Newport’s best guided experiences focus on its maritime heritage and Gilded Age grandeur. Local-led Native Newporter Tours offer refreshingly authentic walks through colonial streets, without the usual tourist clichés. The historic Touro Synagogue tour stands out for its remarkable preservation and engaging storytellers.
For stunning coastal views, take the self-guided Cliff Walk audio tour – it’s the perfect mix of natural scenery and mansion spotting. Sailing tours provide the classic Newport experience, especially at sunset when the harbor lights begin to twinkle.
Don’t miss the African American heritage tour for its powerful storytelling and lesser-known history, while the evening ghost walks blend local legends with historical facts.
Let’s explore Newport’s most worthwhile tours.
Key Points
- The Native Newporter Tours offer insider insights into Newport’s history from colonial times to the Gilded Age, with a 2-hour guided tour priced at $100 per person.
- The Touro Synagogue Entry and Guided Tour provide an exploration of North America’s oldest synagogue, with entry tickets starting at $14 per person.
- The Colonial History Walking Tour offers a comprehensive 75-minute overview of significant historical landmarks in Newport, priced at $20 per person.
- The Day Sailing and Sightseeing Boat Tour and the Schooner Sailing Tour provide scenic 1.5-hour cruises showcasing iconic Newport sights, with prices ranging from $45 to $50 per person.
- The Newport Ghosts Tour and the Historic District Ghosts Guided Walking Tour offer 1-hour and 1.5-hour experiences, respectively, exploring the haunted history of Newport, with prices ranging from $24 to $32 per person.
Native Newporter Tours
For visitors seeking an authentic and immersive experience in Newport, Rhode Island, the Native Newporter Tours offer a unique opportunity to explore the city’s rich history and breathtaking scenery.
Priced at $100 per person, these guided tours last for 2 hours and depart from 25 Americas Cup Ave. Guests can cancel their reservations up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can even book their spot without any upfront payment.
The tour’s local guides provide insider insights and access to places not available on larger tours, allowing guests to explore Newport’s evolution from its colonial beginnings to the Victorian era and the Gilded Age.
Highlights include the charming colonial neighborhood, the vibrant Victorian architecture, and the grand Gilded Age mansions along “millionaires row.” Throughout the experience, guests can enjoy scenic views of the ocean and harbor.
With a private guide and luxury vehicle, the Native Newporter Tours aren’t suitable for children under 10 but offer flexible travel plans.
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Newport: Touro Synagogue Entry and Guided Tour
Visitors to Newport, Rhode Island, can experience the rich history and religious heritage of the region by exploring the Touro Synagogue. This entry ticket and guided tour offers an in-depth look at North America’s oldest synagogue, with prices starting at $14 per person.
The tour includes exploring interactive exhibits at the Loeb Visitors Center and learning about the synagogue’s significance in the story of American civil liberties.
The guided tours run every 45 minutes from 10 AM until closing, with the Loeb Visitors Center being wheelchair accessible. Advance notice is required for full accessibility of the synagogue.
Customer reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and the excellent value for money, with an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5. Visitors can expect to gain a deeper understanding of the synagogue’s 250-year history and its role as a symbol of religious freedom in the United States.
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Newport, Rhode Island: Cliff Walk Gilded Age Audio Tour
Priced from $799 per person, the Newport, Rhode Island: Cliff Walk Gilded Age Audio Tour offers a 2-hour self-guided experience along the scenic Cliff Walk.
With an included audio guide accessed via smartphone app, visitors can learn about the Gilded Age families and their opulent mansions, such as the Breakers, Marble House, and Rosecliff. The tour provides GPS-enabled turn-by-turn directions, allowing for flexible pacing.
However, customer reviews indicate issues with the tour. Reported problems include GPS inaccuracies, poor internet connection, and app complications, leading to dissatisfaction and requests for refunds.
The audio guide’s historical context explores the competition among millionaires for status during the Gilded Age and the fate of their fortunes, but the technical difficulties undermine the overall experience.
Visitors should consider these concerns before booking the Newport, Rhode Island: Cliff Walk Gilded Age Audio Tour.
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Newport: Day Sailing and Sightseeing Boat Tour on a Schooner
What better way to experience Newport’s rich maritime heritage than to embark on the Newport: Day Sailing and Sightseeing Boat Tour on a Schooner? This 1.5-hour cruise offers a delightful opportunity to glide past iconic sights, including the Newport Harbor Bridge, Newport Harbor Lighthouse, historic mansions, and Fort Adams.
Guests can relax on a classic sailboat reminiscent of 1800s vessels while enjoying onboard beverages available for purchase.
The tour departs from Off America’s Cup Avenue in front of the “Landing Restaurant,” with guests advised to arrive 20 minutes prior to departure for check-in. Parking can be challenging, so visitors should allow at least 60 minutes, especially on weekends and holidays.
With an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on 10 reviews, this tour is highly recommended for couples, groups, and families seeking a relaxing and informative experience immersed in Newport’s seafaring past.
Guests can bring their own picnic but aren’t allowed to bring outside alcoholic beverages.
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Newports African American History Walking Tour
The Newports African American History Walking Tour is a captivating 90-minute exploration of the rich heritage and resilience of Newport’s people of color. Priced at £16.19 per person, this tour includes admission to the Museum of Newport History and covers the city’s Old Quarter and Historic Hill neighborhoods, ending at God’s Little Acre in the Common Burying Ground.
Led by expert guides, the tour delves into the lives of enslaved individuals and the establishments created by free African Americans. Visitors will discover where these resilient individuals lived and worked, as well as their contributions to the local industry.
The tour highlights the enduring legacy of Newport’s past and present inhabitants, providing an immersive experience that sheds light on one of America’s historically significant cities.
While the tour doesn’t include interior visits to featured sites, it offers a unique opportunity to gain insights into the lives of Newport’s diverse population.
Advance booking is recommended, with a flexible “reserve now, pay later” option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
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Newport: Golden to Gilded Age Guided Walking Tour
Explore Newport’s captivating history from the Revolutionary War era to its 19th-century Gilded Age heyday on the Newport: Golden to Gilded Age Guided Walking Tour.
This 75-minute tour, priced at $20 per person, takes visitors on a journey through Newport’s architectural marvels and economic changes.
Led by a live English-speaking guide, the tour starts at the Museum of Newport History and winds through the 19th-century section of the city, showcasing key landmarks like the Colony House, Barney Street burying ground, and the Viking Hotel.
Guests will also see the Muenchinger-King building, Redwood Library, Newport Art Museum, and the mysterious Old Stone Mill.
The tour concludes at the Newport Historical Society’s Museum and Shop at the Brick Market.
While interior visits aren’t included, guests can explore the sites from the outside and learn about their historical significance.
Reviews are mixed, with some praising the engaging guides and others finding the tour lacking in historical depth.
Guests should be prepared for an uphill walk.
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Newport: Local Foodies Walking Tour
Although the Golden to Gilded Age Guided Walking Tour explores Newport’s captivating history, the Newport: Local Foodies Walking Tour offers a delectable culinary adventure.
Over the course of 3 hours, this 0.75-mile tour immerses guests in Newport’s vibrant food scene. Participants will enjoy a three-course meal at three exquisite restaurants, with each dish expertly paired with fine wines.
The cozy, intimate atmosphere is perfect for winter exploration, and the knowledgeable guide provides cultural insights throughout the experience. With an overall rating of 5/5 based on 21 reviews, this tour is a must for foodies visiting Newport.
While the $135 per person price tag may seem steep, reviewers praise the “amazing amount of excellent food” and the guide’s ability to share additional historical perspectives.
Whether you’re looking to expand your palate or simply soak up Newport’s unique charm, the Newport: Local Foodies Walking Tour is a delightful way to experience the city.
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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 seeking a chilling encounter with Newport’s haunted past? For starters, the tour offers a captivating 1-hour experience led by knowledgeable local guides. Priced at just $32 per person, it’s an affordable way to explore the city’s eerie historic sites and hear tales of shipwrecks, executions, and disappearances.
The tour covers a mile-long journey through Newport’s historic district, with key stops at haunted grounds like Washington Square and Queen Anne Square. Along the way, you will engage with ghostly encounters and spine-tingling stories shared by the guides. The experience immerses visitors in Newport’s dark past, providing historical insights into the city’s haunted legacy.
With a 3.8/5 overall rating based on 26 reviews, the Newport Ghosts tour offers great value for money. Participants praise the knowledgeable and engaging guides, as well as the captivating storytelling.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a history buff, this spooky walking tour is a must-do in Newport.
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Newport: Colonial History Walking Tour With Museum Entry
Visitors seeking an immersive journey through Newport’s colonial past will find the Newport: Colonial History Walking Tour with Museum Entry an engaging and informative experience. Priced at $20 per person, the 75-minute tour explores the city’s significant historical landmarks, including the Great Friends Meeting House, Touro Synagogue, City Hall, and Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour provides a rundown of Newport’s colonial history, allowing participants to explore the architecture and stories that shaped the region. The tour begins at the Museum of Newport History, located in the historic Brick Market building, where visitors can also explore the museum at their leisure with a suggested donation.
Highly rated by past travelers, the tour offers excellent value, with reviewers praising the guide’s enthusiasm and depth of knowledge. Whether a history buff or a curious visitor, this walking tour promises an enriching exploration of Newport’s colonial heritage.
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Newport: Schooner Sailing Tour
The Newport: Schooner Sailing Tour offers visitors a captivating 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise through the picturesque waters of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay.
Aboard the 72-foot, 2-masted schooner Madeleine, designed for passenger comfort, guests can enjoy scenic views of Fort Adams State Park, Rose Island, and more. A live tour guide provides insightful commentary about the coastal sights, enhancing the overall experience.
Priced from $45.00 per person, the tour allows for flexible booking, with no upfront payment required. Customers can conveniently reserve their spot and pay later, plus enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
While the vessel isn’t wheelchair accessible, service animals are permitted.
Reviewers praise the crew’s professionalism and friendliness, as well as the beautiful scenery and enjoyable atmosphere.
With an impressive 4.9/5 rating based on 16 reviews, the Newport: Schooner Sailing Tour is a must-do activity for visitors to Newport, Rhode Island.
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Newport: Historic District Ghosts Guided Walking Tour
For those seeking a spookier side of Newport’s history, the Newport: Historic District Ghosts Guided Walking Tour offers a thrilling after-dark experience. Priced from $24 per person, this 1.5-hour guided tour delves into the haunted sites of the city’s historic district.
Participants can expect costumed guides leading the way with lanterns, sharing ghost stories gathered from over two decades of research and first-hand accounts.
The tour explores locations like the iconic White Horse Tavern and Trinity Church, though it doesn’t actually enter the buildings. Instead, the guides relay chilling tales while groups gather outside the haunted hotspots.
While the standard tour lasts 1.5 hours, some extend beyond the scheduled time, providing additional historical context. Reviewers highlight the enthusiasm of the guides and the informative nature of the experience.
For those hoping to capture supernatural sightings, the tour offers an opportunity to photograph potential ghostly images, as previous participants have reported eerie encounters.
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Newport, Rhode Island: Scenic Tour
Scenic tours of Newport, Rhode Island invite visitors to enjoy the picturesque coastal town’s natural beauty and architectural wonders.
These tours typically showcase the city’s famed Gilded Age mansions, which line the famous Cliff Walk and offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can expect to see iconic landmarks like the Breakers, the Elms, and Rosecliff, each with its own unique architectural style and rich history.
Beyond the mansions, scenic tours often include stops at scenic overlooks, such as Ocean Drive and Bellevue Avenue, where participants can admire the rugged coastline and stunning vistas.
Some tours even incorporate a boat ride, allowing guests to experience Newport from the water and appreciate the town’s nautical heritage.
Whether on foot, by van, or by boat, these scenic tours provide a comprehensive and immersive introduction to Newport’s natural splendor and historic charm.
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Newport: Scenic Trolley Tour
As an alternative to walking the Cliff Walk or taking a boat tour, visitors to Newport can opt for a
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Sum Up
Newport, Rhode Island offers a variety of tours that allow visitors to explore the city’s rich history, architecture, and natural beauty. From guided walking tours to sailing excursions, there’s something for all to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in learning about the area’s cultural heritage or simply taking in the stunning coastal scenery, these tours provide an excellent way to experience the best of what Newport has to offer.