Newport: Mansions, Waves and Timeless Tales

Overview

Join us for a captivating day trip to Newport, Rhode Island — a city where America's colonial roots and Gilded Age grandeur come together against a stunning seaside backdrop. This unforgettable experience invites you to explore one of the most unique and storied destinations in the United States, where history, architecture, and natural beauty collide.

The journey beings along Newport’s legendary Ocean Drive and Bellevue Avenue, two of the most scenic and prestigious stretches of road in the country. Travel these historic routes as your knowledgeable host brings the past to life with fascinating stories of the families and fortunes that once defined America’s upper class — from the regal Vanderbilts and Astors to presidential favorites like the Kennedys. Along the way, you’ll even hear about Newport’s modern-day residents and visitors, including Jay Leno, Judge Judy, and other contemporary celebrities who have fallen under the city’s spell.

The tour includes a visit to the iconic Marble House, one of the most extravagant summer "cottages" built during the Gilded Age. Step inside this opulent mansion, designed by renowned architect Richard Morris Hunt and inspired by the Petit Trianon at Versailles. Wander through its gilded salons and marble-draped halls and gain a deeper understanding of the era’s architectural ambition and social extravagance.

Step back in time and explore the cobblestone streets of Newport’s Colonial-era Old Town, where charming boutiques and 18th-century buildings line the waterfront. With its historic churches, weathered wharves, and clapboard houses, this district offers a vivid glimpse into America’s early days as a thriving seaport.