Newport Cliff Walk - Legends of the Gilded Age GPS Guided Audio Tour

Newport , United States

Newport Cliff Walk - Legends of the Gilded Age GPS Guided Audio Tour

Active

(12 reviews)

1h - 3h

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This tour hits the highlights of Newport's Cliff Walk, including detailed stories of the Gilded Age and the families that inhabited the mansions found along the Cliff Walk. You can take this tour anytime during daylight hours. Once you make the booking, we will provide you with a link to download the app as well as a voucher code for the tour.

This tour includes about two hours of audio, making it one of the most comprehensive self-guided tours available. We cover a wide range of topics from the rise of the Vanderbilt family, servant life within the mansions, and the hierarchy of Newport's exclusive society at the turn of the 20th century. This tour is extremely affordable, convenient, and sure to answer all of your questions regarding this curious time in American history.

This tour uses the VoiceMap app and is GPS-enabled. The audio is delivered at the right place and time with turn-by-turn directions, meaning that you won't need to keep looking at your phone.

Available options

Newport Cliff Walk - Legends of the Gilded Age GPS Guided Audio Tour

What's included

Voice Map GPS Enabled App

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

We embark on a 3.5-mile walk of Rhode Island's most popular attraction. Along the way, we pass by many Gilded Age mansions and discuss the origin stories and peculiarities of the families that lived there.

We begin our tour at this breathtaking view of Narragansett Bay and explore how this stairway to the rocks below became a pavilion for ad hoc music and dancing parties for the servants who staffed the luxurious mansions at the top of the cliff.

Many of the buildings that comprise this Catholic University were once Gilded Age mansions or supporting buildings on the estate. Ochre Court and Vineland Estate are two former estates that were donated to the University when their owners finally couldn't bear the costs. Hear their stories as you walk past these elegant homes.

Stop 4

You will walk past the largest mansion in Newport, once the summer home to the Vanderbilt family. You may exit the Cliff Walk and tour the interior if you wish (separate fee applies).

Stop 5 Pass by

As you walk past this elaborate mansion, we will talk about its original owner, Mrs. Alva Vanderbilt, and how she tore open the previously closed door to Newport's polite society, reshaping its power structure.

Stop 6 Pass by

This mansion was the home of heiress and socialite Doris Duke, who led an eccentric lifestyle. Learn about "the richest little girl in the world," how she lived, and how she might have gotten away with murder (only the ghosts know for sure).

We end our tour at this private beach club. Although access is restricted during the height of summer, you may walk the sandy beach or take a dip where the Astors and Vanderbilts played during the Gilded Age during the shoulder seasons.

Available languages

Audio guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.5

8 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 2.8

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Meeting point

This is a self-guided audio tour. No tour guide will be present during your tour. All audio files will be streamed through your smartphone or other compatible devices.

Important notes

How to access your tour:
1. Download the Voice Map app. This can be done by searching "Voice Map" within the Apple App Store or Google Play Store
2. Create an account with Voice Map
3. Select "Tour Codes" from the bottom menu, then select the "Enter Codes" tab.
4. Enter the code "7d4a3534". This code is valid for the number of tours that you purchased.
5. Select Download Now.

PLEASE ALSO NOTE:
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• The download should only take a few minutes to complete. If it takes longer, please cancel the download, go to Account, select Purchased and download the tour from there.
• Remember to bring your own headphones.

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.