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

Soak in Newport's rich history and coastal beauty on this guided tour. Enjoy the charm of its historic buildings and meticulously restored homes, soak in the stunning scenery along Ten-Mile Ocean Drive, and admire the grandeur of the opulent mansions lining Bellevue Avenue's tree-shaded streets.

 

Blithewold Mansion & Gardens

Located on the shores of Narragansett Bay, Blithewold Mansion & Gardens stands as one of New England's most exquisite garden estates. This enchanting property features an array of stunning gardens, majestic specimen trees, and a 45-room English-style manor house, offering a glimpse into the rich social history of one family spanning over 80 years.

We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate attire for exploring 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

Thames Street lies at the heart of Newport’s vibrant downtown, bustling with charming shops, delightful restaurants, and lively bars. It's the perfect spot to explore, dine, and soak in the unique atmosphere of the City by the Sea.

 

Marble House

Marble House was built for Alva Vanderbilt as a lavish gift from her first husband, William Vanderbilt, to celebrate her 39th birthday. Following their divorce in 1895, Alva married Oliver H.P. Belmont and relocated to nearby Belcourt. After Belmont’s passing, Alva returned to Marble House and added the stunning Chinese Tea House on the cliffs, where she hosted events advocating for women's suffrage. Marble House offers a self-guided audio tour.

 

 

Meal Information:

 

Dinner on Day Two is included at Johnny's Restaurant, inside the Wyndham Newport Hotel. Choices are:

• Chicken Piccata with capers

• 12 oz. New York Sirloin grilled 

• Vegetarian

All Entrees are served with a potato side and vegetables.

 

Lunch on Day Two is included at Blithewold Mansions & Gardens.

Lunch will be a sandwich buffet and includes Chicken Bacon Avocado Sandwich, Caprese Sandwich with Fresh Mozzarella and Basil, Roast Beef Sandwich. All options come with potato salad, potato chips, and a choice of brownie or chocolate chip cookie.

 

Menus subject to Change.

 

 

Need to Know:

 

 

Accessibility:

At Blithewold Mansion & Gardens, the first floor is wheelchair accessible, but there is no elevator access to the second floor. Benches are conveniently placed throughout the grounds for resting. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate attire to fully enjoy the gardens and grounds.

 

Marble House offers partial wheelchair accessibility:

• The front door has one step for entry.

• The second floor is accessible by elevator or stairs.

• The mezzanine, kitchen, and pantry are not wheelchair accessible.

• A handicap-accessible restroom is located on the second floor.

 

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 one or two king-size beds, hair dryer, coffee maker, iron/board, mini-fridge, and microwave.