Portland, Maine’s top tours cut through the touristy clutter and connect visitors with authentic local experiences. Old Port’s walking tours showcase centuries of working waterfront history, while food tours spotlight the city’s celebrated seafood and craft beer scenes. I’m especially fond of Maine Food for Thought’s culinary walking tour – it perfectly captures the farm-to-table spirit while weaving in cultural context. The vintage fire truck tours are a hit with families, offering skyline views and fun local stories. For active travelers, electric bike tours provide an efficient way to cover ground while exploring quiet neighborhoods and scenic coastal paths. Let’s explore the very best tours worth your time and money in Portland.
Key Points
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The Black History Guided Walking Tour provides an educational and entertaining exploration of Portland’s significant African American history, led by storyteller Dugan Murphy.
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The Hidden Histories Guided Walking Tour offers a personalized, immersive experience covering Indigenous Wabanaki diplomats and the abolitionist movement, receiving high customer ratings.
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The Vintage Fire Engine Tour provides a unique sightseeing experience with a 50-minute fully-narrated tour showcasing scenic coasts and historic sites.
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The Culinary Tours in Portland, such as the Old Port Culinary Tour, offer a comprehensive experience showcasing the city’s food heritage and culinary landscape.
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The Sunset Kayak Tour provides an opportunity to explore Casco Bay at sunset, with the chance to see wildlife and receive high customer ratings for scenic views and participant comfort.
Portland, Maine Madness Amazing Race & Tour
Although the Portland, Maine Madness Amazing Race & Tour boasts a range of features, including a family-friendly and corporate-friendly experience, custom-designed options, and a virtual team-building experience, the overall customer feedback suggests a lack of interaction and value.
The tour primarily consists of a list of places to visit without added engagement. Priced from Kč574 per person and lasting 2 hours, the tour promises to uncover hidden gems in Portland while solving challenges and working together as a group.
However, with a meager 1-star rating based on a single review, the experience seems to fall short of expectations, lacking the promised interaction with locals and engaging activities.
While the tour offers the flexibility of reserve now and pay later, as well as free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the poor customer feedback raises doubts about the overall quality and value of the experience.
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Portland, Maine: Tour in Vintage Fire Engine
Visitors to Portland, Maine can embark on a unique sightseeing experience aboard a vintage fire engine. This 50-minute guided tour takes guests on a journey through the city’s scenic coast and vibrant neighborhoods, offering views of lighthouses, civil war forts, and historic architecture.
The tour is fully-narrated in English, providing an informative and engaging experience. The fire engine tour boasts an onboard multimedia system with a large flat-screen LED TV, enhancing the experience.
Customers have given the tour high ratings, praising the guide, transportation, value for money, and overall service. With a 4.7/5 overall rating based on 209 reviews, this tour is a must-do activity for visitors to Portland.
The tour departs from the Portland Lobster Co, and reservations can be made online. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a “reserve now & pay later” option are available.
Guests are advised to dress appropriately and allow extra time for parking.
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Portland, Maine: Black History Guided Walking Tour
Travelers seeking to uncover Portland, Maine’s rich Black history can embark on the Black History Guided Walking Tour. Priced at $49 per person, this 2-hour excursion takes groups of up to 15 on a captivating journey through the city’s significant African American sites.
Led by the renowned storyteller Dugan Murphy, the tour explores Black heritage from 1604 to the present day, highlighting the contributions of explorers, mariners, religious leaders, and politicians.
The tour includes visits to homes associated with the Underground Railroad and landmarks that showcase the impact of Black Yankees on Portland’s economy and politics. Guests will also discover historical churches and monuments as they traverse the Old Port and East End neighborhoods.
While the tour covers approximately 1.5 miles, there are options for those with limited mobility. Reviewers praise the guide’s expertise and the blend of education and entertainment, making this tour a must-do for anyone interested in Portland’s African American history.
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Portland, Maine: Hidden Histories Guided Walking Tour
What better way to uncover Portland, Maine’s lesser-known histories than through the Hidden Histories Guided Walking Tour? Offering an immersive 2-hour experience, this tour takes visitors on a journey through the city’s hidden gems.
Priced at $49 per person, the tour’s small group size of 15 ensures personalized attention from the knowledgeable local guide, Dugan Murphy.
Highlights include a guided tour of the Old Port and a stroll along Commercial Street, covering 1.5 miles with some uphill sections. Participants will learn about the city’s Indigenous Wabanaki diplomats and the abolitionist movement, going beyond the typical tourist attractions.
The tour operates rain or shine, with no bathroom stops, so guests are advised to dress appropriately and bring water.
With an overall rating of 4.9/5 based on 61 reviews, the Hidden Histories Guided Walking Tour provides an engaging and informative way to uncover the lesser-known stories that have shaped Portland’s rich history.
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Portland, Maine: 2-Hour Guided History Tour
For those seeking a deeper dive into Portland’s rich history, the 2-Hour Guided History Tour offers an immersive experience.
Led by knowledgeable local guides, this walking tour takes participants through the city’s most notable landmarks and hidden gems. Guests will explore the charming Old Port district, admiring the well-preserved 19th-century architecture and learning about the area’s maritime heritage.
The tour also delves into Portland’s role in the Underground Railroad, shedding light on the city’s pivotal part in the abolitionist movement. Along the way, visitors will be captivated by tales of the city’s vibrant past, from its early settlement to its transformation into a thriving commercial hub.
With a duration of 2 hours, this tour provides a rundown of Portland’s storied history, leaving participants with a newfound appreciation for the city’s cultural and architectural richness.
Priced at $49 per person, the 2-Hour Guided History Tour offers an engaging and educational way to discover the heart of Portland, Maine.
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Portland: Trolley City Tour With Portland Head Light Stop
One of the best ways to experience the highlights of Portland, Maine is through the Trolley City Tour with a stop at the iconic Portland Head Light. This 2.5-hour tour aboard a vintage-style trolley allows visitors to sit back, relax, and take in the city’s picturesque scenery and historic landmarks.
The tour begins by exploring the vibrant Old Port district, showcasing the charming cobblestone streets and 19th-century architecture.
Next, the trolley makes its way to the stunning Portland Head Light, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the country. Guests have the opportunity to disembark and explore the lighthouse grounds, learning about its rich history and taking in the breathtaking views of Casco Bay.
The tour continues with a journey through the city’s charming residential neighborhoods, providing insight into the local way of life.
With an experienced guide narrating the tour, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for Portland’s unique blend of maritime heritage and modern-day appeal.
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Portland, Maine: Local Brewery & Spirits Bus Tour
Exploring Portland, Maine’s diverse beverage scene has never been easier than with the Local Brewery & Spirits Bus Tour. At $99 per person, this 2.5-hour experience takes visitors to three local breweries, distilleries, and wineries, offering samples of the region’s best beers, wines, and rum.
The tour includes a local snack and water, as well as exclusive access and a final tasting at the Portland Beer Hub, featuring over 30 Maine breweries.
Transportation is provided between stops, ensuring a VIP experience with reserved access at each location. However, note that there’s no storage available on the buses for any purchases made.
The tour is suitable for those 21 and older, who should arrive 15 minutes early with a valid ID for age verification.
With an overall rating of 4.3/5 based on 12 reviews, the Local Brewery & Spirits Bus Tour is an excellent way to explore Portland’s thriving beverage scene, whether you’re a couple, group of friends, solo traveler, or family.
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Portland: Old Port Culinary Walking Tour
The Old Port Culinary Walking Tour offers visitors a delectable journey through Portland’s vibrant culinary scene. Lasting 2.5 hours, this small-group tour takes participants on a mouthwatering exploration of the city’s renowned restaurants, breweries, and specialty food shops.
Priced at €84.74 per person, the tour boasts a customer rating of 4.3 out of 5 from 15 reviews, making it a popular choice for foodies.
Guests will stroll through the charming Old Port district, sampling locally-sourced ingredients and learning about the region’s rich food heritage.
The tour may include stops at renowned establishments like craft breweries, artisanal bakeries, and seafood purveyors, offering a comprehensive taste of Portland’s diverse culinary landscape.
With an experienced guide to provide insights and recommendations, this walking tour is an excellent way for visitors to discover the city’s thriving food scene.
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Portland, Maine: Guided Bike Tour Around The Peninsula
Beyond the culinary delights of Portland’s Old Port, visitors can embark on a captivating guided bike tour that showcases the city’s scenic peninsula. This 2.5-hour excursion takes small groups of up to 8 participants on a journey through the heart of Portland, led by expert guides.
The tour begins with a safety briefing before setting off along the Eastern Promenade bike path, offering stunning views of Casco Bay and the Calendar Islands. Riders will then explore the Back Cove and Deering neighborhoods, learning about the area’s history, and admiring the West End’s historic homes.
Included in the £68.08 per person price are the bike rental, helmet, and local taxes and fees. The tour isn’t suitable for children under 12, and participants must be able to ride a bike comfortably.
With up to 10 miles of cycling and rest stops, this guided bike tour provides an engaging and informative way to discover the sights and sounds of Portland, Maine.
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Portland, Maine: Old Port Brewery & Pub Walking Tour
Visitors to Portland, Maine can embark on an immersive Old Port Brewery & Pub Walking Tour, a 2.5-hour excursion that unveils the city’s thriving craft beer scene.
This guided tour covers 1 mile and 3 stops, including the renowned Shipyard Brewing Company, Liquid Riot, and the Portland Beer Hub. Guests can expect to sample a variety of local craft beers and pub snacks while learning about the history of Portland’s brewing industry.
The tour highlights how early Prohibition influenced the craft beer culture and acknowledges the significance of the Portland Rum Riots of 1855.
With an overall rating of 4.3/5 based on 15 reviews, the tour is led by knowledgeable guides who provide an engaging and informative experience.
Priced at £71.29 per person, the tour offers free cancellation, reserve now & pay later options, and a 10% discount on additional purchases at the Portland Beer Hub.
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Portland, Maine: Sunset Kayak Tour With a Guide
As the sun dips below the horizon, visitors to Portland, Maine can embark on a captivating Sunset Kayak Tour with a guide. This 2-hour excursion showcases the picturesque Casco Bay, offering scenic views of the city and surrounding islands.
Participants may spot seals, eider ducks, guillemots, and osprey, while paddling in calm waters during the best time of day.
The tour accommodates all experience levels, with stable double sea kayaks and a brief lesson on kayaking basics provided by licensed Maine guides. Safety is a top priority, as the guides ensure participant comfort throughout the journey.
Priced from $227.90 per person, the tour can be booked as a private or small-group experience. With a 4.9/5 overall rating based on 19 reviews, the Sunset Kayak Tour is a must-do activity for those seeking a unique and scenic adventure in Portland.
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Portland: Old Port Seafood Lovers Tour
Enjoy the rich culinary heritage of Portland’s Old Port district with the Old Port Seafood Lovers Tour.
This 2.5-hour guided walking experience takes you on a delectable journey through the historic neighborhood, highlighting the city’s renowned seafood scene.
You’ll visit a variety of local establishments, from classic fish markets to innovative eateries, where you’ll sample the freshest catch straight from Maine’s coastal waters.
Savor the briny flavors of oysters, dive into succulent lobster rolls, and indulge in other regional specialties that showcase the area’s maritime bounty.
Along the way, your knowledgeable guide will share the stories behind the city’s fishing heritage and the people who bring this vibrant food culture to life.
With a focus on quality and authenticity, the Old Port Seafood Lovers Tour offers a unique opportunity to taste your way through Portland’s gastronomic delights.
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Portland, Maine City and Lighthouse E Bike Tour
Explore the scenic highlights of Portland, Maine, on an exhilarating 5-hour electric bike tour. Priced from Kč5,858 per person, this tour provides an opportunity to discover the city’s historic and vibrant neighborhoods, including the picturesque Old Port, Eastern Promenade, and East Bayside craft beverage scene.
Along the way, you’ll visit iconic landmarks like Fort Allen Park, Fort Williams Park, and the iconic Portland Headlight, Spring Point Ledge Light, and Bug Light lighthouses.
Enjoy a delicious lobster roll lunch at the renowned Bite Into Maine food truck, enjoying the local culinary culture.
This tour is perfect for those seeking an active and engaging way to explore Portland, with a knowledgeable English-speaking guide leading the way.
However, it’s not recommended for children under 16, individuals with back problems, or those with low fitness levels.
Bring comfortable shoes, a camera, and sun protection for an unforgettable experience.
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Portland, ME: Guided Harbor Paddleboard Tour
For those seeking a unique and exhilarating way to experience Portland’s scenic harbor, the Guided Harbor Paddleboard Tour offers an exceptional opportunity. This 2-hour tour allows participants to explore the city’s picturesque waterfront from a stand-up paddleboard.
Led by experienced guides, the small-group tours provide a personalized and intimate experience, with a maximum of 8 people per group. Paddlers will have the chance to glide past historic lighthouses, see iconic landmarks, and observe wildlife in their natural habitat.
The tour is suitable for all skill levels, with instruction and safety equipment provided. Guests can expect to paddle approximately 2 miles, with ample time to admire the stunning coastal views.
At $227.90 per person, the Guided Harbor Paddleboard Tour provides a thrilling and memorable way to connect with Portland’s natural beauty and rich maritime history. Whether a local or a visitor, this immersive experience is a must-try for anyone seeking an adventure on the water.
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Recap
Portland, Maine offers a variety of tours, from a thrilling race to exploring the city’s history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re looking for a walking tour, a guided kayak excursion, or an e-bike adventure, there’s something for all to discover in this vibrant coastal destination. These tours provide an engaging and immersive way to experience the best of what Portland has to offer.