Newport Kreuzfahrten

OVERVIEW

Sail through Narragansett Bay on a 12-metre-class yacht that competed in an America’s Cup race and lend the crew a hand if you choose. As you prepare to cast off, the captain will describe the yacht’s illustrious history in the prestigious America’s Cup sailing competition. The vessel will have been restored to the highest level of aesthetics, historical integrity and performance to ensure the ultimate experience. You will be encouraged to help raise the sails as you head out through Newport Harbor. If you wish to participate more fully, the crew will assign you a sailing position and instruct you on exactly what to do. Hands-on sailing experience isn’t necessary, just a desire to be in the heart of the action. Regardless, your time onboard will be exhilarating as the massive sail area can drive your premier racing class boat to speeds as high as twelve knots.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Sail a 12-metre-class boat that once competed in either the America’s Cup or America’s Cup Trial Series.
• Participate hands-on if you wish or simply come along for the exhilarating ride.
• Learn about the history of your racing vessel and the America’s Cup competition.
• Admire the views of Narragansett Bay and you race through its waters.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

With mansions representing more than 250 years of social and architectural history, this tour combines all the highlights of the Newport scenic drive tour with a visit to one of the grand mansions. Passing through the historic colonial section, your scenic drive will take you along the world-famous Ocean Drive where you’ll have spectacular views of Newport’s rocky coastline. Continuing to Bellevue Avenue, immerse yourself in a world of wealth and power as it existed at the dawn of the 20th century with a visit to one of the grand summer villas that defined the era known as the ‘Age of Beauty’. Depending on local conditions, you’ll tour either the Elms or Rosecliff, both of which represent the height of gracious living and entertaining by America’s elite. Imagine yourself at a fabulous party in a magnificent ballroom or perhaps at a fairy tale dinner as your self-guided audio guide offers insight into the life and artifacts of this fascinating time in American history.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy Newport's Scenic Ocean Drive
• Visit to one of the Gilded Age Mansions.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Snap selfies at the most photogenic spots in and around Newport, many of them iconic attractions that define the city. To ensure the best possible results, a selfie tutor will offer tips so you can capture just the right angle, lighting, and composition for every shot. Your pictures will be ideal for posting on social media and sharing in other ways.

As you ride through Newport, you will pause at designated selfie stops that include:
• Fort Adams State Park
• Brenton Point State Park
• Cliff Walk

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take inspiring selfies at the most photogenic attractions in Newport.
• Follow tips from your selfie tutor to ensure the very best pictures.
• Learn the historical significance of the locales while enjoying their dramatic settings.
• Pose on the Cliff Walk trail with the Atlantic Ocean crashing in the background.
• Capture stunning harbor views at Fort Adams State Park for the perfect selfie backdrop.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

See Newport’s main attractions at your own pace by riding around town in a motor coach that allows you to get on and off whenever you please at the places that sound most intriguing. The vehicles will make continuous loops around Newport, following a designated route. As you approach each attraction, you will hear enlightening commentary about it so you can decide if it is one of the three that you will have time to visit. If not, just continue to the next attraction. If there is an entrance fee, simply present your Attraction Pass and the charge will be waived. You might hop off for a tour of Gilded Age mansions such as Rosecliff, The Breakers, and others. The International Tennis Hall of Fame is another fine option.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride around Newport in a motor coach and stop at attractions that sound appealing.
• Stay as long as you like at each attraction to enhance your understanding of it.
• Board your motor coach when you are ready and ride it to another attraction.
• Choose from a variety of well-known attractions as the motor coach loops around town.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at some of the Newport mansions featured in the HBO series “The Gilded Age” and come away with an insider’s understanding of this extraordinary time. The guide will describe many of the fabulously wealthy people who lived in Newport in the late 1800s as you walk through their opulent “cottages.” While visiting Marble House – the summer residence of railroad magnate William K. Vanderbilt and his wife Alva– you will notice that it was designed in the Beaux-Arts style, inspired by the Petit Trianon at Versailles, and adorned with unparalleled opulence. You will also browse The Breakers, the Vanderbilt family’s 70-room Italian Renaissance-style palazzo. It too is a National Historic Landmark. As money was no object in its construction, Thomas Edison was hired to build its power station. The home also has more than 300 windows, many with commanding ocean views.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tour two National Historic Landmark mansions from “The Gilded Age” HBO series.
• Hear fascinating stories about the wealthy families that built these Newport mansions.
• Get an insider’s look at the lavish lifestyles of the Gilded Age millionaires.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a narrated drive through colonial Newport featuring the spectacular coastline along 10-mile Ocean Drive, as well as a guided cruise of Newport's picturesque and historic harbor onboard a classic wooden motor vessel. Your narrated drive along the 10-mile Ocean Drive offers spectacular views of Newport's rugged southern coastline as well as a promenade down famed Bellevue Avenue to view fabulous summer cottages of the rich, past and present. Drive through the town's colonial section, seeing Trinity Church and Redwood Library. You'll also catch a glimpse of the Gothic-influenced Saint Mary's Roman Catholic Church, where Jacqueline Bouvier wed Senator John F. Kennedy in 1953. Then, you’ll transfer from your coach for a scenic harbor cruise to experience the spirit and feeling of the Vanderbilt lifestyle aboard a beautifully restored classic wooden vessel. During your relaxing 1 1/4-hour harbor tour you’ll learn all about Newport. As you ply the calm waters of this picturesque and historic harbor your guide points out the major landmarks close to the shoreline of The City by the Sea.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a narrated drive through colonial Newport.
• Experience Newport's Harbor on the beautifully maintained Gansett.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a scenic harbor cruise to nearby Rose Island to tour the restored lighthouse and view the remains of 200-year-old Fort Hamilton, now an important wildlife sanctuary. During the cruise through Narragansett Bay, the captain will share some of Newport’s 350-year history and how it became the “Yachting Capital of the World.” In time, you will arrive at Rose Island, an 18-acre site that first gained military importance in the Revolutionary War. Its fort was named for Alexander Hamilton and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You will also see the island’s iconic lighthouse that was built in 1870 to accommodate increased shipping traffic. Today, Rose Island is known more as a wildlife sanctuary, and by touring it with a naturalist you will have a greater appreciation for its flora and fauna.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise through Narragansett Bay to lovely Rose Island.
• See the island’s historical lighthouse.
• Follow a naturalist through the wildlife sanctuary.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Sail a sleek schooner around Narragansett Bay, admiring the coastal homes and landmarks, while discovering Newport’s fascinating history. You will sail an elegant 90-foot schooner designed to look like a turn-of-the-century vessel. You can expect a lively, immensely comfortable ride around Narragansett Bay, made even more enjoyable with a mimosa cocktail or another beverage in hand. One of the many highlights is seeing Fort Adams, America’s largest coastal fortification and a National Historic Landmark. It’s quite the sight and especially intriguing once you learn its history, starting in colonial times. The captain and crew will regale you with stories about Newport and famous residents such as Jaqueline Bouvier, who married John F. Kennedy in Newport in 1953. The reception was held at her childhood home, Hammersmith Farm. Other photo-worthy sites include Goat Island and a lighthouse built in 1842.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Sail around Narragansett Bay on an elegant schooner.
• Hear stories about Newport’s history and famous residents.
• See key landmarks such as Fort Adams.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Visit two of the grandest mansions of the Gilded Age, The Breakers and Marble House, both of which the Vanderbilt family built. You will first tour Marble House, which was designed to emulate a chateau on the grounds of the Palace of Versailles. Completed in 1892 at a cost exceeding $11 million, the mansion became the social and architectural landmark that transformed Newport from a quiet summer colony of wooden houses into a legendary resort of opulent palaces. You will next visit The Breakers, the grandest of Newport’s summer “cottages.” Cornelius Vanderbilt II commissioned the construction of the 70-room Italian Renaissance-style villa after being inspired by the 16th-century palaces of Genoa and Turin. You will enjoy self-guided audio tours in both mansions that provide insight into the lives of the Vanderbilts and this fascinating time in American history.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore two fabulous mansions built for the Vanderbilts.
• Discover some of the Vanderbilt history.
• Enjoy self-guided audio tours at your own pace.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Explore Newport at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Newport at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Newport at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private SUV. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Newport at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private SUV. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Experience the splendid coast and mansions of Newport on-foot during a picturesque, half-day walking tour.

Cliff Walk

Depart the pier for a short transfer to start the Cliff Walk trail. Upon arrival, begin your guided stroll along a portion of the spectacular Cliff Walk trail. With New England's rocky shore and crashing surf on one side and Newport's most extravagant mansions on the other, the Cliff Walk remains one of the top attractions in Newport.

The Breakers

Next, proceed for a self-guided tour of the Breakers, commissioned by tycoon Cornelius Vanderbilt II, Chairman and President of the New York Central Railroad. One of Newport's most elegant mansions, the Breakers was inspired by the 16th-century palaces of Genoa and Turin. This 70-room, Italian Renaissance-style villa was designed by architect Richard Morris Hunt, who directed an international team of craftsmen and artisans. Completed in 1895, the mansion is situated on a 13-acre estate overlooking a spectacular view of the rugged Atlantic Coastline.

At the conclusion of your tour, stop by the gift shop before commencing the short transfer back to the pier.

Marvel at the Colonial charm and architecture of one of North America's oldest cities during this delightful walking tour of Newport.  

Newport Walking Tour

Depart the pier for a scenic, 1.5-hour guided stroll through Newport. One of America's oldest cities, Newport also has the distinction of retaining more original Colonial-era buildings than any other. Stroll through the heart of Newport's National Historic Landmarks District, and learn how this long-neglected neighbourhood became a model for historic preservation. With the help of tobacco heiress Doris Duke, who personally financed much of the restoration, the Historic District is now home to more than 80 fully-restored Colonial homes.

Historic Sites

Along the way, pass by architect Peter Harrison's Brick Market Museum, the Old Colony House, White Horse Tavern, Quaker Meeting House, and Touro Synagogue. The oldest synagogue in the country, it is one of many sites visited by Presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Return to the pier via the square where Hollywood producer-director Stephen Spielberg filmed Amistad in 1997; it is among the city's most picturesque landmarks.

Explore the rich history and splendid architecture of Newport during this picturesque sightseeing excursion through the 'City by the Sea'.

Colonial Section

Depart the pier in a coach for the scenic drive through Newport. Along the way, explore the historic district, which features fine examples of colonial, Federal, and Victorian homes, many of which are designated as National Historic Sites. Other historic landmarks to be seen include Trinity Church, Redwood Library, and a glimpse of the Gothic Church of Saint Mary's, where Jacqueline Bouvier married Senator John F. Kennedy.

Ocean Drive

Next, your drive continues along the world-famous, ten-mile (16-kilometre) Ocean Drive, a coastal road that is renowned for the rugged beauty of its spectacular coastline.

Bellevue Avenue

From here, proceed to Bellevue Avenue, where wealthy industrialists of early-20th-century society built their grand 'summer cottages'. Pass by the opulent mansions of the Vanderbilts, Astors and Morgans, many of which have been beautifully preserved by the Newport Preservation Society.

Your tour concludes with a drive back to the pier.

Explore sustainable and delicious pond-to-plate oysters of Rhode Island with a voyage out to a farm in Potter Pond followed by a tasting at one of the area's best oyster bars.

Panoramic Drive, South Kingston, Matunuck Oyster Farm

Depart the pier and head to the southwest corner of Rhode Island to the village of South Kingston.  Here you find the small empire of Perry Raso. Perry started digging littleneck clams in Point Judith Pond when he was 12 years old. He grew up harvesting shellfish, eel trapping, bull-raking clams, and scuba diving for steamers. Graduating from University of Rhode Island with a bachelors and master's degree, Perry has studied aquaculture and fisheries technology. In 2002 he founded Matunuck Oyster Farm, followed by the Oyster Bar and in 2015, his Organic Vegetable Farm was certified adding farm-to-table to his restaurant.  

Boat Cruise, Oyster Farm

Upon arrival, board the open-air m/v Keara vessel and cruise out to seven-acre aquatic oyster farm to see the crustaceans in various stages of development. Along the way learn about sustainable aquaculture and fisheries on a global and a local scale. Your guide offers insight on the farm and how shellfish are cultivated in local waters as baskets are pulled up to inspect the oysters.  

Oyster Tasting

Returning to the shore, adjourn to the Oyster Bar to sample a few of the delicious mollusks accompanied by a glass of sparkling wine. Refreshed, fortified, and with a full understanding of the Rhode Island oyster industry, begin the return the pier.

Sail away aboard the Adirondack IV, an 90-foot schooner and enjoy the lovely coastline surrounding Newport Harbour. Newport has played host to some of the world's major sailing events and is often referred to as the sailing yacht capital of the world.

Adirondack IV Sailing Schooner

Your guide will meet you at the pier for a short approximate 10 minute walk to Bowen's Wharf, where you'll step aboard the Adirondack IV, an impressive 90-foot sailing schooner. Sit back and relax amongst the mahogany trim and teak decks as your crew raise the sails and you set off. Admire the surrounding scenery as you head through Newport Harbour, passing by Fort Adams and down the east passage of Narragansett Bay as far as Castle Hill Inne, before turning around and sailing back. Look out for interesting landmarks such as Hammersmith Farm, the former Summer White House of John F Kennedy. Your Captain and crew will regale you with stories and historical facts of the area.

During your sail, a glass of Mimosa, wine or beer will be served.

At the conclusion of the sail take a short walk back to the ship to re-join the ship.

Explore the opulent lifestyle of the Vanderbilts, once the wealthiest family in America, during this picturesque, half-day excursion to their former 'summer cottages'.

Scenic Newport Tour & Ocean Drive

Depart the pier for the scenic drive along Thames & Wellington streets and past Fort Adams, then along the world-famous Ocean Drive for spectacular views of Newport's rocky coastline. Along the way, pass by the grand villas of the powerful men and influential women who made Newport America's leading resort, and a centre of the arts and architecture.

The Breakers

Located on 13 acres of land overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this 70-room mansion with its original furnishings is the most opulent of the Preservation Society buildings. The work of skilled European craftsmen is evident throughout The Breakers, and features fine Baroque ornamentation, high-relief carvings, magnificent mosaic ceilings and parquet floors. Following your audio tour, some time is made to browse the gift shop (time permitting) before continuing on to the Marble House.

Marble House

Completed in 1892 at a cost of $11 million and built of white marble with four Corinthian entrance columns, this Neo-classical masterpiece is the most impressive of the 'summer cottages' on famed Bellevue Avenue. There is marble throughout the mansion, and its furnishings are predominantly Louis XIV- and XV-style pieces that are original to the house. On the east lawn stands the replica of a classic, 12th-century Chinese temple. (Please be advised that The Elms will be visited instead of the Marble House on November 1, 2022.)

Your tour concludes with the drive back to the pier.