A one-of-a-kind foodie destination renowned for its prized seafood and farm-fresh produce, Maine’s impressive culinary heritage is only rivalled by its spectacular natural beauty and quaint New England charm. Rounded out with some local art and cultural stops, this mouthwatering itinerary invites travellers to experience coastal Maine’s diverse culinary offerings, from modest yet delicious lobster shacks to Michelin-caliber fine dining establishments.
Welcome to New England! Fly into Portland International Jetport and pick up your rental car, then drive to the coastal resort town of Kennebunkport. Laying claim to numerous sandy beaches, quaint riverside streets and some of the state’s top dining options, Kennebunkport’s classic New England charm allures visitors from around the globe. Check into your accommodations at the historic White Barn Inn, an award-winning family-owned Relais & Chateaux luxury property, and enjoy time to get acclimated to your new surroundings.
Overnight at The White Barn Inn
Kick-off your culinary adventure with a private fine-dining cooking class led by your hotel’s executive chef. Learn to work with the exciting flavours and ingredients of New England cuisine as you prepare one of the restaurant’s tongue-tingling signature dishes. With one-on-one attention from your chef instructor, you will gain hands-on kitchen experience with techniques, traditions and tricks that showcase the art of cooking fresh seafood. Afterwards, delight in the fruits of your labour with a delectable gourmet lunch and a special White Barn Restaurant apron that will serve as a memento of your culinary experience.
In the afternoon, spend some time at leisure, wandering Kennebunkport’s charming streets and exploring the breathtaking natural beauty of the surrounding sandy beaches and hidden coves.
Overnight at The White Barn Inn
Head north to Maine’s cultural capital and most populous city, Portland to meet a local expert sommelier for a private progressive meal and tasting tour. From tiny pastry shops and modest lobster shacks to trendy oyster bars and homemade ice cream parlours, Portland is home to a flourishing food scene that will certainly leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. Develop your food pairing skills with your choice of wine, spirit, or craft beer as you enjoy insider access at Portland’s top eateries to sniff, taste and savour the flavours that distinguish this gastronomic wonderland.
Upon completing your tour, check into your accommodations at The Danforth Inn, an upscale property housed in an 1823 Federal-style mansion complete with a rooftop cupola.
Overnight at The Danforth Inn
Today, you will briefly shift your focus away from food to immerse yourself in the breathtaking works of Winslow Homer, one of the most influential American artists of the nineteenth century. Meet your guide at the Portland Museum of Art and embark on a private tour of its fabulous collection of Homer’s masterful paintings and prints, often featuring marine subjects that draw on Maine’s stunning natural landscapes. Break for lunch at the PMA Café, then continue on to the Winslow Homer Studio, where the artist lived and worked towards the end of his life. Enjoy a private tour of the facilities as you are transported to a simpler time at this fascinating National Historic Landmark.
Afterwards, enjoy a private driving tour of Portland’s historic highlights, lesser-known gems and quirky arts district. Your driver-guide will lead you outside of the city, tracing a route along the stunning rocky coastline. Delight in breathtaking coastal views, and stop to visit the Portland Head Light, Maine’s oldest and most photographed lighthouse.
Return to your hotel in the late afternoon and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
Overnight at The Danforth Inn
Depart Portland after breakfast this morning, and proceed to the stately summer colony of Camden. Park your car and meet your driver-guide to depart on a private artisan tour of Maine’s Mid Coast. The day’s activities may include visits to a local winery for a glass of wine with a view, or to a boutique distillery for a homemade gin cocktail. Meet a dairy farmer who produces delicious goat cheeses along with organic soaps, then tour a chocolate factory for a firsthand look at the production line. Your guide will be a long-time resident of the area and will share stories and local history while introducing you to some of the artisans that make this region so special.
At the end of your tour, your driver-guide will drop you off at the elegant Camden Harbour Inn. Once you have checked into your room, enjoy some time to get settled and explore this treasured historic town.
Overnight at Camden Harbour Inn
Today, you will meet your captain and crew at the harbour for a sailing expedition on the waters of Penobscot Bay. Enjoy views of opulent coastal mansions, charming lighthouses and resident marine life as you make your way to Warren Island State Park. Upon arrival, enjoy some time to stretch your legs and explore the pristine wilderness as your crew prepares a traditional Maine lobster bake featuring light appetizers, locally-sourced veggies and of course, fresh Maine lobster. This mouthwatering feast will be served al fresco for what will surely be a memorable evening meal. Enjoy s’mores around the campfire for dessert, then head back to Camden Harbour as the sun begins to set over the horizon. Bid farewell to your captain and crew and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.
Overnight at Camden Harbour Inn
Continue your drive up the coast this morning as you make your way to the town of Bar Harbor. Conveniently located within the bounds of Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor makes for the perfect base to explore Maine’s crown jewel.
In the afternoon, board a private watercraft and head out onto the open ocean in search of the many species of whale that can be found in these biodiverse waters. With luck, you may catch sight of humpback, fin, minke and even endangered right whales as they frolic, breach and blow in their natural habitat. Your experienced captain will navigate to get you as close as possible to the marine life you encounter. Along with the whales, enjoy unparalleled views of the scenic Maine coastline, undisturbed by human habitation.
As the afternoon winds to a close, make your way back to the harbour and proceed to your hotel for some well-deserved rest and relaxation.
Overnight at Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina
Spend your final day in Maine on a guided tour of Acadia National Park with a naturalist driver-guide who has worked in the field as either an ornithologist, biologist, or botanist. Explore Acadia’s natural treasures, including pristine woodlands, rocky beaches and glacier-scoured granite peaks as you keep an eye out for the local resident wildlife. Your guide will customize your experience to your interests and preferences and can include a visit to the opulent 19th-century summer cottages that comprise “Millionaire’s Row,” a trip to the summit of Cadillac Mountain and lunch at a local lobster pound.
Return to your hotel after a full day of adventure and spend your last evening in Maine exploring Bar Harbor’s quintessentially New England waterfront downtown area.
Overnight at Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina
After breakfast, say goodbye to Maine, and make your way to Bangor International Airport, where you will drop off your rental car and begin the journey home.
