Newport, RI: Gilded Age Christmas

Newport, RI: Gilded Age Christmas

Trip Duration: 4 Days

 

 

Trip Inclusions:

• Meals: 3 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners

• Tour Director

• Overnight accommodations

• Deluxe motorcoach transportation

• Baggage handling and related gratuities

• Taxes 

 

 

Trip Highlights:

 

Newport Sightseeing Tour

Soak in Newport's rich history and coastal beauty on this guided tour. Enjoy the charm of its historic buildings and meticulously restored homes, soak in the stunning scenery along Ten-Mile Ocean Drive, and admire the grandeur of the opulent mansions lining Bellevue Avenue's tree-shaded streets.

 

Blithewold Mansion & Gardens

Each year in late December, the Van Wickle/McKee family returned to Blithewold to celebrate Christmas and the New Year, with household staff preparing the house for festive gatherings. Today, Blithewold continues this tradition with volunteer decorators transforming the mansion into dazzling displays that reflect themes inspired by the family’s late 19th- and early 20th-century interests, celebrating the magic of Christmas. Located along Narragansett Bay, Blithewold Mansion & Gardens is one of New England’s most exquisite estates, featuring stunning gardens, majestic specimen trees, and a 45-room English-style manor house that offers a glimpse into over 80 years of rich social history. To fully enjoy your visit, we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate attire for exploring the gardens and grounds.

 

The Breakers

Experience the magic of the holidays at The Breakers, where nearly 30 exquisitely decorated Christmas trees complement the unique décor and theme of each room, including Mr. Vanderbilt’s tree adorned with trains and top hats. Don’t miss the stunning 15-foot poinsettia tree in the Great Hall, crafted from 150 vibrant poinsettia plants. Built between 1893 and 1895 by Cornelius Vanderbilt II, one of America’s wealthiest men, The Breakers epitomizes Gilded Age opulence. Designed by renowned architect Richard Morris Hunt, this grand retreat combines the elegance of a classic Italian palazzo with modern technology, American and European craftsmanship, and breathtaking ocean views.

 

Thames Street

Thames Street lies at the heart of Newport’s vibrant downtown, bustling with charming shops, delightful restaurants, and lively bars. Enjoy some free time to wander along this street, where seasonal decorations offer a taste of Newport's holiday spirit.

 

Marble House

Experience the opulence of Newport's Gilded Age mansions paired with the sparkle and magic of the holiday season. Marble House transforms into a festive wonderland, adorned with ornamented evergreens, themed Christmas trees, wreaths, fresh flowers, elegantly set dining tables with period silver and china, beautifully decorated mantelpieces throughout, and many more festive touches. Visitors can explore the mansion's rich history and holiday splendor through a self-guided audio tour.

 

The Elms

Experience historic elegance infused with holiday magic at The Elms, where over-the-top holiday decorations transform this grand estate into a festive wonderland. Adorned with Christmas trees, wreaths, garlands, poinsettias, and antique toy displays, the mansion captures the spirit of the season. Built as the summer retreat of Edward Julius Berwind and his wife, prominent figures in the Pennsylvania coal industry, The Elms was designed in 1898 by Philadelphia architect Horace Trumbauer. Inspired by the French Château d'Asnières, the residence was completed in 1901 at a cost of $1.4 million.

 

Newport Winery

Discover the history and winemaking traditions of Newport Vineyards on an engaging tour led by knowledgeable wine educators. Explore the vineyard and winery while learning about this unique property, and enjoy a tasting of four wines at the standing bar. As part of your experience, you'll receive a keepsake logo wine glass and a $5 credit to the onsite marketplace, perfect for picking up gifts, apparel, or a bottle of wine or beer to take home.

 

 

Meal Information:

 

Dinner on Day One is included at Johnny's Restaurant, inside the Wyndham Newport Hotel. Choices are:

• Chicken Piccata with capers

• 12 oz. New York Sirloin grilled 

• Vegetarian

Dinner is served with a mixed greens salad with balsamic drizzle, bread & butter, potato, and vegetable. Also included is chocolate cake for dessert, along with coffee, decaf coffee, tea, and iced tea.

 

Lunch on Day Two is included at Blithewold Manor.

Lunch will be a sandwich buffet and includes Chicken Bacon Avocado Sandwiches, Caprese Sandwiches with Fresh Mozzarella and Basil, & Roast Beef Sandwiches. Also included is a pasta salad, potato chips and dessert.

 

Lunch on Day Three is included at The Elms.

Lunch will be a boxed lunch, menu is TBD.

 

Dinner on Day Three is included at Brick Alley Pub.

Choices are:

• Baked Lobster Mac 'N' Cheese: Chunks of 100% claw and knuckle native lobster meat in a creamy blend of parmesan, swiss, and cheddar cheese, with a hint of sherry wine and lobster stock. Topped with a buttery parmesan bread crumb crust and served with garlic bread.

• Chicken Parmigiana: Breaded chicken breast, pan-fried, then topped with tomato sauce, parmesan, and mozzarella. Baked and topped with fresh basil, served over penne pasta marinara with a side of garlic bread.

• Braised Boneless Short Ribs: Braised low and slow, served on a bed of garlic mashed potatoes with seasonal vegetables.

• Baked New England Cod: Fresh, flaky cod baked in white wine and butter with a butter crumb topping. Served with garlic mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

• Brick Alley Lobster Salad Roll: Lobster salad piled high, served on a grilled New England-style hot dog roll with lettuce and mayonnaise, accompanied by classic cole slaw, fries, and a pickle.

• Penne al Pomodoro: Penne pasta with a light sauce of olive oil, chopped tomatoes, basil, black pepper, garlic, and a pinch of crushed red pepper. Topped with shaved parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes.

Meal is served with a garden salad, garlic bread, seasonal vegetables, and dessert. Drinks included are iced tea, soda, coffee, or lemonade.

 

Menus are subject to change.

 

 

Need to Know:

 

 

Accessibility:

At Blithewold Mansion & Gardens, the first floor is wheelchair accessible, but there is no elevator access to the second floor. Benches are conveniently placed throughout the grounds for resting. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate attire to fully enjoy the gardens and grounds.

 

Marble House offers partial wheelchair accessibility:

• The front door has one step for entry.

• The second floor is accessible by elevator or stairs.

• The mezzanine, kitchen, and pantry are not wheelchair accessible.

• A handicap-accessible restroom is located on the second floor.

 

Eyre has a select quantity of wheelchair accessible motorcoaches available; therefore, we suggest you contact a Travel Advisor to discuss any needs you may have before reserving your trip.

Wyndham Newport Hotel, Middletown, RI

The Wyndham Newport Hotel is your waterfront retreat near historic downtown Newport. The hotel features an indoor saltwater pool, exercise room, and firepits in the outdoor space.

 

Guest rooms include one or two king-size beds, hair dryer, coffee maker, iron/board, mini-fridge, and microwave.