Trip
Overview
Lodging
Detailed Itinerary
Reserve early for the best available price. More Info
Age Requirement: Due to hotel restrictions, the minimum age for this trip is 5 years old.
Meals: All meals are included except 1 dinner.
Portland, Maine
Boat, Kayak, Natural Beauty &/or Wildlife, Swim
Call: 800-462-2848
or 510-527-1555
Fax: 510-527-1444
E-mail us
801 Cedar St.
Berkeley, CA 94710
Business Hours:
7 days a week
from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Pacific Time
Or contact your travel agent
"Why go West," asked legendary writer Henry David Thoreau, "when Maine has everything?" The Pine Tree State is indeed blessed with an abundance of natural splendors, creating the perfect landscape for families to explore. Discover the region's history, along with its rocky coastline, granite cliffs and pristine beaches. Breathe crisp clean air and delight in weathered fishing villages, where life still rings with old New England charm. Bike to hidden coves and along quiet country lanes. Kayak on an idyllic lake, surrounded by verdant forests and lined with stretches of sand. And top off your day with succulent lobster. Journey with Backroads and experience the same enchanting world that charmed Thoreau so long ago.
You are viewing the Family Premiere Inns version of this trip.
View the Family Deluxe Camping Itineraries.
View the Classic Premiere Inns Itineraries.
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Meet in Portland 
Shuttle to Northeast Harbor Hike to the top of Cedar Swamp Peak to get a bird's-eye view of Somes Sound, the only fjord on the Atlantic Coast Explore Acadia National Park by bike, pedaling along quiet car-free carriage lanes and over arched bridges On foot, wind your way through birch and evergreen forests to the summit of Gorham Mountain for panoramic vistas of sea and shore Pay an afternoon visit to Bar Harbor or Northeast Harbor Get ready for a classic Maine culinary experience: fresh lobster! Kids learn to rock climb on oceanside rock formations with expert guides.
After shuttling to historic Castine, bike through Revolutionary War battlefields, then walk to the lighthouse and sample fresh scallops, clams and oysters Head to the harbor town of Camden aboard our private boat Explore the unique galleries and shops on Camden's Main Street Pedal to picturesque Rockport, enjoying more postcard-perfect views of quintessential New England life Kayak through the waters of Lake Megunticook, looking out for ospreys or diving loons Visit the impressive Farnsworth Museum in Rockland Hike to Mount Battie and Mount Megunticook and take in the same stunning view of Camden Harbor that inspired poet Edna St. Vincent Millay.
Route Rating What's this? Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Each offers options for more or less activity, so you can decide exactly how much you want to do day by day.
Lodging What's
this? Our lodgings are divided into three different categories.
Premiere Inns:These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic
regional flair.
Casual Inns:These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the
areawith such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and
proximity to our activities.
Deluxe Camping:We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every
camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Backroads continues to be my tour company of choice. The attitude of your leaders is what sets you apart.- Everett, WA
For more than 29 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the Maine tour experts. For multisport tours in USA, trust our in-depth connections. To see all our USA multisport tours click here. For our selection of award-winning USA biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning USA walking and hiking tours click here.
Northeast Harbor (3 nights): A landmark along the coast of Maine since 1883, this scenic gray-shingled retreat sits on a hill with commanding views of Great Harbor.
Camden (2 nights): A nicely restored Victorian just blocks from the heart of the charming village of Camden.
* With 2 Casual Inn nights
You are viewing the Family Premiere Inns version of this trip.
View the Family Deluxe Camping Itineraries.
View the Classic Premiere Inns Itineraries.
1 Route Option Available
3 Route Options Available
3 Route Options Available
2 Route Options Available
2 Route Options Available
2 Route Options Available
On this Family Trip, our routes follow gentle terrain with no significant gain or loss in elevation. Liberal van shuttling is incorporated into the itinerary to facilitate our activities and mileage is kept moderate to enable you to spend more time exploring on your own.
Trips For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Average Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biking | Walking & Hiking |
||
| 1 | 2-3 hours |
10-20 miles |
2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours |
21-30 miles |
5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours |
31-40 miles |
7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours |
41-55 miles |
9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours |
56-75+ miles |
11-13+ miles |
