The City of Portsmouth Bike Tour (approximately 2 hours) showcases the landmarks and sites within Portsmouth. This tour covers approximately 6 to 8 miles and is designed to be easy and family-friendly. In contrast, the Islands and Harbor Tour (approximately 2.5 hours) includes not only the main attractions of Portsmouth but also nearby islands such as Pierce and Four Tree, as well as stops in the historic South End. Additionally, the Islands and Harbor tour continues to the island of New Castle, where we will visit notable locations like Great Island Common, Wentworth by the Sea, and Fort Stark, before returning to Portsmouth. This tour spans about 8 to 12 miles, with the longest ride to New Castle taking approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

The City of Portsmouth is an ideal size for a bike tour with PortCity Bike Tours. While it’s a charming and manageable city, its rich history, vibrant waterfront, and scenic neighborhoods make it perfectly suited for exploring by bike. The compact layout allows visitors to comfortably cover (approximately 2 hours) significant attractions like the historic downtown, the Little Harbor, the Wentworth Coolidge Mansion, and Prescott Park without feeling overwhelmed. Biking through Portsmouth offers a unique way to experience its culture and coastal beauty efficiently and enjoyably, making it a perfect destination for both casual riders and cycling enthusiasts on our tours.

The City of Portsmouth Bike Tour takes you through the historic and scenic highlights of Portsmouth’s charming neighborhoods. You’ll explore off-the-beaten-path streets, iconic landmarks, and vibrant areas within the city. Stops include the waterfront, Colonial and Georgian-era architecture, Prescott Park’s beautiful gardens, and the Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion. Along the way, our expert guides share captivating stories about Portsmouth’s maritime history, local culture, and hidden gems, creating a perfect blend of outdoor activity and storytelling. This tour is ideal for history and art enthusiasts.

At PortCity Bike Tours, your safety and enjoyment are our top priority. While our guided routes do include some side roads and streets to efficiently navigate key areas of the city, we carefully plan the tours to minimize traffic exposure. Most of the ride takes place on quieter side streets and scenic paths whenever possible, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience for riders of all skill levels. Our guides will provide clear instructions and support throughout the tour to help you navigate any busier sections confidently.

Your safety is our top priority. We understand that riding on city streets can be intimidating, which is why we have implemented several precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all our guests. Firstly, all our tours are guided by experienced professionals who are well-versed in navigating city traffic. They will provide you with a comprehensive safety briefing before the tour begins, covering important rules of the road and cycling etiquette. Additionally, we limit our group sizes to maintain close supervision and reduce the risk of accidents. Each participant is provided with a high-quality helmet and a bike fitted with state-of-the-art safety features, including lights and reflectors. Our routes are carefully selected to avoid high-traffic areas whenever possible, focusing instead on scenic and quiet side roads. We also schedule tours during times of the day when traffic is lighter, further enhancing your safety. Moreover, our starting point at 43 Middle Street, adjacent to the John Paul Jones House, is conveniently located to access quieter streets, easing you into the city riding experience. Rest assured, with our thorough safety measures and professional guidance, you can enjoy your journey with peace of mind. We look forward to welcoming you on a safe and memorable ride through the beautiful city!

That's a great question! Hills are subjective; however, it's important to remember that we start at sea level. We don’t expect all riders to tackle the small, rolling hills as we head toward the Wentworth Coolidge Mansion. We often take our time to appreciate the stunning forest surroundings, allowing slower riders to catch up. This tour aims to be inclusive, ensuring everyone can enjoy the ride and the rich beauty and history of the area. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to call or consider an e-bike upgrade for added assistance.

Tour & Rental Rescheduling Policy Cancellation of the tour (by our guests) — If for any reason any of our guests need to cancel a booked tour, we will follow these simple guidelines: ​​​ • We offer a full refund for cancellations made more than 72 hours before the event. You may reschedule for a $20 fee per (rider) ticket based on availability. • If you book within 48 hours, no cancellations and no refunds. Tours must be rescheduled in person by phone, not text or email. • Rescheduling requests are subject to availability and are processed at the sole discretion of the employee making the transaction. • Reservations may only be rescheduled once. Tours must be rescheduled in person by phone, not text or email. • Failure to arrive 30 minutes before your tour departure time may result in your space being given away. You will not receive a refund or credit for your tour. • Late arrivals will not be able to catch up to the tour. Our seats are limited for a one-on-one experience. When we receive a cancellation close to the actual tour date, we won't be able to re-book that canceled space for another guest. • We now offer trip bike tour protection for a small fee per guest. Purchasing trip protection allows you to cancel or reschedule your public bike tour for any reason up to 48 hours before trip departure.

Yes, any of our tours can be made private.

This tour is suitable for children under 16 years of age. We have 20 and 24-inch bicycles, a child's seat and a tag-a-long that attaches to an adult large bicycle. Please call if you have any questions.

The seats are made and provided by Jamis Citizen and are the best cushioned seats around! The seats are about 6 inches wide and 8 inches long.