The Real Portland Tour: City and 3 Lighthouses Historical Tour with a Real Local | 1 hour 45 minutes

1219 Reviews | Portland
Likely To Sell Out
From $67.00 per person Lowest Price Guarantee
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Senior (65-100) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 13
0
Adult (13-64) Minimum: 1, Maximum: 13
2
Child (4-12) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 13
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Infant (0-3) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 13
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Free Cancellation For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
The Real Portland Tour
2 Adults x $67.00
$134.00
Approx Total
$134.00

Inclusions / Exclusions

  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English
  • Knowledgeable, entertaining guide with 20 years experience giving tours of his hometown of Portland.
  • Air-conditioned vehicle

Overview

Welcome to my hometown! Hop aboard for an authentic 1 hour and 45 minute historical sightseeing tour of Portland, Maine and 3 lighthouses with an experienced guide who is a real local, born and raised in Portland, Maine. Get an insider’s look at the current happenings and rich history of my hometown. We’ll go where other tours go, and then I'll take you places other tours don't - you'll see hidden gems and learn little known facts about Portland and the great state of Maine that only a real local knows! As a college librarian I'm always researching the hidden history of Portland, while at the same time keeping on top of what's new in town and visiting as many local establishments that I can. I take pride in representing this city, and providing an informative and entertaining tour, delivered with a true Mainer's sense of humor. This is The Real Portland Tour! Check my website for a complete listing of tour days, times, and availability.

Meeting points

Please arrive at 96 Commercial Street (in front of the Casco Variety Store) at least 10-15 min before your tour time. The tour departs from the tour bus parking spot next to the US Customs House, which is located directly across the street from the Casco Variety Store.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

  • Commercial Street (Pass By)

    We start at historic Commercial Street, the heart of Portland's working waterfront. See original cobblestone and brick that was laid in the 1850s.

  • United States Custom House (Pass By)

    See one of the most beautiful granite buildings in all of Portland.

  • Fort Allen Park (Pass By)

    We'll drive through Fort Allen Park and get a majestic view of Casco Bay and its Calendar Islands. Also get up close views of memorials from the Civil War, Spanish American War, and WWII located in the park.

  • Eastern Promenade Trail (Pass By)

    You'll see the Victorian era homes once owned by sea captains and merchants that line the Eastern Promenade, as well as Eastern Promenade Park which offers endless views of Casco Bay, islands, and forts.

  • Portland Observatory (Pass By)

    We'll get a great view of the only remaining maritime signal tower in the U.S.

  • Eastern Cemetery (Pass By)

    Hear about the legends and lore regarding the oldest cemetery in Portland, first established in 1668.

  • Congress Street (Pass By)

    One of the busiest streets in all of Maine, we'll see Portland's eclectic downtown, Monument Square, and arts district.

  • The Cathedral Of The Immaculate Conception (Pass By)

    The neo-Gothic architecture of this cathedral built in 1869 dominates the skyline of Portland.

  • The First Parish Portland Unitarian Universalist (Pass By)

    This church is the oldest in Portland, and you'll learn about its rich history.

  • The Wadsworth-Longfellow House (Pass By)

    See the home where Henry Wadsworth-Longfellow grew up and wrote his early poetry.

  • Arts District (Pass By)

    We'll tour the center of downtown Portland, and its highly acclaimed Arts District.

  • Portland Museum of Art (Pass By)

    See one of the finest art museums in New England, and learn about its exhibits.

  • One Longfellow Square (Pass By)

    See the statue of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, born in Portland in 1807.

  • Victoria Mansion (Pass By)

    Get an up close view of the Victoria Mansion, the finest example in the country of a 19th century Italianate brownstone.

  • Fort Williams Park (Pass By)

    We enter one of the most beautiful parks in the state, Fort Williams Park, and drive to Portland Head Light (located in the park) where you will be let off to explore.

  • Portland Head Light

    This iconic lighthouse located within Fort Williams Park is the most photographed lighthouse in the country. Walk right up to the lighthouse, explore Fort Williams Park, and take in the views of Maine's rugged, rocky coastline.

    20 minutes

  • Fort Preble

    Get an up close view of Fort Preble (one of the oldest forts in Casco Bay) and learn about its storied history.

    5 minutes

  • Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse

    Get out for a photo of Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, and its 900 foot long breakwater connecting it to the shore.

    5 minutes

  • Bug Light Park (Pass By)

    Enjoy panoramic views of the Portland skyline from this beautiful park that sits directly across the bay from Portland.

  • Liberty Ship Memorial (Pass By)

    Get an up close view of the Liberty Ship Memorial, and learn about the thousands of shipbuilders who worked here during WWII.

  • Portland Breakwater Lighthouse

    Get a photo of Portland Breakwater Light (affectionately called "Bug Light" because of its small size).

    5 minutes

  • John Ford Statue (Pass By)

    Get an up close view of this statue dedicated to one of the most distinguished movie directors in history, and learn about his connections to his hometown of Portland.

  • Old Port (Pass By)

    See the center of the bustling downtown/waterfront district known as the Old Port. Learn the history of this vibrant area of Portland that is home to countless eclectic shops, businesses, and world class restaurants and bars.

Sample Menu

Additional Info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • The tour is in Portland, MAINE. Unfortunately no pets/animals of any kind can be accommodated on board.
  • The tour does not pickup/drop off at hotels, and it does not pickup/drop off at the cruise ship terminal. Everyone has to be at the tour starting point ready to board at least 10-15 minutes prior to the scheduled tour time.
  • Wheelchairs, walkers, and luggage do not fit in the van.
  • This is not a private tour. The tour vehicle is a 13 passenger, high roof Ford Transit van. The tour often sells out, so you will be riding with a total of 13 people in the van.
  • Please double check the month, day, and time of your booking to make sure it is accurate, as some folks make mistakes when booking online and choose the wrong date.

Free Cancellation

March 27100% refund
March 28No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Reviews

5.0

1219 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
  • 5 stars
    1176
  • 4 stars
    37
  • 3 stars
    5
  • 2 stars
    1
  • 1 star
    0

Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-5 of 1176 reviews with 5 stars

Great Tour

Published on Nov, 2024

The tour was great! Derek was extremely knowledgeable and funny. The van was warm and comfortable. I would highly recommend this tour!

Happy tourist

Published on Nov, 2024

It was a great tour with an amazing guide. I have been to Portland at least twice a year for 20 years and I learned so much on this tour.

Guide was very knowlegeable and had a great sense of humor

Published on Nov, 2024

Guide drove us around portland, stopping to visit 3 lighthouses. He added a spin of humor to the mix and gave us recommendations for places to eat

I wish there was more than 5 stars as an option

Published on Nov, 2024

Derek is the best tour guide I have ever had. He knows so much about the area that only comes with having family ties for many generations. He made it fun, and a learning experience at the same time. We explored the whole city in a couple hours.

Worth it

Published on Nov, 2024

Neat little tour. Lighthouses were pretty and the tour through the city was interesting. Headlight lighthouse makes the tour totally worth it. Derek loves his city and it shows. Nice job!

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Louise Berg
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