Seaside Breezes, Sun-Drenched Days, Hands-On Cookery and Gourmet Dining!
Come stroll the wide sandy beaches with spectacular views of the deep blue Atlantic as you explore the rugged coastline dotted with its network of tidal pools. You might savor the delicate taste of the best lobster caught right offshore and served dockside at one of the local establishments. This is the historic Kennebunks: a year-round destination filled with rich history, architecture and "Old Maine" charm.
The highlight of this unique culinary experience is a private cooking class (just your own party of 2 to 4 guests), which is held on the second afternoon of your stay, in the bright gourmet kitchen of a luxurious boutique Inn. You'll work alongside a top local chef to create your own scrumptious dinner, which will include fresh off the boat Maine lobster! If lobster is not your thing, no worries – with advance notice, our chefs are happy to accommodate special requests for shellfish-free, or even vegetarian meals. Whether you're a novice or experienced cook, you're sure to pick up some new tips, tricks or skills, and have a lot of fun in the process! Once your meal is prepared and beautifully plated, you'll retreat to the Inn's dining room with a bottle of wine to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
This package also includes a fabulous 5-star dinner at the famous White Barn Inn on the first evening of your stay. A two-course full service breakfast is included each morning, and guests will take home a special gift from the Inn.
ItineraryAccommodationsMapFAQ
VACATION HIGHLIGHTS
Please note:
Tour inclusions can change depending upon
seasonality and weather conditions.
•Luxury Guest Room
•New England Breakfast
•Hands-On Cooking Class
•White Barn Gourmet Dinner
While our tours are designed as soft adventure experiences, walking, climbing stairs,
and in rare cases mild hiking may be required. If you have mobility issues, you should
speak with one of our culinary travel specialists to determine if this tour is
appropriate for your situation.
AVAILABLE DATES
Year-Round Based on Your Travel Schedule
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Please note: Actual itineraries are subject to change due to seasonality.
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Day 1
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Arrival and Check-In
The Inn offers two dramatically decorated common rooms filled with art from the owner's personal collection that will delight your senses. The five rooms, five suites and bungalow exhibit the modern style of the Inn. Elegant amenities, including Frette fine linens, bath robes, slippers and towels; toiletries by Malin+Goetz; and beds by Vera Wang, await each guest. A variety of special touches are offered, such as WiFi Internet access, docking stations, flat-screen TVs, Nespresso machines, and fireplaces. Another highlight of your stay will be the innkeeper's three-course gourmet breakfast and homemade baked goods that are served each morning and afternoon.
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Legendary Dining from the Kitchens of the White Barn
While dining at the only 5 star, 5 diamond restaurant north of New York City, you can experience the magic of the Executive Chef who weaves together the flavors of New England and Coastal Maine by using the freshest seafood and game in his menu, and transforming them into culinary masterpieces complimented by a world renowned cellar. The menu at the legendary White Barn Inn focuses on showcasing the finest seasonal ingredients available and is crafted weekly at this stellar Relais & Chateau establishment.
Day 2
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Gourmet New England Breakfast
The Inn features a breakfast that is truly one of the highlights of your stay. Guests of the Inn have expressed on several occasions that the freshly prepared, several-course gourmet breakfast is nothing short of divine. Breakfast is always prepared with quality, fresh ingredients and presented before you in a beautiful, modern place setting. Your hosts really understand the value of creating the perfect surroundings to guarantee a relaxed breakfast experience.
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Private Hands-On Cooking Class and Dinner
In true farm-to-table influence, the Chef will create an eclectic multi-course menu for your private hands-on cooking class. Your ingredients will be only the freshest local farm products available. Beginning with the fundamentals, your cooking class migrates quickly to seasoned tricks of the trade as the Chef guides you through the creation of a true New England feast. And yes, you will dine on your fabulous creations at the conclusion of your hands-on instruction.
Day 3
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Gourmet New England Breakfast
The Inn features a breakfast that is truly one of the highlights of your stay. Guests of the Inn have expressed on several occasions that the freshly prepared, three-course gourmet breakfast is nothing short of divine. Breakfast is always prepared with quality, fresh ingredients and presented before you in a beautiful, modern place-setting. Your hosts really understand the value of creating the perfect surroundings to guarantee a relaxed breakfast experience.
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Check-Out and Departure
Time flies when you're having so much fun, but alas…it is time to check out and depart this delicious, coastal paradise. Remember, you can always extend your stay based on availability. Should you desire an extension, please let your culinary travel specialist know prior to check-in. May your future travels come from sweet dreams, and create tasty memories!
Housekeeping gratuity is usually $5-10 per night, but at your discretion. There will be an envelope in the room.
The Inn at English Meadows
The Inn at English Meadows – located an enjoyable 8-minute walk from nearby Kennebunkport – is a modern, chic bed and breakfast. This locale is home to many shops, galleries, restaurants, and lovely historic homes, all within walking distance of the Inn. Nine luxurious guest rooms and a bungalow are all appointed with care and attention to detail with Vera Wang hypo-allergenic mattresses, down duvets and pillows, flat screen televisions, and amenities such as Frette Linens, robes & slippers, iPod docking stations, and complimentary wireless internet.
Kennebunkport, Maine
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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What Currency is being quoted?
The Currency Code is listed directly after the published amount. If it states USD, then the quoted price is in United States Dollars. If it states CAD, then the quoted price is in Canadian Dollars. If it states EUR, then the quoted price is in European Union Dollars…etc. However, please note that all charges are processed in USD, and Epitourean’s Merchant Bank automatically calculates the currency conversion on the day of the charge.
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What does Double Occupancy mean?
Two persons traveling together, and staying in the same room. Tour prices are normally quoted as “per person, double occupancy” in case two people are traveling together and staying in the same room, but paying separately. The cost of the lodging is also shared by two people, thereby reducing costs. This could be a married couple, two friends or relatives.
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What is a Single Supplement?
Whenever a person travels alone, the cost of their lodging cannot be shared by another person. When tour products are priced, they are normally stated as “per person, double occupancy.” Whenever a guest occupies a room as a solo, the whole cost of the lodging must be incurred by that one individual. Tour companies accommodate this by charging a Single Supplement. Epitourean does its best to keep the single supplement as low as possible, but it is a real cost that tour companies must absorb, and must pass along to the single traveler.
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If I am a Solo Traveler, will I be paired with another person?
Epitourean never pairs a solo traveler with another person without a special request. If you book Single Occupancy, you will have a room entirely to yourself. However, should you wish to be paired with another solo traveler to save on the single supplement, you may make this request. We cannot guarantee that we can accommodate such requests, since it would take another solo traveling on the same tour for the same dates. But if requested, we will certainly try.
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Are flights included in the tour price?
No. Flights are never included in the price of our land-only tours. Epitourean does not provide air, rail or sea travel, unless expressly noted in the itinerary.
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May I give a culinary tour as a gift?
Yes. Epitourean has a special program designed specifically for this purpose. Our Gift Packages come with features such as special messages to the recipient, gift box option, gift link (without pricing), and floating dates (should you not know when the gift recipient wants to travel). Contact a Culinary Travel Specialist at 800-390-3292 or customerservice@epitourean.com to receive additional information about this unique offering.
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May we request separate beds if sharing a room?
Yes. In most cases, Epitourean can accommodate a request for two beds to be placed in one room. Just make sure to make this request in the comments section of the reservation process.
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Does each guestroom have a private bathroom?
Yes. Epitourean partners with the best lodging options in each destination, and private (en suite) bathrooms are a requirement. However, you should inquire as to the configuration of bathrooms should you have a special need. For example, some tours include accommodations in medieval villages, where either a shower or bath(but maybe not both) are present.
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Can your tours accommodate my dietary restrictions?
In almost all cases, Epitourean can accommodate dietary choices and restrictions. But we do request that you ask a Culinary Travel Specialist prior to making your reservation so that we can assess your individual situation.
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If I am unable to use a portion of the tour, can I get a partial refund?
Unfortunately, due to vendor and supplier contracts, we are unable to provide partial refunds for unused portions of any tour or tour component.
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Are Transfers included in the Itinerary?
Round-trip transfers from the airport or train station are normally included in our international tours. Transfers to the destination (for both international and domestic tours) are not included in the tour price. Please see the Sample Itinerary. If it mentions that transfers are included, then yes, transfers are included at no additional cost.
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What meals and excursions are included in the tour?
The Sample Itinerary should be your reference. If the meal or excursion is described in the Sample Itinerary, then it is included at no additional charge. For those days where it expressly notes Free time, then any optional activities you elect to participate in might have an additional cost. In addition, if the itinerary states "evening on your own," it would imply that you have the opportunity to visit a restaurant of your own choosing, and at your own expense. If you have any question about inclusions, please submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button under the price section.
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Is it possible to book pre or post tours or stays through Edible Destinations?
Yes, we often do have optional 2 and 3 night excursions that are priced separately from the tour. We can also assist with pre and post night stays in a hotel if you choose to come in early before the tour starts, or stay on after a tour ends. The price of those hotel stays are not included in the price of the tour, but we would be happy to provide a quote. Simply ask your Culinary Travel Specialist, or submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button.
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Are Guide or Host Gratuities included in the price of the tour?
Since tipping guidelines and customs vary widely between countries, we do not include gratuities in the price of the tour. Your Culinary Travel Specialist can provide you with recommendations. But the general rule is to tip modestly when you are pleased with a guide’s services, either at the end of the tour, or at the conclusion of a specialty day excursion where you will only be with that guide (or chef) on that day.
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Should we plan on any personal expenses during the tour?
All lodging, meals, transfers, classes and excursions mentioned in the Sample Itinerary and Vacation Highlights are included in the price of the tour. However, we highly recommend taking local currency for purchasing personal items, souvenirs, tipping, etc. You can either get the local currency at an airport exchange service, ATM or from your local bank prior to travel. However, you should note that many hosted destinations do not accept credit cards for personal purchases.
Winner OUTSTANDING CULINARY TRAVEL Category
Vacation options presented on this website are offered by Epitourean LLC doing business as Edible Destinations pursuant to an agreement with HV Global Group, Inc. d/b/a Hyatt Vacation Club (“HRC”). HRC and its respective affiliates make no warranty, express or implied, regarding the quality, condition, features or amenities or any other aspect of any tour or package. The tours and packages offered herein may have limited availability, are subject to change, and/or may be subject to additional fees and/or taxes. HRC and respective affiliates are not liable for any damage to, loss of, or theft of personal property, for any bodily injury, or any other matters, that occurs arising out of or related to the tours or packages available through Epitourean. HRC HAS NO CONTROL OVER THE CONDUCT OF Epitourean, AND DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY IN THIS REGARD TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.
Access to the BEYOND program is made available through the Hyatt Vacation Club Portfolio Program and is subject to the terms and conditions as outlined in the applicable Hyatt Vacation Club Portfolio Program documents. Actual experiences will be provided via contractual arrangements with third-party providers and may require the payment of additional fees.
HRC and its respective affiliates and subsidiaries make no warranty, express or implied, as to the condition, capacity, performance, features or amenities or any other aspect of the activities, events, or service providers listed herein. No inquiry has been made into the activities or events, or the qualifications or the quality of services offered by the providers. Do not consider this an endorsement of or recommendation for any of the activities, events, or providers.