Name: The Real Portland Tour: City and 3 Lighthouses Historical Tour with a Real Local
SKU: 120558P1
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (1699 reviews)

WizardTrip

The Real Portland Tour: City and 3 Lighthouses Historical Tour with a Real Local

5.0(1.7 k)· Portland (Maine)· By The Real Portland Tour

Free cancellation

From

€67per person

1 to 13 travelers per booking.

Time

1 × Adult × €67€67

Total€67

About the activity

Welcome to my hometown! Join me for an authentic 1 hour and 45 minute historical sightseeing tour of Portland, Maine, including 3 lighthouses. Your guide is a local, born and raised in Portland. Gain an insider's perspective on Portland's current life and rich history. We'll cover popular spots and then venture to hidden gems, revealing little-known facts about Portland and Maine that only a true local would know. As a college librarian, I am dedicated to researching Portland's hidden history while staying current with the city's new developments and supporting local establishments. I am proud to represent this city and offer an informative and entertaining tour with a genuine Mainer's sense of humor. This is 'The Real Portland Tour'! Visit my website for a complete schedule of tour days, times, and availability.

What's included

✓Knowledgeable and entertaining guide with 20 years of experience touring his hometown of Portland.
✓Air-conditioned vehicle for your comfort.

Itinerary

1
Commercial Street
We begin our journey on historic Commercial Street, the vibrant core of Portland's working waterfront. Observe the original cobblestone and brickwork, dating back to the 1850s.
· Non-stop passage
2
United States Custom House
Admire one of Portland's most architecturally stunning granite buildings.
· Non-stop passage
3
Fort Allen Park
We will drive through Fort Allen Park, offering magnificent views of Casco Bay and its Calendar Islands. You'll also see memorials dedicated to the Civil War, Spanish American War, and WWII within the park.
· Non-stop passage
4
Eastern Promenade Trail
Observe the elegant Victorian homes along the Eastern Promenade, once owned by sea captains and merchants. Enjoy the expansive views of Casco Bay, its islands, and forts from Eastern Promenade Park.
· Non-stop passage
5
Portland Observatory
We will get a clear view of the only remaining maritime signal tower in the United States.
· Non-stop passage
6
Eastern Cemetery
Discover the legends and lore surrounding Portland's oldest cemetery, established in 1668.
· Non-stop passage
7
Congress Street
Experience one of Maine's busiest streets as we explore Portland's eclectic downtown, Monument Square, and its arts district.
· Non-stop passage
8
The Cathedral Of The Immaculate Conception
Marvel at the neo-Gothic architecture of this cathedral, built in 1869, which commands Portland's skyline.
· Non-stop passage
9
The First Parish Portland Unitarian Universalist
Learn about the rich history of Portland's oldest church.
· Non-stop passage
10
The Wadsworth-Longfellow House
See the childhood home of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, where he penned his early poetry.
· Non-stop passage
11
Arts District
Tour the heart of downtown Portland and its highly acclaimed Arts District.
· Non-stop passage
12
Portland Museum of Art
Visit one of New England's premier art museums and learn about its current exhibitions.
· Non-stop passage
13
One Longfellow Square
View the statue of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, who was born in Portland in 1807.
· Non-stop passage
14
Victoria Mansion
Get an up-close look at the Victoria Mansion, a prime example of 19th-century Italianate brownstone architecture in the country.
· Non-stop passage
15
Fort Williams Park
We will enter Fort Williams Park, one of the state's most beautiful parks, and drive to Portland Head Light. You will have the opportunity to disembark and explore the lighthouse area.
· Non-stop passage
16
Portland Head Light
This iconic lighthouse, situated within Fort Williams Park, is the most photographed in the nation. Walk directly to the lighthouse, explore Fort Williams Park, and soak in the views of Maine's rugged coastline.
· 20 min
17
Fort Preble
Get a close-up view of Fort Preble, one of the oldest forts in Casco Bay, and discover its historical significance.
· 5 min
18
Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse
Disembark for a photo opportunity at Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse and its 900-foot breakwater connecting to the shore.
· 5 min
19
Bug Light Park
Enjoy panoramic views of the Portland skyline from this picturesque park, located directly across the bay.
· Non-stop passage
20
Liberty Ship Memorial
View the Liberty Ship Memorial up close and learn about the thousands of shipbuilders who worked here during WWII.
· Non-stop passage
21
Portland Breakwater Lighthouse
Capture a photo of Portland Breakwater Light, affectionately known as 'Bug Light' due to its modest size.
· 5 min
22
John Ford Statue
See the statue dedicated to John Ford, one of history's most distinguished film directors, and learn about his ties to his hometown of Portland.
· Non-stop passage
23
Old Port
Explore the heart of the bustling downtown waterfront district, known as the Old Port. Discover the history of this lively area, home to numerous unique shops, businesses, and renowned restaurants and bars.
· Non-stop passage

How to use your ticket

Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking.

Meeting point and return

Please arrive at 96 Commercial Street (in front of the Casco Variety Store) at least 10-15 minutes prior to your scheduled tour time.

The tour departs from the bus parking area adjacent to the US Customs House, located directly across the street from the Casco Variety Store.

Please arrive at 96 Commercial Street (in front of the Casco Variety Store) at least 10-15 minutes prior to your scheduled tour time.

The tour departs from the bus parking area adjacent to the US Customs House, located directly across the street from the Casco Variety Store.

A full refund will be issued for cancellations made at least 24 hours before the tour. No refunds are provided for cancellations within 24 hours of the tour time.

No changes or reschedules are permitted within 24 hours of the tour time.

To cancel or inquire about a cancellation, please contact us by phone or email.

No-shows or individuals arriving late will not be rescheduled or refunded and will be charged the full price.

If your cruise ship or flight is delayed or canceled, and you have not provided the required 24 hours notice, you will not receive a refund or be rescheduled.

Unfortunately, pets or animals of any kind are not permitted on board.

Food and alcohol are not allowed on board.

Please carefully verify the month, day, and time of your booking to ensure accuracy.

Fold-up walkers and wheelchairs cannot be accommodated in the van. Please inform us in advance if you use a walker or wheelchair.

Luggage cannot be stored. Please do not bring luggage, as there is no storage space available. Small handbags and backpacks are acceptable.

Most tours sell out, and you will be sharing the vehicle with a maximum of 13 passengers.

The tour does not offer hotel pickups or drop-offs, nor does it pick up or drop off at the cruise ship terminal. All participants must be at the tour starting point, ready to board, at least 10-15 minutes before the scheduled tour time.

The tour commences next to the US Customs House, situated across the street from the Casco Variety store at 96 Commercial Street, Portland, ME 04101.

Parking can be difficult, so allow ample time.

The nearest parking garage is the Custom House Parking Garage at 25 Pearl St, Portland, ME 04101 (closed on Sundays).

On Sundays, the closest parking option is the Fore Street Parking Garage at 427 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101.

Some GPS systems may mistakenly direct you to 96 Commercial Street in South Portland. Ensure you select 96 Commercial Street in PORTLAND, ME, as South Portland is a separate town.

Meeting point

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Practical information

Public transportation options are conveniently located nearby.
This tour is suitable for individuals of all physical fitness levels.
The tour operates in Portland, MAINE. Please note that pets or animals are not allowed on board.
The tour does not provide hotel or cruise ship terminal pickups or drop-offs. All participants must be present at the starting point 10-15 minutes before the scheduled departure.
Wheelchairs, walkers, and luggage cannot be accommodated in the vehicle.
This is a shared tour, not a private one. The vehicle is a 13-passenger Ford Transit van, and tours often fill up.
Please double-check your booking details (month, day, and time) to confirm accuracy, as errors can occur during online reservations.

Activity options

The Real Portland Tour

Duration

1 h 45

How to prepare for your experience

Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before the tour starts.
Wear comfortable shoes as there will be some walking.
Check the weather and dress accordingly.
Bring a camera to capture the beautiful scenery and landmarks.
Confirm your booking details carefully to avoid any date or time discrepancies.
Be aware that luggage, large bags, wheelchairs, and walkers cannot be accommodated.

Explore Portland's rich history and iconic lighthouses with a passionate local guide.

Cancellation conditions

For a full refund, please cancel at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the tour are not eligible for a refund.

Any questions?

Product code: 120558P1

Activity offered by The Real Portland Tour via Viator.

Who is this activity suitable for?

History enthusiasts
Visitors seeking authentic local experiences
Tourists interested in lighthouses
Travelers with moderate physical activity levels

Activity essentials

Experience Portland with a local guide who grew up here.
Discover hidden gems and local secrets beyond typical tourist spots.
Enjoy a comprehensive historical overview of the city and its famous lighthouses.
Benefit from the guide's extensive knowledge and engaging storytelling.
Travel in comfort in an air-conditioned vehicle.
See iconic landmarks and picturesque coastal scenery.

Portland (Maine): good to know

Population: 68,408 (2020)
Elevation: 19 m
Currency: United States dollar
Driving: on the right
Power plugs: A, B · 120 V
Emergency number: 911
Capital city: Washington, D.C.

Average temperatures

-1°Jan
-1°Feb
1°Mar
6°Apr
10°May
15°Jun
19°Jul
19°Aug
16°Sept
11°Oct
7°Nov
2°Dec

Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy?

You will receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour time are not eligible for a refund.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts and ends at 96 Commercial Street (in front of the Casco Variety Store), Portland, ME 04101. Please arrive 10-15 minutes early.

Is hotel or cruise ship pickup available?

No, the tour does not offer hotel or cruise ship terminal pickups or drop-offs. All participants must meet at the designated starting point.

Can I bring my pet or luggage?

No pets or animals are allowed on board. Luggage cannot be stored; only small handbags or backpacks are permitted.

Are wheelchairs or walkers accommodated?

Unfortunately, fold-up walkers and wheelchairs do not fit in the van. Please notify the guide in advance if you have one.

What happens in case of bad weather?

The tour will be canceled in case of bad weather, and participants will be notified.

Reviews

5.05.0(1.7 k)

5 stars

1.6 k

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Reviews provided by Viator, written by travellers on Viator and Tripadvisor.

★★★★★Tripadvisor review
A great Lighthouse Tour.
Roughrider1, October 2026
One of the finest tour guides we had on the whole trip. The lighthouses were beautiful. A wealth of knowledge about the city where our tour guide was born and raised. A great tour.
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
Derek is awesome!
stevemX6347QF, October 2026
Dereck was awesome! Locally born and raised with a great knowledge of all of Portland and its amazing history. Would highly recommend
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
Anniversary trip
cathyp523, October 2026
This tour was awesome. Derek is so knowledgeable and so informative. He shares so many fun facts about Portland and Maine. I think it's great to learn a few things on a tour. We had ample time to walk around and ask questions. I would highly recommend this tour. I really enjoyed Portland. The day before he contacted us and confirmed the reservation. Great communication.
Response from the operator · Realportlandtour
Thanks so much for the excellent review! I’m glad to hear you had a great time, and appreciated all the local info and fun facts! I take pride in giving an informative and entertaining tour of my hometown, and it’s nice to hear you enjoyed it so much. Thanks again, and hope to see you again in Portland, Maine!
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
Excellent way to spend a couple of hours.
cgiambarre, October 2026
What an awesome experience. We booked this on a whim on a recent day trip to Portland and very glad we did. Derek was prompt and professional (with a side of Maine humor) and very knowledgeable of Portland (and Maine) historical facts and lore. We will definitely consider going back to the Portland Head Lighthouse to explore the park more. It is a beautiful place with much to offer. Fun experience!
Response from the operator · Realportlandtour
Thanks so much for the excellent review! I’m glad to hear you had an awesome experience, and appreciated all the history and humor! I take pride in giving an informative and entertaining tour of my hometown, and it’s nice to hear you enjoyed it so much. Thanks again, and hope to see you again in Portland, Maine!
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
Great guide!
44waldo, October 2026
Great way to spend a couple of hours learning about and seeing Portland and its lighthouses. A Portland native ,Derek our guide, kept up an interesting nonstop narrative as we toured the city. The stops along the way were well timed and gave ample opportunity to walk and enjoy the sights. He did a great job contacting us and helping us find the spot to meet his van. We were sort of lost.
Response from the operator · Realportlandtour
Thanks so much for the excellent review! I’m glad to hear you had a great time, and enjoyed learning about the history of the area and seeing the lighthouses! I take pride in giving an informative and entertaining tour of my hometown, and it’s nice to hear you enjoyed it. Thanks again, and hope to see you again in Portland, Maine!

6 activities · United States

Portland (Maine), United States, has 6 activities, tours and experiences to book.

01Activities to book

The best experiences in Portland (Maine)

6 in the catalogue

Top pick

Old Port Culinary Walking Tour from Portland

from €145★ 4.8

Free cancellation

Portland City and Lighthouse Tour

from €55★ 4.8

Top pick

Harbor Lights and Sights Cruise

from €55★ 4.8

Top pick

The Real Portland Tour: City and 3 Lighthouses Historical Tour with a Real Local

from €67★ 5.0

Top pick

Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour of Portland Maine

from €41★ 4.8

Top pick

Portland Explorer | Maine History, Culture, & 3 Lighthouses Tour

from €72★ 4.9

All activities · Portland (Maine) · 6

02Categories

Guided tours in Portland (Maine)

5 activities

Top pick

Old Port Culinary Walking Tour from Portland

from €145★ 4.8

Free cancellation

Portland City and Lighthouse Tour

from €55★ 4.8

Top pick

The Real Portland Tour: City and 3 Lighthouses Historical Tour with a Real Local

from €67★ 5.0

Frequently asked questions about Portland (Maine)

What is there to do in Portland (Maine)?

Portland (Maine) has 6 activities, tours and day trips you can book online. Among the most booked: « Old Port Culinary Walking Tour from Portland », « Portland City and Lighthouse Tour », « Harbor Lights and Sights Cruise ».

What are the top-rated activities in Portland (Maine)?

According to traveller reviews: « The Real Portland Tour: City and 3 Lighthouses Historical Tour with a Real Local » (5.0/5, 1,699 reviews) ; « Portland Explorer | Maine History, Culture, & 3 Lighthouses Tour » (4.9/5, 1,066 reviews) ; « Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour of Portland Maine » (4.8/5, 985 reviews).

Can you cancel an activity in Portland (Maine) for free?

Usually, yes: 6 of the 6 most popular activities in Portland (Maine) offer free cancellation. The exact terms are shown on each activity page before you book.