Historical Tours
Colonial Newport
Newport has 500 years of history! Starting back to 1639, even prior!
Learn of Newport’s integral role, people, and events, and see firsthand the places they happened that helped shape, create, and establish America.
Newport and Rhode Island were founded by religious refugees, seeking asylum from intolerance in Massachusetts, and the freedom to worship as they saw fit.
Newport became one of the 5 major port cities of the British colonies, and today has the most colonial homes still intact in the country.
Historic preservation is everywhere, more than Boston or New York. See some of the oldest, pristinely restored homes in America from the 18th century, including the Hunter House from 1748, the Quaker Meeting House from 1699, Touro Synagogue from 1658, Brick Market from 1762, the White Horse Tavern from 1673, the Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House from 1697, the Colony House from 1739, the Redwood Library and Athenaeum from 1747, and so many more!
Learn about the founders of Rhode Island and Newport, the establishment between church and state, internationally recognized Colonial artisans, Colonial pirates, Rum making, Newport‘s importance during the Revolutionary War, including the massively important George Washington meetings with the French Navy and Army when they arrived here in 1780, the commerce and society that drove Newport, the first tomato introduced by a European to North America, the transition into the Gilded Age, and so much more!
1 hour
$80
Gilded Age
See the architectural masterpieces and landscapes of Newport’s Gilded Age “summer cottage” mansions. Hear stories of opulence, wealth, and artistic grandeur, and the cultural changes they brought about. Newport boasted a summer colony whose members included some of the most prominent families in America. Learn of the titans of industry and their society that amassed great wealth and had Newport as their summer playground.
Ride along beautiful Bellevue Avenue, which is also considered an arboretum itself, in addition to being billionaire’s row, and some of the finest architectural homes in the country, including Vanderbilt estates of The Breakers and Marble House, The Elms, Rosecliff, J.N. A. Griswold House, Ochre Court, Kingscote, The Isaac Bell House, Chepstow, The Orchard, Vinland, and Miramar, to name a few!
Newport has long been the seaside resort of luxurious and splendid summer homes, even prior to the Gilded age, dating back before 1835, you get to see these too! The elegant and the extravagant.
Architectural styles that include Victorian, Edwardian, Queen Anne English, and of course European Revival.
Explore Newport’s vibrant and magnificent past via pedicab, the modern day chariot, at the perfect pace, that is as fun as it is informative and enriching.
1 1/2 hours
$120
Colonial & Gilded Age
Experience the whole stretch of Newport‘s history from 1639 through the Gilded Age to today! At the perfect pace, not as slow as walking or as fast passer by as a trolley vehicle, be out in the open, learn about and be able to see the finer details of Newport’s rich history. Starting with Newport’s Colonial “Golden Age”, its transition after the Revolutionary War, and its prominence as “the” queen of resorts during the Gilded Age.
Your chariot adventure back through time awaits!
1 3/4 - 2 hours
$150
Ocean Drive
Take a charming and exciting ride along the beautiful Ocean Drive!
View the Gilded Age mansions along Bellevue Avenue, the amazing modern day mansions along the Drive, and spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and Narragansett Bay along Brenton Point State Park. View estates that people pay millions for. Architecture that is dynamic and incredible. Nature that is awe inspiring, and the cool breeze and sunshine to relax and refresh you!
1 3/4 - 2 hours
$150
Transportation to anywhere in Newport!
Also offered is transportation service from A to B, bike cab style!
Skip Uber! And being stuck in traffic. Take an open air, fun, modern day chariot to your destination. From your hotel or BnB to restaurants, weddings, you name it!
Payment for this option is taken in person at the time scheduled. Payment is actually open fare! You choose what you wish to pay! We work solely on your generosity for most rides. Suggested $20 minimum please.
Call or email to request scheduling.