Portland, Maine

Situated along the beautiful rocky coast in Cape Elizabeth, Fort Williams Park was a military outpost for coastal defence. It is also the home of the oldest lighthouse in Maine, the Portland Head Light. Construction began in 1787 under the instruction of the General Court of Massachusetts and, in 1790, the United States Government took responsibility for all lighthouses. The lighthouse was first illuminated on 10th January 1791, and has since stood at the gateway to Portland Harbour for mariners travelling Maine’s perilous coast.

You’ll find a gracious mix of architectural styles and quaint streets that weave through the Old Port. Once the home of the warehouse district, the red brick buildings have been transformed into charming restaurants, pubs, unique boutiques and galleries.

One of America’s best-preserved Victorian residential neighbourhoods, is Western Promenade, built on a cliff edge rising 175 feet above sea level, the area remains one of the wealthiest in the city. Whilst at the Eastern Promenade, you’ll pass historic Fort Allen Park for an excellent view of the Casco Bay Islands and the Portland Observatory.

Portland’s new Arts District, with its ‘Main Street U.S.A.’ feel, is home to City Hall, Portland Public Library, Maine College of Art, the Museum of Fine Art and a number of galleries and shops.

Enjoy a panoramic drive through Portland passing The Old Port, home to picturesque streets with a mix of architecture, peppered with charming eateries and trendy boutiques. It’s easy to see why Western Promenade, has been included on the National Register of Historic Places and is such a desirable residential location for the wealthy. From Munjoy Hill, located along the Eastern Promenade, you’ll pass Fort Allen Park to enjoy the wonderful views.

Your first stop is at Portland Head Light, the oldest commissioned lighthouse in the United States. Your guide will entertain you with tales from a bygone era, whilst you can admire the stunning coast of Cape Elizabeth.

The truly quaint coastal village of Kennebunkport gained worldwide exposure as the summer home of President George Bush. You’ll see the stunning Federal and Victorian-style mansions and enjoy a scenic drive through its lovely tree-lined streets before enjoying some free time to purchase lunch or browse the boutiques. As you continue by coach take in magnificent views of Walker’s Point, the former Summer White House where world leaders often gathered.

Along the rocky shoreline of Kennebunk Beach, admire the turn of the century cottages that have been beautifully restored. Along Ocean Avenue are the magnificent summer homes of wealthy residents from Boston and New York.

In the centre of Kennebunkport, you’ll find charming Dock Square, lined with shops, galleries, unique boutiques, antique stores, restaurants and pubs. Enjoy some free time to stroll the picturesque square at leisure.

In the area of Kennebunkport, your guide will offer interesting insights and information on the history of this quaint and exclusive seaside town. Enjoy views of the beautiful Federal and Victorian-style mansions, set along lovely tree-lined streets.

Along the rocky shoreline of Kennebunk Beach, you can see the turn of the century cottages, which have been lovingly restored into homes and guest houses. Ocean Avenue is host to some of the most impressive cottages and you’ll see for yourself why many of the city dwellers from Boston and New York have chosen this location as their summer retreat.

The tour provides a brief glimpse of the 26 room Bush Estate and former Summer White House at Walker’s Point. (Unfortunately due to security restrictions, a photo stop here is not permitted).

Sit back and enjoy the view of Portland and its surrounding islands as you cruise aboard a private boat through Casco Bay. The Bay is the gateway to historic forts and lighthouses and home to Maine’s metropolitan area.

Past the Bay, you will arrive at House Island, home to Fort Scammel. Little House Island has records dating back to 1661 and was one of the first to be occupied in the Bay area. It was thought to be the site of the first European house to be built in Casco Bay and consequently became known as ‘House Island’.

Originally built to defend Portland against the British, Fort Scammel was later used to defend the north against the south during the Civil War. During this time the Fort was enlarged with 3 bastions to accommodate 17 guns, and in 1914 a navigational light was subsequently built.

After you’ve worked up an appetite touring the Fort you’ll be treated to a casual picnic-style, traditional Maine feast including fresh lobster, clam chowder, corn on the cob and salad, a non-alcoholic beverage will also be served.

Climb aboard your Duck and take in the lively city of Portland, with its character and charm of the past and the hustle and bustle of today’s developing urban community. Enjoy a scenic drive through the quaint streets, brimming with charming restaurants, boutiques and galleries. You’ll pass by a number of historic Victorian homes and enjoy terrific views of Casco Bay and the Calendar Islands.

Waddling your way back to the waterfront, your driver becomes captain as you ‘splash’ into Casco Bay for a 35-minute scenic cruise. From this vantage point, you’ll see Portland’s working waterfront, including lobstermen pulling traps, tugs and tankers and maybe catch a glimpse of some of the wildlife that thrive in this environment.

Some of the sights you will pass by during your tour include Maine narrow gauge railroad, Portland Observatory, Longfellow House, Spring Point Lighthouse, City Hall, U.S. Customs House, Portland Breakwater Light, Monument Square, Fort Allen and more.

The historic and charming coastal village of Kennebunkport gained worldwide exposure as the summer home of President George Bush.

Admire the stunning scenery on your drive through Kennebunkport passing the stunning Federal and Victorian style mansions that were built by wealthy sea captains and merchants in the 1700 and 1800’s.

A short stop will be made in the centre of town at Dock Square, before embarking on your scenic cruise to enjoy panoramic views of Walker’s Point and Maine’s rugged rocky coast which few people have experienced by sea.

Afterwards, enjoy some free time to stroll the picturesque streets lined with shops, galleries, unique boutiques and antique stores.

Your return route will take you past Walker's Point, the Bush Estate and the former Summer White House, where world leaders often gathered.

Your tour begins with a scenic drive through the quaint streets of the Old Port, where street lanterns highlight a gracious mix of architectural styles. Once the home of the warehouse district, the red brick buildings have been transformed into charming restaurants, pubs, unique boutiques and galleries. Passing through the urban centre, you’ll see the new Arts District, as well as the thriving commercial and business districts.

Situated just outside the city centre and along the beautiful rocky coast of Cape Elizabeth is Fort Williams, once a military outpost for coastal defense and now the site of the America’s oldest lighthouse. First illuminated on the 10th January 1791, Portland Head Light has since stood at the gateway to Portland Harbor for mariners traveling Maine’s perilous coast. A short photo-stop will be made before returning to Portland to embark an authentic Maine built, wooden schooner for a leisurely sail around Casco Bay.

The schooners are the ideal way to experience the beauty of Maine’s rugged coastline featuring lighthouses, seals and seabirds. Relax and enjoy the scenery as you ply the calm waters of Casco Bay. Under full sail you’ll glide past Portland’s bustling waterfront, secluded islands, historic forts and lighthouses perched along Casco Bay.

A team of magnificent horses will take you comfortably through the narrow streets of the city that Henry Wadsworth Longfellow named ‘a Jewel by the sea’.

Your guide will entertain you with tales from Portland's long and illustrious history, and point out the historical sites along the way. Have your camera at the ready as you pass the working waterfront with the fisher folk and their lobster pots, the Eastern Promenade with its spectacular views of Casco Bay and the Calendar Islands. Admire one of the most celebrated landmarks, Portland Observatory, along with Monument Square, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's home and Longfellow Square. You’ll also see the Portland Museum of Art designed by I.M. Pei and the unique combination of architectural styles that make up this vibrant city.

Embark on a short walk from the pier to the waterfront departure point of your lobster boat. The crew will perform a short safety briefing before you set sail to cruise near picturesque lighthouses, historic civil war forts and the ‘Seal Rocks’ into the protected waters of Casco Bay.

During your voyage listen and learn about how lobsters get from the bottom of the Ocean to your dinner table. Learn about their habits, conservation efforts, and the difference between hard-shells, shedders, shorts, culls and keepers. You’ll have the opportunity to see the days catch as the crew haul the lobster traps from the seabed and then re-set and bait the traps.

On your return to the pier you’ll begin a walking tour through the streets of this charming area which a hundred years ago was home to fish houses, canneries, industrial factories and textile mills. Today the brick warehouses hold numerous fresh seafood shops, coffee houses, bakeries, and award-winning restaurants. Explore the history of the area as your guide offers an insight into the folklore of this old waterfront.