Newport Cliff Walk – Legends of the Gilded Age GPS Guided Audio Tour

The Newport Cliff Walk – Legends of the Gilded Age GPS Guided Audio Tour offers a captivating journey through the stunning coastal scenery and rich history of Newport, Rhode Island. Priced at just $10.99 per person, this self-guided tour invites visitors to explore the iconic Breakers mansion and uncover the fascinating stories of the opulent Gilded Age. Designed for all skill levels, the tour’s engaging narratives and GPS-guided experience provide a perfect blend of nature, culture, and exploration. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a breathtaking outdoor adventure, this tour promises to leave you intrigued and eager to discover more.

This experience made our list of the 13 Best Tours In Newport.

About Your Stay

• The self-guided, GPS-enabled audio tour covers approximately 4 miles starting at Forty Steps and ending at Bellevue & Ledge in Newport, Rhode Island.
• The tour highlights key landmarks like the Breakers mansion and Salve Regina University, providing insider stories and historical anecdotes along the way.
• The tour is available from June 10, 2021, to June 30, 2025, with operating hours from 7:00 AM to 11:30 PM daily, priced at $10.99 per person.
• The tour is stroller-friendly and allows service animals, but is not wheelchair accessible, and users must enable smartphone location services for optimal experience.
• The tour has received positive feedback for its informative content and beautiful views, while also experiencing some technical issues related to location detection and audio playback.

Tour Overview

The Newport Cliff Walk Audio Tour is a self-guided GPS-enabled audio experience that takes visitors on a journey through the Gilded Age legends of Newport, Rhode Island.

The tour starts at the Forty Steps in Newport and ends at Bellevue & Ledge. Covering approximately 4 miles, the tour provides narration about the area’s history and architecture.

Priced at $10.99 per person, the tour is available from June 10, 2021 to June 30, 2025, with operating hours from 7:00 AM to 11:30 PM daily.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly and allows service animals.

The audio tour is non-refundable, and users should be prepared for potential technical glitches with the GPS-enabled app.

Tour Details

According to the information provided, the Newport Cliff Walk Audio Tour is open from June 10, 2021 to June 30, 2025. The tour operates daily from 7:00 AM to 11:30 PM.

Public transportation, such as trolleys and buses, is available for return trips from Memorial Day through late October at no cost.

The tour is accessible for service animals and strollers but not for wheelchairs. It’s a private activity, with only your group participating.

The tour highlights include the 40-Steps, the Breakers, and Salve Regina University.

Users are advised to check their smartphone’s location services, as the technology may experience glitches during the self-guided audio tour.

User Experience and Reviews

Reviewing the user experience and feedback, visitors have shared a mix of positive and challenging aspects of the Newport Cliff Walk Audio Tour.

On the positive side, reviewers found the informative stories and beautiful views of Gilded Age mansions to be highlights.

However, some users faced technical issues with the app, such as location detection problems and the need to manually forward the audio.

Debra_C noted the tour was great for experienced hikers, while the first half was paved.

Jeanine_C praised the helpful host and fun facts.

RONALD_J and Ann mentioned the beautiful walk but struggled with app glitches.

The tour operator is responsive, offering refunds for frustrating experiences.

Technical Support and Communication

The tour operator is responsive to users experiencing app download issues, offering apologies for any technical glitches and refunds for frustrating experiences.

They encourage participants to reach out via call or text for assistance if they encounter any problems with the tour.

This level of communication and customer support helps mitigate the occasional technology difficulties, which can happen when relying on GPS-enabled apps.

Highlights of the Cliff Walk

Though the Newport Cliff Walk covers approximately 4 miles, the audio tour highlights several notable points of interest along the way.

The tour starts at the iconic Forty Steps, a historic staircase leading down to the ocean. It then guides walkers past the magnificent Breakers mansion, a Gilded Age summer home built for the Vanderbilt family.

The tour also features Salve Regina University, whose campus blends seamlessly with the stunning coastal scenery.

Throughout the audio experience, users are provided with insider stories and historical anecdotes that bring the Gilded Age to life.

While the full walk may be challenging, the tour expertly navigates visitors through the must-see highlights of this picturesque seaside trail.

Navigating the Tour

The Newport Cliff Walk audio tour’s navigation features aim to provide users with a seamless and informative experience. The tour utilizes the Voice Map GPS-enabled app, allowing walkers to follow along with the narration and visual cues.

While the app may occasionally experience technical glitches, the tour host offers responsive support and refunds for frustrating experiences.

Experienced hikers will appreciate the paved first half of the trail, while less seasoned walkers can follow the tour’s markers indicating when to exit for a shorter route.

Regardless of skill level, visitors are advised to ensure their smartphone’s location services are enabled to maximize the tour’s functionality.

Preparing for the Tour

Preparing for the Newport Cliff Walk audio tour starts with downloading the Voice Map app and ensuring your smartphone’s location services are enabled.

This self-guided tour uses GPS to trigger the narration, so a strong signal is essential. The tour runs from the Forty Steps to Bellevue & Ledge, covering approximately 4 miles.

Plan for the tour to take around 2-3 hours, depending on your pace. Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the first half of the trail is paved, while the second part is more rugged.

Bring water and snacks to stay fueled, and don’t forget sun protection. With a little preparation, you’ll be ready to learn about the Gilded Age history along Newport’s stunning cliffside.

Questions About Your Stay

What Is the Difficulty Level of the Cliff Walk Hike?

The cliff walk hike is suitable for experienced hikers, with the first half paved. It may present challenges for some, as the app can experience technical issues, and portions of the trail are not wheelchair accessible.

Are Pets Allowed on the Cliff Walk Tour?

Service animals are allowed on the tour, but pets are not permitted. The tour is not wheelchair accessible but is stroller friendly. Visitors should check their smartphone’s location services to ensure the app functions properly during the self-guided experience.

Do I Need to Download the Voicemap App Before the Tour?

Yes, you’ll need to download the VoiceMap app before starting the tour. The audio commentary is delivered through the app, so it’s essential to have it set up on your smartphone beforehand.

Can I Join the Tour in the Middle of the Route?

Users can join the tour at any point along the route, though it’s best to start at the designated meeting point for the full experience. The app may have issues tracking participants who join midway through the self-guided tour.

How Often Is the Tour Route Maintained and Updated?

The tour route is likely maintained and updated periodically, though the exact frequency is unclear. Users should check the tour details for any changes or new information before embarking on their walk.

Final Verdict On This Stay

The Newport Cliff Walk – Legends of the Gilded Age GPS Guided Audio Tour offers a captivating exploration of Newport’s iconic history and stunning coastal scenery. Packed with fascinating stories and insights, this self-guided adventure is a must-do for visitors seeking to enjoy the opulence and legends of the Gilded Age. With its user-friendly design and practical guidance, the tour provides an enriching and accessible way to discover the wonders of this picturesque Rhode Island destination.