Newport Rhode Island

Beechwood Mansion and Newport Highlights

Approximate Duration: 2 hour(s) 30 minute(s)
Prices starting from:
*48.00 USD (Adult)
*38.00 USD (Child)

This tour encompasses all the highlights of the Newport Scenic Drive, as well as a visit to the Astors Beechwood Mansion.

Begin your tour passing the historic colonial section of Newport and heading to the world famous Ocean Drive for spectacular views of Newports rocky coastline. Continuing along Bellevue Avenue, you soon arrive at Beechwood Mansion, where you are transported back in time with an introduction to Newport and its social elite through live interaction with actors and actresses portraying Mrs. Astors family, guests, and staff. The home was purchased in 1881 by William B. Astor Jr., grandson of John Jacob Astor, a German immigrant who made himself the richest man in America by investing in the fur trade and real estate. The family spent over two million dollars in renovations and with the help of Caroline Astor, also known as the Queen of American Society, the Mansion became the social center for New York Society during the Gilded Age. During your visit, Mrs. Astors family members, society friends, and serving staff guide you through the Mansion. Learn about the lifestyle of the colorful cast of characters who bring to life this time gone by.

Notes: This tour will require guests to walk and/or stand for approximately 60 minutes.

Colonial Newport Walking Tour
Approximate Duration: 1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

Prices starting from:
*24.00 USD (Adult)
*16.00 USD (Child)

The City of Newport is not only one of America’s oldest cities, it also has the distinction of having more original colonial period buildings than any other early American city.

In the heart of Newport’s National Registered Historic Landmark District, you will hear stories how this long neglected neighborhood became a model for historic preservation. With the help of tobacco heiress, Doris Duke, who personally financed much of the restoration, the Historic District is now home to over 80 fully restored colonial homes. Along the way, you will pass architect Peter Harrison’s Brick Market Museum, the Old Colony House, the White Horse Tavern, and the Quaker Meeting House. You will also stroll past Touro Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in the country and one of the many sites visited by President George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and others. You will return to the quay via the square where Hollywood producer-director Stephen Speilburg filmed the movie Amistad in 1997 using the city’s most picturesque landmarks.

Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 1.5 miles over level terrain. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Grand Mansions & Newport Highlights
Approximate Duration: 2 hour(s) 45 minute(s)

Prices starting from:
*42.00 USD (Adult)
*34.00 USD (Child)

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 of Newport your scenic drive will take you along the world famous Ocean Drive where you will have spectacular views of Newport’s rocky coastline. Continuing to Bellevue Avenue, you will 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 represented 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 guide offers insight into the life of this fascinating time in American History.

Note: This tour will require guests to walk and stand for approximately 45-mintues during their mansion tour at either "The Elms" or Rosecliff. Due to the popularity of the Newport Mansions, please anticipate a wait of approximately 30 minutes.

Newport Scenic Drive
Approximate Duration: 1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)
Prices starting from:
*28.00 USD (Adult)
*18.00 USD (Child)

On this tour you will enjoy the rich history and scenery of Newport from Colonial days, through the Gilded Age, to the present. With more than 150 points of interest, you will pass the historic district with fine examples of Colonial, Federal, and Victorian homes, many of which are designated as National Historic Sites. Other historic landmarks include Trinity Church, Redwood Library, and the Gothic Church of Saint Mary’s where Jacqueline Bouvier married Senator John F. Kennedy. You will then continue along the world famous 10-mile Ocean Drive where you will enjoy spectacular views of the rocky coastline.

Then its onto Bellevue Avenue where society’s millionaires of the early 20th century built their grand summer “cottages.” You will pass the opulent mansions of the Vanderbilts, Astors and Morgans, many of which have been beautifully preserved by the Newport Preservation Society. At the conclusion of your tour, you will have the option to stay in town to independently sightsee or shop, or you may return directly to the ship

Rose Island Lighthouse & Harbor Cruise

Approximate Duration: 2 hour(s) 30 minute(s)
Prices starting from:
*58.00 USD (Adult)
*46.00 USD (Child)

First lit in 1870, the lighthouse was lovingly restored to its original turn-of-the-century ambiance in 1993 and remains an inspiring example of classic American maritime architecture. A visit to this “living museum offers insight into a by-gone way of life spent tending the light and raising families in dedicated self-sufficiency. Following your visit to the lighthouse, you will join your naturalist guide for a leisurely walk along the island's circumference. Due to its strategic location, Rose Island has an interesting wartime history dating back to the Revolutionary War. Today, the island plays an important role as a wildlife refuge and home to a number of migrating birds. En route to Rose Island, you will enjoy a scenic Newport harbor cruise. With fresh sea breezes and beautiful coastal scenery, your captain will be happy to share with you the 350 year history of the establishment of the City-By-The-Sea and how it earned the title ‘Yachting Capital of the World. a Rich in maritime heritage, past and present, a scenic cruise on the Narragansett Bay is an excellent way to fully appreciate the colonial heritage, yachting history, and opulent ‘Summer Cottages. a

Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 1 hour over even and uneven surfaces as well as negotiate 2 flights of stairs. This tour will operate rain or shine. As the location of Rose Island is exposed to weather, it is suggested that you wear comfortable non-slip footwear and dress in layers, including a warm sweater, windbreaker and rain jacket. This tour is only suitable for those in good physical condition.

The Best of Newport
Approximate Duration: 3 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

Prices starting from:
*76.00 USD (Adult)
*58.00 USD (Child)

Experience the best that Newport has to offer with a scenic drive along famous Ocean Drive for spectacular views of Newport’s rocky coastline, a visit to The Elms, one of the grandest villas ever built in the United States followed by a catered lunch at The Elms Carriage House and courtyard.

Your narrated drive through Newport passes 150 points of interest, including the town’s colonial section with its many authentic and restored buildings, including White Horse Tavern, and Friends Meeting House. Pass by Trinity Church, Redwood Library, and the Gothic Church of Saint Mary’s, where Jacqueline Bouvier wed Senator John F. Kennedy. Travel along world famous 10-Mile Ocean Drive for spectacular views of the rugged coastline. Drive down Bellevue Avenue, where society’s millionaires built their fabulous "summer cottages," many beautifully preserved by the Newport Preservation Society.

Enjoy a guided tour of The Elms, one of Newport’s premier palatial ‘summer cottages’. This elegant French-style chateau, built in 1901 was the summer residence of Philadelphia coal magnate Edward J. Berwind and sits on a 10-acre park which includes an elegantly restored French Classical Garden. The estate contains every technological marvel of the time and was one of the first Newport houses to be fully electrified. Tour the magnificent public rooms of this mansion to catch a glimpse of the opulent ‘Gilded Age’ lifestyle. Following your tour, enjoy a catered lunch in the Elms Carriage House or the courtyard overlooking the Classical Sunken Garden. Your lunch includes your choice of a cold-cut sandwich, fruit, a cookie and beverage.

The Vanderbilt's Newport

Approximate Duration: 3 hour(s) 45 minute(s)
Prices starting from:
*60.00 USD (Adult)
*48.00 USD (Child)

Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt (1794-1877) established the family fortune in steamships and later in the New York Central Railroad. As the industrial revolution reached its zenith in the late 19th century, the Vanderbilts soon became the wealthiest family in America and chose Newport as their summer playground. On this tour you will learn about the family empire and visit two of the grandest villas ever built in the United States.

Completed in 1892, Marble House was modeled after the Petit Trianon at Versailles and took nearly four years to build with a total cost exceeding $11 million dollars. You will enjoy the stories of the elaborate parties of the Gilded Age as you tour the public rooms and grounds of Marble House. The grandest of Newport's summer "cottages," The Breakers was inspired by the 16th century palaces of Genoa and Turin. Originally constructed in France and reassembled here, the Grand Hall boats a 50-foot ceilings and is the largest room in any Newport mansion. Completed in 1895, the mansion is situated on a 13 acre estate overlooking a spectacular view of the rugged Atlantic Coastline.

Note: This tour will require guests to walk and stand for approximately 45-60 minutes at "The Breakers" and "Marble House" venues. Due to the popularity of the Newport Mansions, please anticipate a wait of approximately 30 minutes.