Coastal New England in the summer

A great way to get acquainted with the city is to ride the Old Town Trolley, where you have the freedom to get off and on as often as you please. This narrated experience will give you the opportunity to explore some of the best shopping, museums and the famous pub that provided inspiration for the TV show Cheers.

Today you will pick up your hire car and drive north toward coastal Maine. It may be somewhat overlooked, but the mid-coast of Maine is a charming place to explore some of the region’s less-visited state parks, nature reserves, and lighthouses. En route, perhaps visit Owls Head State Park, which will provide you with up-close and expansive views of Penobscot Bay and the grounds of Owls Head Light, where you can view the 1852 lighthouse.

A further day for you to explore the mid-coast of Maine. We suggest taking the short drive to Camden Hills State Park, which is home to Mount Battie, the highest point on the coastline. Take a moderate hike to the summit to capture the spectacular views over the Camden Hills, Penobscot Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

A two-hour drive north will take you to the town of Bar Harbor, the gateway to Acadia National Park. Take a stroll along West Street and see a 'Millionaires Row' of estate homes. Learn local history at the Abbe Museum, Dorr Museum of Natural History or Bar Harbor Historical Society Museum.

Spend the day exploring Acadia National Park, an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Early risers can drive, bike, or walk to watch the sunrise along Acadia’s beautiful rocky shoreline on Ocean Drive. If you prefer a tailored guided hiking experience, your specialist will be able to provide more details on this.

Today, take a ride aboard a traditional, Downeast-style lobster boat. Experience a sample of the life and work of the Maine lobstermen and how they catch them. Keep your eyes peeled for seals and other wildlife while taking in all the sights Bar Harbor has to offer.

Your drive today will take you slightly inland and south toward the coastal town of Kennebunkport. A beach lovers' haven, Kennebunkport is best known for its shimmering coastline, scenic lighthouses and, of course, lobster, clams, and other fresh, local seafood for you to sample.

Take a leisurely guided walking tour and visit a number of well-known foodie hotspots in the coastal town of Kennebunkport. Covering half a mile from Dock Square across to the lower village, this experience will take you to a number of Kennebunkport institutions, such as doughnut stalls, coffee roasters, and down to the water where you will have the opportunity to sample fresh lobster.

Today's three-hour drive south brings you to the upmarket maritime town of Newport, Rhode Island. Perhaps visit one of the town's extravagant Gilded Age mansions, which were built in the late 19th century as summer homes for New York's wealthiest families.

Spend the day at leisure in the City by the Sea. You may wish to explore Newport's historic mansions for an insight into America's wealthiest families from the Gilded Age. Film buffs will enjoy visiting Rosecliff, the house in Robert Redford's 1974 adaptation of The Great Gatsby.

An easy drive east takes you to Cape Cod, where your afternoon is free to relax on a beach or explore the coastal villages.

Spend the day visiting Provincetown at the very tip of the Cape to enjoy the vibrant arts scene around Commercial Street. Provincetown is also known as one of America's premier whale-watching destinations. Enjoy a whale-watching trip where you can look out for humpback, finback and minke whales migrating to these waters to feed between April and October.

One more day at leisure to enjoy the views as the Atlantic Ocean crashes onto this beautiful coastline, strewn with quaint harbours, windswept beaches, golden dunes and romantic lighthouses. You may wish to take the short ferry ride over to the islands of Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket. Your specialist will be able to provide more details on ferry tickets.

Spend the morning at leisure before heading to the airport for your flight home.

Arrive home today to complete your journey.