Question 1

What can I expect to see on the Island and Harbor Bike Tour offered by PortCity Bike Tours?

Accepted Answer

On the Island and Harbor Bike Tour with PortCity Bike Tours, you will explore the must-see sites, scenic islands, coastal landscapes and historic sites unique to the only seacoast town in New Hampshire. The tour includes a ride along the picturesque harbor, where you can enjoy views of boats everywhere, lighthouses, and waterfront parks. You will also cycle through charming islands featuring quaint parks, plentiful 18th - 19th century architecture everywhere and local landmarks. In addition, the tour offers opportunities to learn about the area's maritime history and historic preservation, making it both educational and visually captivating. This carefully curated route allows you to immerse yourself in the natural coastal beauty and cultural heritage that define our coastal community.

Question 2

Will the PortCity Bike Tours take place on city streets with traffic, or are the routes primarily on dedicated bike paths?

Accepted Answer

PortCity Bike Tours offers a carefully planned experience that balances both safety and enjoyment. While portions of the tour do take place on city side roads, these routes are selected to minimize exposure to heavy traffic and ensure the comfort of all riders. Our guides lead groups along streets with lower traffic volumes and utilize bike lanes wherever available.

Additionally, significant segments of the tour are conducted in parks and scenic waterfront trails, allowing riders to enjoy a relaxed pace in safer, more protected environments. This combination provides a well-rounded riding experience that showcases the city’s highlights while prioritizing rider safety from start to finish.

Question 3

Is the City of Portsmouth and New Castle, New Hampshire, large enough for a bike tour offered by PortCityBikeTours?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the combined areas of Portsmouth and New Castle, New Hampshire (8-12 miles), provide an ideal size and setting for a bike tour with PortCity Bike Tours. While Portsmouth is a vibrant city with a compact, pedestrian-friendly historic district, New Castle offers scenic coastal routes and charming residential neighborhoods. Together, they create a diverse and accessible biking experience that fits perfectly within a manageable tour length. This allows participants to comfortably explore notable landmarks, waterfront views, and local culture without feeling rushed or overwhelmed, making it a perfect destination for both casual riders and cycling enthusiasts.

Question 4

What is the difference between the Islands and Harbor Tour and the City of Portsmouth Tour?

Accepted Answer

At PortCity Bike Tours, we offer two exciting and unique experiences that showcase Portsmouth’s charm from different perspectives.

The Islands and Harbor Bike Tour (approximately 2.5 hours) offers a more adventurous route exploring the scenic beauty surrounding Portsmouth Harbor and inlets. This ride includes Atlantic views, lighthouses, quaint islands accessible by bike, and picturesque harbor landscapes, making it ideal for coastal lovers and those looking to experience New Hampshire's maritime spirit. Both tours run from April to October and provide an enthusiastic guide to ensure you enjoy the perfect blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty tailored to your interests!

On the other hand, the City of Portsmouth Bike Tour (approximately 2.5 hours) is perfect for those who want to dive deep into the rich history, vibrant culture, art, and iconic landmarks of Portsmouth itself. This tour takes you through the heart of the city, including stops at historic sites like the Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion and charming neighborhoods filled with tucked-away historic sites.

Question 5

Will we be riding on the main roads and streets?

Accepted Answer

The Islands and Harbor Tour gets off the beaten path and onto the side roads where most of the historic sites are located. We navigate to the less crowded streets and away from any and all traffic.  We will travel to parks and through gardens (traffic-free) and to the islands in Portsmouth's harbor. We will also travel to New Castle Island via a causeway with a wide bike path (shoulder) for a short distance.

Your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities. Our experienced guides provide instructions and support to ensure a safe and comfortable ride for cyclists of all skill levels. If you have any specific concerns or require accommodations, please let us know in advance.

Question 6

Will there be hills on the PortCityBikeTours rides, and how challenging are they?

Accepted Answer

At PortCity Bike Tours, our routes are thoughtfully designed to offer an enjoyable experience for riders of all skill levels. While our tours take you through the beautiful and historic areas around the John Paul Jones House, you will encounter a few gentle hills that add scenic variety without being too strenuous. These mild inclines are perfect for those looking to get a bit of a workout while still comfortably exploring the city’s charm. Whether you’re a casual rider or more experienced, our guides will tailor the pace to ensure everyone can enjoy the ride from April to October with enthusiasm and ease!

We start at sea level and bike over a small bridge to Four Tree and Pierce Islands in Portsmouth. Most guests find gears 1 or 2 sufficient. There's a gentle 15-degree incline as we head to New Castle Island. We often pause for slower riders to ensure everyone enjoys the tour. If you have concerns, call us or consider upgrading to an e-bike for extra support.

Question 7

What is your cancellation and refund policy?

Accepted Answer

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:
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 • 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 or 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.

Question 8

My child is 9 - 12 years old and is a confident rider, can they join the tour?

Accepted Answer

We welcome children 9 years and older with experience riding for 2+ hours in a straight line and can take direction from a guide. This is a professional tour, and we reserve the right to discontinue the tour for a child who poses a safety risk to themselves or others.  We have a tag-a-long bicycle for parents who want to do the tour with their children. Tag-a-longs are great for children 6-9 who are not too confident.  Please call with questions at 603-380-6524.

Question 9

Can this tour be made private?

Accepted Answer

Yes, any of our tours can be made private.

Question 10

How are the seats?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

What safety precautions does PortCity Bike Tours take for city riding?

Accepted Answer

Your safety is our top priority. Our tours are guided by experienced professionals who navigate city traffic and provide a comprehensive safety briefing before the tour. We limit group sizes for close supervision and provide high-quality helmets and bikes with safety features like lights and reflectors. Our routes avoid high-traffic areas, focusing on scenic and quiet side roads. Tours are scheduled during lighter traffic times, and our starting point at 43 Middle Street is conveniently located to access quieter streets. With our safety measures and professional guidance, you can enjoy a safe and memorable ride through the city.

Located In Market Square
@ John Paul Jones House
43 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH

603-380-6524

Islands and Harbor Bike Tour

Pedal beside the Piscataqua River and the Atlantic Ocean while exploring Portsmouth’s islands, historic sites and charming streets in Portsmouth and New Castle Island.

About The Islands and Harbor Tour

Highlights:

Islands and Harbor Bike Tour

COMPARE TOURS HERE

What To Expect:

5/5 of 440 Reviews | Recommended by 98% Of Travelers | Portsmouth, NH USA

Book With Confidence

Islands and Harbor Bike Tour

​​​​​​​​​​

Pedal beside the Piscataqua River and the Atlantic Ocean while exploring Portsmouth’s islands, historic sites and charming streets in Portsmouth and New Castle Island.

​​​

About The Islands and Harbor Tour

​​Highlights:

Islands and Harbor Bike Tour

COMPARE TOURS HERE

​​What To Expect:​​​​​​

5/5 of 440 Reviews | Recommended by 98% Of Travelers | Portsmouth, NH USA

Book With Confidence

Highlights:

What To Expect: