SHORE EXCURSIONS CREDIT

OVERVIEW

Visit two of the grandest mansions of the Gilded Age, The Breakers and Marble House, both of which the Vanderbilt family built. You will first tour Marble House, which was designed to emulate a chateau on the grounds of the Palace of Versailles. Completed in 1892 at a cost exceeding $11 million, the mansion became the social and architectural landmark that transformed Newport from a quiet summer colony of wooden houses into a legendary resort of opulent palaces. You will next visit The Breakers, the grandest of Newport’s summer “cottages.” Cornelius Vanderbilt II commissioned the construction of the 70-room Italian Renaissance-style villa after being inspired by the 16th-century palaces of Genoa and Turin. You will enjoy self-guided audio tours in both mansions that provide insight into the lives of the Vanderbilts and this fascinating time in American history.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore two fabulous mansions built for the Vanderbilts.
• Discover some of the Vanderbilt history.
• Enjoy self-guided audio tours at your own pace.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy the natural riches of Newport by following a portion of the popular Cliff Walk trail that leads to The Breakers, one of the city’s most opulent mansions. Designated a National Recreation Trail for its stunning beauty, the cliff walk will present a continuous, up close and spectacular view of the waves crashing against Newport’s rocky shoreline. Along the way, the guide will share stories of the Gilded Age and the fabulously wealthy that summered here, such as Cornelius Vanderbilt II. He commissioned a “cottage” to be built on 13 acres overlooking the sea and by 1895 his 70-room Italian Renaissance-style palazzo was finished. To enhance your understanding of its detail and cutting-edge technology at the time, you will take a self-guided audio tour of the mansion at your own pace.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Stroll Newport’s famed Cliff Walk trail.
• Take in the stunning natural beauty.
• Tour the Vanderbilt’s seaside mansion.
• Hear stories of the Gilded Age residents who summered here.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

With mansions representing more than 250 years of social and architectural history, this tour combines all the highlights of the Newport scenic drive tour with a visit to one of the grand mansions. Passing through the historic colonial section, your scenic drive will take you along the world-famous Ocean Drive where you’ll have spectacular views of Newport’s rocky coastline. Continuing to Bellevue Avenue, immerse yourself in a world of wealth and power as it existed at the dawn of the 20th century with a visit to one of the grand summer villas that defined the era known as the ‘Age of Beauty’. Depending on local conditions, you’ll tour either the Elms or Rosecliff, both of which represent the height of gracious living and entertaining by America’s elite. Imagine yourself at a fabulous party in a magnificent ballroom or perhaps at a fairy tale dinner as your self-guided audio guide offers insight into the life and artifacts of this fascinating time in American history.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy Newport's Scenic Ocean Drive
• Visit to one of the Gilded Age Mansions.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Explore the rich history and splendid scenery of Newport from Colonial times through the Gilded Age during this picturesque tour of the city. Landmarks that you are likely to see include the early 18th-century Trinity Church, the oldest library in America housed in its original building and a glimpse at the Gothic Church of Saint Mary’s, where Jacqueline Bouvier married Senator John F. Kennedy. Upon reaching Ocean Drive, the gorgeous rocky shoreline will take center stage. Time permitting, a photo stop will be made at Fort Adams, the largest coastal fortification in the United States. You will also pass opulent mansions built by the Vanderbilts, Astors and Morgans, many of which have been beautifully preserved by the Newport Preservation Society.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See landmarks dating to colonial times.
• Pass one Gilded Age mansion after another.
• Discover Newport’s rich history.
• Take in incredible scenery the entire way.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a narrated drive through colonial Newport featuring the spectacular coastline along 10-mile Ocean Drive, as well as a guided cruise of Newport's picturesque and historic harbor onboard a classic wooden motor vessel. Your narrated drive along the 10-mile Ocean Drive offers spectacular views of Newport's rugged southern coastline as well as a promenade down famed Bellevue Avenue to view fabulous summer cottages of the rich, past and present. Drive through the town's colonial section, seeing Trinity Church and Redwood Library. You'll also catch a glimpse of the Gothic-influenced Saint Mary's Roman Catholic Church, where Jacqueline Bouvier wed Senator John F. Kennedy in 1953. Then, you’ll transfer from your coach for a scenic harbor cruise to experience the spirit and feeling of the Vanderbilt lifestyle aboard a beautifully restored classic wooden vessel. During your relaxing 1 1/4-hour harbor tour you’ll learn all about Newport. As you ply the calm waters of this picturesque and historic harbor your guide points out the major landmarks close to the shoreline of The City by the Sea.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a narrated drive through colonial Newport.
• Experience Newport's Harbor on the beautifully maintained Gansett.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a scenic harbor cruise to nearby Rose Island to tour the restored lighthouse and view the remains of 200-year-old Fort Hamilton, now an important wildlife sanctuary. During the cruise through Narragansett Bay, the captain will share some of Newport’s 350-year history and how it became the “Yachting Capital of the World.” In time, you will arrive at Rose Island, an 18-acre site that first gained military importance in the Revolutionary War. Its fort was named for Alexander Hamilton and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You will also see the island’s iconic lighthouse that was built in 1870 to accommodate increased shipping traffic. Today, Rose Island is known more as a wildlife sanctuary, and by touring it with a naturalist you will have a greater appreciation for its flora and fauna.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise through Narragansett Bay to lovely Rose Island.
• See the island’s historical lighthouse.
• Follow a naturalist through the wildlife sanctuary.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at some of the Newport mansions featured in the HBO series “The Gilded Age” and come away with an insider’s understanding of this extraordinary time. The guide will describe many of the fabulously wealthy people who lived in Newport in the late 1800s as you walk through their opulent “cottages.” While visiting Marble House – the summer residence of railroad magnate William K. Vanderbilt and his wife Alva– you will notice that it was designed in the Beaux-Arts style, inspired by the Petit Trianon at Versailles, and adorned with unparalleled opulence. You will also browse The Breakers, the Vanderbilt family’s 70-room Italian Renaissance-style palazzo. It too is a National Historic Landmark. As money was no object in its construction, Thomas Edison was hired to build its power station. The home also has more than 300 windows, many with commanding ocean views.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tour two National Historic Landmark mansions from “The Gilded Age” HBO series.
• Hear fascinating stories about the wealthy families that built these Newport mansions.
• Get an insider’s look at the lavish lifestyles of the Gilded Age millionaires.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

See Newport’s main attractions at your own pace by riding around town in a motor coach that allows you to get on and off whenever you please at the places that sound most intriguing. The vehicles will make continuous loops around Newport, following a designated route. As you approach each attraction, you will hear enlightening commentary about it so you can decide if it is one of the three that you will have time to visit. If not, just continue to the next attraction. If there is an entrance fee, simply present your Attraction Pass and the charge will be waived. You might hop off for a tour of Gilded Age mansions such as Rosecliff, The Breakers, and others. The International Tennis Hall of Fame is another fine option.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride around Newport in a motor coach and stop at attractions that sound appealing.
• Stay as long as you like at each attraction to enhance your understanding of it.
• Board your motor coach when you are ready and ride it to another attraction.
• Choose from a variety of well-known attractions as the motor coach loops around town.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Sail a sleek schooner around Narragansett Bay, admiring the coastal homes and landmarks, while discovering Newport’s fascinating history. You will sail an elegant 90-foot schooner designed to look like a turn-of-the-century vessel. You can expect a lively, immensely comfortable ride around Narragansett Bay, made even more enjoyable with a mimosa cocktail or another beverage in hand. One of the many highlights is seeing Fort Adams, America’s largest coastal fortification and a National Historic Landmark. It’s quite the sight and especially intriguing once you learn its history, starting in colonial times. The captain and crew will regale you with stories about Newport and famous residents such as Jaqueline Bouvier, who married John F. Kennedy in Newport in 1953. The reception was held at her childhood home, Hammersmith Farm. Other photo-worthy sites include Goat Island and a lighthouse built in 1842.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Sail around Narragansett Bay on an elegant schooner.
• Hear stories about Newport’s history and famous residents.
• See key landmarks such as Fort Adams.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Sail through Narragansett Bay on a 12-metre-class yacht that competed in an America’s Cup race and lend the crew a hand if you choose. As you prepare to cast off, the captain will describe the yacht’s illustrious history in the prestigious America’s Cup sailing competition. The vessel will have been restored to the highest level of aesthetics, historical integrity and performance to ensure the ultimate experience. You will be encouraged to help raise the sails as you head out through Newport Harbor. If you wish to participate more fully, the crew will assign you a sailing position and instruct you on exactly what to do. Hands-on sailing experience isn’t necessary, just a desire to be in the heart of the action. Regardless, your time onboard will be exhilarating as the massive sail area can drive your premier racing class boat to speeds as high as twelve knots.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Sail a 12-metre-class boat that once competed in either the America’s Cup or America’s Cup Trial Series.
• Participate hands-on if you wish or simply come along for the exhilarating ride.
• Learn about the history of your racing vessel and the America’s Cup competition.
• Admire the views of Narragansett Bay and you race through its waters.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Snap selfies at the most photogenic spots in and around Newport, many of them iconic attractions that define the city. To ensure the best possible results, a selfie tutor will offer tips so you can capture just the right angle, lighting, and composition for every shot. Your pictures will be ideal for posting on social media and sharing in other ways.

As you ride through Newport, you will pause at designated selfie stops that include:
• Fort Adams State Park
• Brenton Point State Park
• Cliff Walk

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take inspiring selfies at the most photogenic attractions in Newport.
• Follow tips from your selfie tutor to ensure the very best pictures.
• Learn the historical significance of the locales while enjoying their dramatic settings.
• Pose on the Cliff Walk trail with the Atlantic Ocean crashing in the background.
• Capture stunning harbor views at Fort Adams State Park for the perfect selfie backdrop.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.