This walking tour will specifically discuss the period of time known as the "Gilded Age", originally a satirical term coined by Mark Twain to refer to the disparity of wealth in the late 19th to early 20th centuries.

You'll hear the stories of these seasonal mansions, their owners, and their staff members who made running them possible, all while walking through the beautiful Bellevue Avenue district of Newport. The walking tour is conducted from the exterior of all buildings, but there is an opportunity at the end for you to visit the Breakers (or if you prefer, a different house)

If you intend to tour the Breakers after the walking tour, I recommend downloading the Newport Mansions app prior to the tour and bringing your headphones with you for the best experience.

*DO NOT DRIVE YOUR CAR TO THE TOUR STARTING LOCATION* There is no public parking along the walking route unless you are purchasing a ticket to visit one of the mansions-there is public transportation available and Uber/Lyft services available

A Historic Stroll Down Past Newport's "Summer Cottages"

Gilded Age of Newport Walking Tour

Sit back, relax and let me introduce you to the history and unique beauty of our City by the Sea. It's easy to be overwhelmed in choosing what to do while in Newport. First time visitors should see the Ocean Drive, the mansions, and the many historic points of interest.

As a local, I know the popular spots as well as the hidden gems. Once I know a little bit about you, I can better tailor the tour to your particular interests.
During our driving tour, I will point out the local attractions, scenic and historic. We'll ride down historic Bellevue Avenue and peek into places such as the architecturally significant Tennis Hall of Fame where many famous tennis players have slammed their way to victory on the grass court and get close to a 19th century Lighthouse on Narragansett Bay. Tickets to a Gilded Age mansion are included in this tour.

admission to the Breakers or Marble House Mansion

Tour Newports diverse architecture and landscape, with tickets to a gilded age mansion: the Breakers, Marble House or the Elms

Architectural Gems of Newport Half-Day private Tour

The Gilded Age - Private Bike Tour in Newport

The Gilded Age, approximately 1870-1910, was a period of unprecedented change in America. In our bike tour, this age comes alive. We will visit the incredible private estates built with the massive fortunes that were made very quickly and spent on lavish lifestyles. From the soaring marble columns at Marble House to the platinum wall panels at The Breakers, you will be immersed in these social and architectural landmarks.

Gilded Age pageantry is nowhere more on display than at the "summer cottages" of the Newport's Mansions, where the new millionaires sought to outshine each other. As your guide, being a local, easy going college professor, I will lead you on a fun tour that includes architectural history and local intrigue (don't forget the suspicious deaths associated with Doris Duke and Klaus von Bulow).

An additional aspect of this tour is the beautiful ride along Ocean Drive, with its raw natural beauty.

The following itinerary could be customized upon request:

De La Salle, or the William Weld Villa, designed by Dudley Newton in 1884.

Newport's Mansions: Architecture & Intrigue from the Gilded Age to present day.

Experience the opulence and decadence of The Gilded Age, a brief period in American history from approximately 1870 to 1900, as we meander through byways and along the shore of Newport, RI. Newport is rich with history, especially around the American Revolution, and the Gilded Age.

First is entry to The Breakers, home of Cornelius Vanderbilt II. Learn the lineage of the family and how the Vanderbilt fortune was amassed over time. Next we will tour The Elms, home of coal magnate, Edward Berwind.

Driving the Ocean drive and into downtown, I'll share my memories of family reunions on Narragansett Bay and discuss the British occupation of Newport. We then visit Newport Vineyards for wine/beer tasting. Light dining is available at the winery Wednesday through Sunday, or we can dine at one of the great restaurants downtown. Dining together, we'll have a chance to get to know one another. This is my favorite part of the tour.

Wine and beer packs are available for purchase, (not to be consumed in the vehicle)

A Day of Opulence and Decadence

Newport Mansions and Winery Tour

Newport Views and Vistas Shore Excursion w/Private Transportation

Let's enjoy Newport's most scenic landscapes on this private driving tour of the city. From the heart of its colonial port to the wild Atlantic coast, Newport's natural beauty has made it a destination and inspiration for centuries of travelers, writers, and artists.  
 
Overlooking the harbor, you'll learn about the city's founding in 1639 and how its specific geology made it one of colonial America's most important cities. As we enjoy the city's numerous beaches, you'll see how Newport became the Gilded Age's "Queen of Resorts, " attracting visitors from across the world. Finally, a drive to wild Sachuest Point will consider the future of Newport's environmental beauty and natural landscape.

A Panoramic Half-Day Tour of the City by the Sea

Walking Tour to the Quieter Side of Newport

Today Newport draws crowds to its bustling waterfront for delicious cuisine and fun atmosphere, but this city has had many identities over the years. Settled in 1639, it was a relatively quiet settlement but quickly grew to the largest in what is now Rhode Island.

Thanks to its harbor, it became a busy and wealthy port town until the Revolutionary War. After the Revolution, it later became a summer destination for the wealthy socialites who eventually built the "cottages" along Bellevue Avenue. Hear some of this rich history that Newport has to offer as we move away from the crowded waterfront district. This walking tour will show you some of Newport's most historical and famous landmarks along with neighborhoods that are rarely visited by tourists.

An Introduction to Newport's History

Welcome to this exciting seaside town in New England! Newport is known for it's gilded age mansions, colonial homes, world class sailing, beaches and much more. The HBO series" The Gilded Age " was filmed in these mansions that we will pass by!

This 90 minute road tour of Newport is ideal for the first time visitor to this city by the sea. As a local I can drive you around to point out the local attractions and diverse architecture that you'll want to go back to see on your own.

Ive lived in Newport for 50 years and can drive you to lovely locations you might not find on your own. Come with me for an overview of this scenic city and therefore a better travel experience.

Visit the scenic and architecturally diverse city of Newport for the first time

Newport Visit At A Glance!

Newport offers an incredible bicylce adventure. Cycling is the best way to see and experience Newport. It is a more immersive, active experience than car touring and you can cover most of Newport in two hours! This tour is an easy 10-12 mile pedal for those who are relatively fit or you can use an e-bike and feel like a Tour de France champion.

The centerpiece of this tour is Ocean Drive, 10 miles of commanding coastline on one winding road. We'll cover historic Bellevue Avenue and continue along for an undeniably tranquil journey with heart-stopping views, and the lovely smell of the sea. You'll pass by Gilded Age mansions, Hammersmith Farm where Jackie Kennedy grew up, Brenton Point State Park, Fort Adams State Park, and great swimming spots. You'll enjoy the sound of rippling waves meeting the shoreline.

We'll also visit some of Newport's famous Gilded Age neighborhoods. I am an easy going local college professor who loves sharing his knowledge of Newport and put safety first on bike tours!
Let's ride!

Brenton point and Jamestown from Ocean Drive.

Looking across to Hew York Yacht Club from Fort Adams.

Iconic New England stonewall at Hammersmith Farm.

The Cliff Walk behind the Vanderbilt manison, the Breakers.

International Tennis Hall of Fame. Designed by Mead, McKim and White.

Just one of the beautiful buidlings along the ride.

Inlet along ride, looking toward Seafair mansion, presently owned by Jay Leno.

Cycle through this beautiful city with a local college Professor!

Tour de Newport - Private Bike Tour

Socialites, presidents, and famous artists have all called Newport home. This introduction to the city and its history will follow their lives- and those of ordinary people who did the extraordinary.

As we weave the stories of these remarkable people together, we'll uncover the city's history and see many of its most famous sites. Along the harbor, we'll trace Ida Lewis's life as one of the country's most prominent lighthouse keepers. Down historic Bellevue Avenue, we'll follow in the footsteps of dressmaker Mary H. Dickerson and suffragette-socialite Alva Vanderbilt, learning how different women lived in Newport's Gilded Age. On the city's southern coast, the words of Henry James and Edith Wharton will come alive as we consider the natural beauty that has drawn visitors to Newport for centuries.

The Portuguese Discovery Monumnet on Ocean Drive

The City's History Through Its Famous Residents

Newport Notables History Driving Tour

This tour will last 2 hours and take you through both the Downcity and East Side neighborhoods of Providence. Our capital city was the first settlement in what has become Rhode Island. Roger Williams came to this sight with the help of the local Native Americans who lived here in 1636 from the Massachusetts Bay Colony, finding their rules on religion too strict.

By walking the city, you'll have the opportunity to absorb some great architectural treats are all too easy to miss when traveling by vehicle. It also affords us time to discuss the city's rich history in detail, and as one of the oldest cities in the United States, there is plenty to learn and explore together. This tour is great for people visiting for the first time, or for locals who are interested in learning a little more about the city.

A Stroll Through the History of Our Capital City

Providence Highlights Walking Tour

Photographing lovely, scenic locations and architectural gems in Newport, Rhode Island/3hour private tour

Let me introduce you to the history and unique beauty of our City by the Sea. I'd will be happy to drive you to photograph the architectural gems and the lovely scenic landscape of Newport. Visitors should see the Ocean Drive, the mansions, and the many historic points of interest which make up this amazing city.
As a local, I know the popular spots as well as the hidden gems and would love to share them with you.

Photographing this lovely city by the sea 

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:

Heretics, Artists, Pirates, and Religious Freedom!

Colonial Newport - Private Bike Tour

Benefit Street, the prestige address at the heart of Providence's East Side neighborhood, is a microcosm of the city's seventeenth-century development, later expansion, and contemporary culture. On this walking tour of the city's Mile of History, we'll enjoy everything from colonial architecture to contemporary art up close and appreciate how Providence's history has influenced life in the city today.

Culture and History on Providence's East Side

Historic Benefit Street Walking Tour

Rhode Island played a significant role in the early Atlantic slave trade. Newport at one point became the epicenter of the trade for all of North America. This walk through the downtown Newport area will highlight the role that Rhode Island played in this dark period of history. The tour will focus on how Newport and RI grew on the profits gained from the institution of slavery, as well as introduce abolitionists from the area and discuss how abolition was achieved in Rhode Island.

Rhode Island's Role in Slavery

Newport and the Slave Trade Tour

Sit back, relax and let me introduce you to the history and unique beauty of our City by the Sea. It's easy to be overwhelmed in choosing what to do while in Newport. First time visitors should see the Ocean Drive, the mansions and take a sail around Narragansett Bay - one of my favorite activities!

As a local, I know the popular spots as well as the hidden gems. Once I know a little bit about you, I can better tailor the tour to your particular interests. As an artist, I enjoy being surrounded by the beauty and culinary offerings of Newport and love sharing it with others. During our driving tour, I will point out the local attractions, scenic and historic. We'll ride down historic Bellevue Avenue and peek into places such as the architecturally significant Tennis Hall of Fame where many legendary tennis players have slammed their way to victory on the grass courts. A sail down the Narragansett Bay is priceless!

Introductory Tour of scenic Newport and tickets for a 1.5-hour sailboat tour of Narragansett Bay

Half-Day Newport Private Tour and Sailboat tour of Narragansett Bay - Laura B

Newport offers an incredible bicylce adventure. Cycling is the best way to see and experience Newport. It is a more immersive, active experience than car touring and you can cover most of Newport in four hours! This tour is an easy 12- 14 mile pedal for those who are relatively fit or you can use an e-bike and feel like a Tour de France champion. The tour covers 1.Colonial Newport, 2. Fort Adams, 3. Ocean Drive, 10 miles of commanding coastline on one winding road and  4. Gilded Age Mansions with a stop at the Cliff Walk.  I am an easy going local college professor who loves sharing his knowledge of Newport and put safety first on bike tours! Let's ride!

Providence tours

Explore with 16 tours and 5 guides.

Erin E.

$ 275 (USD)

Suzanne M.

$ 450 (USD)

Arthur S.

$ 200 (USD)

P Lucia V.

$ 875 (USD)

Sophie H.

$ 400 (USD)

Erin E.

$ 275 (USD)

Suzanne M.

$ 275 (USD)

Arthur S.

$ 200 (USD)

Sophie H.

$ 400 (USD)

Erin E.

$ 275 (USD)

Suzanne M.

$ 375 (USD)

Arthur S.

$ 200 (USD)

Sophie H.

$ 190 (USD)

Erin E.

$ 275 (USD)

Suzanne M.

$ 760 (USD)

Arthur S.

$ 720 (USD)

Meet your local guides in Providence

Customize your tour