Maine's Fascinating History & Coastal Charm

Day 1

Prepare to immerse yourself in a fascinating blend of New England seaside charm, rich history and authentic coastal culture on this trip to Maine. Your journey begins with meal and rest stops at your expense along the way to your first tour stop at the Nubble Light in Cape Neddick. One of the most photographed lighthouses, this iconic structure features a charming Victorian keeper's house with gingerbread trim and a lantern with miniature cast iron lighthouses on its railing. Interestingly enough, photos of the Nubble Light were chosen by NASA officials for the Voyager Spacecraft that were intended to identify the Earth if the craft fell into extraterrestrial hands. Next, you arrive in York, Maine for check-in at the Anchorage Inn (207-363-5112) for a three-night stay. Guestroom amenities include a mini refrigerator, coffeemaker with supplies, hairdryer and complimentary Wi-Fi. The hotel features two heated indoor pools, a fitness center and is conveniently located on Long Sands Beach and across the street from the ocean. After a brief time to freshen up, you have a lobster choice dinner (there will be an alternate choice) at a local restaurant. You then return to the hotel to relax and unwind.

Day 2

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at Sun & Surf before you meet your local guide and depart for a narrated tour of Kennebunkport and Kennebunk, two shipbuilding villages on Maine's south coast. Hear the history and folklore as you drive past the beaches, learn about the legend of the Wedding Cake House, and maritime history of sea captains and shipbuilders. You'll travel through the port and along Ocean Avenue, past the Bush summer home at Walker's Point and tour the Franciscan Monastery with its seaside shrines and gardens. Your tour ends at Dock Square in Kennebunkport for some free time to browse the shops and have lunch on your own and at your expense. Mid-afternoon, you travel to Portland, Maine's largest city-by-the-sea, where you will enjoy your next maritime adventure with a narrated Portland Harbor cruise. Pass through the Calendar Islands of Casco Bay while taking in the coastal sights including lighthouses, charming island cottages and harbor seals while hearing the maritime history of Maine's largest seaport. Enjoy dinner included at a Portland favorite restaurant before you return to the hotel for your final night's stay.

Day 3

Breakfast is included just across the street at the Sun & Surf Restaurant. Afterwards, you board the motorcoach and depart for a special Aquaculture Outing on an Oyster Farm cruise. Learn how oyster farmers prepare the farm equipment and grow the world-famous Damariscotta River oysters, also keep your eyes open for bald eagles, ospreys and other migratory birds that may hover over you. The cruise sails on the tidal Damariscotta River, which is famously referred to as the "Napa Valley of Oysters." The river's unique cold, hearty tides and mixture of fresh and salt water create ideal conditions for oyster cultivation. You will have some free time to explore the village of Damariscotta and enjoy a Lobster Roll boxed lunch before you begin your travels to Freeport Village for some free time at the L.L. Bean flagship store and a variety of outlets shops. Dinner will be included at an area restaurant before you board the motorcoach and return to the hotel for the remainder of the night.

Day 4

Wake to breakfast included at Sun & Surf prior to boarding the motorcoach for travel to the Vaillancourt Folk Art Studio for a tour. Whether you are looking for Chalkware Rabbits, Chalkware Santas or other holiday collections, Vaillancourt Folk Art has been recognized around the nation for their highly detailed, hand-painted figurines, ornaments and other collectibles. Every ornament is hand-painted, and you will see the painting and process while on your tour. This afternoon, you will visit Old Sturbridge Village, the largest outdoor history museum in the Northeast, where you journey back in time to a rural New England town of the 1830's. (*Please Note: There is a lot of walking at the Village. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.) See more than 40 authentic buildings, each carefully researched, restored and brought to the museum site from towns throughout New England. These include homes, meetinghouses, a district school, country store, bank law office, gristmill and more. While here, take time to have lunch on your own and at your expense. Following your visit, you travel to Sturbridge, MA for check-in at the Publick House Historic Inn (508-347-3313) for an overnight stay. Your quaint guest rooms include a hairdryer, complimentary high speed internet access and cable television. After a brief time to freshen up, you will enjoy a colonial style dinner served at the Publick House's restaurant with the remainder of the night to relax and unwind.

Day 5

Rise and shine as breakfast is served this morning before you pack up and begin your journey home, but not before one more stop at the Mark Twain House in Hartford, CT. This 25-room, three-floor mansion is where Twain penned several of his literary masterpieces. Learn about the home that Samuel Clemmens, Mark Twain was his pen name, his wife and three daughters lived in from 1874-1891. Hear about the family, friends, and even the pets as you walk through the home. Afterwards, you continue your travels home with what we hope are delightful memories of wind-swept shores, rugged coastline and Maine maritime history. Meal and rest stops will be made at your expense as needed along the way home.

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ALL WOLF'S TOURS - TIMES AND ITINERARY SUBJECT TO CHANGE**

B=Breakfast, BL=Boxed Lunch, D=Dinner