Enjoy the grandeur of Newport’s Gilded Age mansions on this two-day small-group tour from Boston. With round-trip transportation, admission to iconic estates like The Breakers and Marble House, and time to explore the charming coastal town, this comprehensive package offers an enriching experience for history and architecture enthusiasts. From the opulent interiors to the picturesque landscapes, discover why Newport’s renowned summer retreats captivated the elite of a bygone era. But the true allure of this journey lies in the untold stories waiting to be unveiled.
Key Points
- A two-day small-group tour from Boston to Newport, Rhode Island, with admission to the Breakers and Marble House mansions.
- Guided tour of Newport’s key landmarks, including St. Mary’s Church, Touro Synagogue, Fort Adams, and U.S. Naval War College.
- Round-trip transportation via air-conditioned mini coach bus with pickup and drop-off at select downtown Boston hotel locations.
- Includes a discount card for the International Tennis Hall of Fame and a comprehensive tour package for a seamless experience.
- Opportunity to explore the charming coastal town of Newport during 2 hours of free time.
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Tour Overview
The two-day trip from Boston to Newport, Rhode Island, known as ‘America’s First Resort’, offers a small-group tour limited to 14 people for personalized attention.
The tour includes admission to the grand Breakers mansion and the magnificent Marble House mansion.
Guests will enjoy a guided tour of Newport, visiting St. Mary’s Church, Touro Synagogue, Fort Adams, and the U.S. Naval War College.
Plus, they’ll have 2 hours of free time to explore the charming coastal town.
The tour package provides round-trip transportation via air-conditioned mini coach bus, with pickups and drop-offs at 5 downtown Boston hotel locations.
Travelers also receive a discount card for the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
Included in the Tour
Aside from the guided tour and free time to explore Newport, the day trip package includes round-trip transportation via air-conditioned mini coach bus, with pickup and drop-off at 5 downtown Boston hotel locations. Plus, travelers receive admission to The Breakers and Marble House mansions, as well as a discount card for the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
Tour Inclusions | Details |
---|---|
Transportation | Round-trip via air-conditioned mini coach bus |
Hotel Pickup/Drop-off | 5 downtown Boston locations |
Mansion Admissions | The Breakers and Marble House |
Discount Card | International Tennis Hall of Fame |
The comprehensive tour package ensures a seamless and enriching experience for travelers exploring the historic charm of Newport, Rhode Island.
The Breakers Mansion
It’s the grandest of Newport’s summer mansions, a symbol of the Vanderbilt family’s social and financial preeminence. Visitors can explore the opulent interior through a self-guided audio tour, while capturing photos of the breathtaking ocean view behind the mansion.
The Breakers was built in the late 19th century as a summer home for the Vanderbilt family. Its architectural style draws inspiration from the Renaissance-era Italian palaces, featuring ornate details and lavish furnishings throughout its 70 rooms.
Touring this Gilded Age estate offers a glimpse into the extravagant lifestyles of America’s wealthiest families during a time of rapid industrialization and economic growth.
The Elms Mansion
A National Historic Landmark, the Elms was the summer home of the Berwind family, designed after a mid-18th-century French Château d’Asnières and completed in 1901 at a cost of roughly $1.4 million.
The Elms is one of the grandest of Newport’s Gilded Age mansions, showcasing the immense wealth and opulence of the era.
Visitors can explore the meticulously restored interiors, admiring the lavish furnishings, priceless artwork, and intricate architectural details.
The Elms’ magnificent gardens and surrounding landscape add to the property’s grandeur, offering a glimpse into the extravagant lifestyle of the American elite during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
St. Mary’s Church
St. Mary’s Church stands as a historic landmark in Newport, where President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier exchanged their wedding vows.
The Roman Catholic church, dating back to the 1800s, features a stunning Gothic Revival architecture, complete with intricate stained-glass windows and a towering spire.
Visitors can admire the church’s beautiful interior, which includes a high altar, ornate pews, and impressive vaulted ceilings. It’s easy to imagine the grandeur of the Kennedys’ wedding ceremony, which took place here in 1953.
Today, the church continues to serve as a place of worship and a popular attraction for those interested in Newport’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Touro Synagogue
Touro Synagogue stands as the oldest synagogue building still in use in the United States, dating back to the 18th century.
Designed in the Palladian architectural style, the synagogue’s elegant interior features richly decorated bimah, intricate woodcarvings, and stunning brass chandeliers that illuminate the space.
Designated as a National Historic Site, this landmark continues to serve as an active place of worship for the local Jewish community while also welcoming visitors to explore its remarkable history and cultural significance.
Located in Newport, Rhode Island, Touro Synagogue was founded in 1763 and played a pivotal role in the American Revolution, becoming a symbol of religious freedom and tolerance.
Fort Adams and Naval War College
Along With the historic Touro Synagogue, Newport boasts two other notable landmarks – Fort Adams and the U.S. Naval War College. Fort Adams, a former U.S. Army post, stands as one of the largest coastal fortifications in the country, while the Naval War College serves as the ‘Home of Thought’ for the United States Navy. Visitors can explore the fort’s impressive stone walls and gain insight into its strategic military role. The Naval War College, meanwhile, is renowned for its groundbreaking research and education, shaping the future of naval warfare. These unique attractions provide a fascinating glimpse into Newport’s rich history and strategic significance.
Fort Adams | Naval War College |
---|---|
Largest coastal fortification in the U.S. | Home of Thought for the U.S. Navy |
Impressive stone walls | Renowned for research and education |
Insight into military history | Shaping the future of naval warfare |
Cliff Walk
Winding along Newport’s scenic coastline, the Cliff Walk offers visitors a chance to take in the city’s breathtaking ocean vistas.
This iconic 3.5-mile path provides an opportunity to stroll alongside the crashing waves and historic Gilded Age mansions that dot the shoreline.
The Cliff Walk features:
- Spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, Easton’s Beach, and the mansions along Bellevue Avenue.
- A mix of paved and natural paths, some of which require navigating rocky terrain.
- Interpretive signs that share the history and ecology of the area.
- Access to several beaches and coves, perfect for a refreshing dip or picnicking.
Whether seeking a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike, the Cliff Walk is a must-do activity for visitors to Newport.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Tour Departure and Return Times?
The tour departs Boston and returns to Boston, but the specific departure and return times are not provided in the knowledge given. The tour is a 2-day trip from Boston to Newport, Rhode Island.
Is There a Dress Code for the Mansion Tours?
There is no strict dress code for the mansion tours. However, visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable, smart-casual attire to blend in with the historic setting and respect the traditional atmosphere of the mansions.
Can We Take Photos Inside the Mansions?
Visitors can typically take photos inside the mansions, though some restrictions may apply. Photography policies can vary, so it’s best to check with staff upon arrival. Visitors should be respectful and avoid using flash or interfering with guided tours.
Do We Have Time for Lunch in Newport?
The tour includes two hours of free time in Newport, providing an opportunity for participants to explore the town and have lunch at one of the local restaurants. The schedule allows ample time for dining during the day trip.
Is Gratuity for the Driver Included in the Tour Price?
The tour price does not include gratuity for the driver. Travelers are expected to provide a tip to the driver at their discretion, based on the driver’s performance and the quality of service received during the tour.
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Recap
This captivating two-day small-group tour from Boston to Newport, Rhode Island, provides an immersive experience showcasing the grandeur of the Gilded Age mansions, including The Breakers and Marble House.
Visitors will also explore Newport’s historic landmarks, enjoy round-trip transportation, and have free time to discover the charming coastal town, offering a seamless and enriching journey through the opulence and history of this renowned summer destination.