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Ultimate Newport Self-Guided Bundle Tour

4 (17)
Newport, US
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Ultimate Newport Self-Guided Bundle Tour

4 (17)
Newport, US
Share
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Experience the best of historic and coastal Newport with the Ultimate Newport Self-Guided Bundle Tour. This tour allows you to explore at your own pace, following a carefully chosen itinerary and live GPS map. Visit iconic mansions like the Bellevue House, the Elms, and the Breakers, as well as natural sights like Easton's Beach and Fort Adams State Park. With enriching audio and plenty of time to spend at each location, you won't miss a thing. Plus, the tour is available from the moment you book, with no expiration date. Ideal for groups, you only need to purchase one tour per car, and everyone can listen in. So why wait? Book your Ultimate Newport Self-Guided Bundle Tour and discover the beauty and history of Newport today.

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • Admission Not Included
  • 2 hours - 3 hours
  • Suitable for 1-2 Participants
  • Self Guided Experience & Audio Guided
  • Self-guided tour of Newport's top attractions
  • Ideal for groups: everyone can listen in
  • No expiration date, available from the moment you book
  • Enriching audio with plenty of stories and information
  • Flexible schedule, go at your own pace
  • Easy to use: Stories play automatically by GPS. Hands-free. Get HELP all day: Call, Chat, or Email.
  • Don’t miss a thing: Full itinerary, travel tips, professionally narrated, videos, text, hidden gems.
  • Offline use: No cell signal or wifi required. Offline GPS Map & route. Stop-to-stop direction.
  • Private tour in your/rental car: No group. Take breaks for photos/ snacks/hikes. Go at your own pace
  • App on your phone: A link to download the Tour Guide App by Action and Password for your tours.
  • Flexible schedule: Use any day, any time. Travel over multiple days or on next trip. Never expires.
  • Good value: Buy just one per car. Don’t pay for each person. Save money compared to a bus tour.
  • Transportation, parking fee, food/drinks
  • National Park/attraction Passes, entry tickets, or reservation

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Your Itinerary

Newport Visitors Information Center

Our journey begins in downtown Newport, just by the Newport Visitor Center. As we set off into the heart of Newport, we'll dive into the past to learn about Newport's hey-day: the Gilded Age. This era of nouveau-riche American elites like the Vanderbilts and Astors has been marked by gorgeous mansions. We'll explore the architecture and architects behind these designs as drive.

International Tennis Hall of Fame

At the International Tennis Hall of Fame intersection, we'll turn onto the famed Bellevue Avenue -- the most expensive avenue in America. We're about to see the most magnificent homes ever built in this country... facetiously known as "summer cottages". You can choose to pause here to check ou the Hall of Fame, which features tennis greats.

Admission Not Included

Audrain Auto Museum

As we head down Bellevue, we'll soon pass the Audrain Auto Museum and won't be able to help by admire it! It boasts both beautiful architecture and a frequent rotation of stunning cars.

Admission Not Included

Edward King House

We'll take a quick detour off of Bellevue to get a closer look at the Edward King House, just one block away. This is our introduction to the mansions of Newport.

Kingscote

As we head back to Bellevue, we'll see our very first Newport Mansion: Kingscote. We'll learn all about this summer home and it's inhabitants over the years. You can even take a tour of the inside.

The Bellevue House

Bellevue House is next on our journey. This gorgeous mansion has a rich facade - and a long history to match! Since it's not open for tours, we won't try to pause here.

Admission Not Included

Isaac Bell House

As we continue down Bellevue Avenue, we'll pass more eye-catching homes: Issac Bell House and Snug Harbor. We'll learn about the unique owners of both homes, and can choose to stop at Issac Bell House for an interior tour.

Admission Not Included

The Elms

Finally, we'll see the Elms. This masterpiece was designed for the coal baron Edward Julius Berwind and inspired by France's Château d'Asnières. Here we'll want to slow down as much as possible to hear about the Berwinds -- and maybe pull inside for a tour!

Admission Not Included

424 Bellevue Ave

When we spot Mr. Belmont's statue, we'll turn off Bellevue. We're now heading towards some of the largest and finest mansions in Newport -- and they're technically not even on this famously expensive avenue! As we drive, we'll learn a bit about Belmont -- whose fascinating story we'll pick back up when we see another grand house later on the tour.

Chepstow

As we journey along, we'll pass Chepstow, a gorgeous Italianate house museum built-in 1860. Its original inhabitant isn't usually discussed in Newport histories... but has a long connection to both early American settlers and to the nouveau-riche of the Gilded Age. We can stop here for a tour as well.

Ochre Court

Ochre Court will immediately arrest our eyes! This châteauesque mansion cost of $4.5 million... in 1892. And it certainly shows! Now the centerpiece of the Salve Regina University, this mansion isn't open for tours... but that won't stop us from learning all about it's rich and fascinating history!

Admission Not Included

McAuley Hall

Vikings-inspired Vinland is now Salve Regina's McAuley Hall. As we pass this beautiful red-stone mansion, we'll learn all about it's inspiration and its unique owner.

Admission Not Included

The Breakers

Finally, we reach Newport's highlight: The Breakers. This Vanderbilt mansion is the biggest and the best of all of Newport's summer cottages -- and you can tell. We'll look past the towering wrought-iron gates, along the winding gravel drive, and up to the majestic and marvelous mansion's facade. We'll dive into the Vanderbilt backstory, the mansion's architectural wonders, and much more while here. This is another great opportunity to hop out for a tour.

Admission Not Included

Chateau-sur-Mer

As we head back towards Bellevue Avenue, we'll pause to check out the delicate beauty of Chateau-sur-Mer. Not only is the first Gilded Age mansion in Newport, but it also boasts one of the most beautiful, green, sprawling gardens. Both the house and the gardens are open for an optional tour.

Admission Not Included

National Museum of American Illustration

Right on the corner of Bellevue, we'll pause once again for a glimpse of Vernon Court. This mansion holds a different type of treasure inside: the National Museum of American Illustrations. Norman Rockwell fans simply can't skip this hidden gem.

Admission Not Included

Frederick Law Olmsted Park

We continue our journey along Newport's Bellevue Avenue, passing the historic Frederick Law Olmstead Park and learning about this historic landscape architect -- and his Gilded Age gardens.

Rosecliff

Rosecliff is next on our path. This is arguably the most beautiful of the Newport Mansions, and it contains a rotating exhibition gallery on it's top floor. If you pause here for a tour, you'll also be treated to phenomenal ocean views.

Admission Not Included

Gustave White Sotheby's International Realty

As we continue, we'll pass the Astors' summer cottage: Beechwood. Mrs. Astor famously had a "300 List" - the definitive list of the 300 people she considered high society. Where did that number come from? Well, this ballroom actually! It fit 300 guests. We'll learn more about this list, the Astors, and the Gilded Age as we continue to drive down Newport's Bellevue Avenue.

Marble House

Our journey now takes us past Marble House, one of the most opulent and magnificent of Newport's Mansions. This Gilded Age marvel is another Vanderbilt home, and actually has one of the most interesting histories of all the mansions here. We'll learn all about Marble House and it's owners as we continue onwards -- or you can pause here for a tour.

Admission Not Included

Belcourt of Newport

We'll then pass three amazing homes in a row: Beaulieu House, Miramar, and Belcourt Castle. All three of these beautiful mansions were built in the 1800s and belonged to Gilded Age elites. Like the other Newport mansions, they were only ever intended to be used as summer homes, and left vacant for the rest of the year.

Rough Point Museum

We're now at the end of Bellevue Avenue and can catch a glimpse of an English Manorial style home through the trees: that's Rough Point. Now a museum open for tours, we'll learn all about it's the eccentric (and possibly dangerous) owner.

Bailey’s Beach

Our tour along the beautiful Cliff Walk ends near another beach: Bailey's Beach. The northeast end of the beach, where the Cliff Walk ends, is open to the public, but Bailey’s Beach itself is private, welcoming only a very exclusive club.... reminiscent of Mrs. Astor’s “400” list. Perhaps the Gilded Age lives on in Newport!

Gooseberry Beach

As we meander along this scenic path, we'll enjoy the fresh ocean air and relative calm. As we drive, we'll dive into the history of seafaring, trading, and yachting in Newport -- much of which finds its roots in the Gilded Age. As we continue, we can choose to pause at some of the public beaches to stretch our legs.

Brenton Point State Park

Our journey continues past Brenton Point State Park, which boasts magnificent ocean views and sprawling green lawns. We'll try to spot the lighthouse as we continue forward.

Castle Hill Inn

We'll continue past Castle Hill Inn and it's a lighthouse, learning a bit more about Newport's history after the Gilded Age.

OceanCliff Hotel

Next up, we'll pass OceanCliff and the Newport Country Club. We're now at the farthest point along the Ocean Drive.

Hammersmith Farm

Our journey brings us to Hammersmith Farm, the childhood home of Jackie Kennedy. Jackie and JFK would later return to summer here, enjoying the same scenery, views, and breeze that you feel today!

Fort Adams State Park

We'll continue both our history lesson and journey into Fort Adams, as we explore this historic site and it's significance to Newport's independence.

Beacon Rock

As we turn the corner on Ocean Drive, we'll gatch a glimpse of Beacon Rock through the trees. We'll learn a little about this mansion's history as we admire it's facade.

Bonniecrest

Our journey then brings us to BonnieCrest, home of the Worcestershire Sauce family! We'll then push forward to Harbor Court and finally, get some more scenic ocean views.

Ida Lewis Rock

Off the in the distance, we'll see Ida Lewis Rock. As we pass by, we'll learn all about Ida Lewis' heroic activities here.

Rochambeau Statue and Monument

We'll continue past the historic Rochambeau Monument, celebrating the French commander's assistance in the fight against the British for American independence.

Spencer Park

Our journey then brings us to Newport's Irish District or 5th Ward. Here we'll explore the lives behind the scenes -- those of the workers that made the Gilded Age possible.

Newport Public Library

Our tour through Newport finally ends at historic St. Mary's Church, almost a full circle to where we started out at the Newport Visitor Center!

Easton's Beach

Embark on this scenic walk at the Cliff Walk entrance by Easton's Beach. We'll learn a little about Easton's Beach as we set off on this journey, followed immediately by a short look at the Chanler. As we continue along, we'll dive into Newport's history, the effect of the Gilded Age, and the Cliff Walk's creation. We'll also learn a little about the "old-money" families, like the Vanderbilts and Astors, whose grand summer cottages line the Cliff Walk.

Forty Steps

Our first major stop comes at the iconic Forty Steps. This is an alternative starting point for the tour and a wonderful opportunity to walk down these historic steps and appreciate the wild beauty of the crashing waves in front. We'll learn about the Gilded Age elites who tried to keep access to the Cliff Walk for themselves by building a wall -- and about the lower-class residents who tore those walls down! Thanks to their battles, this beautiful pathway has remained open to the public.

Lands End

As we near the end of the Cliff Walk, we'll see one final mansion: Land's End. This was the home of Edith Wharton, the gifted author who abhorred being a Gilded Age elite. We'll learn all about Wharton and her works as we continue.

More about this experience

Introduction

Experience the charm and beauty of historic Newport at your own pace with the Ultimate Newport Self-Guided Bundle Tour. This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the top attractions in Newport, including iconic mansions like the Bellevue House, the Elms, and the Breakers, as well as natural sights like Easton's Beach and Fort Adams State Park. With a carefully chosen itinerary and a live GPS map, you can easily navigate your way through this coastal city and immerse yourself in its rich history and stunning landscapes.

What to Expect?

During the Ultimate Newport Self-Guided Bundle Tour, you can expect to discover the fascinating stories behind Newport's most renowned landmarks. As you explore each location, the tour's audio guide will provide informative and entertaining commentary, bringing the history and significance of each site to life. With the convenience of a self-guided tour, you have the flexibility to spend as much time as you want at each stop, ensuring you can fully soak in the beauty and atmosphere of Newport.

Who is this for?

This self-guided tour is perfect for anyone who wants to delve into the history and allure of Newport. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, this tour offers something for everyone. Ideal for groups, only one tour per car is needed, allowing everyone to listen in and enjoy the experience together. The Ultimate Newport Self-Guided Bundle Tour is designed to be inclusive, welcoming individuals of all ages and backgrounds who seek an enriching and immersive exploration of this captivating destination.

Why Book This?

Embark on the Ultimate Newport Self-Guided Bundle Tour and unlock a world of unique selling points and advantages. With the Tour Guide App by Action, you'll have access to a wealth of resources, including a full itinerary, travel tips, professionally narrated stories, videos, hidden gems, and even offline use. This means you can enjoy the tour without worrying about cellular signal or Wi-Fi. The flexibility of a private tour in your own or rental car allows you to take breaks for photos, snacks, or hikes, and go at your own pace. Plus, with just one tour needed per car, it offers great value compared to traditional bus tours.

Good to Know

When booking the Ultimate Newport Self-Guided Bundle Tour, you'll receive an email with instructions to download the Tour Guide App by Action. Make sure to have a good internet connection for this step. The tour is available from the moment you book and has no expiration date, giving you the freedom to use it on any day, at any time, even on future trips. Additionally, the tour highlights important details, usage tips, and provides a stop-to-stop direction, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience exploring the best of Newport.

Reviews

Feedback from individuals who have purchased and used the Ultimate Newport Self-Guided Bundle Tour reveals their satisfaction with the tour's performance. They praise the easy-to-use audio guide that automatically plays based on GPS location, allowing for a hands-free experience. Travelers appreciate the comprehensive itinerary, professionally narrated stories, and the ability to discover hidden gems. The offline use feature, along with the offline GPS map and route, ensures a smooth journey, even without a cellular signal or Wi-Fi. Visitors also value the flexibility of the tour, as it can be enjoyed over multiple days or on future trips, offering excellent value for money compared to traditional bus tours.

Reviews

(17)

4 (17)

Mitch_P

We bought several viator tours in Hawaii which worked pretty well, so my fiancee suggested we try this one for Newport where we are now and have been many times. Every element from the purchase to the use of the audio tour in our car seemed deficient relative to those prior experiences. It uses a different app than I recall for one thing, which when first ran to get to the starting point opened a resident map utility on the phone. No problem there except after reaching the start point it took several minutes wondering why it didnt display where to go or turn that the actual relevant app remained hidden behind the navigation it opened. Then the app the tour actually uses does not display smoothly, rather the mapping is klunky and visually stutters. This is asde the less flexible feature of our prior experiences which allowed for starting anywhere. This one only had a specific start point. Parts of the tour also had highlights apparently too close together for the app to manage or not well coded to accommodate that situation such that the tour would be reciting it's audio for a site and would abruptly stop and commence the audio for a subsequent highlight. This happened repeatedly except for places where the highlights had greater geographical space between. The purchase and launch of this was also confusing - it was an audio tour, needed Just one for the car yet the point of purchases asks for a number of persons even though nothing about it was specific to how many people are in he vehicle, for example while it suggests stops at museums for example there are no admissions involved that world be per person ? Also, if you go off tour route and reverse yourself on any portion of the ride the app does not know that and will launch the audio highlights and the directional information will be confusingly reversed. Again a prior version we used on a previous trip seemed to have no such problem. You could start anywhere and the audio was apparently recorded to avoid such confusion.

Departure217661

I will start by saying we went to the area to spend time watching the ocean. We have seen the cottages (mansions) like Breakers before and they are really worth seeing if you haven’t. But there are a number of great places to view the ocean. The Cliff Walk is a good place to start for waves on rocks. Beach #1 and Beach #2 are also great sand beaches in the Newport immediate area, we watched many surfers at both. Beach #1 has a good size parking lot from which you can walk to the start of the Cliff Walk easily. We also ventured to Jamestown across the bridge from Newport, there are two state parks near there. Fort Wetherill State Park and Beavertail State Park that are good for Ocean views. Beavertail is particularly good for waves on rocks. We actually revisited that park 3 times during our stay. We stayed in the Newport RV park that is actually north of Newport in Portsmouth, it was a very nice campground with nice amenities and plenty of space around each site. Across the road from the park is a great diner, Jax Diner. Breakfast here is great, we did not try lunch (but I am sure it is great based on our breakfasts) and I think it is not open for dinner. We also made a trek down to Westerly along the coast and there were some very nice sand beaches down there. The Watch Hill area just south of Westerly was particularly picturesque around the light house. One final statement about Newport. There are many cruise lines that anchor in Newport harbor. This can cause overcrowding in downtown Newport. Many days we saw two cruise ships in the harbor. This is just a cautionary statement for those who like to avoid crowds. We were there during fall leaf peeping so that may be the source of so many of the cruises. Not sure.

Pierre_C

Excellent product for this city, hood gps reception, clear instructions and narration. Would highly recommend

Roberto P

Great app! The information was interesting, the accuracy to the different location were spot on, and the autoplaying was phenomenal. If you don’t like to be rushed by tours, just download this app and it does an awesome job in guiding you around town in the comfort of your own car’s speakers and/or your own headset.

AAgnesPA

Easy to download, GPS based, worked well with Google Maps, professionally recorded and informative. I used it on a sectional tour, even in reverse; it’s easy to use, and highly recommended practice a little before getting on the road.

sacredtides

It was hard to follow as to which house was being spoken of. We were grateful that we took trolly first so we could figure it out!

Lisa M

Not easy to operate. Too many pages to flip to find directions on how to operate. Very frustrating while visiting an unfamiliar city.

ChicagoTravelbunny

The Newport Tour bundle (community and cliff walk tour) was my first experience with a self-guided tour. I will definitely explore this kind of resource on my next trip, anywhere. I enjoyed the flexibility and independence of having my guide in my phone (via recordes commentary) vs being bound to a group (especially during these public health crisis times). You will need to ensure that your phone battery is optimized and carry an external power bank as well. Also, it was a challenge to toggle between the gps, the commentary and possibly use the phone so be prepared. It's worth mentioning that the commentary auto-starts as you pass a location on the map so, when driving, use your flashers (and let other cars go around you) when you want to drive slower on the road. I will mention that solo female walkers, for the Cliffwalk, should be mindful that there are multiple isolated areas along the walk. I felt better knowing that others were in the area in case I had a situation. I wonder if a crisis button or whistle could be a future option. Lastly, when parking at the start of the cliff walk, consider the street parking options ($2/hr x 3 hours) vs $25 parking just yards away at the actual beach front Or plan to stay longer at the beach to get the value out of the parking expense. All in all, I really enjoyed the experience and recommend it.

Jessica_H

Worst experience ever. The routes and map need to sync with phone GPS so the user can start where you are. The driving tour gave you directions to turn after you past the road so be prepared for turning around multiple times.

Bamababe1

Being able to drive/walk around confidently. The narrator even gives tips on when and where to stop and site see.
Collected by Evendo, Tripadvisor & Viator
2024-03-29 09:20