Discover the Newport Cliff Walk at your own pace with this self-guided, GPS-based tour. Uncover the fascinating stories of the Gilded Age millionaires and explore their iconic mansions.
- Easton’s Beach - Begin your scenic walk at the Cliff Walk entrance by Easton’s Beach. We’ll start by learning a bit about Easton’s Beach, followed by a brief look at the Chanler. As we proceed, we’ll delve into Newport’s history, the impact of the Gilded Age, and the creation of the Cliff Walk. We’ll also explore the stories of the “old-money” families, like the Vanderbilts and Astors, whose grand summer cottages line the Cliff Walk.
Note: This 16+ mile-long tour covers the essentials of Cliff Walk in 1-2 hours.
- Forty Steps - Our first major stop is the iconic Forty Steps. This is an alternative starting point for the tour and a great chance to walk down these historic steps and admire the wild beauty of the crashing waves. We’ll learn about the Gilded Age elites who tried to keep access to the Cliff Walk for themselves by building a wall – and the lower-class residents who tore those walls down! Thanks to their efforts, this beautiful pathway has remained open to the public.
- Ochre Court - Ochre Court will immediately catch our eye! This châteauesque mansion cost $4.5 million… in 1892. And it certainly shows! Now the centerpiece of Salve Regina University, this mansion isn’t open for tours… but that won’t stop us from learning all about its rich and fascinating history!
- McAuley Hall - Next on our Cliff Walk tour: the manorial Vinland Estate. This Vikings-inspired mansion is now Salve Regina’s McAuley Hall. As we pass this beautiful red-stone mansion, we’ll learn all about its inspiration and its unique owner.
- The Breakers - Finally, we reach Newport’s highlight: The Breakers. This Vanderbilt mansion is the biggest and the best of all of Newport’s summer cottages – and you can tell. We’ll look past the gate, across the sweeping lawns, and up to the majestic and marvelous mansion’s facade. We’ll dive into the Vanderbilt backstory, the mansion’s architectural wonders, and much more while here. We’ll also explore the technological wonders at work beneath the Breakers.
- Rosecliff - Rosecliff is next on our path along the Cliff Walk. This is arguably the most beautiful of the Newport Mansions, and it contains a rotating exhibition gallery on its top floor. You can immediately spot this mansion by its pink-and-white awning.
- Gustave White Sotheby’s International Realty - As we continue, we’ll pass the Astors’ summer cottage: Beechwood. Mrs. Astor famously had a “300 List” - the definitive list of the 300 people she considered high society. Where did that number come from? Well, this ballroom actually! It fit 300 guests. We’ll learn more about this list, the Astors, and the Gilded Age as we continue to walk down Newport’s Cliff Walk.
- Marble House - Our journey now takes us past Marble House, one of the most opulent and magnificent of Newport’s Mansions. This Gilded Age marvel is another Vanderbilt home, and actually has one of the most interesting histories of all the mansions here. We’ll learn all about Marble House’s powerful owner Alva and its beautiful Chinese Tea House.
- Rough Point Museum - As we continue along the Cliff Walk, we can catch a glimpse of an English Manorial style home through the trees: that’s Rough Point. As we pass, we’ll learn all about its eccentric (and possibly dangerous) owner: Doris Duke.
- Lands End - As we near the end of the Cliff Walk, we’ll see one final mansion: Land’s End. This was the home of Edith Wharton, the gifted author who abhorred being a Gilded Age elite. We’ll learn all about Wharton and her works as we continue.
- Bailey’s Beach - Our tour along the beautiful Cliff Walk ends near another beach: Bailey’s Beach. The northeast end of the beach, where the Cliff Walk ends, is open to the public, but Bailey’s Beach itself is private, welcoming only a very exclusive club…. reminiscent of Mrs. Astor’s “400” list. Perhaps the Gilded Age lives on in Newport!
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- Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
- Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
- Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
- Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
- Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
- Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
- Learn more: dive deeper into any story you enjoyed with extra stories.
- Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
- Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
Explore scenic, Newport’s historic Cliff Walk at your own pace using this self-guided, GPS-based tour. Download an easy-to-use app and set off on an attraction-packed audio tour. Learn the little-known stories behind famous families of the Gilded Age—the Vanderbilts, the Astors, and other millionaires—and see their iconic oceanside mansions.
• A self-guided walking tour of Newport’s Cliff Walk
• Enrich your visit with the stories behind Newport’s iconic millionaire mansions
• Benefit from online support as needed and an easy-to-use downloadable app
After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route.
New, extra validity — now yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!
This isn’t an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.
- How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email with instructions. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the separate app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular.
- How to start the tour: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. • Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
- Walking Tours: couples can share one using headphones.
- Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It’s perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. • Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
- Comprehensive Tour Experience: • The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities
- Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
- Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
- Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
- Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app’s features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.