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Private tour in Newport Sophie H

Best of Newport's Gilded Age Walking and Driving Tour

5.0

(6) reviews

-
Hours icon 2 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 2 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Sophie H.

5.0

Guide rating

34

Reviews

Tours delivered

27 hrs

Avg. response time

Welcome to Newport! I am a local historian and 10th-generation Rhode Islander eager to show you this beautiful state. Whether you're here to uncover the city's rich history or bask on our sunny beaches, I'm eager to show you Newport's iconic landmarks and hidden gems of the city. Our unique and immersive tours will go beyond the guidebooks with little-known histories, insider recommendations, and a personal understanding of how Rhode Island's history has shaped its present. As a PhD student in architectural history, I bring academic passion to the city along with my personal experience. Together, we'll create unforgettable memories as we delve into the vibrant culture and history of the region. All tours are easily customizable to your interests and transportation preferences– please feel free to send me a message!

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Sophie H.

Overview of your Newport tour

This two-hour long walking-and-driving tour will highlight the best of Newport's Gilded Age views and vistas, from the Cliff Walk to the historic mansions of Ochre Point and Bellevue Avenues and out Ocean Drive. We'll learn how Newport's location and history led to its nineteenth century reputation as the "Queen of Resorts" and appreciate is natural coastal beauty along the way.

Recent Reviews

Ann R.United States
3 weeks ago

Sophie was a fantastic guide. She was patient enough to wait while we finished our breakfast and then our tour started. Her car was comfortable and clean. We were so thankful to have booked a guide with a car as it was a rainy day. Sophie drove us all over Newport clearly explaining everything we saw. We love architecture and Sophie was able to include many architectural elements in our tour - thanks to her graduate studies. She was always willing to answer questions and we learned so much about Newport, its history and the Gilded Age. I would highly recommend Sophie as a guide!!! Thank you Sophie for making our short time in Newport even more special!!!!

Kim P.United States
November 2025

We really enjoyed this tour and appreciated all of Sophie’s insight, her vast knowledge and her driving skills. We were picked up on time and Sophie gave us good suggestions for lunch and shopping after the tour.

Kathy L.United States
October 2025

Excellent tour guide!! Knowlegeable and excellent diction so very easy to understand. She was very accommodating of our time schedule. The recommendations given for dining were excellent choices. We will definitely chose her again when we return for any future tours.

Maria D.United States
October 2025

We booked a custom tour with Sophie to include a stop for lunch to give my 90-year-old grandmother-in-law a little bit of a rest. Sophie was a fantastic guide -- very knowledgeable, energetic, and entertaining, sharing fascinating details about Newport's history and architecture in chronological order. What stood out most was how thoughtful and accommodating she was with having a member of our group with limited mobility and energy. Sophie adjusted the pace and made sure there was not too much walking, ensuring grandma could fully enjoy the city. It was such a memorable and personalized tour. We're back home now, and grandma can't stop talking about this tour! She had the best time, and I can't say enough about how pleased I am with our experience. I would highly recommend Sophie for anyone looking to explore Newport with a friendly expert who truly cares about the guests!!!

Your Newport tour itinerary

- From our predetermined meeting point, I'll give an overview of Newport's history from the colonial era to the middle of the nineteenth century as we drive to Bellevue Avenue, the backbone of Gilded Age Newport. - After parking on the campus of Salve Regina University, we'll leave the car for a walk along the Cliff Walk, appreciating both the coastal views and some icons of Newport's Gilded Age architecture. - From the Breakers, we'll get back in the car to see the southern end of Bellevue Avenue and its lesser-known mansions, discussing how Gilded Age Newport's society functioned during the summer season. - We'll follow the historic coaching route by driving out Ocean Drive, where attractions such as the Newport Country Club and Fort Adams stand amidst historic farmland. From Ocean Drive, we'll drive back to a predetermined ending point.

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Suv

This tour combines driving in my air-conditioned 2016 Subaru Outback, which seats 2-4 passengers, with some extended periods of walking. The tour can be converted to a fully driving tour if preferred, or if bad weather precludes us from leaving the car.

What's included
Private Guide
Private Transportation
Meeting location

Newport, Rhode Island, United States

The meeting location for this tour is flexible; please reach out to discuss details.

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Architecture
History
City Highlights
Day Trip
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
Tour reference number
1437395
Languages
English
French
Activity level
Moderate

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Newport best suited for?

This private tour in Newport is perfect for travellers who want to explore the highlights of Newport's Gilded Age with a knowledgeable local guide. It's ideal for those interested in history, architecture, and scenic coastal views. With a mix of walking and driving, it suits those who enjoy a moderate level of activity and want to experience both the iconic sites and lesser-known gems of Newport.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Newport be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 2 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 2 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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