Overview:

Experience the magic of Christmas in Newport, RI, with this enchanting senior group travel tour from Best of Times Travel.  Explore the opulent Gilded Age mansions, including The Breakers and Marble House, adorned in festive holiday splendor. This memorable senior touring trip offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and Christmas cheer, perfect for those seeking the best of times.

About This Tour:

Join Best of Times Travel for a truly special Christmas in Newport, RI. This senior group tour immerses you in the charm of this historic "City by the Sea," once a playground for America's wealthiest families.  Our expert Tour Manager will provide fascinating commentary, sharing the rich history of Newport and its iconic landmarks.  The highlight of our trip will be visits to two of Newport's most magnificent mansions: The Breakers, a symbol of the Vanderbilt family's power and prestige, and The Marble House, a stunning example of Gilded Age extravagance.  Both mansions will be beautifully decorated for the holidays, creating a truly magical atmosphere.  Enjoy the festive ambiance, explore the stunning architecture, and create lasting memories on this unforgettable senior touring trip.

Highlights:

• Christmas in Newport RI: Experience the festive charm of Newport during the holiday season.
• Newport Mansions: Explore the legendary mansions of the Gilded Age, including The Breakers and Marble House.
• The Breakers Mansion:  Marvel at the grandeur of this Italian palazzo-style mansion, built by Cornelius Vanderbilt II.  See it decked out in its Christmas best.
• The Marble House Mansion: Discover the opulent beauty of this architectural masterpiece, a gift from William Vanderbilt to his wife Alva.  Enjoy the yuletide decorations, including thousands of poinsettias, evergreens, wreaths, and fresh flowers.
• Best of Times Travel: Enjoy a seamless and enriching senior group travel experience with Best of Times Travel.
• Senior Touring Trip:  This tour is designed with senior travelers in mind, offering a comfortable and engaging experience.
• Lunch at Bowen's Wharf: Enjoy free time for lunch and shopping at the charming Bowen's Wharf area of Newport.

 This program contains a moderate degree of walking. 

Visit The Breakers, the grandest of Newport’s summer “cottages” and a symbol of the Vanderbilt family’s social and financial pre-eminence in the Gilded Age.  Built by Cornelius Vanderbilt II, one of the richest men in America, The Breakers was everything a millionaire of the Gilded Age could want in a summer getaway. A classic Italian palazzo design, the finest American and European craftsmanship, views of the sea, and modern technology combined to make the ideal setting for luxurious living and entertaining.  The Breakers was built from 1893-1895 to replace a smaller, wooden house that had been destroyed by fire. To reduce the risk of another fire, Vanderbilt and his wife, Alice, commissioned architect Richard Morris Hunt, a leading architect of the Gilded Age, to design the new structure of steel, brick and limestone.  

The Marble House decked out in yuletide finery, with thousands of poinsettia plants, evergreens, wreaths, and fresh flowers highlight our day.  William Vanderbilt built Marble House in 1892 as a 39th birthday present for his wife Alva Vanderbilt. It was a social and architectural landmark that set the pace for Newport’s subsequent transformation from a quiet summer colony of wooden houses to the legendary resort of opulent Gilded Age mansions. 

For guests that are not registering with a group, you will be notified of the closest departure point to where you live 45 Days, or sooner, prior to departure.  If you are incapable of reaching, the closest departure point for this program we will understand.  You will be cancelled from the event and issued a refund of all charges paid for the trip.    

No Refunds will be issued for cancellations, regardless of cancellation reason including but not limited to force majeure, health pandemics, or government restrictions after 11/7/2025.  Best of Times reserves the right to issue any refunds due in whole or in part in the form of Future Travel Credit.