Maine Fascinating History & Coastal Charm

Day 1

Prepare to immerse yourself in a fascinating blend of New England coastal charm, rich history and authentic coast culture on this trip to Maine. Your journey begins with meal and rest stops at your expense made along the way to your first tour 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. Next, you travel to Sturbridge, Massachusetts for check-in at the Publick House 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 2

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at the Inn before you check-out and 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. Next, you travel to the historic waterfront section of Portsmouth, New Hampshire for free time to browse the boutique shops and have lunch on your own and at your expense. Afterwards, you will board the motorcoach and depart for a photo 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, your travels take you to your home away from home for the next three nights, the Gorges Grant Hotel in Oguinquit, ME (207-646-7003). Your guest rooms feature a mini refrigerator, coffeemaker, hairdryer and HDTV. Relax and enjoy an indoor pool and hot tub, a (seasonal) heated outdoor pool, fitness center, lawn games and outdoor gas firepits. Dinner this evening will include a lobster choice, as well as other options for the landlubbers. You then return to the hotel to retire for the night or enjoy the hotel amenities.

Day 3

Wake to breakfast included at the hotel before 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. Afterwards, it is time to tickle your tastebuds at the Maine Tasting center. Your host will greet you and share interesting fun facts about Maine foods and then lead you to the tasting room for a choice of a beverage to sample. You will also have time to browse the shop to purchase some Maine-made products home with you. Your next stop is in Freeport Village, home to the L.L. Bean Flagship Store and other outlet shops, where you will have time to explore the shops on your own. You then have dinner included at a local favorite and followed by return to the Grant Hotel for the remainder of the night.

Day 4

Begin your day with breakfast included at the hotel before you meet your local guide 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 5

Breakfast is included at the hotel before you pack up and bid a fond farewell to the wind-swept shores, rugged coastline and memories of 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, D=Dinner