Private tour in Newport Arthur S

Colonial Newport - Private Bike Tour

4.7

(3) reviews

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

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

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Arthur S.

4.9

Guide rating

9

Reviews

Tours delivered

6 hrs

Avg. response time

I'm a local college professor who likes to show people the many dimensions of Newport. I'm also a bike enthusiast and find that bike tours are a great way to visit many of the important sites in Newport in a reasonable time. For those who don't bike, I lead pedicab & walking tours. These can be from 2 hours to full day tours. Newport is home to about 400 colonial buildings, many gilded age mansions and beautiful beaches. Among the buildings I can show you on my tours are the oldest jewish synagogue in the US, the oldest tavern, the 1699 Quaker Meeting House, the first purpose-designed public library, the Vanderbilts' mansions, etc. There are also significant sites related to African American history, in particular, God's Little Acre, the largest colonial Black American burial area. There are truly too many important sites to list. I'm knowledgeable about all of these and their historical context, which I put into plain language. I also share local tales and gossip that add some spice to the tours, as my goal is to make them both interesting and fun. While I'm not a professional historian, I'm a history buff, with knowledge of the town's cultural, political and natural history. I use this knowledge to create tours that meet your interests and keeps your whole group engaged. For my tours, you can use your own bicycle or I can arrange for bike rentals of either pedal or electric assisted. Bicycles are the perfect way to explore Newport in a reasonable amount of time. Besides fun and learning, I also focus on safety during the ride. Lastly, if you would like to stop for a snack or a meal during or after the tour, I can help you select a place that matches what you would enjoy, from simple to formal dining. Licensed pedicab driver. BS and Ph.D. -MIT I've been a faculty member at UCSD, UNC, Duke, and the Graduate School of Oceanography, URI. I've been an invited speaker at Harvard, Yale, The University of Chicago, MIT, Cambridge University, and The Sorbonne among other institutions. I've taught at all levels from middle school to post graduate. My bike tours range from the very easy (3 miles in 2 hours) to the more rigorous (15 to 20 mile).

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Arthur S.

Overview of your Newport tour

Newport is home to more colonial buildings than any other city in the US. We'll visit the major sites by bicycle (pedal or e-bike) on an easy ride that is informative and fun. I'm an easy going local college Professor with knowledge of the political, religious, architectural and cultural history (as well as the long history of gossip!). Trust that I know how to keep it fun! Rhode Island is called the cradle of the "American Soul" and in many ways, Newport was its heart. From its beginning, freedom of religion (heresy to some) and democracy have been cornerstone concepts on which the city was built, and informed America's founding principles. This history can be experienced and explored on our tour when we visit the oldest synagogue in the US, the 1699 Quaker Meeting House, as well as colonial neighborhoods, cemeteries and of course the iconic Newport Tower whose origin is still a source of argument today. And don't forget the oldest tavern in the US, owned by a notorious pirate. Customizable itinerary:

Your Newport tour itinerary

·Our starting point will be Washington Square. ·Next, we'll pass by the Colony House, the USA's 4th oldest statehouse. ·We'll then reach Colonial Brick Market, Designed by Peter Harrison, 1762. ·Next, we'll get to the USA's oldest tavern (White Horse). ·We'll later pass by Quaker Meeting House, oldest house of worship in Rhode Island, 1699. ·Next, we'll visit Common Burial Ground, including "God's Little Acre" (largest African American colonial cemetery). ·We'll then walk by Newport's 1st street, home to the oldest continuously operating business in US. ·Later, Quaker Merchants' Houses, built on the harbor front when the city was a bustling seaport (1700s). ·Next, the oldest synagogue in the US, Touro, designed by Peter Harrison. ·Afterwards, USA's oldest purpose-built public library, Redwood. ·Then, Griswold House, Richard Morris Hunt's first major Newport work. ·Later, Newport Tower: Iconic, mysterious structure & city symbol. ·At last, Trinity Church: the oldest Episcopal parish in the state.

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: Bicycle

Bicycle or e-bike (provide own or rentals available).

What's included
Other: Fee is for tour
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. BicycleBicycle rental fees.
Meeting location

Newport, Rhode Island, United States

,Cruise: ,ByGuide: Old Colony House, Washington Square, hotel, or bike shop

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
City Highlights
History
Tour reference number
1165547
Languages
English
Activity level
Moderate
4.7

Traveller reviews for this private tour in Newport

3 reviews

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Newport best suited for?

This private bike tour in Newport is perfect for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and anyone interested in the colonial era of the United States. It's also ideal for those who enjoy cycling and want to explore the city in an active way. With Arthur S., a local college professor, as your guide, you'll gain deep insights into Newport's political, religious, architectural, and cultural history.

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
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason 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
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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