Newport, RI: Gilded Age Christmas

Duration: 4 Days | Meals Included: 3 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners 

 

Trip Highlights:

 

Newport Sightseeing Tour

Soak in the rich history and breathtaking coastal beauty of Newport on this guided sightseeing tour. Discover the charm of the city's historic neighborhoods, featuring beautifully preserved and meticulously restored homes. Take in the spectacular ocean views along the famed Ten-Mile Ocean Drive, then marvel at the grandeur of Newport's legendary Gilded Age mansions as you travel along the tree-lined streets of elegant Bellevue Avenue.

 

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 Manor & 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.

 

 

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

See Marble House dressed up for the holidays! This magnificent mansion is transformed into a festive wonderland, featuring beautifully decorated evergreens, themed Christmas trees, wreaths, fresh floral arrangements, elegantly set dining tables adorned with period silver and china, and stunning holiday displays throughout. As you explore, discover the fascinating history of this iconic estate while enjoying its enchanting holiday décor.

 

 

The Elms

 

 

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. grilled New York Sirloin

• Vegetarian entree

Dinner is served with a mixed greens salad, bread and butter, potato, vegetable, and chocolate cake for dessert. Iced tea, coffee, and hot tea are included.

 

Lunch on day two is included at Blithewold Manor

Lunch will be served buffet-style and includes Chicken Bacon Avocado Sandwiches, Caprese Sandwiches with Fresh Mozzarella and Basil, Roast Beef Sandwiches. Lunch is served with pasta salad, chips, and dessert.

 

Lunch on day three is included at The Elms Carriage House. Choices are:

Menu TBA

 

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 coleslaw, 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. Soda, iced tea, lemonade, and coffee are included.

 

Menus are subject to change.

 

Need to Know:

• Blithwold Manor and Gardens: To fully enjoy your visit, we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate attire for exploring the gardens and grounds.

• Newport Mansions: Visitors must bring their own smart device with earbuds/headsets and download the free Newport Mansions tour app before visiting. Click here to download the free Newport Mansions app in the Google Play Store for Android devices, or the Newport Mansions app in the App Store for Apple devices. Printed scripts may be available and staff may be on hand to answer questions.

• Every Starr trip includes deluxe round-trip motorcoach transportation from one or more of our departure locations.

• A Starr Tour Director will accompany you on this trip.

• Baggage handling at hotels is included.

 

Accessibility:

• Blithewold Mansion & Gardens: The first floor is wheelchair accessible. There is no elevator access to the second floor. Benches are conveniently placed throughout the grounds for resting.

• The Elms is not wheelchair accessible. There are no elevators or ramps on the property. The restrooms and gift shop are located one flight of stairs below the main level.

• 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.

• Starr Tours 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 has a restaurant/lounge, indoor pool, and fitness room. Guest rooms include a coffee maker, mini-fridge, microwave, hair dryer, and iron/board.