Maine: A Windjamming & Culinary Adventure

DAY 1 * Travel to Bangor, Transfer to Bar Harbor

Travel from your home city to Bangor. You will be transferred from the airport to the hotel in Bar Harbor. Most flights arrive in the evening. The tour starts tomorrow.

Accommodations: Atlantic Oceanside Hotel or similar

DAY 2*  Acadia National Park Highlights with Hiking, Bar Harbor Welcome Dinner  

Today, enjoy a private guided tour of Acadia National Park. You’ll drive along the stunning 27-mile Park Loop Road to the summit of Cadillac Mountain - the highest peak on the eastern seaboard. From Cadillac, you can see spectacular views of Bar Harbor and the surrounding islands. As you wind through the park, you’ll take in the beautiful rocky granite coastline, glacier cut lakes, hand-cut stone bridges and dense forests. Hike along Ocean Path with its stunning coastal views of Sand Beach, Thunder Hole and Otter Cliffs. In the later afternoon, enjoy free time in Bar Harbor to walk along the shoreline path or shop in town followed by a tour Welcome Dinner in the evening.

Accommodations: Atlantic Oceanside Hotel or similar
Meals: B,D

DAY 3 *  Depart Bar Harbor, Arrive Rockland, Board Schooner Ladona, Dinner in Rockland

In the afternoon, depart Bar Harbor and head south to Rockland - home of the Schooner Ladona. Board the schooner and attend the Captian's Orientation. Afterward, walk to In Good Company and enjoy a farm-to-table dinner. Dine with the locals and taste Chef Melody's fresh, innovative cuisine. This is a Rockland gem. You'll be amazed at what she can turn out from a very small kitchen (the size of a closet)! Tonight, sleep on Schooner Ladona while at dock.

Accommodations: Schooner Ladona
Meals: B, D

DAYS 4-8 (choose your sailing dates) * Schooner Ladona Windjamming Cruise

Wake up to the scent of a gourmet breakfast being prepared by Ladona’s Chef Anna. She will delight you throughout the cruise with her innovative cuisine. Then, embark on a 4 or 5 night sailing in Penobscot Bay. The Ladonna offers an intimate and curated vacation featuring comfort at sea, gourmet meals, and activities both onboard and onshore. Daylight hours are spent sailing among stunning untouched islands, observing wildlife, exploring Maine fishing villages and hiking onshore. The trip offers scenic thoroughfares, breezy bays and perfect sunsets. The boat has paddleboards, a skiff for rowing, fishing gear, books and games. Evenings are filled with camaraderie, wine and exquisite dinners - this is fine dining alfresco-style. An onshore lobster bake is an absolute treat. There is no set itinerary and plans can change at any time. Captain J.R. makes choices based on current conditions. Sit back, relax and watch the magnificent Maine coastline. With over 2,200 islands in the sailing grounds, each day is designed for maximum enjoyment.

Accommodations: Schooner Ladona
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 9* Breakfast, Disembark Schooner Ladona, Transfer to Camden, Free Afternoon & Evening  

Schooner Ladona returns to Rockland by noon. Transfer to Camden. You’ll have the rest of the day and evening at leisure to enjoy this quaint seaside town. Whether you're looking for culture, history, fresh seafood, shopping or you just want to sit at the harbor, you won't be disappointed. Camden's is the quintessential New England coastal small town and home to several windjammers.

Accommodations: Lord Camden Inn or similar
Meals: B

DAY 10 * Depart Camden, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Lunch, Arrive Portland, Free Evening

Leave Rockport today and head for Portland. On the way, stop at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay. Opened in 2007, the ‘People’s Garden’ invites everyone to explore meaningful connections to plants and nature. The gardens comprise nearly 300 acres. Discover the Native Butterfly & Moth House, the Dahlia Garden, the Native Bee Exhibit, Founder’s Grove, the Lerner Garden of the Five Senses, the Arbor Garden, the Vayo Meditation Garden and the Kitchen Garden. Enjoy a one-hour highlights tour with the rest of the afternoon spent to wander and experience on your own. Once in Portland, the evening will be on your own in the Old Port district. There are plenty of shops and seafood restaurants to discover.

Accommodations: Portland Harbor Hotel or similar
Meals: B, L

DAY 11 * Portland History & 3-Lighthouse Van Tour, Portland Culinary Walking Tour, Farewell Dinner

Explore Portland and its historic landmarks and lighthouses from a local’s perspective. The guide is a long-time Portland resident and history buff. He will take you through Portland’s Old Port district & the city waterfront. Learn about Portland’s colorful past: early Portland, Portland at war, shipping & shipbuilding.  In the afternoon, you'll take a culinary walking tour topping for not-to-miss food tastings. Learn about the sustainable seafood industry and why Portland is called one of America's foodiest cities. The day will end with a Farewell Dinner at one of Portland’s best-loved restaurants.

Accommodations: Portland Harbor Hotel or similar
Meals: B, D

 

DAY 12 *  Transfer to Portland Jetport, Fly Home

Today, you will be transferred to the Portland airport for your flight home. We trust you will have had a great sailing experience and a ‘taste of Maine’ !

Meals: B

PRICE:  Pricing is per person and dependent on your choice of sailing dates & the size of your group; the itinerary is customizable

INCLUDED:

• Accommodations in 4* hotels in Bar Harbor, Camden and Portland
• Service of professional, certified guides
• Gourmet meals at select restaurants in Bar Harbor, Rockland and Portland, per Daily Itinerary
• Welcome Dinner at a select restaurant in Bar Harbor
• Tour of Acadia National Park with hiking
• Dinner at a select farm-to-table restaurant in Rockland
• A windjammer cruise aboard the Schooner Ladona: sailing, sightseeing, hiking onshore, water activities, visits to Maine villages and fine dining (3-7 days based on your choice of sailing)
• An onshore lobster bake (weather permitting)
• Entrance to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay
• A guided culinary tour of Portland with artisan food tastings
• Visits to three iconic Portland lighthouses: Portland Head Light, Bug Light & Spring Point Ledge Light
• Farewell Dinner at one of Portland's best-loved restaurants
• Private transportation by sedan or van
• All guided excursions & entrance fees
• Breakfasts, lunches and dinners at select restaurants and on the schooner, as per the Daily Itinerary
•  Airport transfers in Bangor and Portland

NOT INCLUDED:

• Airfare
• Some meals during free time
• Alcoholic beverages (wine included on the schooner)
• Tips for the captain & crew
• Tips for guides
• Any activity on your own during free time

A deposit of $2000 per person is required to hold your spot. The balance will be due 60 days out from departure. If you cancel the tour prior to the final payment, a refund will be issued less a $500 service charge. If you cancel the tour after the final payment, all payments are non-refundable. We encourage you to purchase travel insurance to offset tour cancellation fees.

If Pack A Fork cancels the tour, for any reason, all payments will be refunded.

AIR RESERVATIONS

Pack A Fork! has partnered with Exito Travel for airline reservations. They can assist you with the best flights from your home city.  Contact Leanne Reuss at 800-655-4053, X 8528. Alternatively, you can book your own flight arrangements. Flights are in to Bangor and out of Portland, Maine.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

We strongly recommend you obtain travel insurance to protect yourself from trip cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruptions, and lost or damaged baggage. Travel insurance may also give you medical protection during your trip. Recommended companies include:  Travel Guard, Allianz and World Nomads (if under 70).