
You'll spend three nights at the charming Gosnold Arms Inn overlooking a beautiful working harbor filled with lobster boats. The Inn's private wharf provides an excellent place to watch all the harbor activities.
The Blackberry Inn, Camden, Maine (2 Nights)
Stroll from The Blackberry Inn's front porch to Camden's picturesque harbor lined with fine restaurants, shops, and home port for many of Maine's Windjammers. Breakfast is a special time at the Blackberry Inn with such delights as crunchy apricot French toast, herb and cheese omelets or banana buttermilk pancakes with a sauce made from berries grown in their very own berry patch.
2006 DATES
July 17-22 (Single parent families)
July 24-29
July 31-August 5
August 7-12
Trip Length:
6 days / 5 nights
Eligibility:
Participants must be at least 7 years old
Meet / Depart
Portland, Maine
Prices
Adults
US $1,495
(Single Room Supplement $375)
Children 16 and under
US $1,355
10% discount for a 3rd child sharing a room: $1,220
What's Included:
- Small groups (average 12-16 people) for an intimate family travel experience.
- All accommodations at Maine's best family-friendly inns. All rooms with private bath.
- Full breakfasts, all lunches and all dinners except one when you'll be able to experience the local cuisine on your own. Daily snacks and beverages.
- Experienced and knowledgeable Trip Leaders who look after all your needs. Our Trip Leaders are the best in the business and are trained to provide a safe enjoyable trip for your family.
- All equipment provided along with expert guides for multi-sport activities.
- A chance for the adults to spend some time by themselves, while we take the kids out for dinner and an activity.
- Support van during activities providing refreshments, picking up your purchases or giving you a lift back to the Inn.
- Admission to all events, historic sites, parks, etc.
- All transportation from pick up to drop-off. All baggage transport
- Comprehensive pre-travel Trip Planner with detailed information about your trip, including packing lists, maps and daily itineraries.
- All gratuities for service at inns and restaurants.
- Maine Family Adventures t-shirt, water bottle and luggage tags.
- Your trip does not include: airfare, personal expenses, pre- and post-trip accommodations, alcoholic beverages, trip insurance, optional gratuities to trip leaders.
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