Newport Gilded Age Christmas

DAY 1

Experience the enchanting beauty and historic charm of this holiday getaway to Newport, Rhode Island. Your day begins with appropriate meal and rest stops at your expense enroute to your first experience, a tour and tasting at Newport Vineyards. Enjoy a presentation by a wine educator to learn about the Vineyard's history, winemaking and a bit about their on-site brewery, Taproot Brewing Co. With over 60-acres of vines, spread across 100-acres of historically preserved farmland, Newport Vineyards prides itself on a robust portfolio of estate-grown wines perfected for over 25 years. Enjoy a tasting of 4 select wines, with the opportunity to purchase your favorite(s) to take home with you. Afterwards, you depart for check-in at your host hotel for the next two nights, the Newport Harbor Hotel and Marina (401-847-9000). Situated in the heart of downtown Newport amid the historical cobblestone streets, the hotel offers guests an indoor pool to relax and unwind, Wi-Fi throughout the property to stay connected and an onsite restaurant. Enjoy your delightful guestroom featuring a mini refrigerator and Keurig coffeemaker and supplies. Dinner this evening is included at the hotel's restaurant with the remainder of the evening to relax and unwind or explore downtown.

DAY 2

Begin your day with breakfast included at the hotel before you board the motorcoach with your local guide, dressed in character as Mrs. Astor, who will lead you on a narrated driving tour of Newport featuring Bellevue Avenue, which was the backbone of Newport's Golden Age. Here, the Vanderbilts and the top 400 of U.S. society and wealth congregated during the summer months. During the tour, you will stop at the Marble House where admission is included to explore the summer home of Mr. & Mrs. William K. Vanderbilt. Reportedly costing $11 million to build, it was considered the most lavish house in America in 1892. The walls of the bathroom are gilded with 22 carat gold and the floors are marble. During the holidays, its rooms are decked out with countless poinsettias, stunning evergreens, trees, wreaths, fresh flowers and period ornaments to turn the house into a Christmas wonderland. Afterwards, you will have free time for lunch at your expense at the Brick Marketplace featuring over 25 unique shops and places to eat. Early afternoon, you board the Coastal Queen for a relaxing Newport Harbor Cruise. Witness historic church steeples and forts, lighthouses, mega yachts, and maybe even a seal or two (not guaranteed to see any seals). Your vessel offers two decks with a weatherproof interior that can be heated and a covered top deck with clear curtains that are rolled down for warmth. Both decks are spacious and offer panoramic views. Once back on land, you will have a short time to browse the downtown shops before you gather with fellow passengers for a self-guided tour of the Breakers Mansion. Home of President and Chairman of New York Central Railroad Cornelius Vanderbilt II, a 70-room, Italian Renaissance-style palazzo boasts a display of rich marbles, exquisite mosaic tile floors and ceilings, and topped off by panoramic ocean views. The focal point of The Breakers is The Great Hall. Stroll across the floor and gaze at the elaborate details from floor to ceiling. Lush greenery, vibrant poinsettias and meticulously decorated trees surround the room and accent the second-floor balcony. As day turns to night, witness Sparkling Lights at The Breakers, a spectacular outdoor lights display that contains more than 40,000 twinkling lights that dress up the façade of the home and part of the serpentine walkway on the property. Your night concludes with dinner included at an area restaurant and return to the hotel to relax and unwind after a busy day of touring.

DAY 3

Wake to breakfast included at the hotel before you pack up and bid farewell to coastal Newport as you depart for Blithewold Mansion in Bristol, RI. Blithewold is a 33-acre summer estate with grand views of Narragansett Bay and is nationally significant in American history as one of the most fully developed and authentic examples of the Country Place Era. The property features a 45-room mansion filled with family heirlooms that you will be able to witness during your visit. In addition, you will enjoy a delightful afternoon tea with light lunch before you depart. Afterwards, you depart for home with enchanting and joyful memories of your holiday getaway to coastal Newport. A dinner stop at your expense will be made along the way home.

***

**ALL WOLF'S TOURS - TIMES AND ITINERARY SUBJECT TO CHANGE**

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner