Exploring the coastal islands and harbor of this historic region is a unique opportunity to take in maritime history and scenic natural beauty. The Explore the Islands & Harbor Guided Bike Tour offers just that, guiding visitors through 8 to 12 miles of picturesque landscapes along the Piscataqua River. With expert local guides providing all necessary equipment and an e-bike upgrade option, this tour promises an engaging and informative experience for both avid cyclists and those new to the saddle. Whether you’re interested in the area’s colonial past or simply seeking a scenic outdoor adventure, this tour may be the perfect way to discover the charm of this captivating coastal destination.
This experience made our list of the 2 Best Guided Tours In Portsmouth New Hampshire.
Key Points
- This 2-2.5 hour guided bike tour covers 8-12 miles along the Piscataqua River, visiting landmarks like Great Island Common, Fort Stark, and Prescott Park.
- The tour explores maritime and colonial history, showcases historic homes and preserved architecture, and immerses riders in the natural beauty of Four Tree and Pierce Islands.
- Customers can reserve the tour and pay later, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance free of charge.
- The tour is offered at 10 AM, 2 PM, and 5 PM during summer months and may be cancelled in heavy rain or lightning.
- The tour includes high-quality 21-speed city bikes, helmets, safety vests, and the option to upgrade to electric-assist e-bikes for an additional $50.
Tour Details
The guided bike tour lasts 2-2.5 hours and costs $70 per person.
Customers can reserve the tour and pay later, and they’ve the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance free of charge.
The tour takes riders along the Piscataqua River to New Castle, Four Tree, and Pierce Islands, where they’ll visit landmarks like Great Island Common, Fort Stark, Four Tree Island, and Prescott Park.
Participants can expect to cover 8-12 miles at an easy to moderate pace, with the opportunity to upgrade to an electric-assist e-bike for an additional $50.
Tour highlights include exploring maritime and colonial history, historic homes, and preserved architecture.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Portsmouth New Hampshire.
Tour Highlights
On the guided bike tour, you will pedal along the Piscataqua River to New Castle, Four Tree, and Pierce Islands, where they’ll visit notable landmarks like Great Island Common, Fort Stark, Four Tree Island, and Prescott Park.
Along the way, they’ll explore the area’s rich maritime and colonial history, admire historic homes, and discover preserved architecture.
The tour highlights include:
- Pedaling along the Piscataqua River
- Visiting Great Island Common, Fort Stark, and Prescott Park
- Exploring maritime and colonial history
- Admiring historic homes and preserved architecture
- Discovering the natural beauty of the Four Tree and Pierce Islands
What to Expect
Arriving 30 minutes before the tour start time allows participants to get fitted for their high-end 21-speed city bikes and helmets.
The guided bike tour is offered at 10 AM, 2 PM, and 5 PM during the summer months.
Participants can expect to cover 8-12 miles at an easy to moderate pace over the course of the 2-2.5 hour tour.
While the tour will run in most weather conditions, it may be cancelled in heavy rain or lightning.
Participants should bring water or a sports drink and any necessary rain gear.
The tour covers a variety of terrain, from the Piscataqua River to historic sites like Great Island Common and Fort Stark, providing a well-rounded exploration of the area.
Inclusions
This guided bike tour includes an expert local guide to lead the way, as well as high-end 21-speed city bikes and helmets for participants.
Visitors also have the option to upgrade to an electric assist e-bike for an additional $50.
The tour’s inclusions are designed to provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all riders:
- Expert local guide to share insights and history
- High-quality 21-speed city bikes for easy pedaling
- Helmets and safety vests for added protection
- Option to upgrade to an electric-assist e-bike
- All necessary equipment provided for a hassle-free tour
With these comprehensive inclusions, participants can focus on taking in the sights and exploring the islands and harbor during this 2-2.5 hour guided bike adventure.
More Great Tours NearbyTour Duration
The Explore the Islands & Harbor Guided Bike Tour typically lasts 2 to 2.5 hours.
This duration allows participants ample time to pedal along the Piscataqua River and explore the nearby islands and historic sites. The tour covers 8 to 12 miles, which is an easy to moderate distance that can be comfortably managed by riders of varying skill levels.
The tour ensures guests can fully enjoy the maritime and colonial history of the area, while also taking in the scenic natural beauty at a leisurely pace.
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a beginner, this guided tour provides the perfect opportunity to discover the hidden gems of the New Castle region.
Tour Schedule
The Explore the Islands & Harbor Guided Bike Tour offers scheduled departures at 10 AM, 2 PM, and 5 PM during the summer months, catering to various schedules and preferences.
Riders should arrive 30 minutes early to get fitted for their bikes, allowing the tour to depart on time.
The tour covers 8-12 miles at an easy to moderate pace, ensuring a comfortable and immersive experience for participants of all skill levels.
Key highlights of the tour include:
- Pedaling along the scenic Piscataqua River
- Visiting historic sites like Fort Stark and Prescott Park
- Exploring maritime and colonial history
- Admiring preserved architecture and natural landscapes
Whether you’re an early riser or prefer an evening adventure, this bike tour has a schedule to suit your needs.
Tour Cancellation
While the tour generally runs in most weather conditions, there are rare instances when it may need to be cancelled, such as during heavy rain or thunderstorms.
In these cases, the tour operator will make the decision to cancel the tour and notify participants as soon as possible. Customers who’ve already booked the tour will be offered a full refund if the tour is cancelled.
The tour company understands that unexpected weather can disrupt plans, so they’re committed to providing a full refund to ensure customers don’t lose their money.
Guests are encouraged to check the weather forecast and dress appropriately for the conditions on the day of the tour.
Additional Information
Participants can upgrade their tour experience by selecting the electric assist e-bike option for an additional $50 per person. This helps cyclists tackle hills and longer distances with ease.
While the tour runs in most weather conditions, it may be cancelled in heavy rain or lightning for safety reasons.
Gratuities for the expert local guide aren’t included in the tour price.
Participants should bring their own water or sports drink to stay hydrated.
Rain gear is recommended in case of inclement weather.
The tour covers 8-12 miles at an easy to moderate pace.
Riders should arrive 30 minutes early to get fitted for their bike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Suitable for Children?
While the tour is doable for children, it may not be suitable for them. The pace and distance covered could be challenging for younger kids. Parents should consider their child’s biking abilities before booking.
Are There Any Restrooms or Water Stops During the Tour?
The tour includes several stops where riders can use restrooms and refill water bottles. While there are no dedicated water stops, the guide ensures participants have ample opportunity to stay hydrated throughout the 2-2.5 hour bike ride.
Can I Bring My Own Bike Instead of Renting One?
You can bring your own bike for the tour, but the tour company does not provide any service or support for personal bikes. Renting one of their high-end city bikes is recommended to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?
The tour company doesn’t offer specific discounts for seniors or students, but they may consider providing a discounted rate if you inquire about it when booking the tour. It’s best to check directly with them for any available offers.
Is the Tour Wheelchair/Disability Accessible?
The tour is not wheelchair or disability accessible, as it involves biking along uneven terrain on islands. Guests with mobility issues may want to inquire about alternative tour options that accommodate their needs.
Recap
The Explore the Islands & Harbor Guided Bike Tour offers an immersive experience exploring the maritime and colonial history of the Piscataqua River region.
With expert local guides and optional electric-assist bikes, participants can enjoy the scenic natural landscapes at an easy to moderate pace over 8 to 12 miles.
This 2 to 2.5-hour tour is a memorable way to discover the area’s landmarks and history.
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