Nestled along the rugged New England coastline, Newport is a captivating destination that beckons visitors to explore its historic charm and breathtaking scenery. The Newport Scenic Trolley Tour offers an immersive experience, guiding travelers through the city’s renowned landmarks and hidden gems. With over 150 points of interest, including the iconic Thames Street and the stunning Ten-Mile Ocean Drive, this tour promises to unveil the very essence of Newport. As knowledgeable guides share engaging commentary, passengers embark on a journey that blends scenic vistas and rich history, leaving them intrigued and eager to discover more.
This experience made our list of the 4 Best Tours In Newport Rhode Island.
Key Points
- The Newport Trolley Tour showcases over 150 points of interest in the historic city, including Thames Street, the Newport Waterfront, and the opulent Breakers and Marble House mansions.
- The 90-minute narrated tour, led by expert guides, offers an immersive experience with scenic views of the city’s architecture, coastline, and Gilded Age estates along Bellevue Avenue.
- Guests can opt for an in-depth tour of The Breakers mansion, the opulent 70-room Italian Renaissance-style palazzo formerly owned by the Vanderbilt family.
- The trolleys are wheelchair-accessible and provide comfortable transportation for visitors to enjoy the rundown of Newport’s top attractions and highlights.
- The tour has received a high customer satisfaction rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars, with praise for the informative and engaging commentary provided by the knowledgeable guides.
Tour Overview
The Newport Trolley Tour offers a scenic and informative exploration of the historic city of Newport, Rhode Island.
This 1.5 to 3-hour guided tour takes visitors through the city’s downtown, showcasing over 150 points of interest. The tour includes views of historic Thames Street, the Newport Waterfront, and renowned estates like The Breakers and Marble House.
Guests can also opt to upgrade their ticket for a tour of The Breakers Mansion. The tour is wheelchair accessible and comfortable clothing is recommended.
With a high customer satisfaction rating of 4.9/5, the Newport Trolley Tour is a must-do activity for visitors to this picturesque coastal city.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Newport Rhode Island.
Tour Highlights
Exploring historic downtown Newport, the scenic trolley tour showcases over 150 points of interest throughout the city.
Visitors will view iconic landmarks like Historic Thames Street, the bustling Newport Waterfront, and the iconic mansions of Bellevue Avenue – The Breakers, Marble House, and Rosecliff.
The tour also provides scenic views along the Ten-Mile Ocean Drive, offering a glimpse of Newport’s stunning coastal landscape.
For those interested in a deeper dive, an optional upgrade allows access to a tour of The Breakers Mansion, one of the grandest Gilded Age estates.
With knowledgeable guides and comfortable transportation, the Newport Trolley Tour delivers an immersive experience of this historic New England destination.
Tour Experience
Visitors embark on a 90-minute narrated tour led by an expert guide, seeing the history and charm of Newport.
The tour is designed to be wheelchair-accessible, with ADA-compliant lifts on select trolleys. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended to fully enjoy the experience.
The trolleys provide a comfortable and scenic mode of transportation, allowing passengers to sit back and soak in the views. Whether it’s the historic downtown or the picturesque Ten-Mile Ocean Drive, the tour offers a rundown of the city’s top attractions and highlights.
The overall experience is highly rated by customers, who praise the knowledgeable guides and informative commentary.
Meeting Information
Guests can find the meeting point at the Newport Visitors Center next to the Marriott Hotel.
Pickup is located on the north side of the property adjacent to Americas Cup Avenue, at Post 3 across from Cardines Baseball Field. Guests should look for the red and green trolley 15 minutes prior to departure.
Convenient parking is available at the Newport Visitor Center.
- Easily accessible meeting point and pickup location
- Trolley ready for prompt departure
- Ample parking for a hassle-free experience
Customer Feedback
The Newport Trolley Tour has earned an impressive overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 448 reviews.
Customers consistently praise the tour’s knowledgeable guides, who provide informative and engaging commentary throughout the experience.
The transportation receives equally high marks, with reviewers noting the comfort and accessibility of the trolleys.
Visitors also highlight the excellent value for money, with many commenting that the tour exceeded their expectations.
Explore Historic Downtown
As one embarks on the Newport Trolley Tour, they’ll be immersed in the rich history and captivating architecture of the city’s historic downtown.
Traversing the iconic Thames Street, visitors will witness the well-preserved colonial buildings, quaint shops, and lively restaurants that have defined Newport’s character for centuries.
The tour also showcases the waterfront, where stunning views of the harbor and iconic yachts set the scene.
Highlights of the downtown exploration include:
- Strolling past the grand Georgian-style mansions that line Bellevue Avenue
- Admiring the intricate details and craftsmanship of the Breakers and Marble House
- Discovering the unique charm and vibrant energy of the thriving local community.
Scenic Ocean Drive
Departing the historic downtown, the Newport Trolley Tour winds its way along the scenic Ten-Mile Ocean Drive.
This picturesque coastal route offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the grand mansions that line Bellevue Avenue. Passengers can admire the iconic Breakers, Marble House, and Rosecliff, while the tour guide provides fascinating insights into the history and architecture of these Gilded Age estates.
The drive also showcases natural wonders, including craggy shorelines, pristine beaches, and the iconic Cliffwalk.
With each turn of the road, the tour unveils new scenic vistas, leaving visitors awestruck by the natural beauty and opulence that define Newport’s iconic landscape.
Mansion Tour Upgrade
For those seeking a more immersive experience, the Newport Trolley Tour offers an optional upgrade to include a guided tour of The Breakers mansion.
This opulent Gilded Age estate once belonged to the Vanderbilt family and showcases their extravagant lifestyle. The tour immerses visitors in the grandeur of the past, allowing them to:
- Marvel at the 70-room Italian Renaissance-style palazzo and its lavish interiors
- Learn about the architectural details and the family’s history
- Gain a deeper appreciation for the wealth and influence of the Vanderbilts during the late 19th century
This add-on tour complements the scenic trolley experience, providing a well-rounded exploration of Newport’s historic and cultural riches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Food and Drink Allowed on the Trolley?
Food and drinks are generally not permitted on the trolley tours. Passengers are advised to enjoy their meals and refreshments before or after the tour, as the focus is on providing a comfortable and distraction-free sightseeing experience.
Can We Get off the Trolley at Any Point During the Tour?
Passengers can typically get off the trolley at any point during the tour, though they may need to wait for the next scheduled trolley to continue the tour. Guests should check with the guide for specific instructions.
Are There Restroom Facilities Available on the Trolley?
Unfortunately, there are no restroom facilities available on the trolleys. However, restrooms can be accessed at the Newport Visitor Center, which is the tour’s departure point. Passengers are encouraged to plan accordingly before the tour begins.
Is the Tour Wheelchair or Stroller Accessible?
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with ADA compliant lifts on select trolleys. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended for the 90-minute narrated tour led by an expert guide.
Is There a Discounted Rate for Children or Seniors?
The trolley tour offers discounted rates for children and seniors. Children under 12 receive a 50% discount, while seniors 65 and older get a 10% discount off the regular adult price. Advance booking is recommended to secure the best deal.
Recap
The Newport Scenic Trolley Tour offers a delightful way to experience the city’s historic charm and stunning landscapes. With engaging commentary, scenic routes, and the option to explore the renowned Breakers mansion, this highly-rated experience provides an immersive look into Newport’s rich heritage. Suitable for all, the tour’s comfortable trolleys and knowledgeable guides ensure a memorable and accessible adventure.
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