PORTLAND — The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA), a public transportation authority in charge of developing and providing passenger rail service between Maine and Boston, recently announced a cooperation with North American Traveler of North Reading, Mass., to offer complete car-free travel packages.

With five trains daily between Boston and Portland, and two trains that extend to both Freeport and Brunswick, the Amtrak Downeaster provides a travel option for leaving the car at home.

Packages focus on theater, festivals, culinary experiences, family adventures and romantic getaways.

North American Traveler will operate the program and its website, www.Downeaster- Packages.com, for NNEPRA.

Downeaster travel packages range from day trips to simple overnights or multi-destination packages from three to seven nights. The program will utilize a vast range of hotels, historic inns and bed and breakfasts. Local restaurants, transportation providers and attractions all take part in the program to create the packages.