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Offered languages
- English
Hear the true stories that inspired the HBO show The Gilded Age on a self-guided walking tour down Bellevue Avenue, from Rough Point Mansion to The Breakers on Ochre Point Avenue.
Along the way, I’ll share the juicy details behind Newport’s palatial ”summer cottages” as you gaze at their impressive designs. You’ll find out about the owners of these homes, many of them New York’s most elite families including the Vanderbilts and Astors. I’ll also introduce you to the architects who designed them and the staff that kept these homes running despite harsh working conditions and low pay.
You’ll hear about the impact that the sinking of Titanic had on the owners of the Miramar Mansion, and how it took 36 staff members to look after Mable House, a holiday home used for only eight weeks of the year.
This hour-long stroll takes you behind the scenes to discover the personalities that built today’s Newport.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
This tour starts at 680 Bellevue Ave. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
This self-guided audio tour ends in front of The Breakers mansion on Ochre Point Avenue. You'll see the impressive stately home from the street.
Itinerary
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(Pass by)
Start the tour outside resplendent Rough Point. You'll hear all about Doris Duke and how she helped to save this home and dozens of others in Newport. Entrance fees to museums is not included with tour, though you can pause to enjoy.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Outside of Belcourt you'll hear tales of the Gilded age. A story told later in the tour will relate back to this beautiful "bachelor pad." Entrance fees to museums is not included with tour, though you can pause to enjoy.
Admission ticket free -
Marble House (Pass by)
Though smaller than some others, this Vanderbilt home is exquisite in every detail. Entrance fees to museums is not included with tour, though you can pause to enjoy.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Get a glimpse at this majestic home which has been in several Hollywood films. Entrance fees to museums is not included with tour, though you can pause to enjoy.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Walk through a few blocks of the University's campus. Although it extends beyond what you'll see on this walk, you'll get a feel for what student life is like at Salve Regina.
Admission ticket free -
Cliff Walk (Pass by)
There is an entrance to the Cliff Walk at the end of Ruggles ave, just next to the Breakers. You can choose to explore this ocean front path after the tour if you'd like. If you turn left from the Ruggles entrance, it is a well-paved path leading back towards the center of town. Turning right will take you back in the direction you've just come and you'll leave the paths behind to see how the Cliff Walk got its name.
Admission ticket free -
The Breakers (Pass by)
Finish your walk at another Vanderbilt property. The Breakers is the largest of the Gilded Age homes in Newport, and well worth a visit. Entrance fees to museums is not included with tour, though you can pause to enjoy.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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