Maine Bike + Adventure Tour
Camden and Penobscot Bay: Summer on New England’s Islands
Tour Highlights
- Bike three of Maine’s coastal islands, offering quiet roads and a relaxed lifestyle away from the mainland
- Kayak the pristine waters of a tidal bay on the island of Vinalhaven
- Enjoy fresh-caught Maine lobster and spend an afternoon boating with a local lobsterman as he pulls traps and tells tales of his life at sea
- Experience the simple thrills of a New England summer, swimming in lakes, ponds, quarries, and even the Atlantic Ocean
Eat
Wild blueberries, vegetables and cheese from local organic farms, Maine seafood including lobster and oysters
Drink
Craft micro-brews, ciders, and local wines
As featured in:
Itinerary
Print Itinerary- Day 1
Island Life in Isleboro
Meet your guides in Portland and transfer up the coast to the idyllic harbor of Camden. Our first order of business is a lunch highlighting some fresh Atlantic seafood, followed by a quick ferry ride out to the island of Isleboro. With just 560 permanent residents, Isleboro has long been a summer retreat for artists, actors, and writers. We’ll get to know the island by bike, pedaling past rocky coves and secluded beaches to its northernmost point. After a stop into the general store for a pick-me-up, we’ll catch the ferry back to the mainland. Get settled at our postcard-perfect hotel, followed by our first dinner together at one of Camden’s charming local restaurants.
Meals: Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Camden, Lincolnville, Isleboro
Accomplished: 19 miles / 30 km, elevation gain: 915 feet / 279 meters
Longer Option: 29 miles / 46 km, elevation gain: 1,289 feet / 393 meters
Accommodations: Whitehall - Day 2
Maiden Cliff and Megunticook
This morning we’ll explore “Vacationland” on foot, hiking a path that winds through wild blueberry patches and New England’s cool forests to a stunning view of Megunticook Lake. Scramble up the main ridge of Mount Megunticook to the vista, where the entirety of Penobscot Bay unfolds before you. Watch the boats sail in and out of the Camden Harbor as we trek back into town for a well-earned lunch. After, go for a swim in the nearby lake or take some time to relax at our hotel. Later this evening, we’ll have another lovely New England dinner.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Maiden Cliff, Mount Megunticook, Mount Battie
Accomplished: 5 miles / 8 km hiking, elevation gain: 1,256 feet / 383 meters
Accommodations: Whitehall - Day 3
Lavender and Blueberries
Today we get back on our bikes and pedal out of Camden into the scenic St. George River Valley. Our farm country route is lined with lakes, forests, and spacious meadows, and we’ll stop at a lavender farm where this fragrant herb flowers throughout the summer. Continue riding to a blueberry grower and enjoy lunch featuring hand-picked ingredients from the farm. After, choose to ride back to Camden or opt for a lift in the van. Tonight, we invite you to explore the local restaurant scene for dinner on your own; your guides are happy to make recommendations and reservations.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Destinations: Hope, Appleton, Union
Accomplished: 25 miles / 40 km, elevation gain: 2,096 feet / 639 meters
Shorter Option: 17 miles / 27 km, elevation gain: 1,148 feet / 350 meters
Accommodations: Whitehall - Day 4
North Haven
Depart mainland Maine on a ferry out of Rockland. Our destination is North Haven, a New England island unlike anywhere else: formerly dedicated to farming and fishing, it’s one of Maine’s best-kept secrets where families return to their vacation homes for generations. From the town pier, we’ll bike the entire length of the island with coastal views that stretch across the Penobscot Bay. A visit with a local oysterman piques our appetite for lunch at a picturesque organic farm. After lunch, pedal to our cozy hotel back in town to relax and explore before dinner.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Vinalhaven, North Haven
Accomplished: 20 miles / 33 km, elevation gain: 1,155 feet / 352 meters
Shorter Option: 11 miles / 18 km, elevation gain: 636 feet / 194 meters
Accommodations: Nebo Lodge - Day 5
Vinalhaven
Today we’ll cross the thoroughfare to North Haven’s sister island: Vinalhaven. The former hotbed of a quarrying industry, we have Vinalhaven to thank for the paving stones that now line the streets in Boston and Philadelphia. Over time, the quarries have filled with water and become a refreshing place to stop for a mid-ride swim. Though Vinalhaven only measures nine miles across, it boasts nearly 270 miles of coastline—which makes kayaking an ideal way to explore. We’ll paddle through a tidal basin on the lookout for harbor seals, cormorants, and sea ducks. After, board our friend Bobby’s lobster boat and lunch on Maine’s most emblematic food as we learn about lobstering and lobster lore. We’ll return to North Haven for our last dinner on the islands.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Vinalhaven, The Basin, Booth Quarry
Accomplished: 10 miles / 16 km, elevation gain: 633 feet / 193 meters; 2 hours kayaking
Longer Option: 24 miles / 38 km, elevation gain: 1,450 feet / 442 meters; 2 hours kayaking
Accommodations: Nebo Lodge - Day 6
Return to Portland
Catch the ferry back to the mainland as we say goodbye to North Haven. Your guides will see you off for the drive home or transfer you down the coast to Portland before you head to your next destination.
Meals: Breakfast
Destinations: Rockland, Portland
DuVine itineraries may be subject to slight route changes, hotel substitutions, and other modifications.
Arrival Details
Airport City: Portland, Maine Pick-Up Location: The Press Hotel, Portland, or first hotel of tour Pick-Up Time: 9:00 am at the Press Hotel or 10:30 am at first hotel of tour
Departure Details
Airport City: Portland, Maine Drop-Off Location: The Press Hotel or Portland Airport Drop-Off Time: 10:30 am
Travelers Take Note
Ferry and boat rides rely on daily sailing conditions, so weather may dictate itinerary changes or activity cancellations.
Hiking shoes are recommended for the hikes on this tour. We suggest hiking boots or trail shoes with good traction.
The variety of accommodations on Maine’s islands is limited. Some hotels on this tour are therefore simpler than typical DuVine accommodations, but were chosen for their unique location and island proximity. There are a limited number of rooms available with two beds.
COVID-19 Travel Restrictions
For the latest travel restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic—including quarantine requirements—please review Maine’s state travel guidelines.
Younger Travelers
- Children must be age 9 and older to join a scheduled departure
- Safety triangles are provided to all children on tour
Dates + Availability
- DatesPriceSpecial Events
- Jul 25 – 30$3,795
- Aug 1 – 6$3,795
- Aug 22 – 27$3,895Reserved by a private group
- Aug 31 – Sep 5$3,895
- Sep 7 – 12$3,795
Inclusions + Details
Accommodations
- Thoughtfully selected accommodations that reveal the true character of the region
- Luggage transfers
Meals
- Daily breakfasts, all lunches, nutritious snacks, and après velo cocktails
- 4 gourmet dinners at our favorite local restaurants and renowned culinary establishments
- Carefully selected local wine, beer, or spirits with every meal
Activities
- Wine tastings and activities as outlined in the tour itinerary
- Entrance fees to historic sites, museums, parks, and all other exclusive events
- Gratuities for baggage, porters, and hotel service
Gear
- Top-of-the-line bicycle selection
- Bike helmet
- Complimentary DuVine gear, including a custom cycling jersey, DuVine t-shirt, water bottle, and drawstring bag
- GPS in most destinations
Support
- Expert bilingual guides with extensive local knowledge
- Support vehicle that follows the day’s route, distributes refreshments, and offers lifts
- Pick-up and drop-off before and after your tour from predetermined meeting points
- Daily bike maintenance to ensure optimal performance
