A private tour gives you a completely personalized experience—just your group and your guide. Our tour guides are experts on history and know the best scenic stops and historic sites. You can ride at your own pace, spend more time where you want, and shape the experience around your interests. It’s the easiest way to turn a great tour into something truly memorable. Who is a private tour best for? Private tours are perfect for: Couples looking for a unique date or getaway experience Families who want flexibility (especially with teens or mixed abilities) Small groups celebrating something special Anyone who prefers a more relaxed, personalized pace Can we customize the route or stops? Yes. That’s one of the biggest advantages. Want more coastal views? More history? A relaxed scenic ride? Just let us know—we’ll tailor the experience to your group. Is the private tour more difficult? Not at all. In fact, it’s often easier. We adjust the pace, distance, and stops to match your comfort level, so you can enjoy the ride without feeling rushed or held back. What’s included in a private tour? Everything you need for a seamless experience: Bike (or e-bike upgrade) Helmet and safety gear A knowledgeable local guide A thoughtfully planned route—with flexibility built in How long is the private tour? Most private tours run about 2-2.5 hours, but we can often adjust timing based on your schedule. If you have something specific in mind, just ask. How far in advance should we book? Private tours are limited and tend to fill up quickly—especially on weekends and during peak season. We recommend booking in advance to secure your preferred date and time. Is it worth the extra cost? If you value flexibility, personalization, and a more relaxed experience—yes. Many guests tell us it ends up being the highlight of their trip because it feels tailored specifically to them.

Easy, on every tour page of our website, you should find a large button that says “BOOK NOW or CHECK AVAILABILITY” FOR UP TO EIGHT GUESTS. For custom tours beyond the eight guests, tours that are custom, outside our normal booking times of 10AM or 2PM, please call 603-380-6524. Please fill out our private bike tour form. Payment for tours - Credit Cards are the accepted payment methods. To confirm the booking day and time, we ask for payment in full to reserve the day and time.

Private and Group Tours Groups must pay in full to reserve a group tour. Tour times and guides are limited. Payments are fully refundable if canceled more than 28 days in advance. After this, you will only receive a 50% refund if you cancel. Cancellations within 14 days of the tour, are non-refundable. If inclement weather is forecasted for the day of the ride (inclement weather is defined as the forecasted certainty of sustained, soaking rain and/or high-speed winds…NOT scattered, passing, or intermittent showers) we will provide you with options of rescheduling or moving the tour to a later time or another day. If we cancel the tour, you will receive a full refund. Amendments to group number can be made at any point up to 72 hours before the tour, there will be no refund for a reduction in the number of guests.

There are plenty of places to stop for families with children. Previous private tours we have stopped at parks, for ice cream, skipped rocks in the river, stopped at a farm and park. No worries about adding to the tour in the time frame given. For children, we offer 20 and 24-inch bicycles with grip brakes, tag-a-long bike and toddler seat that easily attach to the parent/guardian’s bicycle. Regarding safety: If selecting a tag-a-long or child seat, you the adult, must be able to safely ride while you navigate streets, and traffic and ride for up to 2 hours stopping and starting. Due to limited children's equipment, we suggest you call us to reserve it in advance or book online. Toddlers need to be 2 years and older and up to 40 pounds to bee able to fit safely into the seat. A frame-mounted rear bike seat will be securely and safely attached to the adult bicycle when you arrive. Our private bike tour has a go-with-the-flow mentality with bicycles and kids. No worries. The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute urges parents to take care when dismounting the adult bicycle.

At PortCity Bike Tours, our private tours are priced at $125 per guest for an analog bicycle rental. Guests who prefer an ebike can upgrade their experience for an additional $40 per person. We also offer a special group discount for parties with more than eight guests, reducing the price to $75 per person regardless of bicycle type. This pricing ensures that larger groups can enjoy our guided tours affordably while experiencing the historic sights around 43 Middle Street and the John Paul Jones House during our April to October season.

Each of our tours comes with a bicycle, helmet, safety vest, a small bike bag, a snack, and water to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable ride. To enhance your experience, we offer a variety of add-ons such as boxed lunches and fresh lobster rolls for meals on the go. Additionally, you can participate in themed activities like scavenger hunts and birding tours, which add an interactive and educational element to your outing. These options make our bike tours not only a great way to explore the area but also a tailored adventure to suit diverse interests. If selecting kiddo options: child seat, tag-a-long, and 20-24 inch bicycles.

A friendly PortCity Bike Tour guide will greet you. We have bathrooms at our location. Your guide will fit you with a bicycle or ebike and helmet. You will also be provided with water and a healthy snack. We can also offer "local beverages and snacks" upon completion of the tour. The John Paul Jones Garden is a great place to relax with your group.

If you’ve explored all the information about our custom tours, asked any questions you have, and browsed our website but still haven’t found a tour that perfectly matches your preferences, don’t worry! At PortCity Bike Tours, we’re passionate about creating personalized experiences just for you. The next step is to reach out directly—send us an email or give us a call to discuss your unique interests, timing, and any special requests. Our friendly team, located at 43 Middle Street inside the historic John Paul Jones Carriage House, is eager to help craft a tailor-made bike tour that makes your visit unforgettable during our April to October season!

We understand that plans can change, so we allow minor adjustments even after your tour is finalized. Please note that major changes might incur additional costs and extend planning time.

Inquiring about a custom or private bike tour is free of charge. However, once the planning progresses to the stage of reserving dates, payment in full is required just as with any booking.

At PortCity Bike Tours, we recommend a maximum of 20 guests per tour group to ensure a safe, seamless, and high-quality experience. Our tours operate with an 8:1 guest-to-guide ratio, which allows our guides to effectively manage the group, maintain clear communication, and navigate shared roadways and bike paths safely. Groups larger than 20 can disrupt ride flow and compromise both safety and the overall enjoyment of the tour. By adhering to this limit, we uphold the elevated standard of service and attention each guest deserves.

At PortCity Bike Tours, pricing varies based on the destination and length of the tour to ensure you get the best experience tailored to your interests! Our private tours are priced at $125 per person for groups up to eight guests, with an additional $75 per rider for any guests beyond eight. These tours typically last approximately, 2.5 hours, and perfect for exploring charming local spots. For those looking for a longer adventure, our Coastal and Seaside EBike tours for maximum of six guests run approximately 4 hours and cost $295 per person. We’re passionate about crafting the perfect ride for you and will gladly make personalized recommendations and collaborate to design an unforgettable biking journey during our season from April to October at 43 Middle Street, near the John Paul Jones House.

Yes, we accommodate groups of all sizes (limited at 16-20), welcoming at least two or more travelers per booking and offering a guide-to-guest ratio of 1:8. This means each guide can lead up to eight guests, ensuring a personalized and engaging experience. However, if your group is 15 or more, we may split your large (16-20 riders) group size into separate time slots for a better overall experience for safety, and availability. We recommend contacting us in advance to discuss your group's needs to ensure the best possible arrangement for your tour.

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.

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 and even the younger riders. 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 (6 to 8) to maintain close supervision for the best possible experience and safety. Each participant is provided with a high-quality helmet and a bike fitted with state-of-the-art safety features, including vests 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. 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 and coastline!

At PortCity Bike Tours, we use Jamis Citizen 7-speed bicycles or a Sefaras Edart or Qlife ebike ( 6-maximum ebikes available), chosen specifically for their ease of use and reliability. These bikes provide a smooth and comfortable ride suitable for riders of all skill levels, allowing you to explore the city’s historic sites effortlessly. The 7-speed gearing system enables riders to navigate varying terrain with ease, enhancing your overall tour experience by making it accessible and enjoyable throughout our operating season from April to October.

Absolutely! At PortCity Bike Tours, we welcome groups to join our public tours as long as your group consists of at least 8 guests. This is a fantastic way to experience the city's rich history and scenic beauty together while enjoying a fun, guided bike ride. Whether you're planning a gathering of friends, family, or colleagues, booking a public tour is a great way to explore the area.

PortCity Bike Tours is located within the garden of the Historic John Paul Jones House at 43 Middle Street in downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire. For the most accurate directions, we recommend using your GPS with our exact coordinates. This central location offers easy access to Portsmouth’s scenic routes and historic sites, making it the perfect starting point for your bike tour adventure. Our season runs from April to October, and our professional team is ready to provide an informative and enjoyable experience exploring the city’s highlights by bike.

Cancellation Refund & Rescheduling Policy ​ Tour & Rental Rescheduling Policy ​​​ ​​​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. 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. Private and Group Tours Cancellation, Reschedule and Refund Policies: Groups must pay in full to reserve a group tour. Tour times are limited. Payments are fully refundable if canceled more than 28 days in advance. Cancellations within 14 days of the tour, are non-refundable. Our tour times and days are limited. If inclement weather is forecasted for the day of the ride (inclement weather is defined as the forecasted certainty of sustained, soaking rain and/or high-speed winds…NOT scattered, passing, or intermittent showers) you will be given the option of rescheduling or moving the tour to a later time or the opportunity to ride on another available date. If we cancel the tour, you will receive a full refund. Amendments to group number can be made at any point up to 72 hours before the tour, there will be no refund for a reduction in the number of guests. Inclement Weather Policy Our tours run rain or shine, except in the case of extreme weather conditions such as lightning, hail, torrential rain, etc. We will have rain ponchos just in case. In some circumstances, tours may be canceled up to an hour before the event's start time. The decision to cancel the tour is up to the sole discretion of PortCity Bike Tours. If we do cancel the tour or event, ticket-holders will be allowed to reschedule tickets (subject to availability) or we'll refund the ticket. Other Conditions All participants must be confident bike riders and be able to follow guide instructions while on tour. We reserve the right to cancel any participant who cannot ride a bike with basic confidence as determined by PortCity Bike Tours staff. In this case, refunds will not be given for those who cannot ride a bike safely. Participants agree to obey New Hampshire traffic laws and be able to follow the safety instructions given by the guide. You agree that any injury experienced on any PortCity Bike Tours tour or activity is completely at the responsibility of the participant and is not the responsibility of PortCity Bike Tours. PortCity Bike Tours is not responsible for the loss or damage of personal belongings & it is completely up to the participant to be responsible of all personal property. Any consumption of alcohol during any PortCity Bike Tour or activity is completely at the choice & responsibility of the participant. PortCity Bike Tours reserves the right to cancel any tour or activity due to unsafe conditions or unknown events that make the bike tour impossible to safely complete.

Yes, we offer bike rentals to enhance your exploration experience. We provide both traditional bikes and electric bikes (ebikes), allowing you to choose the level of assistance that suits your comfort and fitness. Our rentals are available throughout the tour season departing at 9 am and 1pm for a three hour adventure.

When you book a tour with PortCity Bike Tours, you can expect to receive a safe, expertly fitted, comfortable 7-speed or 21-speed bicycle, along with a helmet and vest for added safety. Our friendly, fun-loving PortCity Bike Tour Guide will accompany you on the tour of Portsmouth, New Castle, and Rye, ensuring that your experience is truly unforgettable. Additionally, most of our tours are near bathrooms, providing convenience and comfort for our riders throughout the tour. With our all-inclusive approach, you can focus on enjoying the stunning scenery and rich history of the area, knowing that everything you need for a fantastic biking adventure is provided.

Absolutely! For children, we offer tag-a-long bikes and toddler seats (40lbs+) that easily attach to the parent/guardian’s bicycle. If renting a tag-a-long or child seat, they must be able to safely ride while you navigate streets and traffic and ride for 2 hours. We have 20 and 24-inch bicycles that can fit children from 4' to 4'9, however, the child needs to be able to ride independently to join the tour. The safety of our young riders is of the utmost importance to us, so please ensure that your child meets these requirements before booking. We highly recommend a private bike tour experience that also allows for a go-with-the-flow experience.

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!

Absolutely! At PortCity Bike Tours, we welcome groups to join our public tours as long as your group consists of at least 8 guests. This is a fantastic way to experience the city's rich history and scenic beauty together while enjoying a fun, guided bike ride. Whether you're planning a gathering of friends, family, or colleagues, booking a public tour is a great way to explore the area.