The Vanderbilt's Newport
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Port
Newport, Rhode Island, US
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$180
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 3¼ Hours
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Meals Included
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 (about $330 million today). 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 the popularity of The Breakers, expect a short wait at the entrance to the mansion. Tour involves a walk of approximately one mile. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair. Tour sequence may vary. Mansion tours at The Breakers and Marble House are self-guided audio tours using the Newport Mansions app, available in English, French, Spanish, German and Mandarin. Participants must bring their own smart device with earbuds and download the app prior to arrival at the mansion. Floor plans, historic photos and other information are also available on the app. Printed house narratives are available at the front door of the mansions.