Newport Gilded Age Mansions Trolley Tour Review: Is It Worth It?

If you’re visiting Newport, Rhode Island and wondering if the Newport Gilded Age Mansions Trolley Tour with Breakers Admission is worth it–let me save you some time.

Yes, absolutely!

This tour is hands down one of the best ways to experience the beauty, history, and grandeur of Newport in just a few hours.

We are so glad we took this tour. Without it, we wouldn’t have been able to see so many iconic sights in such a short time.

Let’s dig in to what you can expect, why I recommend this tour of Newport, and tips for first-timers.

*Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

‼️ ➡️ Book your trolley tour with Breakers admission here! ⬅️ ‼️

The Trolley Tour: What to Expect

One of the highlights of our Newport weekend getaway was this Gilded Age Mansion trolley tour. We had a fantastic guide who was not only knowledgeable but also funny, keeping us entertained while sharing fascinating facts about the history of Newport. He knew all the best spots to stop, making sure we didn’t miss anything important.

The tour is 3 hours long and includes a drive through Newport’s most famous areas, including Bellevue Avenue, where you can see the exteriors of several Gilded Age mansions like Marble House, Rosecliff and The Elms.

You’ll also pass by the Cliff Walk, one of Newport’s most famous scenic trails.

Another highlight? A drive down part of Ocean Drive, offering breathtaking coastal views, and a pass by Brenton Point State Park, where we were able to get out of the trolley for a few minutes to fully appreciate the scenery and take some photos.

One unexpected bonus was seeing the childhood home of Jackie Kennedy (“Hammersmith Farm“) as well as the church where she was married. For history lovers (or anyone who grew up hearing about the Kennedys), this was such a cool moment!

The Breakers Tour

The tour includes two hours at The Breakers (at no additional cost), which is the most famous and grandest of all the Newport mansions.

Originally built for the Vanderbilt family, The Breakers is a stunning example of the over-the-top luxury of the Gilded Age.

Walking through its lavish rooms, intricate ceilings, and sprawling gardens, you truly feel like you’ve stepped back in time. My personal favorite was the Billiard Room, with the most intricate designs covering the ceiling, walls, and floor, created with thousands upon thousands of half-inch tiles.

The self-guided audio tour is excellent, giving you all the history while letting you explore at your own pace. 

💡Note: Several movies and TV shows have been filmed here that you may recognize, including The Gilded Age on HBO and Downton Abbey.

‼️ ➡️ Book your trolley tour with Breakers admission here! ⬅️ ‼️

Thousands of Rave Reviews

This tour isn’t just our favorite–it’s also a Viator Tour Award Winner, with thousands of glowing reviews!

It’s well-organized, the trolley is comfortable, and you get the perfect mix of guided narration and free time to explore. If you’re just visiting Newport on a day trip or simply want a stress-free way to see Newport’s highlights in just a few hours, this is the way to go.

Should You Book This Tour?

Yes, I highly recommend booking this tour for your next visit to Newport!

Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture lover, or just someone who enjoys seeing all the best sights in a destination, this one checks all the boxes.

Quick Tips for This Tour

• Book in advance. This tour sells out often!
• Book the tour towards the beginning of your trip to Newport. Throughout the tour, you’ll learn about plenty of points of interest and delicious restaurants you’ll want to check out later in your trip.
• Don’t be late! The trolley leaves right on time. I suggest arriving a few minutes early to get seats together if you are traveling with a group.
• Bring a light jacket–it can be breezy near the coast.
• Don’t skip the self-guided audio tour at The Breakers!

‼️ ➡️ Book your trolley tour with Breakers admission here! ⬅️ ‼️

I know this tour will be an enriching experience for your Newport getaway. It’s interesting and educational for kids and adults alike and really helps you immerse yourself in Gilded Age history!

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