The Real Portland Tour: City and 3 Lighthouses Historical Tour with a Real Local
Overview
Available languages
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 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.
United States Custom House
See one of the most beautiful granite buildings in all of Portland.
What‘s Included
Knowledgeable, entertaining guide with 20 years experience giving tours of his hometown of Portland.
Air-conditioned vehicle
Options
The Real Portland Tour
Reviews
1,491 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Worth it
Anne B,May 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a great experience! We learned a lot of history! The guide is excellent and very knowledgeable!
Fantastic tour!
610mishag,May 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great experience! Derek is very funny and knowledgeable, and we loved seeing the city through his eyes!
Perfect tour - Derek was great!
Kevin Q,May 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Derek was great - perfect blend of knowledge and humor regarding his hometown! Balancing his hometown pride with some small-town self-deprecation was spot on for these small town folks!
Derek was awesome. He is...
Leigh F,May 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Derek was awesome. He is very knowledgeable and has a great sense of humor. The tour was very informative. I would 100% recommend it
Book the trip - great overview of Portland
Rachsjourney,May 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tour operator was awesome - a local with lots of knowledge of history and odd facts about Portland! We enjoyed the overview and the stops at all the lighthouses. We laughed and learned and got more out of this tour than expected- would highly recommend! Don’t miss out on the fun fact poetry 💕
Fantastic touring experience
shareed2013,May 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Loved this tour guide’s itinerary and style of communicating his knowledge and experiences in Portland. Highly recommend booking his tour!
Awesome lighthouse tour
Lisa W,May 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Awesome 2 hour tour. Derek was a wealth of information. This tour was perfect as it was a bit too chilly out and you had just enough time at each stop to explore and take photos. If you choose this tour make sure you ask Derek to do his rap song - all about Portland. He’s great at his job. Highly recommend.
Amazing Tour of Portland.
Barbara R,May 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Derek was an outstanding tour guide. He shared so much interesting history and local insight while keeping the tour engaging and organized. His energy, humor, and attention to everyone in the group made the experience unforgettable. Thanks Derek!
The real portland in the day
Ron P,May 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a fantastic time hour tour guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining, and we felt like we got more than our money's worth.Thank you
Fabulous Tour!
Ginger B,May 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a fabulous tour! Derek was funny and full of facts about Portland. We loved his insider knowledge. We had plenty of time at each lighthouse to look around and take photos. We both highly recommend!
From US$69.00
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