Private Portland Head Light & Midcoast Explorer

4.5
(14 reviews)
Portland, USA

6 to 8 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English and 2 more

Experience the beauty of coastal Maine on this private guided tour featuring iconic landmarks, scenic harbors, and charming coastal villages. Your journey begins at Portland Head Light, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the United States, where dramatic rocky cliffs and sweeping Atlantic views create unforgettable photo opportunities.

From there, travel along Maine’s scenic coastline to the picturesque harbor village of Boothbay Harbor. Walk across the historic Footbridge, built in 1901, and enjoy views of working lobster boats, quiet marinas, and classic New England waterfront scenery.

Guests also have the option to enjoy lunch along the harbor at a unique restaurant built from a historic tugboat. With a knowledgeable local guide sharing stories and insights throughout the journey, this private coastal Maine tour offers the perfect blend of history, scenery, and authentic coastal charm.

What's Included

Private transportation
Bottled water
Snacks
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Alcoholic Beverages
Lunch

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

Pickup is available from all cruise ship terminals in Portland as well as hotels, Airbnbs, and private residences within a 15 km (9 mile) radius of downtown Portland. Your guide will contact you prior to the tour to confirm your exact pickup location and coordinate the best start time for your day.

If you are visiting Portland on a cruise, your guide will also confirm your ship’s docking and departure times to ensure the tour is timed perfectly and that you return to the port well before your ship departs. This itinerary is designed to give cruise guests a wonderful introduction to Maine’s scenic Mid-Coast while still fitting comfortably within most cruise schedules.

Itinerary

Duration: 6 to 8 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Portland Head Light

    Your tour begins with a visit to the iconic Portland Head Light, widely considered one of the most beautiful and photographed lighthouses in the United States. Located inside Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth, this historic lighthouse has stood watch over the rocky Maine coastline since 1791. Guests will enjoy sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, dramatic cliffs, and the picturesque lighthouse that has become a symbol of Maine’s maritime heritage. There will be time to walk along the scenic paths, take photos from several viewpoints, and explore the historic grounds of Fort Williams Park. The surrounding landscape offers incredible coastal scenery and a chance to experience the rugged beauty that makes Maine’s shoreline so famous.

    30 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 2
    Eartha, the World's Largest Revolving and Rotating Globe

    Your second stop brings you to Eartha, the world’s largest rotating and revolving globe. Located inside the Garmin building in Yarmouth, this remarkable three-story display offers a fascinating view of our planet from a truly unique perspective. As Eartha slowly rotates, guests can observe continents, oceans, mountain ranges, and geographic details with incredible clarity. There will be time to take photos and explore the viewing area while learning about how this massive globe was engineered. On select days, there is also a small coffee shop inside the building where guests can grab a coffee or a quick snack—perfect for anyone who may not have had time for breakfast before beginning the day’s adventure.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3
    L.L. Bean Factory Store

    Next, we visit the famous L.L.Bean Flagship Store in the town of Freeport, one of Maine’s most well-known shopping destinations. Founded in 1912, L.L.Bean has become an iconic outdoor brand, and the flagship campus welcomes visitors from around the world. Guests will have time to step inside the legendary store, browse outdoor gear and classic New England apparel, and experience a piece of Maine retail history. Outside the store, guests can take photos with the enormous Bean Boot sculpture—one of the most popular photo spots in Freeport. If we’re lucky, you may even spot the famous Bean Bootmobile parked nearby. This stop is a fun and lighthearted break during the day and a great opportunity to stretch your legs before continuing along Maine’s scenic Mid-Coast.

    40 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Bath

    Our journey continues to the historic maritime town of Bath, often referred to as the “City of Ships.” Located along the Kennebec River, Bath has been a center of shipbuilding for centuries and remains home to one of the most respected shipyards in the United States. As we arrive, guests will see the impressive USS Wyoming memorial sculpture, honoring the massive wooden battleship built here in 1910—once the largest wooden ship ever constructed. Near the Bath Visitor Center, guests will also see the elegant Torii Gate, a traditional Japanese gateway that was gifted to the city of Bath as a symbol of friendship and international shipbuilding partnerships. Nearby sits the schooner Virginia, the official state ship of Maine. Guests will have time to take photos, enjoy views of the Kennebec River, and experience the charm of this historic coastal town before continuing along Maine’s scenic Mid-Coast.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    As we continue north along Maine’s scenic Mid-Coast, we will drive through the charming village of Wiscasset, often referred to as one of the prettiest villages in Maine. This historic waterfront town sits along the Sheepscot River and is known for its classic New England architecture, picturesque harbor views, and beautifully preserved 18th- and 19th-century buildings that line the main street. As we pass through town, guests will see the famous Red’s Eats off to the left, one of the most well-known lobster roll stands in Maine and a spot often recognized by long lines of visitors eager to try the local specialty. While this portion of the tour is a scenic drive-through, it offers a great glimpse into the coastal character and small-town charm that make Maine’s Mid-Coast so memorable.

    Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Fort Edgecomb State Historical Site

    Next, we make a stop at historic Fort Edgecomb, one of Maine’s most unique Revolutionary-era fortifications. Built in 1808 to help protect the strategic harbor and shipbuilding industries along the Sheepscot River, the fort’s distinctive octagonal wooden blockhouse stands as one of the best-preserved examples of its kind in the United States. Perched on a small hill overlooking the river, the site offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and nearby Wiscasset. Guests will have time to walk up to the fort, take photos, and enjoy the peaceful setting while learning about its role in protecting the region during a time when coastal defenses were vital to American commerce and security. Today the fort serves as a fascinating reminder of Maine’s early coastal history and maritime heritage.

    15 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 6
    Boothbay Harbor

    Our next stop brings us to the picturesque harbor village of Boothbay Harbor, one of Maine’s most beloved coastal destinations. This charming waterfront town is known for its working harbor, classic New England architecture, and scenic views of lobster boats, sailboats, and fishing vessels moving through the harbor. Guests will have time to stroll along the waterfront, browse small shops, and take in the lively coastal atmosphere. Guests will also have the opportunity to walk across the historic Boothbay Harbor Footbridge, originally built in 1901, which connects both sides of the harbor and offers wonderful photo opportunities. This stop provides time for lunch along the harbor, where guests can enjoy fresh seafood and local favorites at restaurants overlooking the water, including a unique restaurant built from a historic tugboat. After time to explore, we will regroup and continue the journey along Maine’s beautiful Mid-Coast.

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 7

    Our final scenic stop brings us to Ocean Point, a beautiful stretch of Maine’s rugged coastline located just beyond Boothbay Harbor. Here guests can enjoy sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean where waves crash against rocky ledges and small islands dot the horizon. The open coastal landscape and salty sea air create the perfect setting to experience the dramatic natural beauty that Maine’s Mid-Coast is known for. Guests will have time to step out, take photos, and enjoy the peaceful coastal scenery while watching lobster boats working in the distance and seabirds gliding overhead. It’s a quiet and memorable stop that captures the essence of Maine’s wild coastline before we begin our return journey toward Portland.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Vogue Travel and Tours

Tags

Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Audio Guides
Historical Tours
Ports of Call Tours
Luxury Car Tours
Shore Excursions
Adventure Tours
Worry-Free Shore Excursion
Port Pickup

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

4.5 Based on 14 14 reviews
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