Newport, RI: Gilded Age Christmas

Newport, RI: Gilded Age Christmas

Trip Duration: 3 Days

 

 

Trip Inclusions:

• Meals: 2 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

• Tour Director

• Overnight accommodations

• Deluxe motorcoach transportation

• Baggage handling and related gratuities

• Taxes 

 

 

Trip Highlights:

 

Newport Sightseeing Tour

Enjoy the charm of Newport's historic buildings and restored homes on this guided tour. Take in the rugged beauty of Ten-Mile Ocean Drive and fabulous mansions along tree lined Bellevue Avenue.

 

Blithewold Mansion & Gardens

Located on Narragansett Bay, Blithewold is one of the finest garden estates in New England. Our exploration of Blithewold includes diverse gardens, specimen trees, and a 45-room English style manor house, all chronicling the rich social history of one family over a span of more than 80 years. The first floor is wheelchair accessible. There is no elevator inside the mansion to lead to 2nd floor. Benches are located throughout the grounds. Comfortable walking shoes and weather appropriate attire are highly recommended for touring the gardens and grounds.

 

The Breakers

Built by Cornelius Vanderbilt II, one of the richest men in America, The Breakers was everything a millionaire of the Gilded Age could want in a summer getaway. A classic Italian palazzo design, the finest American and European craftsmanship, views of the sea, and modern technology combined to make the ideal setting for luxurious living and entertaining. The Breakers was built from 1893-1895 to replace a smaller, wooden house that had been destroyed by fire. To reduce the risk of another fire, Vanderbilt and his wife, Alice, commissioned architect Richard Morris Hunt, a leading architect of the Gilded Age, to design the new structure of steel, brick and limestone; utilities such as the boilers were placed underground and away from the house.

 

Thames Street

The very center of the City by the Sea's downtown area, Thames Street is lined on either side with a myriad of shops, restaurants, and bars, making it a worthwhile place to stop and enjoy.

 

Marble House

Marble House was built for Alva Vanderbilt, by her first husband, William Vanderbilt of New York. Mr. Vanderbilt gave the house to his wife as a 39th birthday present. The Vanderbilts divorced in 1895 and Alva married Oliver H.P. Belmont, moving down the street to Belcourt. After his death, she reopened Marble House, and had a Chinese Tea House built on the seaside cliffs, where she hosted rallies for women's right to vote. Partially Wheelchair Accessible

 

 

Meal Information:

 

Dinner on day one will be served at Johnny's Restaurant. Choices include:

• Chicken Piccata with capers

• 12 oz. New York Sirloin grilled 

• Vegetarian

All Entrees are served with potato and vegetable.

Menus subject to Change.

 

 

Need to Know:

 

 

Accessibility:

At Blithewold Mansion & Gardens, the first floor is wheelchair accessible. There is no elevator inside the mansion that leads to the 2nd floor. Benches are located throughout the grounds. Comfortable walking shoes and weather appropriate attire are highly recommended for touring the gardens and grounds.

 

Marble House is partially wheelchair accessible: -Accessible by the front door with 1 step -Access to 2nd floor by elevator and stairs -Mezzanine, kitchen and pantry not accessible -2nd floor has a handicap accessible restroom.

 

Starr has a select quantity of wheelchair accessible motorcoaches available; therefore, we suggest you contact a Travel Advisor to discuss any needs you may have before reserving your trip.

Wyndham Newport Hotel, Middletown, RI

 

The Wyndham Newport Hotel is your waterfront retreat near historic downtown Newport. The hotel features an indoor saltwater pool, exercise room, and firepits in the outdoor space. Guest rooms include 1 or 2 King size beds, hairdryer, coffee maker, iron/board, mini-refrigerator, and microwave.