Newport's Opulent Gilded Age Homes: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
Hear the true stories that inspired the HBO show The Gilded Age on a self-guided walking tour down Bellevue Avenue, from Rough Point Mansion to The Breakers on Ochre Point Avenue.
Along the way, I’ll share the juicy details behind Newport’s palatial ”summer cottages” as you gaze at their impressive designs. You’ll find out about the owners of these homes, many of them New York’s most elite families including the Vanderbilts and Astors. I’ll also introduce you to the architects who designed them and the staff that kept these homes running despite harsh working conditions and low pay.
You’ll hear about the impact that the sinking of Titanic had on the owners of the Miramar Mansion, and how it took 36 staff members to look after Mable House, a holiday home used for only eight weeks of the year.
This hour-long stroll takes you behind the scenes to discover the personalities that built today’s Newport.
Options
Newport's Opulent Gilded Age Homes: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
What's included in Newport's Opulent Gilded Age Homes: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Rough Point MuseumPass-by Only
Start the tour outside resplendent Rough Point. You'll hear all about Doris Duke and how she helped to save this home and dozens of others in Newport. Entrance fees to museums is not included with tour, though you can pause to enjoy.
Belcourt of NewportPass-by Only
Outside of Belcourt you'll hear tales of the Gilded age. A story told later in the tour will relate back to this beautiful "bachelor pad." Entrance fees to museums is not included with tour, though you can pause to enjoy.
Marble HousePass-by Only
Though smaller than some others, this Vanderbilt home is exquisite in every detail. Entrance fees to museums is not included with tour, though you can pause to enjoy.
Inclusions
- Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
- App for Android and iOS
- Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
- Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
- Smartphone and headphones
- Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
- Food and drink
- Transportation
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- This tour starts at 680 Bellevue Ave. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
End Points
- This self-guided audio tour ends in front of The Breakers mansion on Ochre Point Avenue. You'll see the impressive stately home from the street.
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
VOICEMAP CODE ─── Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour. This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code. DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS ─── Once you've received your code, please follow these steps: Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app Create an account Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes Enter your code then select Download Now PLEASE NOTE ─── You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point. This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next. When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point. Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour. SUPPORT ─── For technical support and other queries, please email [email protected]
