The Real Portland Tour: City and 3 Lighthouses Historical Tour with a Real Local
The Real Portland Tour
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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.
Departure Point
- Please 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.
Return Details
- Please 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.
Duration
1 hour and 45 minutes
Languages Available
- Human tour guide - English
Points of Interest
Stop At: Commercial Street
Portland, Maine
We start at historic Commercial Street, the heart of Portland's working waterfront. See original cobblestone and brick that was laid in the 1850s.
Duration: Not Available
Stop At: United States Custom House
312 Fore St, Portland, Maine
See one of the most beautiful granite buildings in all of Portland.
Duration: Not Available
Stop At: Fort Allen Park
We'll drive through Fort Allen Park and get a majestic view of Casco Bay and its Calendar Islands. Also get up close views of memorials from the Civil War, Spanish American War, and WWII located in the park.
Duration: Not Available
Stop At: Eastern Promenade Trail
Portland, Maine
You'll see the Victorian era homes once owned by sea captains and merchants that line the Eastern Promenade, as well as Eastern Promenade Park which offers endless views of Casco Bay, islands, and forts.
Duration: Not Available
Stop At: Portland Observatory
138 Congress St, , Portland, Maine
We'll get a great view of the only remaining maritime signal tower in the U.S.
Duration: Not Available
Stop At: Eastern Cemetery
224 Congress St, Mountfort St., Portland, Maine
Hear about the legends and lore regarding the oldest cemetery in Portland, first established in 1668.
Duration: Not Available
Stop At: Congress Street
Portland, Maine
One of the busiest streets in all of Maine, we'll see Portland's eclectic downtown, Monument Square, and arts district.
Duration: Not Available
Stop At: The Cathedral Of The Immaculate Conception
307 Congress St, Portland, Maine
The neo-Gothic architecture of this cathedral built in 1869 dominates the skyline of Portland.
Duration: Not Available
Stop At: The First Parish Portland Unitarian Universalist
425 Congress St, Portland, Maine
This church is the oldest in Portland, and you'll learn about its rich history.
Duration: Not Available
Stop At: The Wadsworth-Longfellow House
489 Congress St, Portland, Maine
See the home where Henry Wadsworth-Longfellow grew up and wrote his early poetry.
Duration: Not Available
Stop At: Arts District
Congress Street, , Portland, Maine
We'll tour the center of downtown Portland, and its highly acclaimed Arts District.
Duration: Not Available
Stop At: Portland Museum of Art
7 Congress Sq, , Portland, Maine
See one of the finest art museums in New England, and learn about its exhibits.
Duration: Not Available
Stop At: One Longfellow Square
181 State St, Portland, Maine
See the statue of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, born in Portland in 1807.
Duration: Not Available
Stop At: Victoria Mansion
109 Danforth Street, , Portland, Maine
Get an up close view of the Victoria Mansion, the finest example in the country of a 19th century Italianate brownstone.
Duration: Not Available
Stop At: Fort Williams Park
1000 Shore Rd, Cape Elizabeth, Maine
We enter one of the most beautiful parks in the state, Fort Williams Park, and drive to Portland Head Light (located in the park) where you will be let off to explore.
Duration: Not Available
Stop At: Portland Head Light
1000 Shore Rd, , Cape Elizabeth, Maine
This iconic lighthouse located within Fort Williams Park is the most photographed lighthouse in the country. Walk right up to the lighthouse, explore Fort Williams Park, and take in the views of Maine's rugged, rocky coastline.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Fort Preble
Get an up close view of Fort Preble (one of the oldest forts in Casco Bay) and learn about its storied history.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse
2 Fort Rd, Southern Maine Community College Campus, South Portland, Maine
Get out for a photo of Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, and its 900 foot long breakwater connecting it to the shore.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Bug Light Park
South Portland Greenbelt Pathway, South Portland, Maine
Enjoy panoramic views of the Portland skyline from this beautiful park that sits directly across the bay from Portland.
Duration: Not Available
Stop At: Liberty Ship Memorial
Bug Light Park, 0 Madison St, South Portland, Maine
Get an up close view of the Liberty Ship Memorial, and learn about the thousands of shipbuilders who worked here during WWII.
Duration: Not Available
Stop At: Portland Breakwater Lighthouse
Bug Light Park, End of Madison Avenue, South Portland, Maine
Get a photo of Portland Breakwater Light (affectionately called "Bug Light" because of its small size).
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: John Ford Statue
Gorhams Corner, Portland, Maine
Get an up close view of this statue dedicated to one of the most distinguished movie directors in history, and learn about his connections to his hometown of Portland.
Duration: Not Available
Stop At: Old Port
Commercial St, Portland, Maine
See the center of the bustling downtown/waterfront district known as the Old Port. Learn the history of this vibrant area of Portland that is home to countless eclectic shops, businesses, and world class restaurants and bars.
Duration: Not Available
Additional Information
- 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.
- Knowledgeable, entertaining guide with 20 years experience giving tours of his hometown of Portland.
Redemption Instructions
Customers will receive a full refund with 24 hours notice of cancellation. No refunds are allowed if customers cancel within 24 hours of the tour time. No changes/reschedules are allowed within 24 hours of the tour time. Contact us by phone or email to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows, or those who are late and miss the tour, will not be rescheduled or refunded and will be charged the full price. If your cruise ship or flight is delayed or cancelled, and you do not provide the required 24 hours notice, you will not be refunded or rescheduled.
Unfortunately no pets/animals of any kind can be accommodated on board. No food or alcohol is allowed on board.
Please double check the month, day, and time of your booking to make sure it is accurate.
Fold-up walkers/wheelchairs do not fit in my van. Please let me know ahead of time if you have a walker or wheelchair. Luggage cannot be stored anywhere. Please do not arrive with luggage, as there is no place to store it. Small handbags/backpacks are fine. Most tours sell out, so you’ll be riding with a total of 13 people.
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.
The tour starts next to the US Customs House, which is located across the street from the Casco Variety store, 96 Commercial Street, Portland, ME 04101.
Parking can be challenging, so give yourself plenty of time. The closest parking garage is the Custom House Parking Garage located at 25 Pearl St, Portland, ME 04101 (this parking garage is closed on Sundays). On Sundays, the nearest parking garage is the Fore Street Parking Garage located at 427 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101.
Some GPS users have been confusing 96 Commercial Street in South Portland as my address. South Portland is a different town. Make sure you are selecting 96 Commercial Street in PORTLAND, ME.
Voucher Info
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
The tour identified in this promotion is made available through Viator. Groupon is not affiliated with or sponsored by the The Real Portland Tour in connection with this deal. Please contact Groupon customer service for all inquiries related to this offer. Inquiries placed to Viator will be directed back to Groupon.
This offer is not eligible for promo codes.
Need to know info
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services. Offer is not eligible for our promo codes or other discounts. Learn about Strike-Through Pricing and Savings