Top 10 Historical Tours in Portland

Destination: Portland.
Dive straight into Portland’s working waterfront—where the smell of the sea, the bustle of the wharves, and a warm bowl of classic New England clam chowder set the tone for an unforgettable walk through the city’s past. This immersive experience blends local history with maritime culture, offering a deeper look at how Portland grew from a rugged seaport into one of New England’s most vibrant coastal cities. As you stroll the cobblestone streets and working wharfs, your guide will share tales of shipbuilders, merchants, fires, and fishermen who shaped Portland’s story. The tour concludes with a warm bowl of classic New England clam chowder—a delicious taste of Maine’s coast and a comforting way to end your walk through history!
Known For: Portland Cultural Tours, Portland Historical Tours, Portland Walking Tours, Portland City Tours, Portland New Product.
Duration: Around 2 hours.

Destination: Portland.
All our tours take place in a comfortable vehicle with a local driver-guide and can be tailored to your pace. This private tour is done in our larger passenger van that can take up to 12 passengers. We’re happy to customize the experience to match your interests. This particular tour covers all the major sights in Portland, followed by a visit to the South Portland lighthouses, including admission to Fort Williams Park to see the Portland Headlight. After exploring Portland, you'll journey down the highway to Kennebunkport, a charming coastal village that served as the summer retreat for former President George W. Bush and his family. While we have a standard route, as a private tour, we can personalize the itinerary to suit your preferences.
Known For: Portland Historical Tours, Portland Private Sightseeing Tours, Portland Port Pickup, Portland Day Trips, Portland New Product, Portland Ports of Call Tours, Portland Half-day Tours, Portland Shore Excursions, Portland Bus Tours.
Duration: Around 6 hours.

Destination: Portland.
Discover the charm of New England’s coast with a private tour from Portland, Maine, to Cape Ann and the North Shore of Massachusetts. This journey takes you to the stunning Castle on Crane Hill in Ipswich, offering views across expansive salt marshes and an immersion in historic grandeur. Next, explore Hammond Castle in Gloucester, a medieval-inspired estate filled with art, inventions, and captivating architecture. Wander through the historic streets of Ipswich, where colonial homes and coastal views capture America’s early history. Then, enjoy a delightful stop at Russell Orchards, where you can stroll the orchards, savor fresh cider donuts, and sample wines made from their own fruit. This exclusive tour combines majestic castles, authentic towns, and New England’s seasonal bounty—creating an unforgettable experience for those seeking a unique perspective on the North Shore. Join us for a journey that blends history, beauty, and local flavor into one perfect day.
Known For: Portland Private Sightseeing Tours, Portland Cultural Tours, Portland Audio Guides, Portland Historical Tours, Portland Full-day Tours, Portland Bus Tours, Portland Car Tours.

Destination: Portland.
Explore the charming coastal towns of Kennebunkport, York, and Portsmouth on this private day tour. Delve into the rich maritime history, enjoy stunning ocean views, and savor local flavors. With a personalized itinerary, this tour offers the flexibility to explore at your own pace, while an expert guide provides insights into each destination. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with included snacks, bottled water, and lunch to keep you energized throughout the day. - Private tour lasting approximately 7 to 8 hours - Customizable itinerary to suit your interests - Included lunch, snacks, and bottled water - Pickup from your location in an air-conditioned vehicle
Known For: Portland Bus Tours, Portland Cultural Tours, Portland Day Trips, Portland Full-day Tours, Portland Car Tours, Portland Historical Tours, Portland Luxury Car Tours, Portland Private Sightseeing Tours, Portland New Product.

Destination: Portland.
Our White Mountains Day Tour offers more than just scenic views—it’s a thoughtfully curated journey through New Hampshire’s most charming towns, historic covered bridges, and hidden natural wonders. Unlike larger, rushed tours, we keep our groups small for a more personal experience, allowing time to explore, photograph, and connect with each stop. From the iconic Kancamagus Highway to the massive Madison Boulder, every stop has a story—and our guides bring it to life. Guests also have the option to add a ride on the historic Mount Washington Cog Railway for an unforgettable summit experience.
Known For: Portland Historical Tours, Portland Car Tours, Portland Bus Tours, Portland Seasonal, Portland Day Trips, Portland Private Sightseeing Tours, Portland New Product.

Destination: Portland.
Discover the vibrant history of Portland’s Old Port on this engaging walking tour. Wander through cobblestone alleys and merchant blocks rich with stories of sailors, reformers, and immigrants. Learn about the Portland Freedom Trail, which honors the city’s fight for freedom and civil rights. The tour showcases the Old Port’s architectural charm and its transformation from a bustling shipping hub to a cultural center. Experience the tales of resilience embedded in its streets, from the Great Fire of 1866 to the revitalization efforts of the 1970s. Join fellow history enthusiasts for a memorable journey through Portland’s past and present. — Explore the historic Old Port district, a cultural and commercial hub — Walk along the Portland Freedom Trail, learning about civil rights — Discover stories of resilience, fire, and maritime life — Ideal for history lovers and those curious about Portland's heritage
Known For: Portland Cultural Tours, Portland Architecture Tours, Portland Historical Tours, Portland Private Sightseeing Tours, Portland Walking Tours, Portland Audio Guides.

Destination: Portland.
Trace the steps of the Black Portlanders who moved our city, state, and country closer to the ideals of freedom, democracy, opportunity, and equality. Maine’s earliest settlements couldn’t have existed without Black labor, skill, and insight. You'll meet the Black Yankees who founded Maine communities, overturned slavery statewide, drove our maritime industries, gained political influence, crossed color boundaries, and expanded Mainers’ rights in the modern era. Stepping on granite cobblestones crooked with age — that once saw footfalls from national heroes like Frederick Douglass — you’ll pass storefronts once home to Black-owned barbershops where abolitionists whispered intelligence to Underground Railroad conductors. Enjoy 2 hours of entertaining and enlightening historical narration over a 1.5-mile route. Owner and guide, Dugan Murphy, dug through the archives to present an amazing constellation of stories left out of most tours. TripAdvisor named him Portland's #1 guide!
Known For: Portland Walking Tours, Portland Excellent Quality, Portland Historical Tours, Portland Best Conversion.
Duration: Around 2 hours.

Destination: Portland.
Meet Portland and the people—of all backgrounds and identities—whose wit and grit have made Maine's largest city what it is today. Your locally-raised guide will captivate you with extraordinary, exciting, and surprising stories largely left out of the history books. Get ready to broaden your sense of what Portland and Maine have been and could be. Brick sidewalks beneath your feet and beautiful Victorian-era buildings nestled around you, we'll casually stroll Portland’s lush, historic Old Port toward the sparkling waters of Casco Bay. We’ll see where Indigenous Wabanaki leaders made their earliest relationships with European colonizers and walk together through the centuries. Enjoy an inclusive, empowering, and surprising constellation of tales that offers a welcome contrast to the more obvious themes you’re likely to experience on other tours. You'll enjoy 2 hours of narration over a 1.5-mile route with owner and guide, Dugan Murphy. He is Portland's top-rated guide on TripAdvisor!
Known For: Portland Historical Tours, Portland Best Conversion, Portland Cultural Tours, Portland Excellent Quality, Portland Walking Tours.
Duration: Around 2 hours.

Destination: Portland.
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.
Known For: Portland City Tours, Portland Likely to Sell Out, Portland Private and Luxury, Portland Historical Tours, Portland Likely To Sell Out, Portland Top Product, Portland Bus Tours, Portland Small Group, Portland Best Conversion, Portland Excellent Quality.
Duration: Around 2 hours.

Destination: Portland.
Skip the city and head straight to the coast on this dedicated lighthouse tour of Maine’s best lighthouses. Explore three iconic beacons that have guided sailors for centuries, each offering a chance to delve into their rich history. While most lighthouses aren’t open for tours, you’ll still get up-close views and plenty of opportunities to admire their stunning architecture and scenic surroundings. As you navigate through Portland’s picturesque coastline, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking views that are as storied as they are beautiful. This focused, relaxed tour is the perfect way to connect with maritime past while soaking in the charm of Maine’s coastal landscape.
Known For: Portland Excellent Quality, Portland Private and Luxury, Portland Historical Tours, Portland Best Conversion, Portland Cultural Tours, Portland Top Product, Portland Small Group, Portland Bus Tours.
Duration: Around 2 hours.