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

Overview

Available languages

English

1 hour 45 minutes

Mobile ticket

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.

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.

Cancellation Policy

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

What‘s Included

Knowledgeable, entertaining guide with 20 years experience giving tours of his hometown of Portland.

Air-conditioned vehicle

What To Expect

Commercial Street

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 Not Applicable

United States Custom House

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

•Admission Not Applicable

Options

The Real Portland Tour

Reviews

4.96

1,306 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

1259

Wonderful tour! Highly...
Emily C,
Jul 15, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Wonderful tour! Highly recommend! This tour was actually my favorite thing about my trip and vacation to Portland. Derek is an excellent and very knowledgeable guide. I learned a lot of interesting facts and saw many beautiful sights on this tour.
An Excellent Tour: You’ll Learn A lot and Laugh A lot.
kschootman,
Jul 14, 2025
- Viator
5.00
It was well-organized and just FUN. The guide, Derek, was virtually a library of information combined with a killer wit. He kept us laughing as well as “oooing and ahhhing.” His pride and love for his hometown of Portland came GLOWING through. We simply could not have enjoyed this tour more.
Leader is very...
Nancy G,
Jul 14, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Leader is very knowledgeable . Knows the area well, liked being able to get out of van and walk around
Quick, low key and informative tour of Portland highlights
Katie M,
Jul 14, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Really enjoyed Derek as the tour guide. He was funny, extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and low key. The bus was clean and cool. The tour goes relatively quick but it’s a great view into what’s in and around Portland. I would recommend this tour for your first day in Portland. Also an easy, efficient way to see the lighthouses. Thanks, Derek for a lovely time 😊
Burning Portland since 1775
Daniel G,
Jul 14, 2025
- Viator
5.00
We weren’t sure what to expect before doing this tour. Derek has a lot of knowledge/history when it comes to the city of Portland, which was very impressive. He literally is an encyclopedia when it comes to Portland. A Real Local is what you will experience, growing up in Portland and his family history with our country, if you are thinking about doing a tour in this city just book it here. It’s a history lesson with humor that will keep you engaged the entire time. It was the best tour that we have experienced.