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
1,465 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The Only Way to Explore Portland
Louise L,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time on this tour. Derek is a Portland native and shares his knowledge with humor and enthusiasm. We learned a lot and would definitely recommend this tour. We enjoyed the smaller group size, and the itinerary. Not to be missed.
Best tour guide guide in Portland, Maine
Ethel N,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Derick with the real Portland tour was an excellent tour guide. An excellent way to start our trip to Portland, Maine. Since he was a Portland native and a librarian, he had a wealth of knowledge regarding the town. He was also quite humorous. If I were to book a tour again, I would book it with him.
Wonderful overview of...
Michelle W,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful overview of Portland! Derek knew so much about the history of the area. Totally enjoyed the way he delivered it to! Made us laugh the whole way but also could tell he was very passionate about his hometown!
Best way to tour!
Theresa S,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Enjoyed the tour. Derek is a great guide, knowledgeable, great personality. Lighthouse stops with the opportunity to walk around and take pictures!
Philly girl loving Portland Maine
Sukhvinder S,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide and driver was super funny! He knew absolutely everything about Portland it was amazing
Tour guide is a hottie -...
michael w,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Tour guide is a hottie - great dad jokes - condenses a lot of interesting information together - came back from the trip with a lot of random Maine facts - lighthouses are beautiful - definitely recommend!
Great
Gary C,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Derek was amazing. Very knowledgeable and informative as well as comical. Very good tour. I recommend as a must do. Thank You
Fantastic informative trip
Jill R,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent guide excellent trip Derek was a superb guide very knowledgeable and funny would highly recommend
Great tour
79savannahf,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We loved the tour. Very funny guy and he made the tour even better. Definitely recommend.
Our tour guide was the...
Heather Y,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide was the perfect mixture of information and entertainment! I especially appreciated the effort he made to connect personally with everyone in the group, engaging in conversation and answering our questions. I will be sure to take all those who visit us in Maine on his tour, what a fabulous introduction to the beautiful city of Portalnd.
From US$69.00
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