port
Newport, Rhode Island, US
activityLevel
Moderate Activity
excursionType
All
wheelchairAccessible
No
startingAtPrice
$180
minimumAge
Information Not Currently Available
duration
Approximately 3¼ Hours
mealsIncluded
Meals not included
Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt (1794-1877) established the famous 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 became the wealthiest family in America and chose Newport as their summer playground. Learn about the Vanderbilt 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 at a total cost exceeding $11 million. Enjoy the stories of the elaborate parties of the Gilded Age as you tour the public rooms and grounds of Marble House.
You'll also visit the grandest of Newport's summer "cottages" -- The Breakers -- inspired by the 16th-century palaces of Genoa and Turin. Completed in 1895, the mansion is situated on a 13-acre estate with a spectacular view of the rugged Atlantic coastline.
Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes. Flash photography, selfie sticks and tripods are not allowed inside the mansions. Due to their popularity, there may be a short wait to enter the Newport mansions. Mansion tours at The Breakers and Marble House are self-guided, audio tours using the Newport Mansions App. Guests must bring their own smart device with earbuds and download the Newport Mansions App. Guests are encouraged to download the App prior to arrival at the mansions. The self-guided audio tour via App is available in English, French, Spanish, German & Chinese. Additional house information, floor plans, historic photos and other information is available on the App. Printed house narratives are available at the front door of each mansion.