Silversea Expedition Cruises To PORTLAND (Maine)

Explore the history and landmarks of Portland on-foot during this scenic sightseeing excursion beyond the Old Port.

Portland City Walking Tour, Mansions, Old Port, Commercial Street, City Hall, First Parish Church

Depart the pier for your scenic and guided, approximately two-hour walking tour through Portland City. Along the way, learn about the history of the city and its vibrant food and beer scene, and stop for photos whilst passing by a host of renowned landmarks and picturesque viewpoints. Highlights of your guided stroll include the Wadsworth-Longfellow Mansion, Victoria Mansion, Old Port, Commercial Street, City Hall and First Parish Church.

Eastern Promenade, Portland Observatory, Waterfront, Arts District, Theatres, Galleries, Museums

Next, continue on to the Portland Observatory, which offers lovely panoramic views of your surrounds. From here, walk along Portland's waterfront area, the Eastern Promenade, with its spectacular views of Casco Bay and the Calendar Islands. Here, thriving harbour activities exist side-by-side with retail venues established in shops and restaurants. Your last stop is the Arts District. Upon arrival, take a stroll past theatres, art schools, galleries and museums that include the Portland Museum of Art, designed by I.M. Pei. At the conclusion of your tour, commence the short walk back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately two miles-four miles (about 3.2 kilometres-6.4 kilometres) at times over hills, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and 30 steps at the Eastern Promenade. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, layered clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and a sweater or light jacket from the ship. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Embrace the seaside beauty and charm of Maine's famous rocky coastline and coastal village of Kennebunkport during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Kennebunkport

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour orientation drive to the historic and charismatic coastal village of Kennebunkport via Portland City. Kennebunkport gained worldwide exposure as the summer home of President George H.W. Bush. Upon arrival in Kennebunkport, drive past stunning, Federal- and Victorian-style mansions that were built by wealthy sea captains and merchants in the 1700s and 1800s.

Dock Square, Free Time, Shops, Boutiques, Antique Stores, Restaurants, Pubs

Following your sightseeing drive through Kennebunkport, a stop is made in the town centre at Dock Square for approximately 1.5 hours of free time at your leisure. You can stroll the quaint streets lined with shops, galleries, unique boutiques, antique stores, restaurants, and pubs; purchases are at the expense of each guest.

Walker's Point, Bush Estate, Summer White House

At the conclusion of your visit, re-board the coach and head for a photo stop at Walker's Point. Afterward, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier. En route, pass by the Bush Estate and former Summer White House, where world leaders often gathered.

Enjoy a thrilling sightseeing boat tour in Portland Harbor followed by a guided exploration of For Scammel, a captivating stone fortresses built in the early 19th century. Fort Scammell was built to protect coastal cities leading up to the War of 1812 and again during the Civil War. Because of its location, Fort Scammell, along with Fort Gorges and Fort Preble, was a critical element in the defense of the entrance to Portland Harbor.

After your 1 hour tour of the island head back to the pier to enjoy a delicious Maine Lobster, known as the most flavorful lobster on Earth and part of this coastal region for generations. Once you're done, head back to the ship.

Discover a trio of prominent lighthouses along the beautiful, rocky coast of Portland during this panoramic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Portland, Bug Light, Liberty Ship Memorial Sculpture

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive through historic Portland en route to the Bug Light, a lighthouse built of brick-lined cast iron. Nicknamed for its small size, this elegant Portland Breakwater Light was first lit in 1875. Upon arrival, view the impressive lighthouse and sculptural tribute, Liberty Ship Memorial, dedicated to 266 ships built here during World War II.

Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, Fort Williams Park, Portland Head Light, Museum, Free Time

Next, re-board your coach and continue on to the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse. Upon arrival, view this typical, sparkplug-style lighthouse, which was constructed of brick on a cylindrical cast-iron caisson and dates from 1891. After a photo stop here, head to Fort Williams Park for a visit to Maine's oldest lighthouse, the Portland Head Light. Upon arrival, some free time is made available to explore Fort Williams. Take in spectacular coastal and ocean vistas, and view interesting navigational aids at the Museum, located in the former lighthouse keeper's quarters.

At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 35-minute drive back to the pier.

Take a 1.5 hour hike hike up the 692' foot of Mount Agamenticus where you can see the White Mountains in New Hampshire to the west and the skyscrapers of Boston to the south. Continue on to York Beach in the afternoon for an authentic lobster roll lunch, the national delicacy of Maine. Afterwards, your guide will give you a private tour of Nubble Light House, a Maine landmark dating back to 1879.

Make the 1 hour drive back to the port.

Start your morning with a 1 hour drive to Nubble Light House, used in the late 1800s to protect the men and women on the sea from the rocky coastline. See the lobster boats up-close where lobstermen offload their catch from Casco Bay and seafood shops offer the freshest delicacies from the sea. Sit back and enjoy the view while you eat a delicious lobster lunch. After lunch, have some freet time to walk along the paved "Marginal Way" a famed cliff walk or visit any of the local shops nearby before heading back onto the ship.

Experience the flavours of the historic Old Port during this leisurely, guided foodie excursion on-foot.

Portland, Old Port Foodie Walk, Coffee Houses, Bakeries, Award-Winning Restaurants

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 1.5-hour foodie walk through the streets of the charming Old Port. A hundred years ago, this area was home to fish houses, canneries, industrial factories and textile mills, and the air was heavy with industrial smoke. Today, the air is fragrant with the fresh ocean breeze and aromas emanating from coffee houses, bakeries and award-winning restaurants, all tempting passers-by as they wind their way through the scenic, narrow streets of the Old Port.

Old Port, Tastings of Local Specialities at Five Food Venues

During the foodie walk, your friendly, engaging guide takes you to several Old Port venues for tastings of Maine-inspired, locally-made foods, and a behind-the-scenes look at those who craft these epicurean delights. As you sample the fare at the various stops, your guide and proprietor reveal the history behind their industry, the uniquely Maine products that are used, and a hint or two as to why they are simply award-winning year-after-year.

Local Landmarks and History

Along the way, see local landmarks and learn about the unique and colourful local history of this port city, which Bon Appétit magazine crowned 'America's Foodiest Small Town for 2009'. At the conclusion of your foodie walk, tastings and sightseeing, commence the short walk back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 1.5 hours, at times over uneven and cobblestone surfaces, sidewalks and curbs. This tour is not suitable for guests with food allergies, guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, layered clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and a sweater or light jacket from the ship. The tour sequence may vary.

Experience the rustic beauty and historic landmarks of Portland from a unique perspective during this memorable sightseeing tour by horse-drawn wagon.

Portland, Horse-Drawn Wagon-Ride, Photo Stops

Depart the pier aboard a 19th-century, horse-drawn wagon for a scenic, approximately two-hour sightseeing ride through the city of Portland. Your guide points out historic sites as your matched team of horses trots through the narrow streets and past some of the city's most renowned landmarks, with photo stops along the way.

Portland Observatory, Monument Square, Portland Museum of Art, Civic Centre, Victorian Homes

Your route passes by the Portland Observatory, which offers lovely panoramic views of your surrounds and Monument Square. In addition, see the Civic Centre, Wadsworth-Longfellow Mansion and beautiful Victorian homes.

Eastern Promenade, Casco Bay, Calendar Islands, Art District, Theatres, Portland Museum of Art

Next, ride along Portland's waterfront area, the Eastern Promenade, with its spectacular views of Casco Bay and the Calendar Islands. Here, thriving harbour activities exist side-by-side with retail venues established in shops and restaurants. Your last stop is the Arts District. Upon arrival, take a stroll past theatres, art schools, galleries and museums that include the Portland Museum of Art, designed by I.M. Pei.

At the conclusion of your tour, commence the short ride back to the pier.

Explore Portland at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Portland at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.