EXCURSIONES EN TIERRA

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 personal headset audio guide offers insight into the life and artifacts of this fascinating time in American history.

Newport is as famous for its coastal beauty, as it is for its architectural magnificence. Enjoy both on this tour that combines a spectacular stroll along the Cliff Walk trail with a visit to The Breakers, one of Bellevue Avenue's most spectacular mansions. Begin with a nature walk along Newport's famous cliff walk, resplendent with wildflowers, colorful birds, and interesting geology. This 1 1/4 mile stretch takes you on a path that runs between the rocky coastline and the "backyards" of many of Bellevue Avenue's palatial cottages. As you walk, your guide will share the stories of America's "gilded age" and the cast of characters that made Newport one of the nation's wealthiest summer resorts. The walk will conclude at The Breakers (sometimes due to congestion, the walk will begin after touring the mansion).

From the 1870s to the 1920s, the Vanderbilts were one of America's most affluent families and commissioned the most prestigious and expensive architectural firms to build a series of homes for them along the East Coast. In Newport, these homes, amusingly called "cottages," are unparalleled in historic significance and beauty. Built during the period known as the "gilded age," they're now National Historic Landmarks. The Breakers is considered the grandest of all of the Newport summer cottages. Designed by architect Richard Morris Hunt for Cornelius Vanderbilt II, this Italian Renaissance palace was completed in 1892 in less than three years at a cost of approximately $11 million, which would be over $200 million today! Originally constructed in France and reassembled here, the Grand Hall boasts 50 foot ceilings and has the largest room of any Newport mansion.

Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt (1794-1877) established the family fortune in steamships and later in the New York Central Railroad. As the industrial revolution reached its zenith in the late 19th century, the Vanderbilts soon became the wealthiest family in America and chose Newport as their summer playground. Learn about the family empire and visit two of the grandest villas ever built in the United States. Completed in 1892, Marble House was modeled after the Petit Trianon at Versailles and took nearly four years to build with a total cost exceeding $11 million dollars.

Enjoy the stories of the elaborate parties of the gilded age and Alva Vanderbilt as you tour the public rooms and grounds of Marble House. Next, visit the grandest of Newport's summer ‘cottages’, the Breakers was inspired by the 16th century palaces of Genoa and Turin. Completed in 1895, the mansion is situated on a 13 acre estate overlooking a spectacular view of the rugged Atlantic coastline.

Enjoy a scenic harbor cruise to Rose Island where you'll have an opportunity to visit the fully restored lighthouse, see the remains of the 200-year old Ft. Hamilton and learn about the island's role as an important wildlife refuge and bird sanctuary. En route to Rose Island, enjoy a scenic harbor cruise of Narragansett Bay. Your Captain will share with you the 350-year history of Newport, rich in maritime heritage, past and present.

First lit in 1870, the lighthouse was fully restored and is an inspiring example of classic American maritime architecture. A visit to this living museum offers insight into a bygone way of life. You'll have an opportunity to explore the station from the windmill to the cellar cistern and learn about the works and pastimes of lighthouse families through their own possessions and photographs.

Join your naturalist guide for a leisurely walk of the island. Due to its strategic location, Rose Island has an interesting history dating back to the Revolutionary War. Today, it plays an important role as a wildlife refuge and home to a number of migrating birds including Little Blue Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Great and Snowy Egret and Glossy Ibis.

Sail a sleek schooner around beautiful Narragansett Bay, admiring the coastal homes and landmarks, while learning about Newport’s fascinating history.

A short walk from the pier brings you to Bowen's Wharf, where you will board the Adirondack II, an elegant 80-foot schooner with mahogany trim and teak decks. Although built in 1999, the vessel looks similar to a turn-of-the-century schooner, but equipped with today's technology.

Once you settle in, off you will go; reaching speeds of up to 10 knots if the conditions permit. You can expect a lively, immensely comfortable ride around Narragansett Bay, made even more enjoyable with a mimosa cocktail or another beverage in hand.

As you sail through Newport Harbor, you will pass imposing 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, the famous people that have resided here, and the landmarks that dot the shore. The Victorian-style home at Hammersmith Farm is one of the most renowned residences, as it was the childhood home of Jacqueline Bouvier and the site of the reception for her 1953 wedding to John Fitzgerald Kennedy.

The bay island due west of Newport is Goat Island, named for the goats that residents once pastured there. As you sail back to the pier, you may spot its lighthouse, built on the island's breakwater in 1842.

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, Trinity Church and Redwood Library. You'll also pass 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.

Enjoy the rich history and scenery of Newport, from Colonial days through the Gilded Age to the present. With more than 150 points of interest, pass the historic district with fine examples of Colonial, Federal, and Victorian homes, many of which are designated as national historic sites. Other historic landmarks include Trinity Church, Redwood Library and the Gothic Church of Saint Mary's where Jacqueline Bouvier married Senator John F. Kennedy. Continue along the world-famous, 10-mile Ocean Drive to enjoy spectacular views of the rocky coastline. Then it's on to Bellevue Avenue where society's millionaires of the early 20th century built their grand summer 'cottages'. You'll pass the opulent mansions of the Vanderbilts, Astors and Morgans, many of which have been beautifully preserved by the Newport Preservation Society. If time permits, a photo stop will be made at Fort Adams.