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Offered languages
- English
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.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
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.
Itinerary
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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.
Admission ticket free -
United States Custom House (Pass by)
See one of the most beautiful granite buildings in all of Portland.
Admission ticket free -
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.
Admission ticket free -
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.
Admission ticket free -
Portland Observatory (Pass by)
We'll get a great view of the only remaining maritime signal tower in the U.S.
Admission ticket free -
Eastern Cemetery (Pass by)
Hear about the legends and lore regarding the oldest cemetery in Portland, first established in 1668.
Admission ticket free -
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.
Admission ticket free -
The Cathedral Of The Immaculate Conception (Pass by)
The neo-Gothic architecture of this cathedral built in 1869 dominates the skyline of Portland.
Admission ticket free -
The First Parish Portland Unitarian Universalist (Pass by)
This church is the oldest in Portland, and you'll learn about its rich history.
Admission ticket free -
The Wadsworth-Longfellow House (Pass by)
See the home where Henry Wadsworth-Longfellow grew up and wrote his early poetry.
Admission ticket free -
Arts District (Pass by)
We'll tour the center of downtown Portland, and its highly acclaimed Arts District.
Admission ticket free -
Portland Museum of Art (Pass by)
See one of the finest art museums in New England, and learn about its exhibits.
Admission ticket free -
One Longfellow Square (Pass by)
See the statue of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, born in Portland in 1807.
Admission ticket free -
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.
Admission ticket free -
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.
Admission ticket free -
1Portland 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 • Admission ticket free -
2Fort 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 • Admission ticket free -
3Spring 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 • Admission ticket free -
Bug Light Park (Pass by)
Enjoy panoramic views of the Portland skyline from this beautiful park that sits directly across the bay from Portland.
Admission ticket free -
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.
Admission ticket free -
4Portland Breakwater Lighthouse
Get a photo of Portland Breakwater Light (affectionately called "Bug Light" because of its small size).
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
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.
Admission ticket free -
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.
Admission ticket free
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.
Show 1 more
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.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Show more
Cancellation Policy
- 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.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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