Excursion The footsteps of the vanderbilt’s- america’s royalty tour at Newport

Explore the opulent lifestyle of the Vanderbilts, once the wealthiest family in America, during this picturesque, half-day excursion to their former 'summer cottages'.

Scenic Newport Tour & Ocean Drive

Depart the pier for the scenic drive along Thames & Wellington streets and past Fort Adams, then along the world-famous Ocean Drive for spectacular views of Newport's rocky coastline. Along the way, pass by the grand villas of the powerful men and influential women who made Newport America's leading resort, and a centre of the arts and architecture.

The Breakers

Located on 13 acres of land overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this 70-room mansion with its original furnishings is the most opulent of the Preservation Society buildings. The work of skilled European craftsmen is evident throughout The Breakers, and features fine Baroque ornamentation, high-relief carvings, magnificent mosaic ceilings and parquet floors. Following your audio tour, some time is made to browse the gift shop (time permitting) before continuing on to the Marble House.

Marble House

Completed in 1892 at a cost of $11 million and built of white marble with four Corinthian entrance columns, this Neo-classical masterpiece is the most impressive of the 'summer cottages' on famed Bellevue Avenue. There is marble throughout the mansion, and its furnishings are predominantly Louis XIV- and XV-style pieces that are original to the house. On the east lawn stands the replica of a classic, 12th-century Chinese temple. (Please be advised that The Elms will be visited instead of the Marble House on November 1, 2022.)

Your tour concludes with the drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Newport, Historic Thames, Streets, Fort Adams, Ocean Drive, Atlantic Ocean, Villas and Mansions, The Breakers, Gift Shop, Marble House, Bellevue Avenue "Millionaire Mile"

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking and extended periods of standing (for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes), with six steps to negotiate to enter The Breakers, six steps from the foyer to the Main Hall and a flight of stairs to access the second floor. A very narrow elevator is available. The Marble House is partially wheelchair accessible. Access to the second floor is available by stairs or elevator. Wheelchairs must be turned to exit the elevator. Due to space limitations inside the elevator, scooters and oversized wheelchairs cannot be accommodated. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilize a wheelchair; however, an escort must accompany wheelchair participants. . Preservation Society Mansions (The Breakers, Marble House, The Elms & Rosecliff) – Newport Mansion tours are self-guided, audio tours using the Newport Mansions App.  Guests must bring their own smart device with earbuds and download the Newport Mansions App.  Guests are encouraged to download the App prior to arrival at the mansions. The self-guided audio tour via App is available in English, French, Spanish, German & Chinese.  Additional house information, floor plans, historic photos and other information is available on the App.  Printed house narratives are available at the front door of each mansion. Photography is permitted inside the mansions; however, flash photography, selfie sticks and tripods are not. Due to the popularity of Newport mansions, entrance to them is strictly controlled; expect a wait of up to 30 minutes. The tour may operate in reverse order.