Historic Highlights of Newport,Ri With With the Gilded Age

Newport, Rhode Island is a treasure trove of Gilded Age opulence and colonial history. Visitors can explore the stunning architecture of the Marble House and The Breakers mansions, enjoy the grandeur of Millionaires Row, and discover the rich heritage of the Touro Synagogue and Chepstow. With the breathtaking 10 Mile Ocean Drive as a backdrop, this tour promises to transport you back in time and unveil the captivating stories that have shaped Newport’s remarkable past.

This experience made our article of Discover 10 Great Historical Tours In Miami.

Key Points

• Explore the opulent Gilded Age mansions, including Marble House and The Breakers, which showcase the lavish lifestyles of the wealthy during the late 19th century.
• Discover the Colonial District’s historic landmarks, such as the Touro Synagogue and Chepstow mansion, providing insights into Newport’s early colonial heritage.
• Traverse the captivating 10 Mile Ocean Drive, with breathtaking coastal views and grand summer mansions on the cliffs, showcasing the grandeur of Millionaires Row.
• Enjoy a scenic stop at a state park, featuring towering cliffs, crashing waves, and panoramic ocean views, allowing for picturesque photo opportunities and a respite from the tour.
• Gain a personalized and intimate exploration of Newport’s historic district, covering the Colonial District, coastline, and Gilded Age mansions, with the option of a mansion visit.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Private Van Tour of Newport’s Historic District

Although Newport’s history dates back to the 17th century, the best way to explore the city’s Colonial District, picturesque coastline, and opulent Gilded Age mansions is through a private van tour.

This 90-minute experience covers the highlights, with an optional 1-hour mansion visit. Led by a knowledgeable guide, the tour takes guests through the scenic 10 Mile Ocean Drive and Millionaires Row. A midway stop at a state park offers photo opportunities.

Prices start at $225 for up to 2 guests, with flexible booking and free cancellation. Highly rated for its personalized approach, the tour provides an intimate look at Newport’s historic treasures.

Scenic Midway Stop for Picturesque Photo Opportunities

During the tour, the guide takes guests on a scenic midway stop at a state park, offering picturesque photo opportunities along the coast.

Towering cliffs, crashing waves, and panoramic ocean views create a breathtaking backdrop for memorable snapshots. Guests can wander the park’s trails, capturing the natural beauty of Newport’s rugged shoreline.

The stop provides a welcomed respite from the tour, allowing travelers to stretch their legs and appreciate the scenic splendor of the region.

A welcomed respite from the tour, allowing travelers to stretch their legs and appreciate the scenic splendor of the region.

With ample time for photos, guests can savor the tranquility of this picturesque pause in the journey.

Exploring the Marble House and The Breakers Mansions

After enjoying the scenic vistas at the state park, the tour continues its exploration of Newport’s renowned mansions.

First, guests visit the opulent Marble House, a Gilded Age masterpiece commissioned by the Vanderbilt family. The guide provides insights into the mansion’s grand architecture, exquisite details, and the lavish lifestyles of its former occupants.

Next, the tour explores The Breakers, a palatial summer home built for the Vanderbilt family. Visitors marvel at the grandeur of its 70-room Italian Renaissance-style design and learn about the family’s influence on America’s Gilded Age.

Both mansions offer a glimpse into Newport’s elite social scene during the late 19th century.

Discovering Newport’s Colonial Heritage

While the tour has thus far highlighted Newport’s opulent Gilded Age mansions, it now turns its attention to the city’s rich colonial heritage.

The guide leads the group through the Colonial District, sharing the following insights:

1. The International Tennis Hall of Fame, housed in the historic Newport Casino building, dates back to the 1880s.

2. The Touro Synagogue, the oldest surviving synagogue in the United States, was constructed in 1763.

3. Chepstow, a Georgian mansion built in 1721, showcases Rhode Island’s early colonial architecture.

4. The Point neighborhood boasts some of the oldest colonial homes in the city, with structures dating back to the late 17th century.

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Traversing the 10 Mile Ocean Drive

The van now transitions to traversing the captivating 10 Mile Ocean Drive, offering breathtaking coastal views.

Guests gaze in awe at the rugged shoreline, crashing waves, and grand summer mansions perched on the cliffs.

The tour guide narrates the history and architecture of these Gilded Age estates, once the summer retreats of America’s wealthy elite.

The tour guide regales guests with tales of these Gilded Age estates, once the summer havens of America’s affluent elite.

Passing by Marble House and The Breakers, the tour highlights the opulence and grandeur that defined Newport’s heyday.

The scenic drive showcases the natural beauty juxtaposed with the ostentatious wealth that shaped this seaside town’s legacy.

Taking in the Grandeur of Millionaires Row

Transitioning from the picturesque coastal drive, the tour now immerses guests in the grandeur of Millionaires Row, the opulent Bellevue Avenue district.

Here, towering mansions built by the Gilded Age elite command attention:

1. Marble House, a Gilded Age "summer cottage" featuring ornate marble and intricate design.

2. The Breakers, the grandest of the Newport mansions, modeled after an Italian Renaissance-style palazzo.

3. Rosecliff, a Beaux-Arts style mansion with stunning gardens and sweeping ocean views.

4. Chateau-sur-Mer, a Victorian-era mansion showcasing the wealth and lavish tastes of the era.

Flexible Tour Customization and Relaxed Pacing

Flexible tour customization and a relaxed pace allow guests to tailor the experience to their interests and preferences.

The tour can be easily modified based on guests’ needs, whether that’s spending more time at a particular mansion or adding the optional mansion entry.

The guide ensures a comfortable and unhurried exploration, catering to the group’s pace and comfort level.

With no rigid itinerary, guests can fully enjoy the grandeur of Millionaires Row at their own leisure.

This personalized approach creates an intimate and enriching tour, giving guests the flexibility to craft the Newport experience they desire.

Convenient Meeting Point and Accessibility Considerations

Meeting at the Newport Rhode Island Transportation Center, next to the Marriott Hotel, sets the tour up for a convenient start.

The tour guide will have a sign with the group’s name, making it easy to identify.

The tour experience caters to a wide range of guests, with the following accessibility considerations:

1. Not suitable for children under 10 years or babies under 1 year.

2. Electric wheelchairs not allowed.

3. Guests can reserve now and pay later, offering flexible travel planning.

4. Tour customization based on guest interests ensures a relaxed and comfortable pace.

Ask Away

Can I Bring My Own Food and Beverages on the Tour?

Guests are welcome to bring their own food and beverages on the tour. However, the tour does not include a designated dining area, so guests should plan accordingly for any snacks or drinks they’d like to enjoy during the 90-minute experience.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Reschedule?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests can also reserve their spot without upfront payment and reschedule their tour as needed through the tour provider.

Are Gratuities for the Tour Guide Included in the Price?

Gratuities for the tour guide are not included in the tour price. Guests are encouraged to tip their tour guide directly based on their satisfaction with the service, which is customary for private tours in the area.

Can I Purchase Tickets for Additional Mansion Tours on the Day Of?

Yes, you can purchase additional mansion admission tickets on-site during the tour. The tour guide can assist with purchasing these optional tickets for popular mansions like Marble House and The Breakers.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Beyond the 90-Minute Duration?

Yes, there’s an option to extend the tour by 1 hour for mansion entry. The total tour duration with the mansion visit is 150 minutes. This can be booked on-site for an additional fee.

Final Words

Discover the historic splendor of Newport, RI, where the Gilded Age’s architectural wonders and rich heritage come alive. Explore the Colonial District, visit the iconic Marble House and The Breakers, and traverse the breathtaking 10 Mile Ocean Drive, immersing in the grandeur of Millionaires Row. This flexible tour offers a comprehensive and relaxed experience, catering to your interests and accessibility needs.

You can check availability for your dates here: