OVERVIEW

Settle in for a spectacularly scenic drive around Portland and take in the historical landmarks that define the city. While driving between the Eastern Promenade that fronts Casco Bay and the elevated park along the Western Promenade, you will see a collection of outstanding 19th-century architecture that includes Victoria Mansion. This National Historic Landmark exemplifies the Italian villa style that was fashionable at the time. In the New Arts District, you will pass highlights such as the Portland Museum of Art, the State Theatre and the home where poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow grew up. Now home to the Maine Historical Society, it is the first house museum in Maine. On the other side of the Fore River, you will find Bug Light Lighthouse, a 19th-century cast-iron lighthouse that was modeled after a monument that stands near the Acropolis in Athens. Only 26 feet high, it became known as The Bug because of its small size.

HIGHLIGHTS

• View the most meaningful landmarks in Portland on a panoramic drive through the city.
• See poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s house, the first home museum in Maine.
• Drive through the historical districts between the Eastern and Western promenades.
• Pause for photos at the diminutive Bug Light Lighthouse, a cast-iron treasure.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Settle in for an immensely scenic drive along the 27-mile road that loops through Acadia National Park and stop along the way for photos at the most dramatic viewpoints. Frederick Law Olmstead, the landscape architect that famously designed New York’s Central Park, designed the loop road. Although construction began in 1922, the mostly coastal road wasn’t completed for more than three decades. As you will see firsthand, it was well worth the effort. Depending on the conditions and time of day, you may stop at precipitous Otter Cliff, the Sieur de Monts Spring or Thunder Hole, a small inlet carved out of the granite rocks. If the tidal conditions are just right, the water will rush into the cavern below and violently spew out high into the air with a thunderous roar. Enlightening commentary will enhance your understanding of this first national park created east of the Mississippi River.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Follow the gorgeous 27-mile roadway that loops through Acadia National Park.
• Pass secluded beaches, panoramic overlooks and historical homes within the park.
• Stop for photos at a dramatic overlook such as Thunder Hole.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a highly entertaining treasure hunt at three Portland landmarks, where you will learn about their histories and try to unravel clues that will earn your team a winning prize. Each of the attractions is fascinating on its own, but add the element of a treasure hunt and this adventure become all the more exciting. Short and stout, the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse resembles a spark plug sitting at the end of a granite breakwater. Be sure to listen closely as the guide provides historical facts about this beacon built in 1897 and the other attractions so your team can score points at each location. Victoria Mansion is noteworthy because it exemplifies the Italian villa style that was fashionable in the mid-19th century, while the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is renowned for its neo-Gothic architecture and three steeples. Correctly answer the most questions about these landmarks and win the prize.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Participate in a treasure hunt at three of Portland’s most historical landmarks.
• Visit a spark plug-style lighthouse, an Italianate mansion and a neo-Gothic cathedral.
• Listen to the guide’s description of each venue and uncover their secrets.
• Use the clues to answer historical questions and win the treasure at the end of the journey!

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Enjoy beautiful views of Maine's famous rocky coastline as well as a visit to the charming coastal village of Kennebunkport, which gained worldwide exposure as the summer home of the Bush family. Located just 45 minutes from Portland, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive through Kennebunkport passing the stunning mansions that were built by wealthy sea captains and merchants in the 1700’s and 1800’s.

A stop will be made in the center of town at Dock Square to enjoy some free time to stroll the picturesque streets lined with shops, galleries, unique boutiques, antique stores, restaurants, and pubs. Your return route will take you past Walker's Point, and the Bush estate where world leaders often gathered when George H. Bush was president.

Snap selfies at the most photogenic spots in and around Portland, many of them iconic attractions that define the city. To ensure the best possible results, a selfie expert guide will offer tips so you can capture just the right angle, lighting and composition for every shot. Your pictures will be ideal for posting on social media and sharing in other ways.

As you walk and ride through Portland, you will pause at designated selfie stops that include:
• Arctic Campaign Memorial
• Fort Allen Park
• Portland Public Boat Ramp
• Cleeves and Tucker Memorial
• Portland Observatory
• Monument Square

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take inspiring selfies at the most photogenic attractions in Portland.
• Follow tips from your selfie expert guide to ensure the very best pictures.
• Learn the historical significance of the locales while enjoying their dramatic settings.
• ose at the World War II Arctic Campaign Memorial with the harbor in the background.
• Stand before the 1807-built Portland Observatory, the only surviving tower of its kind.
• Behold the statue honoring Portland’s Civil War soldiers in Monument Square.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Visit several public gathering places downtown and come away with a better understanding of daily life and Portland’s heritage. The waterfront Cleeves and Tucker Memorial is a granite obelisk dedicated to Portland’s founding families and offers a historical perspective of the city, which was incorporated in 1786. Similarly, the bronze Our Lady of Victories statue in Monument Square honors the thousands of Portland soldiers and sailors that served in the Civil War. Being in the heart of downtown, the square is always bustling and a great place for people-watching. The ambiance at Lincoln Park is quite the opposite as this urban oasis is exceptionally tranquil. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its significance as a place of respite for downtown workers. Deering Oaks Park is equally serene and being much larger accommodates all sorts of recreational facilities. Even so, you can’t help but feel relaxed while walking its winding paths.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Behold a granite monument and a bronze statue that reflect Portland’s heritage.
• Pause at a downtown park that earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Enjoy different perspectives of Portland: one at a serene park, the other in a busy square.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a panoramic drive around Portland, which borders the seafood-rich waters of Casco Bay, and then stop for tastings of seafood and other local specialties at three restaurants. As an introduction to the city, you will travel along the Eastern Promenade, a scenic coastal road that winds past Fort Allen Park, an urban oasis named for the Revolutionary War fort that once stood there. Along the way, you will hear commentary about the landmarks and how the local cuisine revolves around seafood, most famously lobster Although the exact dishes will be determined once you arrive, the menu may include lobster grilled cheese, lobster tacos or lobster BLTs. You will have different offering depending on the venue: seafood samples on our first stop, an ice-cold beer on the second, and a sweet treat for dessert at the end.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See the highlights of Portland on a panoramic drive through downtown.
• Sample local specialties, beers and sweets on location.
• Gain insight into how seafood reigns supreme in Portland and influences the cuisine.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Stroll through the Old Port, sampling your way through several venues that offer delectable snacks that reflect Portland’s distinct cuisine. You will follow a route through the historical streets around the waterfront, an area that was once home to canneries, factories and textile mills. Today, the revitalized warehouse district features dozens of quaint restaurants, coffee houses, bakeries and shops selling gourmet merchandise. The guide will bring you to some of the finest venues to sample their wares. The exact stores and restaurants always vary, but you can be sure that the offerings will be heavily influenced by what’s freshest and most indicative of the local cuisine. Some of these Maine-inspired foods may include lobster, chowder, organically grown vegetables, fresh-baked pastries and seasonal berry jams. As you sample the various culinary treats, the proprietors will describe how they were prepared and where the ingredients were obtained.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk through the waterfront area sampling snacks prepared with local ingredients.
• Become familiar with Maine’s characteristic cuisine, especially local favorites.
• Learn how the delicacies were prepared and what makes them so special.
• Remain in downtown Portland afterwards, if you please.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Drop by three premier breweries in Portland for an enlightening tour and sample a selection of craft beers at each venue. Your immersion into the local beer culture will lead you to understand why this city is hailed as a mecca for beer enthusiasts. At our first stop Your tastings may include one of these popular coriander and Curaçao orange peel-flavored brews or perhaps a golden ale or a barrel-aged stout. The options will be just as plentiful at our second highly regarded Portland brewery. After listening about the brewing process, you will may sample a range of beers such as a light lager or maybe a tasty red ale with flavors reminiscent of caramel, toffee and molasses. At our third stop, you will witness the creativity that goes into our final selection of bold and flavorful beers. Pilsners, Double India Pale Ales and Imperial Milk Stouts can be just a few of the many offerings.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy eye-opening tours of three acclaimed breweries in Portland.
• Sample a selection of distinctive beers at each venue.
• You may Taste beers such as IPAs, milk stouts, red ales, pilsners and lagers.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Bicycle along a popular coastal promenade to the state park on forested Mackworth Island, where you will hike along a picturesque loop trail before bicycling back to Portland.

Meeting at the pier, you’ll receive a safety briefing and helmet and then begin your biking adventure. Riding a bicycle allows you a wonderful up-close view of the area.

As you pedal along the tree-lined Eastern Promenade, you can expect to see other bikers, joggers and walkers enjoying this waterfront trail. The promenade was built along a former rail corridor and offers spectacular views of Casco Bay.

Every so often, you will pause for the guide to elaborate on the significance of landmarks like Fort Gorges, which perches on uninhabited Hog Island. The fort wasn’t finished until the end of the Civil War, by which time weaponry had changed making it obsolete.

Later, you will learn fascinating facts about Bug Lighthouse, which was once just a wooden tower, and the Casco Bay Islands, also known as the Calendar Islands because there are supposedly 365 of them.

Upon reaching Mackworth Island, you will hop off your bike for a one mile hike along a trail that encircles the island. In 1946 Maine’s governor set aside the island “as a sanctuary for wild beasts and birds,” and in fact, buried his own dogs here. During your hike you may also spot seagulls and ospreys.

After leaving Mackworth Island, you will pedal back to the pier.

Step aboard a comfortable and stable catamaran for a trip to the northernmost coral reef in the world. Relax on deck while the crew provides informative commentary on the island and the fascinating undersea ecosystem. After a leisurely cruise, you'll find yourself moored in a magical deep blue oasis, bordered by fringe reef on nearly all sides. Here, you'll be given a mask, snorkel, fins, buoyancy vest and instruction on how you may best enjoy this undersea paradise. Immerse yourself in crystal clear waters under the watchful eye of your instructors and explore the great expanses of pristine reef. After snorkeling, the sails will be hoisted (weather permitting) and you can enjoy a relaxing sail back with a complimentary Rum Swizzle. A cash bar is also available.

Visit the charming coastal village of Kennebunkport and embark on a 50 minute scenic cruise to enjoy panoramic views of Walker’s Point and Maine’s famous rocky coast. Located just 45 minutes from Portland, enjoy a scenic drive through Kennebunkport passing the stunning mansions that were built by wealthy sea captains and merchants in the 1700’s and 1800’s. The historic and charming coastal village of Kennebunkport gained worldwide exposure as the summer home of former President George H. Bush and his family. A stop will be made in the center of town at Dock Square to embark on a 50 minute scenic cruise to enjoy panoramic views of Walker’s Point and Maine’s rugged rock coast. You’ll have some free time to stroll the picturesque streets lined with shops, galleries, unique boutiques, antique stores, restaurants and pubs before your return to Portland. Don’t forget to bring your camera.