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

1 Review 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 1 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Newport, USA
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 25 (0) days in advance.

60 to 90 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

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.

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
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour
  • Food and drink
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

680 Bellevue Avenue
Newport, RI 02840, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

44 Ochre Point Avenue
Newport, RI 02840, USA

This self-guided audio tour ends in front of The Breakers mansion on Ochre Point Avenue. You'll see the impressive stately home from the street.

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Rough Point Museum (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.
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Belcourt of Newport (pass by)

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.
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Marble House (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.
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Rosecliff (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.
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Salve Regina University (pass by)

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.
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Cliff Walk (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.
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The Breakers (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.
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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Newport’s Opulent Gilded Age Homes: A Self-Guided Audio Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-110804P863

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
1 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 1 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
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1 star
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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 25 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • 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
  • Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
  • Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour
  • Food and drink
  • Transportation

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Report Product Issue

Activity name