Newport, Rhode Island’s best tours are refreshingly straightforward and worthwhile. The harbor cruise with Gansett Cruises (75 minutes) provides excellent water views and local maritime history, while the Viking Trolley (90 minutes) efficiently covers the city’s main sights. We especially love the Newport Neighborhood Food Tour for its authentic local flavors and insider access to favorite eateries. The Mansions tours – both by trolley and on foot – give fascinating glimpses into America’s Gilded Age splendor. For independent travelers, the self-driving audio tour works perfectly at your own pace. Let’s explore these top tour choices:
Key Points
- The Newport Trolley Tour offers a 90-minute narrated tour covering scenic highlights with an overall rating of 4.9 stars and a 98% recommendation rate.
- The Newport RI Mansions Scenic Trolley Tour provides a 70-90 minute tour showcasing historic landmarks and Gilded Age estates with knowledgeable drivers.
- The Afternoon Grand Tour – Gansett Cruises offers a 75-minute scenic cruise through Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay with a 98% recommendation rate.
- The Newport Neighborhood Food Tour features tastings of locally-sourced meats, Irish baked goods, and craft beer with a maximum group size of 14 travelers.
- The Private Downtown Newport Walking Tour provides a comprehensive exploration of Newport’s evolution with personalized experiences and modifications for mobility issues.
Afternoon Grand Tour | Gansett Cruises in Newport, RI
Although the Afternoon Grand Tour | Gansett Cruises in Newport, RI offers a scenic sightseeing cruise through Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay, it’s the informative live commentary and engaging storytelling from the guides that truly make this a standout experience. Over the course of the 75-minute cruise, passengers are treated to a narrated tour of iconic landmarks like the Fort Adams, Newport Bridge, Clingstone house, and the Kennedy Compound. The crew’s expert knowledge and entertaining anecdotes bring the history and culture of Newport to life. Passengers can enjoy complimentary refreshments like Del’s Lemonade and Coffee Cabinets as they take in the beautiful coastal views. With a 98% recommendation rate from over 1,600 reviews, the Afternoon Grand Tour is an excellent choice for those seeking an informative and enjoyable sightseeing experience in Newport, Rhode Island.
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Newport Trolley Tour – Viking Scenic Overview
For those seeking a rundown of Newport’s rich history and top attractions, the Newport Trolley Tour is an excellent choice. The 90-minute narrated tour covers major landmarks, including the iconic Bellevue Avenue, Ocean Drive, Breakers, and Marble House, providing clear views of over 150 points of interest.
Travelers will enjoy the open-sided trolley, which offers a kid-friendly and family-suitable experience. The tour departs from the Newport Transit Center or Gateway Center, with trolleys leaving approximately 15 minutes before the scheduled start time.
Accommodating up to 30 travelers, the air-conditioned and wheelchair-accessible vehicles ensure a comfortable journey. Infants can be seated on laps, and ADA-compliant trolleys are available upon request.
According to the overwhelmingly positive reviews, the tour guides’ knowledge, personal stories, and engaging presentations make the experience both informative and enjoyable.
With a 4.8 rating and 96% of travelers recommending the tour, the Newport Trolley Tour is an excellent way to discover the city’s rich history and breathtaking scenery.
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Newport Neighborhood Food Tour
Seeking to experience Newport’s vibrant culinary scene and local history? Look no further than the highly-rated Newport Neighborhood Food Tour. With 534 reviews and a 98% recommendation rate, this small-group tour offers a delightful exploration of the city’s top bites and hidden gems.
Guests will indulge in tastings of locally-sourced meats, Irish baked goods, and craft beer, while learning about Newport’s rich architecture and history from a knowledgeable local guide. The tour covers diverse dining experiences, from popular eateries to lesser-known establishments, allowing participants to truly enjoy the city’s food culture.
Conveniently meeting at 31 Marlborough St and ending at 22 Long Wharf Mall, the tour operates rain or shine, ensuring a memorable experience regardless of the weather.
With a maximum of 14 travelers per group, the experience provides personalized attention and opportunities to form new connections. Dietary requirements can be accommodated, and optional alcohol tastings are available for an additional cost.
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Newport RI Mansions Scenic Trolley Tour (Ages 5+ Only)
The Newport RI Mansions Scenic Trolley Tour provides visitors with a captivating 70-90 minute journey through the city’s historic landmarks and renowned Gilded Age estates.
With over 150 points of interest, the tour showcases the grandeur of Colonial Downtown, the scenic beauty of Ocean Drive, and the stunning Mansion Row. Knowledgeable and entertaining drivers, like Trolley Rob and Trolley Troy, offer guided commentary to bring the history and stories of these magnificent properties to life.
Accommodating travelers ages 5 and up, the tour operates rain or shine, except during severe winter weather. Travelers will enjoy the comfort of the trolley’s leather captains chairs as they take in the views.
While visibility of the mansions and photo opportunities may be limited, the overall experience is highly rated, with 95% of travelers recommending the tour.
Just be sure to arrive on time, as the trolley departs promptly, and plan for additional drive time due to the ongoing Newport Bridge construction.
Read our full review: Newport RI Mansions Scenic Trolley Tour (Ages 5+ Only) Review
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Newport Gilded Age Mansions Trolley Tour With Breakers Admission
Travelers can enjoy the opulence of Newport’s Gilded Age on the Newport Gilded Age Mansions Trolley Tour with Breakers Admission. This 160-180 minute tour includes admission to The Breakers, a Vanderbilt mansion and U.S. National Historic Landmark.
With a maximum of 36 travelers, the trolley takes guests to over 150 points of interest, including Ocean Drive, Bellevue Avenue, Cliff Walk, and Mansion Row. Highlights include stops at Fort Adams State Park, Brenton Point State Park, Marble House, Rosecliff, and the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
The tour culminates with a 90-minute inside tour of The Breakers, providing an intimate look at Gilded Age opulence. Guided by knowledgeable and entertaining professionals, the tour receives a 4.9-star rating from 2,921 reviews, with 98% of travelers recommending the experience.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, guests must have a moderate fitness level and be at least 5 years old to participate.
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Newport Trolley Tour With Breakers Mansion – Viking Tours
Although there are numerous tour options in Newport, the Newport Trolley Tour with Breakers Mansion by Viking Tours consistently receives high praise from travelers. With over 1,275 reviews and a 97% traveler recommendation, this guided tour offers an excellent overview of Newport’s rich history and stunning architecture.
During the 90-minute narrated tour, guests explore Ocean Drive and Bellevue Avenue, admiring the exclusive neighborhoods and coastal scenery. The tour covers over 150 Newport points of interest, and the knowledgeable guides often share local insights and personal stories, enhancing the experience.
Admission to the iconic Breakers mansion is included, and the tour is family-friendly, with wheelchair-accessible trolleys available upon request.
Travelers consistently highlight the tour’s informative and engaging nature, making it an ideal choice for first-time visitors to Newport. With an average rating of 4.9 stars, the Newport Trolley Tour with Breakers Mansion is an excellent way to discover the city’s Gilded Age splendor.
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Newport Walking Food And History Tour
For visitors seeking to enjoy Newport’s rich history and indulge in local cuisine, the Newport Walking Food and History Tour offers an engaging and delightful experience.
The 1.5-mile walking tour covers over 300 years of Newport’s history, with stops at iconic landmarks like the Brown and Howard Wharf, Elms Mansion, and the Samuel Whitehorne House.
Along the way, guests enjoy five food and drink tastings at local eateries, including Wally’s Wieners, Vieste, and Cold Fusion Gelato.
Led by knowledgeable local guides, the small-group tour (maximum 10 travelers) provides an active and intimate experience.
With an overall rating of 4.8 based on 344 reviews, the tour is highly recommended by travelers, who praise the excellent food variety and the guides’ expertise.
Comfortable shoes and a hearty appetite are advised, as the generous food portions will leave guests thoroughly satisfied.
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Newport Trolley Tour With Marble House – Viking Tours
Offering a rundown of Newport’s renowned landmarks, the Newport Trolley Tour with Marble House by Viking Tours provides visitors with an engaging and immersive experience.
This half-day tour boasts a stellar 98% recommendation rate, with 95 reviews praising its knowledgeable guides and picturesque scenery. Travelers can explore the historic Marble House mansion, one of the opulent “Gilded Age” estates that define Newport’s legacy.
The 90-minute driver-narrated trolley tour showcases the city’s scenic highlights, while a professional guide offers insightful commentary on the area’s rich history.
Accommodating up to 16 passengers, the comfortable trolley ensures a personalized and intimate experience. Accessibility features include audio and written guides in multiple languages, although the tour isn’t wheelchair-accessible.
Guests can enhance their experience by downloading the Newport Mansions app for a self-guided audio tour.
With an overall rating of 4.9, the Newport Trolley Tour with Marble House delivers an engaging and educational journey through Newport’s remarkable past.
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Newport Viking Trolley Tour With Breakers & Marble House Admission
The Newport Viking Trolley Tour with Breakers & Marble House Admission offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of Newport’s renowned landmarks. This guided tour features visits to two former Vanderbilt homes – The Breakers and Marble House – along with a 90-minute trolley sightseeing tour showcasing over 150 points of interest around the city.
Ideal for first-time visitors, the tour provides an excellent overview of Newport’s grand mansions and scenic coastal landscapes. The tour is family-friendly and wheelchair accessible, with audio guides available in multiple languages.
Guests will appreciate the knowledgeable and engaging driver/guides, who share the rich history of these iconic Newport attractions. With a 95% recommendation rate and 4.8/5 overall rating, this tour is a must-do for anyone seeking to experience the best of what Newport has to offer.
Whether you’re marveling at the breathtaking ocean views or learning about the city’s illustrious past, the Newport Viking Trolley Tour delivers an unforgettable experience.
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Scenic Newport, RI Self-Driving Audio Tour
Travelers seeking to explore Newport, Rhode Island, at their own pace can embark on the Scenic Newport, RI Self-Driving Audio Tour. This self-guided driving tour allows visitors to discover iconic historic mansions, including Bellevue House, The Elms, and The Breakers, the stunning Vanderbilt estate.
The tour also provides access to public beaches and parks, enabling travelers to explore at their leisure.
The tour features an engaging narration, comprehensive routing to ensure all attractions are covered, and hands-free audio that plays automatically based on location. Accessible through the Action’s Tour Guide App, the tour offers offline GPS maps and customer support.
Priced at $16.99 per group of up to four, the tour provides a flexible and cost-effective way to experience Newport’s rich history and natural beauty.
With an overall rating of 4.3 stars from 289 reviews, the tour is praised for its informative content and convenience, though some users have reported technical issues with the app setup and audio playback.
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Newport Ghosts: Seaside Hauntings and Hags Tour
What makes the Newport Ghosts: Seaside Hauntings and Hags Tour a must-do for visitors to the historic coastal city? For starters, the tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Newport’s haunted history and lore.
Covering the area from Washington Square to the neighborhood ferry, the tour features intensely researched true stories of hauntings and paranormal activity, appealing to both history buffs and spooky story fans.
The tour is led by professional guides with documented accounts of ghostly encounters, promising an immersive experience.
However, reviews are mixed, with some visitors finding the tour informative and enjoyable, while others criticizing it for a lack of engagement and a rushed experience. Common complaints include unprepared guides and a focus on personal opinions rather than ghost stories.
Despite the mixed feedback, the tour remains a popular choice, priced at $32 per person and running for an average of 90 minutes.
With a maximum of 35 travelers, the tour is wheelchair-friendly and accessible to all.
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Private Downtown Newport Walking Tour
Although the Newport Ghosts: Seaside Hauntings and Hags Tour offers a unique glimpse into the city’s haunted history, the Private Downtown Newport Walking Tour provides a more comprehensive exploration of Newport’s evolution from a colonial settlement to a 19th-century industrialist retreat.
The 4-review, 5.0-rated tour begins at the historic harbor, taking guests on an off-the-beaten-path journey to uncover transformation stories. Along the way, they’ll discover Newport’s Quaker influence, Thames Street, and Rhode Island’s history of religious freedom.
The private nature of the tour ensures a personalized experience, and modifications can be made for those with mobility issues. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly and allows service animals. Participants should have a moderate fitness level, as the route covers a fair bit of ground.
Priced at $325 for up to 10 people, the tour offers a lowest price guarantee and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. With multiple start times available, it’s easy to fit into any schedule.
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Newport Cliff Walk – Legends of the Gilded Age GPS Guided Audio Tour
Offering a unique opportunity to take in the captivating history of Newport’s Gilded Age, the Newport Cliff Walk – Legends of the Gilded Age GPS Guided Audio Tour guides visitors along the iconic 4-mile coastal path.
With a starting point at Forty Steps and an ending point at Baileys Beach, the self-guided audio tour allows travelers to explore the stunning seaside mansions and learn about the wealthy families who once resided there.
While the tour is stroller-accessible, it isn’t wheelchair-friendly. Most travelers can participate, and the experience is private, catering to your group only.
The tour operates daily from 7 AM to 11:30 PM, with a free public trolley or bus available during the peak season.
With an average rating of 3.8/5 based on 5 reviews, the tour has received praise for its informative content but has also faced some issues with the GPS functionality of the accompanying app.
The host, Gregg, is responsive to inquiries and offers refunds if necessary.
Read our full review: Newport Cliff Walk – Legends of the Gilded Age GPS Guided Audio Tour Review
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Sum Up
Newport offers a variety of engaging tours that showcase the city’s rich history, stunning architecture, and haunting tales. From scenic cruises and trolley rides to guided walks and self-guided audio tours, visitors can explore the city’s Gilded Age mansions, local neighborhoods, and ghostly legends. Whether you’re interested in history, food, or the paranormal, Newport has a tour to suit your interests and provide an unforgettable experience.