Maine Lobster Festival - Rockland, ME

DAY 1

Following meal and rest stops enroute to the scenic coast of New England, you will arrive in Portsmouth, NH, at the Holiday Inn Portsmouth (603-431-8000) for an overnight stay. The hotel offers an indoor pool, fitness center, business center, coin-operated guest laundry facility and complimentary Wi-Fi. In-room amenities include a coffee maker, hair dryer, mini-refrigerator, microwave and iron/ironing board. Dinner is included at the hotel with the rest of the night to relax or turn in after a long day's travel.

DAY 2

A deluxe continental breakfast is included at the hotel before you check out and depart with your local guide for a narrated tour of the Portsmouth Harbor Trail's highlights. The tour provides an intimate look at Portsmouth's early and ongoing relationship with the river. Become educated and entertained with the fascinating stories of early settlers, patriots, ship captains and industrialists. You will also make a stop along the way at St. John's Church to see the exceptional Trompe l'oeil ceiling. Additionally, while in Prescott Park for you may see the 200-year-old Portsmouth Shipyard across the river where today U.S. submarines are served. Afterwards, you will travel north to the village of Freeport, home of sporting goods king L.L. Bean. You will have free time for shopping and lunch on your own and at your expense in Freeport. Next, sit back and relax as you travel along the coast to the Bar Harbor area. Upon arrival in Bar Harbor, you will check in at the Atlantic Oceanside Hotel & Event Center (207-288-5801) located on the shores of Frenchman's Bay for a two-night stay. Hotel amenities include an indoor and outdoor pool with hot tub, a fitness facility, 500 feet of private beach and on-site restaurant. Guest rooms feature a mini refrigerator, microwave, cable television and wi-fi. Dinner this evening is included at the resort with the remainder of the night to enjoy the resort amenities.

DAY 3

Following a deluxe continental breakfast at the hotel, you will spend the day exploring Mt. Desert Island. First, you will meet your local guide for a narrated tour of Acadia National Park. See breathtaking beauty that has attracted the elite to this area for years. The views from the top of Cadillac Mountain are spectacular (weather permitting). You'll also see the carriage roads built by the Rockefellers, stop at Thunder Hole and view some of the summer cottages built by the rich and famous summer visitors. Next, enjoy a boxed lunch included while you take a scenic Bar Harbor Nature cruise. During your cruise on Frenchman's Bay, you may see some local wildlife such as eagles, porpoises, seals and other marine mammals and birds while listening to narration and take in the sites. You will pass by Egg Rock lighthouse and see the coastline views of Acadia National Park. This afternoon you will have some free time to explore the quaint shops in Bar Harbor village. Tonight, don your souvenir Maine Lobster Hat, roll up your sleeves and bring your appetite for a traditional Maine lobster bake with all the fixins (an alternate meal choice will be offered for the landlubbers). Afterwards, you return to the hotel for the night.

DAY 4

After a deluxe continental breakfast included at the hotel, you will check out and make your way south along the coast to Rockland, the "Lobster Capital of Maine", to attend the 78th Annual Maine Lobster Festival along the harbor front. The festival includes great live entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, watch a variety of talents from lobster trap building to fishing demonstrations and of course, the seafood tent featuring hot Maine lobster and local delicacies. Lunch is on your own and at your expense today. With any luck, you may also witness the world's largest lobster cooker (what else would you use to prepare 20,000 pounds of lobster?). Take a stroll to downtown Rockland to browse the boutiques, art galleries, antique shops and more. While in Rockland, you will also visit the Maine Lighthouse Museum, home to the largest collection of lighthouse, lifesaving, and U.S. Coast Guard artifacts in the nation, founded by the late CWO4, Ken Black. You will depart mid-afternoon and make your way south with a stop in the picturesque seaport of Boothbay Harbor for short time to explore the local boutique shops and have a lobster choice dinner included at a local restaurant (an alternate meal choice is available). Your final stop of the day is a return to the Holiday Inn Portsmouth (603-431-8000) for one night. This is the same hotel where you stayed on the first night of your trip.

DAY 5

After a deluxe continental breakfast included at the hotel, you will check out and make your way home with meal and rest stops at your expense enroute home.

*

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

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