Magnificent Maine

The Magnificent Maine tour shows you the best of what the State of Maine has to offer, Thanks to its unique natural setting no matter what season you visit in you will find an almost endless variety of things to do.
 
Part of the fun of a visit to Maine is its great diversity. A trip to southern Maine, with its beaches, resort communities, and cosmopolitan cities, is very different than a visit to the north, where forests and farms prevail.
The state is home to some of the best skiing in the East, the finest sailing waters, world-renowned parks, two of America’s best art museums, internationally known shopping areas, award-winning restaurants, dozens of National Historic Landmarks, extraordinary beaches, exceptional kayaking, antique stores that know few peers, nationally ranked golf courses, moose safaris and whale watching trips that are all but guaranteed to succeed, and, well, suffice it to say there is enough entertainment here for a lifetime.
  
Day 1: Boston, Massachusetts
Incorporated as a town in 1630, and as a city in 1822, Boston is one of America’s oldest cities, with a rich economic and social history to match. Since its beginnings as a homesteading community, it has evolved into a centre for social and political change and is now the economic and cultural hub of New England.
In a city filled with interesting things to see and do, the historic Freedom Trail is the highlight of Boston for many visitors. The 2.5 mile red brick walking trail leads you to 16 nationally significant historic sites, everyone an authentic American treasure. Preserved and dedicated by the citizens of Boston in 1958, when the wrecking ball threatened several important places, the Freedom Trail today is a unique collection of museums, churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, parks, a ship, and historic markers that tell the story of the American Revolution.
You can walk the Trail yourself, or take one of the many guided tours available through the National Park Service. Tours begin every half hour from the park visitor centre at 15 State Street opposite the Old State House. If you prefer to ride, you can take a trolley tour, which is an unofficial guided tour, but does include many of the most important sites along the Trail including Old Ironsides, the Paul Revere House and the Old North Church. Plan to stop and eat at Faneuil Hall, once the primary meeting place for America’s revolutionaries. It is now a bustling market of restaurants and shops
Day 2
If you were unable to experience a portion of the Freedom Trail yesterday, you can complete that journey today before choosing from the myriad possibilities for exploring that Boston offers. There are always a variety of fascinating exhibits at the Boston Museum of Science. Cheers, of the famous television show, is located on Beacon Hill. The Sam Adams Brewery is a recent addition, founded in 1984.  The Boston Museum of Arts, founded in 1876, has an outstanding, world-renowned collection that includes some 450,000 items. The New England Aquarium offers special whale watching trips until October. There’s also the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, Newberry Street, with some of the best antiquing in America, and Cambridge, MA, home of Harvard University, right across the river.
2 nights in Boston at the Nine Zero Hotel:
Nine Zero Hotel, a beautiful Boston boutique hotel, brings together everything the discerning traveler seeks: an ideal location in downtown Boston, luxurious accommodations, personalized service and thoughtful amenities. Nine Zero is a welcome haven for business travelers, Boston vacationers and weekend leisure package seekers alike. Situated in the Ladder District in downtown Boston, Nine Zero is only minutes from Logan International Airport, and is just steps away from the Boston Common, Beacon Hill, the Financial District, Faneuil Hall, the Quincy Market, Broadway Theater, Red Sox baseball and everything this historic city has to offer. With four star accommodations that set the standard for Boston hotels, Nine Zero Hotel features a sophisticated setting that blends traditional red brick and limestone with sleek nickel, chrome, stainless steel and glass. The luxurious design carries through to the elegantly appointed guestrooms. Elegant, sumptuous and intimate, Nine Zero promises a welcoming sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the city. Nine Zero completes its luxury hotel services and amenities with exceptional meetings and events in our beautifully appointed meeting rooms (all boast views of the city). This hotel also features one of Boston’s most popular dining spots, KO Prime. An award-winning 4 star hotel, Conde Nast Traveler has placed Nine Zero on its Gold List of the world’s best hotels for three straight years. The hotel was also voted Boston’s Best Boutique Hotel 2003 by Boston Magazine. This Boston hotel evokes the sophistication, luxury and timelessness expected of a Kimpton Hotel, while echoing the character of this great city.

Days 3 & 4: Kennebunkport, Maine (90 Miles)
From Boston, travel north to Maine. Upon entering Maine, take exit to Route 1 Kittery for outlet shopping. Proceed north on Route 103 to Route 1A through the seaside town of York Harbor, York Village and York Beach. York is America’s oldest chartered city. Enjoy miles of beautiful beaches, food, shopping and outdoor fun. Leave time for the Museums of Old York and the Old Gaol—the nation’s oldest jailhouse—and picturesque Cape Neddick “Nubble” Light.
Continue on Shore Road to Ogunquit, one of Maine’s most-visited resort towns. A world-class 3 1/2 mile sandy beach and magnificent coastline including the famed Marginal Way attract visitors from around the globe. Possible stops: Downtown Ogunquit shops, restaurants, galleries, Ogunquit Museum of American Art and picturesque Perkins Cove.
Like many of Maine’s coastal towns, Kennebunkport first prospered as a shipbuilding center. In the late 1800s, affluent summer visitors would arrive by train from Boston and stay at the more than 30 grand hotels and mansions that peppered the coastline. Today, the town is a year-round community and remains popular as a summer destination. Kennebunkport offers an abundance of dining options with some of the best spots being low-key lobster pounds where great food at a good price can be found. Boutiques line the streets and visitors will enjoy taking the scenic drive along Ocean Avenue, which runs along the Kennebunk River to the ocean. The route provides equally stunning views of the Maine coastline and the palatial homes of Kennebunkport’s rich and famous, including the summer retreat of the 41st U.S. President George Herbert Walker Bush.
Possible activities: Narrated tour on the Intown Trolley, Seashore Trolley Museum, Boat cruises aboard The Rugosa, Cruise aboard the Schooner Eleanor, Whale watching and ocean trips with First Chance
Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge.
2 nights in Kennebunkport at the Nonantum Resort:
The Nonantum delivers on the promise of a genuine Maine waterfront resort. It’s steeped in casual historical elegance - with just the right modern comforts.  On the water in Kennebunkport, Maine, the Nonantum offers everything you need to create life-long memories.
The Nonantum is the place to call home as you enjoy food fresh from the farm and the sea, kid-friendly beaches, creative art galleries, salt-water fishing, sailing, picture perfect golf, scenic biking and hiking, or just sitting by the pool watching the lobster boats and picnic yachts idle by.
Established in 1883, this enchanting Kennebunkport resort features elegantly appointed rooms, private baths, dining in 95 Ocean, heated pool, recreational activities and service reminiscent of days gone by. Scenic Lobster boat tours and sailing excursions set forth daily from the marina during the season. The trolley bus stops out front waiting to whisk you from shop to gallery to beach.
 
Days 5: Rockport, Maine (110 Miles)
Continue on to Maine's midcoast region with a possible stop in Portland to browse Old Port or possible stop in the town of Boothbay to visit Coastal Maine Botanical Garden.
Camden, Rockport and Lincolnville are in the heart of mid-coast Maine. The mountains tumble down to meet the ocean's edge, creating some of the best views and hiking opportunities in the state. The area has a rich maritime heritage and an impressive resident fleet of classic windjammers. Each summer, the Camden Windjammer Festival draws thousands of visitors eager to explore the ships and learn what life was like on the four, five and even six-masted schooners. A truly unique way to explore mid-coast Maine is aboard one of these antique ships. To get a bit closer to the water, try a kayak tour. There are a number of companies that offer day and overnight trips leaving from Camden or Rockport Harbor or on nearby Megunticook Lake. Other possible activities include hiking at Camden Hills State Park and Mt. Battie, Merryspring Nature Center for walking and birding and a visit to Lincolnville's Cellardoor Winery.
1 night in Camden/Rockport at the Country Inn at Camden Rockport (Includes Breakfast):
Reminiscent of yesteryear, at the Country Inn at Camden/Rockport, the pace slows and the mind rests. You will discover the casual essence of Camden and Rockport Maine and come to know you can just be yourself here. It’s a place that invites you to be relaxed and fully at ease. Discover the coziness of this modern inn resting on wooded grounds. Country Inn is located between Camden and Rockport Maine harbors along Route One.
Savor the moments in the heated swimming pool, cozying up to the lobby fireplace or enjoy building a snowman in the backyard in season. A country style breakfast buffet is provided each morning and late afternoon refreshments are offered each day during tea time. Warm chocolate chip cookies are served in the early evening as you prepare to relax.
 
Days 6,7 & 8: Bar Harbor, Maine (80 Miles)
Finish activities in the Camden/Rockport area and then continue north to Bar Harbor - Mount Desert Island’s largest community. Bar Harbor was New England’s premier summer resort in the 19th century. It was home to the largest hotel in North America and to Millionaires’ Row, a line of spectacular summer estates built for America’s richest and most powerful families — including the Rockefellers, the Fords, the Vanderbilts, the Carnegies, the Astors and the Morgans. Bar Harbor continues to draw visitors by the thousands. And the area’s brilliant fall foliage has stretched the traditional summer season well into October. Some of the mansions now operate as inns.
The Bar Harbor area possesses a great selection of outdoor recreational activities and cultural opportunities including a family nature camp, an oceanarium, a zoo, and a lumberjack show. The recently expanded Abbe Museum showcases the Wabenaki Indians, some of Maine’s earliest residents. Visitors can also indulge in rock climbing, sailing, paddling, brewery tours, boat excursions, and golf. For shoppers, Bar Harbor features a number of top-notch boutiques, many of which showcase the works of Maine artists and sculptors.
Bar Harbor is adjacent to Acadia National Park, home to 1,532-foot Cadillac Mountain. Its summit is the first spot in the United States where the sunrise can be seen. Acadia’s stunning mountains, lakes, and sea cliffs can be viewed from a number of vantage points—an auto loop, carriage roads closed to car traffic, and 125 miles of trails exclusively for hiking.
3 nights in Bar Harbor at the Bayview Bar Harbor (Includes Continental Breakfast):
Down a winding drive, away from the hustle and bustle of town sits one of Bar Harbor, Maine's hidden gems. Set apart by a leisurely stroll into the village, The Bayview offers tranquility and relaxation wrapped in gracious hospitality. 
Relax and savor the salty ocean breezes, incredible sunrises and breathtaking sunsets from your room or private balcony. Lounge by the pool and enjoy the unsurpassed views of the Atlantic Ocean and Frenchman's Bay. 
Unwind in the intimate waterfront bar while planning adventures in Acadia. Let the staff help you discover the beauty of Mount Desert Island; from summer colonies and fishing villages to quiet hikes and mountain climbing. 
All of the hotel rooms are a spacious 450 feet with spectacular ocean views, just seventy five feet from the shore. Room amenities include microwave, refrigerator, hairdryers, in room coffee and free wireless internet access.
A guest favorite is the homemade cookies which are available every afternoon after 2:00pm. These savory delights, made from scratch the "old-fashioned" way, are baked fresh each morning. They are a perfect way to relax and revitilize after a morning in the Park or shopping downtown.
The Bayview courtesy van is available for guests between the hours of 7:00am and 11:00pm if you want to go into Bar Harbor rather than taking your own car or walking.
 
Days 9 & 10: Millinocket, Maine (120 Miles)
Millinocket was established as a lumbering colony in the early 1900s, and today it is a meals, supplies, and lodging hub for those visiting Baxter State Park and the wilderness surrounding it. At 204,733-acre Baxter, the flora and fauna come first. All of the roads are dirt, and no motorized bikes or ATVs are permitted. Traffic is strictly limited, particularly along the park road that leads to the trails up mile-high Mount Katahdin, the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Just outside the park’s southern boundary, the west branch of the Penobscot is an excellent spot for whitewater rafting, and several rafting companies have set up shop here.
A small dockside airport transports anglers and hunters to remote wilderness camps via puddle jumper. The local area offers great fishing as well, with catches including land-locked salmon, trout, bass, pickerel, and whitefish. Katahdin Iron Works, a state historical site, dates back to the late 1800s. It is also the starting point for the hike into Gulf Hagas, a 2.5-mile long canyon with dramatic waterfalls and gorges.
2 nights in Millinocket at the 5 Lakes Lodge (Includes Breakfast):
A warm and picturesque luxurious bed and breakfast on South Twin Lake, seven miles west of Millinocket, Maine, overlooking Mt. Katahdin in Baxter State Park. The properties enviable location on a private peninsula offers the ultimate in lodging for those seeking a romantic getaway, luxurious escape or a relaxing holiday.
5 Lakes Lodge offers the finest bed and breakfast lodging in the Katahdin Region. This authentic log B & B features five luxurious rooms, all with commanding views of the lakes and majestic Mt. Katahdin within Baxter State Park.
The interior carries the natural mountain atmosphere indoors with a rustic yet elegant Maine lodge look and feel, highlighting natural touches like all wood interior, granite counters and a river-rock fireplace. The exterior features massive spruce logs accented with natural stone and an abundance of glass. Sit back, close your eyes and let your mind wander. . . Smell the pine trees. Hear the waves gently lapping the sandy shore, and the cry of a nearby loon.
It's amazing how great life can be when mixed with a little fresh water and incredible scenery!
That's what our bed and breakfast lodge is all about. Comfort. Natural Beauty. Fresh mountain air.
Time to sit. Time to ponder. Time to rediscover nature, your loved ones, yourself.
All this water, plus thousands of acres of surrounding woodlands, lets you experience: Scenery, Nature Walks, Kayaking, Boating, Whitewater Rafting, World-class Fishing, Moose Watching, Photography,
Listening to the hauntingly beautiful cry of loons (24 nesting pairs), Bird Watching - including eagles nesting nearby, Blazing Fall Foliage, Hiking on the Appalachian Trail, Gulf Hagas, "The Grand Canyon of Maine", 300 miles of hiking trails within Baxter State Park, Outstanding snowmobiling and x-country skiing plus many more activities
Go for a leisurely walk, Soak in the comfort of your own private Jacuzzi tub. Take a sauna. Go for a swim. Grab a good book, a glass of wine, your partner. Curl up next to the fireplace or claim one of the lakeside Adirondacks. Lie in the sun on the beach. Drink in the view. Recharge your batteries.
 
Days 11 & 12: Dexter, Maine (66 Miles)
The central Maine community of Dexter is situated in a small valley along Route 7 that runs north from the intersection of Route 95 in Newport and continues toward the Dover-Foxcroft and Moosehead Lake Region. The community is centered around the 1,170 acre Lake Wassookeag, which provides as a variety of recreational opportunities.
Dexter offers a nine-hole municipal golf course and driving range, a public beach and outdoor picnic areas. Fishing, water sports, and hunting are all popular recreational activities associated with the area. The Dexter Historical Society has three museum buildings: the Grist Mill, the Millers House and the one-room Carr School. They are open daily from June to September.
2 nights in Dexter at the Brewster Inn (Includes Breakfast):
The Brewster Inn was built in 1890 as the summer home of financier Benjamin B. Brewster, who was the first Brewster to leave the ministry since elder Brewster, a head Pilgrim. Benjamin Brewster along with John D. Rockefeller, Sr., established the Standard Oil company. The Inn's elegance is richly enhanced by exquisite woodwork, including solid mahogany and antique quartered oak. Today, The Brewster Inn is a truly fine country inn catering to discerning diners and travelers. The quaint and lovely village of Cazenovia, which was founded in 1793, is a short walk from the Inn. Its attractive shops make browsing a leisurely adventure. Visitors can also tour Lorenzo, the magnificent estate of the founder of Cazenovia, John Lincklaen, picnic at the spectacular Chittenango Falls, and walk the beautiful grounds surrounding Cazenovia College.
The Brewster Inn offers gourmet dining in three candlelit rooms adorned with silver and crystal. An expertly trained staff assists you with selections from our award-winning wine list, the perfect complement to a superb menu. The new Terrace Bar, with its panoramic view of Cazenovia Lake, offers casually elegant dining in a room richly appointed with handmade cherry wine racks and furniture, and which opens onto a large terrace for al fresco dining.
Overnight guests choose from guest rooms in the main house or in the completely renovated carriage house. Each of the Inn's comfortable accommodations has a private bath, television, air conditioning, and telephone. Upon waking, relax over a complimentary continental breakfast while overlooking the serene waters of Cazenovia Lake. After breakfast, stroll in Inn's extensive shoreline and secluded grounds which provide the perfect setting for carefree relaxation — sunning on the lawn, swimming and fishing in the clear lake waters, or cross-country skiing and skating during the winter.
 
 
Days 13 & 14: Sebago Lakes, Maine (140 Miles)
Nine towns, bordering one of the state’s most beautiful lakes, form a vibrant region where visitors and residents alike enjoy an abundance of natural resources -- the unspoiled beauty of lakes and streams, the peace and tranquility of forests and mountaintops, and the charm of historic villages and one-of-a-kind landmarks.
The Indian name Sebago (Sa-bay-go) means "great stretch of water." At 8 miles wide and 10 miles long, Maine's second largest lake is a great and diverse resource. Rivers that flow into Sebago Lake provide a 43-mile length of continuous waterway for all kinds of water sports and recreation. In summer, the famous paddle-wheel steamboat Songo River Queen provides a fascinating history cruise through Songo Lock connecting Sebago and Long Lake in Naples, for all who come to the Lakes region.
On the north shore of the lake is Sebago Lake State Park, a popular destination featuring a sandy beach, woodland walking trails, picnic areas, a playground, concessions, and restrooms.
Nearby, Seacoast Fun Park has a broad collection of attractions ranging from the adrenaline-filled Sky Swing, bumper boats, and go-karts, to a more relaxed game of mini-golf.
2 nights in Sebago Lakes at the Migis Lodge (Includes Breakfast):
Since 1916, The Migis Lodge have opened their doors to guests seeking a step back from the world in a tranquil location.
The luxurious Main Lodge and 35 cottages nestle amid 125 acres of pine forest, stretching along 3,500 feet of Sebago Lake shoreline in southern Maine keeps guests returning year after year, generation after generation.
Whether you’re lunching on the private island, enjoying tennis, waterskiing, kayaking or sailing, a massage at the wellness center, time with the family, or gazing at dramatic sunsets – it’s all waiting for you, at Migis Lodge. 
Migis Lodge is located in the heart of Maine’s Lakes Region, with many historic and beautiful towns and attractions nearby, including the Shaker Village in New Gloucester, rafting on the Saco River and hiking on local hills and mountains.
At Migis, you’ll stay in one of our Main Lodge’s six rooms, or in your private, luxury cottage. Either way, you’ll enjoy your own porch with views of the lake. Handsome appointments in every room. A fieldstone fireplace, handmade quilts on the beds, fresh flowers on the table. Complete maid service, including fresh ice and firewood delivered daily by your steward. 
Dining at Migis has many moods. Sumptuous meals in the dining room overlooking the lake, featuring Maine produce and fine wines. Old-fashioned picnics on the private island. Pancake breakfasts down by the water’s edge. Traditional New England lobster bakes. Lunchtime cookouts by the beach. Seasonal specialties.
Perched on the edge of Sebago Lake, Migis offers every imaginable way to enjoy the water. Beaches, of course, and fishing and waterskiing and canoeing and kayaking and rowboats and dories and daysailers and Sunfish and pedal boats! And the Lodge’s 1936 ChrisCraft Cruiser "Tykona" for regular excursions to Songo Locks and Frye’s Leap. And a Grady White “Tournament 22,” equipped with a 250-horsepower motor. Drift across the water to the private island, or strike out across Sebago Lake. Or sit on one of the docks and dangle your toes….
For some, a stay at Migis means relaxing on the porch, perhaps sipping a drink, and watching the sunlight filter through the soaring pine trees. For others, Migis means exploring the Welness activities, or wandering through the Great Outdoors. Others go to enjoy the spectacular waterfront location, with waterskiing, beaches, canoes and fishing for landlocked salmon whatever your need stating at The Migis will help you reflect on the a truly wonderful tour you have just completed. 
 
Day 15: To Boston, Massachusetts (150 Miles)
En route to Logan Airport, stop for photos along the stunning Cape Ann coast, a rocky cape in northeastern Massachusetts on the Atlantic Ocean. Then head for Salem and Visit a Witch Museum, just time for some lunch before heading to Boston Logan airport to drop your car and take your flight home.
 
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Pre, post or extra nights: Pre, post & extra nights within the itinerary can be added to this tour, please let us know if you would like to extend your stay anywhere and we will be happy to quote the extra nights.
 
Included in the tour:
14 Night Accommodation.
All hotel taxes.
Rooms provide private facilities and are based on the hotels standard or lead in room type.
 
Not included in this tour:
Meals other then the breakfast’s mentioned above.
Overnight parking charges if applicable.
Flights – Please contact us for a competitive quote on flights direct into Boston with our airline partner British Airways or Virgin Atlantic.
Car Hire - Please contact us for a competitive quote on car hire with our rental partner Alamo rent a car.
 

Prices

All 'from' prices quoted are per adult person per package in £ GBP and include all taxes. 

The exact cost of the tour will depend on the date of travel and the availability at the time you book.

Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 or email us reservations@purelynewengland.co.uk 

we can then check availability and provide you with a quote for your preferred departure date including tour, flights and car hire.

14 Night tour only from £1,199 per person, based on 2 sharing.

 Up to two children under 12 can normally stay free when sharing the same room with two adults.