BOOTHBAY HARBOR AND THE PUFFINS NATURE CRUISE: JULY 31-AUGUST 3, 2023

Day #1 – Monday, July 31, 2023

Welcome to Vacationland!  Travel to Boothbay Harbor for a unique Maine coast adventure.

Make your way north to Portland, Maine, a peninsula extending into Casco Bay. The Old Port waterfront features working fishing wharves and converted warehouses with restaurants and shops. Lunch on your own in Portland where you’ll see the Portland Head Lighthouse.

Check in with a welcome reception of punch and cookies to the Boothbay Harbor Inn, in Boothbay Harbor, for three nights.  The hotel is located on “the quiet side” of Boothbay, just a short stroll from downtown across a charming footbridge beside the hotel. The footbridge that connects to the “downtown” center of Boothbay Harbor where there are many shops and art galleries to explore. The Inn does not have an elevator, if you are unable to do stairs please mention at time of reservation you need first floor.  Enjoy the beautiful sunsets from this side of the harbor!

Dinner is included at Boothbay Harbor Inn.                                                                                          (Dinner)

Day #2 – Tuesday, August 1, 2023

Breakfast is included at the hotel this morning.

Enjoy a scenic Harbor & Nature cruise on Linekin Bay this morning. You’ll pass by beautiful vacation homes, lighthouses, small islands and out to see the seals on the ledges and the puffins that summer here on Eastern Egg Rock. Truly a magnificent “Seafari” for all nature lovers with seals, blue heron, an occasional whale and other coastal wildlife along the way.

This afternoon you’ll have free time to explore the village and have lunch on your own in this popular resort town which has retained the atmosphere of an old New England village.  Fishing craft lie alongside wharves that follow the quaint, winding village streets.  Yachtsmen and artists began vacationing here in the early 1900’s.  You’ll have free time to explore the local galleries, boutiques and plenty of casual restaurants from which to choose.

Dinner is included at Boothbay Harbor Inn.                                                                          (Breakfast & Dinner)

Day #3 – Wednesday, August 2, 2023

Breakfast is included at the hotel this morning.

Make your way to the Maine Maritime Museum where you’ll board the boat for their Shipyard and Lighthouses River Cruise. Explore the Kennebec River where American shipbuilding began more than 400 years ago and continues today. Cruise past Bath Iron Works for spectacular views of the Navy’s most advanced ships under construction, then cruise down river for a water view of the museum’s historic Percy & Small Shipyard and a close-up look at two lighthouses: Doubling Point Light and the Kennebec Range Lights.

Next, you’ll have time to explore the Maine Maritime Museum. the museum depicts Maine’s shipbuilding industry from the 1600’s to the present. Numerous hands on exhibits, boat building demonstrations, a lobstering exhibit and a special lighthouse exhibit (see the view from the top of the lighthouse without climbing any stairs!). If A Victorian shipbuilder’s home is also here on the grounds of an historic shipyard. Most of the shipyard’s original buildings, plus tools and equipment are on view.

Next, we depart for Freeport Village to enjoy your free afternoon to explore the world-famous L.L. Bean flagship store and a myriad of outlet shops. Lunch is on your own.

Return to the Boothbay Harbor Inn where you’ll get ready for your Maine lobster dinner with all the fixin’s.  Don your souvenir Maine lobster hat for this traditional downeast feast. An alternate menu is available for any landlubbers.                                                           (Breakfast, Lobster choice dinner) 

Day #4 – Thursday, August 3, 2023

Breakfast is included at the hotel this morning.

Travel south to Kennebunkport, Maine where you’ll enjoy some free time in “Dock Square” for shopping and lunch on own.  Dock Square is located in Kennebunkport and Lower village of Kennebunk, which are nestled between the Kennebunk River and the ocean.  On both sides of the river, waterfront buildings steeped in history are the home of fine gift shops, clothing and jewelry boutiques, art galleries and some of the finest restaurants on the Maine Coast before departing for home with your coastal memories.                                                                                                                                                 (Breakfast)

Package Price Per Person: Single $1,519, Double $1,109, Triple $1,009, Quad $949