The Real Portland Tour: City and 3 Lighthouses Historical Tour with a Real Local
5
The Real Portland Tour: City and 3 Lighthouses Historical Tour with a Real Local
By The Real Portland Tour
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About
Travelers that want to see the best of Portland, Maine in less time shouldn't miss this guided tour, where you're whisked to the city's top sights, in just a couple hours. Follow your Mainer guide to see top landmarks—from the Portland Head Light to 19th century Fort Preble—as well as some hidden gems that only a local could find.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-100, max of 13 per group
Duration: 1h 45m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
Highlights
- See more of Portland, Maine on this guided small-group sightseeing tour
- Visit three of Maine's lighthouses, with stops to stroll and snap photos
- Travel comfortably by air-conditioned van, with only 13 fellow tour guests
- Meet-up in the heart of the historic Old Port, on bustling Commercial Street
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Knowledgeable, entertaining guide with 20 years experience giving tours of his hometown of Portland.
- Start:
- 96 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101, USAPlease 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:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 120558P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travelers can participate
- 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.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 13 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 120558P1
From
$65.00
per adult
Select date and travelers
Similar experiences
Itinerary
- 96 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101, USAPlease 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.
- Pass byCommercial StreetUnited States Custom HouseEastern Promenade TrailPortland ObservatoryEastern CemeteryCongress StreetThe Cathedral Of The Immaculate ConceptionThe First Parish Portland Unitarian UniversalistThe Wadsworth-Longfellow HouseArts DistrictPortland Museum of ArtOne Longfellow SquareVictoria MansionFort Williams Park
- 1
- 2Pass byBug Light ParkLiberty Ship Memorial
- 3Pass byJohn Ford StatueOld Port
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- STL-Sassy-Rho0 contributionsGreat introduction to Portland!Our first trip to Portland, and we chose well with a Real Portland Tour on our first day. Derek took us to all the right places and provided the history in a funny, entertaining manner. We got off the tour bus and knew exactly how to plan the rest of our time in Portland. And, man, can that man talk fast! You will get so much history and fun on this tour - totally recommend it for first-time visitors.Written September 23, 2024
- lizzie531740 contributionsBest tour ever been onMaine was beautiful and the tour was even better. Very knowledgeable about the area and state. Would definitely recommend to anyone that’s going to Maine.Written September 19, 2024
- Jennifer P0 contributionsSee the best of Portland from a MainerI had a great time on this tour. It was fun and entertaining, learned about things I would have never known about Portland and got to see some lighthouses. You really get to spend the right amount of time at each stop too. Highly recommend!Written September 7, 2024
- nancyvascott0 contributionsSuper Portland TourWe joined a small group on a comfortable van tour of Portland highlights. I’ve been to Portland several times but it was delightful and very informative to get a tour from a hometowner!Written September 4, 2024
- George L0 contributionsGreat overiew of Portland, MEReally nice tour around most of Portland. Enjoyed the East End, Portland Head Light, Spring Point Light, and Bug light along with the drives between them. The driver shared many interesting stories about Portland and his extended family who live in Portland.Written October 29, 2023
- 64Good0 contributionsWeekend getawayDerek was very informative as well as funny. We didn’t know there were so many things that were invented in Portland. I would recommend this tour for sure.Written October 18, 2023
- Jollycruisers0 contributionsReally good tourDespite a very wet blustery day we learned much information about Portland, and took some great pictures.Written October 18, 2023
- dottiz20230 contributionsThe Real Portland TourDerek was a fun and informative guide who really knows Portland. It’s a great way to start off a visit.Written September 22, 2023
- R861GSelizabethh0 contributionsEntertaining and Informative!Our group of 6 from Louisiana truly enjoyed the tour. It was a great addition to our vacation. We would recommend!Written September 18, 2023
- 682charlie0 contributionsGreat introduction to the city!I booked this tour for my girlfriend and me, and it did not disappoint! Derek had all the details, the accent, and plenty of jokes and rhymes for bonus points. He even honked and waved when he drove by us a few days later. I wonder what he told his audience! This tour is perfect for getting the lay of the land and snapping some great photos as well. Money well spent.Written September 13, 2023
- dmolinaro3230 contributionsBetter than expectedYour tour was knowledgeable, entertaining and small enough that we had a nice one on one conversation with Derek. A great experience for first time Portland visitorsWritten September 1, 2023
- grick30230 contributionsTouring Portland MaineGreat tour & guide. Know his history as he should being a history major. Very informative and great sites.Written August 20, 2023
- arturosanchez89220 contributionsGreat tourGreat information, great tour, will diffently recommend to friends and family. Stops where long enough to explore the lighthouses and take pics.Written August 13, 2023
- dianacarmical0 contributionsThe real dealWe truly enjoyed the tour. We had teenagers with us and worried that they might be bored. They were not. They loved it. The tour gave us ideas to events and areas of the city to return to during our week here.Written July 20, 2023
- theminimom0 contributionsExcellent tour of Portland by a local.We enjoyed hearing about the history of Portland and lots of trivia and info. Derek was full of knowledge and very friendly. Very comfortable van with air conditioning. We got to see several light houses up close and take great pictures. Highly recommend.Written July 4, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
787 reviews
Excellent
763
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21
Average
3
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Patrick C
irishrifle26 contributions
Sep 2020
My wife and I visited Portland in the middle of September and took the Real Portland City and Lighthouse Tour with owner/operator Derek. The bus was spotless and spaced appropriately inside to comply with Covid restrictions. Derek was an awesome tour guide. He was born and raised in Portland, and is extremely knowledgable about it. He is articulate, engaging and funny. The tour proceeded at a nice pace, so we could soak in quite a bit of information while enjoying the sightseeing. We also had a couple of breaks to step outside the bus and see the Portland and Bug Lights up close. I also had a nice conversation with Derek during one of those breaks and learned he was quite a baseball player at Portland High and Northeastern University. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed this tour and highly recommend it.
Written October 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the excellent review! It means a lot to hear you enjoyed the tour so much, and appreciated my knowledge, humor, and presentation! I take pride in giving an informative and entertaining tour of my hometown, and it's great to hear you had an awesome time! Happy to hear you also appreciated all the COVID-19 health protocols I have in place and the cleanliness of my tour vehicle. I always enjoy talking baseball too, and I'm glad you appreciated that as well! Thanks again, and hope to see you again in Portland!
Written October 9, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Trudy M
5 contributions
I booked this tour to pass the time with my family and they are very happy I did. Derek is a great tour guide who’s knowledge and pride for his hometown is evident. His wit and humor kept everyone’s interest and he was very accommodating considering the chilly and overcast weather.
Written May 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for the awesome review! I'm happy to hear you appreciated all the humor and history! I take pride in giving an informative and entertaining tour of my hometown, and I'm glad to hear you had a great time despite the overcast weather! Thanks again, and hope to see you again in Portland!
Written June 11, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Karen7330
4 contributions
Aug 2020
This was the best part of our trip to Portland. I enjoy taking tours when I have never been to a place. Dereck was very informative, personable, witty and friendly. The van was comfortable and he runs an efficeint COVID19-conscious business, masks are strictly adhered to, forms are required to be filled out the day before the tour and rows are left empty between passengers. The highlights of the city were covered as well as stops at 3 lighthouses with plenty of time to get out and stretch our legs and enjoy the beautiful scenery. We learned about Portland's history pertaing to chewing gum, whoopie pies, red snappers as well as other important historical facts. Gave us lots of ideas of where to spend more time during our trip. You won't regret taking this tour!
Written August 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for the excellent and detailed review! It's great to hear that my tour was the best part of your trip to Portland! I take pride in giving an informative and entertaining tour of my hometown, and I'm happy to hear you enjoyed it so much! I'm also glad to hear you appreciated all the COVID-19 health protocols I have put in place to ensure a safe tour! Thanks so much for taking the time to write a review, I really appreciate it. Hope to see you again in Portland!
Written August 24, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Michael B
Ridgefield2 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
This was one of the best city overview tours I have ever been on. Derek our tour guide, who was born and raised in Portland, was extremely informative, very funny, and made you feel at home during the 90 minute tour. All along the tour route he would point out history tidbits of the area, house, building or the person that was associated with the spot. We had plenty of time to visit and take photos of the beautiful Portland Head Lighthouse, Spring Point Lighthouse and Bug Lighthouse. His shuttle van was very comfortable for 12 people and was also airconditioned. I highly recommend this quick overview tour of the city of Portland.
Written August 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for the outstanding review! It means a lot to hear my tour was one of the best you've ever been on! I take pride in giving a great tour of my hometown, and I'm happy to hear you enjoyed it so much! Glad you appreciated all the history, sights, and lighthouse stops! Thanks again, and hope to see you again in Portland!
Written September 14, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
claplgb
Bradenton, FL12 contributions
The perfect tour for anyone who has never been to Portland ME. We were in a small passenger van so the groups were small and intimate. Derek, our guide was a hoot! He would dish out nuggets of information about the history along with jokes, puns and even a bit of poetry. This short hour & 45 minutes allows to learn and see things you wouldn't, and then get back to further explore all that you saw. It was a blast and would highly recommend to anyone visiting the area.
Written May 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for the awesome review! I'm glad to hear you appreciated the smaller, more personalized nature of my tour, and the all the history, humor, and poetry! I take pride in giving an authentic and entertaining tour of my hometown, and it's great to hear you had a blast! Thanks again, and hope to see you again in Portland!
Written May 5, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
sueklue13212
Syracuse, NY2 contributions
Sep 2020
Derek was an amazing Host! Visited during mid-September 2020 - his adherence to protocols made myself and parents feel at ease, thank you!
Tour was not too long or too short, the 2 stops at the lighthouses were a great pausing point to get out and see some amazing views.
Derek is thoroughly knowledgeable and informative regarding the area and things to go back and revisit if you want. Don't forget to ask him recommendations on places to eat - such an amazing little city with tons to offer!
Thanks Derek!
Tour was not too long or too short, the 2 stops at the lighthouses were a great pausing point to get out and see some amazing views.
Derek is thoroughly knowledgeable and informative regarding the area and things to go back and revisit if you want. Don't forget to ask him recommendations on places to eat - such an amazing little city with tons to offer!
Thanks Derek!
Written September 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for the excellent review! Glad to hear you had a great time, and appreciated the length of the tour, the stops at the lighthouses, and all the history and info! I take pride in giving an informative and entertaining tour of my hometown, and I'm happy to hear you enjoyed it! Also happy to hear my health protocols made you and your parents feel at ease. Thanks again, and hope to see you again in Portland!
Written September 22, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
T H
Camden, ME14 contributions
Mar 2021
Derek (sorry if I misspelled your name), was amazing. The tour was fun and inactive. The tour guide stayed engaged with the group the whole time. I enjoyed the stories about the Portland fires and learned so much. The best part was the mini wrap up "Rap" he gave us.
I loved the fact that he was a librarian and worked really hard to share all the cool nerdy places in Portland.
The bus was clean and plastic coverings made me feel protected throughout the trip, I only have a video and evidence from my trip, and I cannot load it on this platform, but trust me....this is worth the booking.
I loved the fact that he was a librarian and worked really hard to share all the cool nerdy places in Portland.
The bus was clean and plastic coverings made me feel protected throughout the trip, I only have a video and evidence from my trip, and I cannot load it on this platform, but trust me....this is worth the booking.
Written April 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for the excellent review! Yes, you spelled my name correctly! It means a lot to hear you enjoyed the tour so much, especially my Portland history poem/rap! I take pride in being a librarian and pointing out all the cool places in my hometown! I'm glad to hear you appreciated that! Thanks again, and hope to see you again in Portland!
Written May 5, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
GSB13618
Cape Vincent, New York23 contributions
Sep 2020
My husband and I found this tour very informative. When we visit a new city we have found tours like this help us plan what we want to do later in our visit to any area.
The tour guide owner operator was a " home grown boy" who clearly loves his home town of Portland.
The tour guide owner operator was a " home grown boy" who clearly loves his home town of Portland.
Written October 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the great review! I take pride in giving an informative and entertaining tour of my hometown, and I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it! I do indeed love my hometown, and I'm glad my tour helped you plan out the rest of your stay here! Thanks again, and hope to see you again in Portland!
Written October 9, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sympleebrwn
New York City, NY5 contributions
Our guide was fun, enthusiastic and engaging.
If you're short on time then this is the way to go!
My family member and I were in Portland for only 2 days so we needed a tour that would provide a detailed overview of this amazing city. Our guide, who is a Portland native, was more than knowledgeable and funny too. I'd definitely recommend this tour!
If you're short on time then this is the way to go!
My family member and I were in Portland for only 2 days so we needed a tour that would provide a detailed overview of this amazing city. Our guide, who is a Portland native, was more than knowledgeable and funny too. I'd definitely recommend this tour!
Written October 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for the excellent review! Glad to hear you had a great time! I take pride in giving an informative and entertaining tour of my hometown, and I'm happy to hear you enjoyed it so much! Glad to hear you appreciated my knowledge and humor! Thanks again, and hope to see you again in Portland!
Written October 9, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ltodia95
Cleveland, OH7 contributions
Sep 2022
We had a fantastic time on the Real Portland Tour! Our guide was a true native of the city; his pride in sharing about his hometown can't be matched. We took the tour on our first morning in the city, and highly recommend starting your trip that was as it gave us a great sense of the city and ideas of places we wanted to visit. The guided part of the tour takes place mostly within the van as you drive through the city, with 3 stops to walk around the lighthouses at your own pace. Our guide sprinkled history in with jokes and current events happening around town, which we found to be the perfect mix. Really cannot recommend this tour enough!
Written September 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for the excellent review! It means a lot to hear you enjoyed my tour so much! I take pride in giving an informative and entertaining tour of my hometown, and I'm happy to hear you found my tour to have the perfect mix of info, history, and humor! Thanks again, and hope to see you again in Portland!
Written October 11, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Go to the business website. realportlandtour
There's a big circle saying "Explore Portland with a Real Local" Book Here.
Click on "Book Here" and it will take you to a calendar and you can continue to book from there. Also you can call Derek, the owner, operator and guide. He grew up in Portland and can answer your questions. Click the contact us.
Written October 13, 2023
We will be coming in to portland on a royal carribbean cruise, How far is it from the cruise dock to the pick up point for this tour?
Written April 30, 2022
If your cruise dock is around Casco Bay ferry line or Union Wharf it's literally like 3 blocks from where they picked us up and dropped us off.
Written May 2, 2022
Do you stop and get out and climb the lighthouses or at least go up to them? Please give detail
Written August 12, 2021
Yes! There was time to get out at each lighthouse to check things out and take pictures!
Written August 13, 2021
We need a tour on Monday
august 9 at 10 am or 12 noon. Is that available?
Written August 6, 2021
Hi. You need to contact the tour company directly. I don’t know that they will see a question on trip advisor. We loved this tour when we went. Happy Travels!
Written August 7, 2021
Is there more than one tour per day? What time/times are available on Thursdays and Fridays in mid-September. we are just beginning to plan our itinerary so I do not have specific dates yet.
Thanks.
Written August 1, 2021
What time does your tour begin? We are interested in a tour for 4 seniors on July 13th. Where do we pick up the tour.
Written July 4, 2021
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