Newport's Opulent Gilded Age Homes: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Newport , United States

Newport's Opulent Gilded Age Homes: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Active

1h - 1h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

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.

Available options

Newport's Opulent Gilded Age Homes: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

What's included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

App for Android and iOS

Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour

Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 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.

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.

Stop 3 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.

Stop 4 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.

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.

Stop 6 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.

Stop 7 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.

What's not included

Smartphone and headphones

Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour

Food and drink

Transportation

Available languages

Audio guide

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

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.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

Create an account

Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Newport

Newport is a charming coastal city known for its historic mansions, stunning ocean views, and rich sailing heritage. It offers a blend of history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture, making it a perfect destination for all types of travelers.

Top Attractions

The Breakers

The Breakers is a stunning Gilded Age mansion built by the Vanderbilt family. It offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of America's wealthiest families.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours $25

Cliff Walk

Cliff Walk is a scenic 3.5-mile trail that offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the famous Gilded Age mansions.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Newport Art Museum

The Newport Art Museum features a diverse collection of art, including contemporary and historical pieces, as well as rotating exhibitions.

Museum 1-2 hours $10

Must-Try Local Dishes

Clam Chowder

A creamy and hearty soup made with clams, potatoes, and cream.

Soup Contains dairy and seafood

Lobster Roll

A buttered and grilled roll filled with fresh lobster meat and lightly dressed in mayo or butter.

Sandwich Contains seafood and dairy

Stuffies

Quahog clams stuffed with a mixture of breadcrumbs, butter, and various seasonings.

Appetizer Contains dairy and seafood

Popular Activities

Sailing Kayaking Hiking Beachcombing Spas Yoga Museum visits Art galleries

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the most popular time to visit Newport, with warm weather and numerous events. The city is bustling with tourists, and all attractions are open.

15°C to 28°C 59°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Eastern Time Zone (ET) (GMT-5:00, GMT-4:00 during daylight saving time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Newport is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates. However, standard precautions should be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.