Beautiful Newport’s best tours focus on three main highlights: stunning mansions, historic streets, and scenic waters. The trolley tours efficiently cover the famous Gilded Age mansions like The Breakers, offering a comfortable way to see these architectural treasures. Walking food tours combine local history with tasty New England specialties – a perfect match for experiencing the colonial heart of the city. Harbor boat tours provide incredible views of the coastline and summer “cottages” from the water, just as the wealthy residents once viewed them. These well-organized tours include knowledgeable local guides who share insider stories and historical insights. Check out our favorite Newport tours below.
Good To Know
Newport Trolley Tours offer 90-minute narrated experiences showcasing exclusive neighborhoods, coastal scenery, and Gilded Age mansions, with a 95% traveler recommendation.
The Newport Walking Food and History Tour provides a personalized exploration of the city’s 300-year history, including five food and drink tastings, with a 95% recommendation rate.
The Newport Sightseeing Boat Tour aboard Rum Runner II features narration of the city’s landmarks, with a 97% recommendation rate based on 29 reviews.
Private Newport City Tours offer personalized exploration with private transportation, accommodating participants with mobility issues and limited to a maximum of 10 travelers.
Guests should consider arriving 20 minutes early for check-in and expect a 15% group gratuity for tours with 10 or more participants.
Newport Trolley Tour With Breakers Mansion – Viking Tours
The Newport Trolley Tour with Breakers Mansion, offered by Viking Tours, provides visitors with a comprehensive and immersive experience exploring the historic city.
The 90-minute narrated tour features a guided trolley ride showcasing Newport’s exclusive neighborhoods, coastal scenery, and over 150 points of interest along Ocean Drive and Bellevue Avenue. Included in the tour is admission to the iconic Breakers mansion, one of the Gilded Age’s most impressive estates.
The tour is led by knowledgeable and friendly guides who share insights into Newport’s rich history. Accessible to all, the tour offers audio and written guides in multiple languages, as well as wheelchair-accessible trolleys.
With a maximum of 22 travelers per tour, the experience is personalized and enjoyable. Highly recommended by 97% of travelers, the Newport Trolley Tour consistently earns stellar reviews for its informative content and beautiful views.
Read our full review: Newport Trolley Tour With Breakers Mansion – Viking Tours Review
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Newport RI Mansions Scenic Trolley Tour (Ages 5 Only)
Offering a rundown of Newport’s renowned Gilded Age mansions and picturesque coastal scenery, the Newport RI Mansions Scenic Trolley Tour invites visitors aged 5 and up to embark on a 70-90 minute journey through the city’s most iconic landmarks.
With a 95% traveler recommendation based on 553 reviews, the tour provides a narrated scenic overview, highlighting over 150 points of interest, including Ocean Drive, Bellevue Avenue, Cliff Walk, Colonial Downtown, and Mansion Row.
Aboard a comfortable late-model trolley with leather captain’s chairs, guests are treated to engaging and knowledgeable commentary from the drivers, who are praised for their humor and storytelling abilities.
While some travelers have expressed disappointment regarding visibility for photographs, the tour’s overall experience is highly recommended as a must-do activity in Newport.
With morning and afternoon departures operating rain or shine, the Newport RI Mansions Scenic Trolley Tour offers a convenient and informative way to explore the city’s iconic Gilded Age legacy.
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 seeking a comprehensive exploration of Newport’s renowned Gilded Age mansions and the iconic Breakers estate can embark on the immersive Newport Gilded Age Mansions Trolley Tour with Breakers Admission.
This 160-180 minute tour offers a 98% traveler recommendation based on over 2,900 reviews. Aboard a comfortable trolley, guests will enjoy a scenic journey covering over 150 points of interest, including Ocean Drive, Bellevue Avenue, Cliff Walk, and Mansion Row, all while learning from knowledgeable guides.
The tour’s highlight is an inside visit to the Breakers, a Vanderbilt mansion and U.S. National Historic Landmark. Guests can explore the mansion and grounds for 90 minutes, with the option of a self-guided audio tour.
Although the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s family-friendly for ages 5 and up. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour provides a convenient and engaging way to take in Newport’s Gilded Age splendor.
Read our full review: Newport Gilded Age Mansions Trolley Tour With Breakers Admission Review
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Newport Walking Food And History Tour
For those seeking to enjoy Newport’s rich history and savor its culinary delights, the Newport Walking Food and History Tour provides an engaging and informative experience.
With a 95% recommendation rate among travelers and over 344 reviews, this 1.5-mile walking tour covers more than 300 years of the city’s history.
Led by knowledgeable local guides, the tour takes visitors to iconic sights like the Brown and Howard Wharf, Elms Mansion, and Samuel Whitehorne House, while stopping at renowned restaurants for five food and drink tastings.
The inclusions, from lunch and beverages to engaging historical tidbits, make this tour a comprehensive way to explore Newport’s past and present.
Highly rated for the quality and portion sizes of the culinary offerings, the tour is suitable for families, though it’s not wheelchair accessible.
Read our full review: Newport Walking Food And History Tour Review
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Newport Trolley Tour – Viking Scenic Overview
The Newport Trolley Tour – Viking Scenic Overview provides visitors with a captivating 90-minute narrated experience that showcases the historic city. Rated 4.8 stars from 668 reviews with a 96% traveler recommendation, the tour covers over 150 points of interest, including Bellevue Avenue, Ocean Drive, Breakers, and Marble House.
Guests ride in an open-sided trolley, allowing for clear views of the scenic surroundings. Professional guides enhance the experience by providing historical context and personal anecdotes. The tour is kid-friendly and accommodates families and individuals of all ages. Wheelchair and stroller access is available upon request.
Departing from the Newport Transit Center or Newport Gateway Center, the trolleys arrive 15 minutes before the tour start time. With a maximum of 30 travelers per tour, the experience offers an intimate setting.
Positive feedback highlights the guides’ knowledge, humor, and storytelling abilities, making the tour an informative and enjoyable way for first-time visitors to explore Newport’s rich history and attractions.
Read our full review: Newport Trolley Tour – Viking Scenic Overview Review
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Newport Viking Trolley Tour With Breakers & Marble House Admission
Offering an immersive experience, the Newport Viking Trolley Tour with Breakers & Marble House Admission allows visitors to embark on a comprehensive journey through Newport’s renowned historic sites and picturesque scenery.
The 90-minute trolley tour provides an overview of the city’s iconic mansions and stunning coastal vistas, with an onboard guide sharing a wealth of local facts and history.
Guests will enjoy guided tours of the Breakers and Marble House, two former Vanderbilt residences known for their architectural grandeur and opulent furnishings.
Catering to first-time visitors, families, and those with accessibility needs, the tour is wheelchair accessible and features audio and written guides in multiple languages.
With a 95% recommendation rate and an average rating of 4.8 stars, this tour is praised for its knowledgeable and engaging guides, captivating scenery, and overall exceptional experience.
Read our full review: Newport Viking Trolley Tour With Breakers & Marble House Admission Review
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Private Newport, Rhode Island City Tour
Immersing visitors in the captivating history and breathtaking scenery of Newport, Rhode Island, the Private Newport City Tour provides an engaging and personalized exploration of this iconic New England destination.
Boasting a 94% traveler recommendation and 62 reviews, this private tour offers a unique opportunity to discover the city’s sailing regattas, Gilded Age mansions, and cultural tales. Guided by a knowledgeable local, the tour provides insights into historic gems, social scandals, and iconic spots, allowing guests to experience Newport’s seaside charm away from crowds.
With private transportation and the option for hotel pickup, the tour caters to individual preferences. While food, drinks, and gratuities aren’t included, the tour’s accessibility and flexibility, including the ability to reschedule or transfer, make it a convenient choice.
Positive reviews highlight the tour’s depth of information, entertaining guide, and comfortable transportation, ensuring an enriching experience for travelers seeking to enjoy Newport’s rich heritage.
Read our full review: Private Newport, Rhode Island City Tour Review
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Newport Ghosts: Seaside Hauntings and Hags Tour
Though the Newport Ghosts: Seaside Hauntings and Hags Tour promises a spine-tingling exploration of the city’s paranormal lore, many reviewers have expressed disappointment with the experience.
The tour, which lasts around an hour, takes visitors through the historic streets of Newport, promising documented accounts of hauntings and ghostly encounters. However, several guests have criticized the tour as being poorly organized, with guides who seem unprepared and more focused on tips than engaging storytelling.
Many participants expected a thrilling ghost-focused experience but were left wanting, as the tour often felt more like a general history lesson than a spooky adventure.
Complaints about the lack of actual hauntings or ghost sightings were common, with some reviewers describing the experience as simply “boring.”
Despite the tour’s accessibility and professional guides, the overall feedback suggests that the reality falls short of the promised “Seaside Hauntings and Hags.”
Those seeking a truly haunting experience in Newport may want to explore alternative options.
Read our full review: Newport Ghosts: Seaside Hauntings and Hags Tour Review
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Private Downtown Newport Walking Tour
The Private Downtown Newport Walking Tour allows visitors to discover Newport’s rich history, from its colonial origins to its 19th-century status as a haven for industrialists.
The tour begins at the historic harbor and explores off-the-beaten paths, shedding light on Newport’s Quaker influence, religious freedom history, and the bustling Thames Street.
With a maximum group size of 10, the tour ensures a personalized experience, catering to participants’ needs, including those with mobility issues, though the route isn’t wheelchair accessible.
The 5.0-rated tour, offered by Rhody Rambles, is priced at $325 for the entire group and can be modified for convenience.
Booking is straightforward, with confirmation within 48 hours and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking to learn about Newport’s charming streets, this walking tour is an excellent way to explore the city’s evolution and uncover its hidden gems.
Read our full review: Private Downtown Newport Walking Tour Review
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Newport Sightseeing Boat Tour Aboard Rum Runner II
While exploring Newport’s historic harbor, visitors can opt for the Newport Sightseeing Boat Tour aboard the Rum Runner II, which provides a scenic cruise with narration highlighting the city’s renowned landmarks.
Offering 29 reviews with a 97% recommendation rate, this 1-hour tour is priced at $40 per person, with a maximum capacity of 48 travelers. The non-refundable tickets are required for all attendees, including infants, children, adults, and seniors.
Guests can enjoy drinks available for purchase and bring light snacks, although no alcoholic beverages are permitted. The tour departs promptly from the meeting point at Newport Classic Cruises, with a marine bathroom on board.
Visitors should plan to arrive 20 minutes early for check-in and allow ample time to find parking, which can be challenging, especially on weekends. The tour returns to the original meeting point, and groups of 10 or more will incur a 15% gratuity.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most travelers, who are advised to dress appropriately for the cooler weather on the water.
Read our full review: Newport Sightseeing Boat Tour Aboard Rum Runner II Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?
Most tour companies have policies about allowing pets on their tours. Guests should check with the specific tour operator to see if they permit pets and what guidelines or restrictions may apply. Some tours may not be suitable for animals.
Is There a Discount for Seniors or Students?
Many tour providers offer discounted rates for seniors and students. Customers should check with individual tour companies to inquire about available discounts. Some may require valid identification to receive the reduced pricing.
How Accessible Are the Tour Locations for Individuals With Disabilities?
The tour locations generally offer good accessibility for individuals with disabilities, including wheelchair-friendly pathways, ramps, and accommodations. However, it’s best to inquire about specific accessibility details when booking to ensure the tour meets any individual needs.
Can I Take Photos or Videos During the Tour?
Most tour providers allow visitors to take photos and videos during the tours, though they may have some restrictions to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants. It’s best to check with the specific tour company for their policies.
Do the Tours Operate Year-Round, or Are There Seasonal Variations?
Most tours operate year-round, though some may have seasonal variations. It’s best to check with the tour provider for specific details on their schedule and availability. Many offer activities and experiences tailored to the changing seasons.
The Sum Up
Newport offers a diverse range of tours to cater to various interests. From scenic trolley rides showcasing the city’s renowned Gilded Age mansions to walking food and history tours, there’s something for all. Those seeking a more in-depth exploration can opt for private tours, while those interested in the supernatural can discover the city’s ghostly haunts. With so many options, visitors are sure to find the perfect way to experience the enchanting city of Newport.