Print Full Itinerary
Itinerary: Subject to change due to local conditions, unforeseen events, or more interesting as yet unplanned awesome experiences that become available
Overview:
Think cobblestone streets with the glow of white lights, the glitter and gold of Gilded Age mansions dazzled with dozens of Christmas trees along with thousands of poinsettias, and warm, quaint shops with candlelit windows and you will get a sense of the enchantment of the holiday season in coastal Newport.
This historic New England seaport abounds with history, elegance and beauty, and possesses more historic houses dating from before the American Revolution, than any other city in America.
You will experience Newport’s old-world charm throughout its numerous shops and restaurants. Wandering through this charming town and within the sparkling opulence of each festively decorated mansion will be the perfect way to capture that holiday magic!
Day One: Newport
Today we travel along the New England coastline to the picturesque town of Newport where the opulence of Gilded Age mansions meets the sparkle and magic of Christmas.
Take your time to browse the festively decorated downtown, waterfront area and find a tasty lunch on your own.
Day One: The Elms
Our first magnificent mansion of the day is The Elms, modeled after an 18th Century French Chateau for America’s coal king, Edward J. Berwind. From the moment you set eyes upon this opulent home, you will be astounded!
The interiors and furnishings were designed by Allard & Sons of Paris and contain the Berwind’s collection of Renaissance ceramics, 18th century French and Venetian paintings and Oriental jades.
After, we check into our waterfront accommodations at The Newport Harbor Hotel, located in the heart of the downtown, a perfect location for exploring the town.
Day One: The Breakers
After time to settle in, relax, and enjoy the included dinner, we’ll an extravagant evening at The Breakers, the grandest of the Newport Summer Cottages.
The Breakers façade will be bathed in color during the Sparkling Lights display and it’s gardens and landscape will be aglow with festive colored lights as holiday music fills the air.
As you make your way inside, the jaw-dropping interior will be lavishly decorated with thousands of poinsettias, spectacular ornamented evergreens, wreathes, fresh flowers, along with surprising festive touches along with the infamous 15-foot-tall poinsettia tree gracing The Great Hall.
Day Two: Ocean Drive
We begin our day with ten miles of historic landmarks and stunning coastal views along Newport’s famous Ocean Drive. While keeping warm and cozy, we’ll be wowed as we pass by the homes of Newport’s rich and famous while hearing their fascinating stories.
Day Two: Marble House
Now we step foot into one of those magnificent homes, Marble House, which offers a certain kind of holiday magic. Inspired by The Grand Trianon of Versailles, Marble House was constructed with 500,000 cubic feet of marble with the front resembling The White House and the interior consisting of an eclectic mix of Gothic and French style architecture.
Now we head to picturesque Narragansett for a delicious, included seafood lunch before our trek back to New Jersey.
Pricing & Departures:
Departs South Plainfield High School, the end of Lane Ave, at 7:15 AM and returns at approximately 7:15 PM
Departs Madison’s Kings Road Parking Lot, 62 Kings Rd. at 7:45 AM and returns at approximately 6:45 PM
Departs Ridgewood’s Graydon Pool at the corner of Linwood Avenue and Northern Parkway at 8:30 AM and returns at approximately 6:00 PM
Price per person is $695 Twin & $795 Single. No reservations accepted without a deposit of $150 per person. Make checks payable to “Group Tours & Travel” and mail to the address above. Final payment is due on September 9, 2023. Deposits are fully refundable until September 9, 2023. If cancellation occurs after September 9, 2023, there are no refunds. Travel protection/cancellation coverage is available and highly recommended (cost is approximately 10% of the total cost of the tour) but not included. One piece of luggage per person and one small carry-on are permitted. Group Tours is not responsible for any delays, cancellations, injuries or circumstances beyond its control and reserves the right to change this itinerary. All trip components are subject to change in accordance with Government, State and Local guidelines and/or mandates. This tour will run rain or shine.
Upon submitting final payment you are agreeing to our new policy.
Wet Blanket Policy:
Wet blanket
– a person who makes it difficult for other people to enjoy themselves by complaining, acting negatively, creating drama, etc.
– one that quenches or dampens enthusiasm or pleasure
- Our philosophy of travel involves getting out of the ordinary to experience other cultures and places with an open minded attitude and flexibility. Since as in daily life, anything can and will happen, let’s embrace these situations with acceptance and understanding because they will either lead to an unexpected, amazing experience or positive learning experience.
- If anyone brings along excess baggage such as incessant complaining, under the breath rude comments, outward negativity or other such behaviors that infect the entire group or individuals, we have the exclusive right to remove them from the tour at their own cost with no refunds. (yes, this means you)
- If any major concerns arise during a tour, please just come talk to us and we’ll work it out!
The Educated Wanderer
Group Tours & Travel
PO Box 632 Berwyn, PA 19312
973-513-9001
