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

1,354 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

1306

Such a great experience!
Kaylise J,
Aug 30, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Derek was so knowledgeable and entertaining! It was so cool to experience the city knowing so much about its history. He really set such a great tone for our time in Portland! Best hot dog jokes in town lol
Great tour to take at the...
Chandria M,
Aug 29, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Great tour to take at the beginning of our trip! It gave us a good lay of the land and Derek was extremely knowledgeable about Portland, history and current, as well as some yummy local food recommendations! (Ribollita was great!) And continuously gave us a good laugh!
The tour guide was...
Terri C,
Aug 29, 2025
- Viator
5.00
The tour guide was knowledgeable and entertaining. Traveling in the "van" was great! I loved that he provided information about books/documentaries about the history of the area!!!!
Very good. Tour guide...
Werner G,
Aug 29, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Very good. Tour guide was very knowledgeable and kind. I really enjoyed the stops we made. The time allotted for each stop was sufficient
Great tour of Portland and the lighthouses!
KarenO,
Aug 28, 2025
- Viator
5.00
This is a great tour! Derek is a Portland local AND a librarian, so his knowledge of the city is extensive. He provided such fun facts about the city while showing us all the sites. We spent about 20 minutes at Portland Head Light, which was perfect for walking around and getting some good photos. Our stops at the other two lighthouses were shorter (about 10 minutes each) which was also definitely enough time to experience them up close. The tour van was comfortable, and pick up/drop off on Commercial Street was easy and quick. Derek even texted afterwards with a list of books and documentaries about the area that he mentioned on the tour that he thought we might want to check out. I'm so glad I chose this tour and wouldn't hesitate to do it again. Derek is the best!