DEC 1-4, 2026
What makes Newport, Rhode Island so special?
Newport, Rhode Island, renowned for its stunning coastline and rich historical heritage, is also home to an impressive collection of opulent mansions.
The city’s majestic homes, known locally as the “Newport Mansions,” have drawn tourists from around the world for decades. These grand residences were built during the Gilded Age, a period of immense wealth and extravagance in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Serving as lavish summer retreats for America’s wealthiest families, the mansions showcase architectural brilliance and offer a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the elite.
A Historical Overview of Newport’s Elite Residents
Throughout the years, Newport has attracted a diverse range of elite residents, including industrialists, financiers, and socialites
The city’s history as a prominent colonial and maritime center laid the foundation for its affluent future. Newport’s strategic location and favorable climate made it an attractive destination for the wealthy, seeking respite from the bustling cities.
As a result, the city experienced a boom in residential construction, with magnificent mansions sprouting along Bellevue Avenue, famously known as “Millionaire’s Row.”
Gilded Age: The Era that Shaped Newport’s Mansions
The Gilded Age, spanning from the 1870s to the early 1900s, played a pivotal role in shaping Newport’s architectural landscape. This period saw an unprecedented accumulation of wealth, fueled by the rapid industrialization of America.
Families such as the Vanderbilts, Astors, and Morgans amassed vast fortunes, enabling them to construct palatial summer homes in Newport. The era’s opulence and grandeur left an indelible mark on the city’s architectural heritage.
ITINERARY
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1 (D)
WELCOME TO CHRISTMAS IN NEWPORT
This afternoon, arrive in Newport, RI, to celebrate the Christmas season in grand fashion! Here, the glitter of gold and the sparkle of silver will dazzle you as we learn about three magnificent mansions adorned in Yuletide finery. Music, guided tours, and spectacular decorations make the Christmas celebration at the Newport Mansions truly special.
During our stay, you’ll enjoy holiday memories visiting The Breakers, Marble House, and The Elms—where thousands of poinsettias, towering evergreens, festive wreaths, fresh flowers, and 19th-century style ornaments transform the houses and their grounds into a Christmas wonderland.
Our first stop today takes us to one of Newport’s wineries for a tasting of their celebrated wines. Later, we will check into The Newport Harbor Hotel and Marina, centrally located along Newport’s famed waterfront. Take a moment to freshen up before gathering for a delicious dinner at La Forge Casino Restaurant, located in the historic International Tennis Hall of Fame building.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2 (B, D)
NEWPORT’S TEN MILE DRIVE TOUR
THE MARBLE HOUSE
AFTERNOON FREE-TIME IN NEWPORT
After breakfast, set off on a festive guided tour that brings the opulent Gilded Age to life. This was the era when elite families such as the Vanderbilts and Astors built their grand “summer cottages” as escapes from bustling city life. Step into this dazzling world with a visit to Marble House, the lavish mansion gifted by William K. Vanderbilt to his wife, Alva.
Inspired by the Petit Trianon at Versailles, the house is an architectural treasure, and during the holidays, it becomes even more magical. Marble columns and gilded rooms are adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, glittering ornaments, and beautifully decorated Christmas trees, creating a scene of timeless holiday elegance.
The balance of the day is yours to enjoy Newport at leisure. Wander through the charming boutiques and galleries, many dressed in festive window displays, perfect for holiday shopping. Along the waterfront, the twinkle of harbor lights adds to the seasonal magic, while horse-drawn carriages clip-clop through the historic streets, carrying with them the spirit of a bygone era.
Take time to relax, soak in the atmosphere, and feel the warmth of the season all around you. This evening, we’ll gather once more to share in a delicious dinner together.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3 (B, High Tea, D)
BLITHEWOLD MANSION
TOUR + TEA
SPARKLING LIGHTS AT THE BREAKERS
Enjoy breakfast this morning before setting off for the charming coastal town of Bristol, RI. Begin with a scenic tour through the town, admiring beautifully decorated homes along the way to Blithewold Mansion, a 33-acre summer estate overlooking Narragansett Bay and a nationally significant landmark in American history. Each year, Blithewold transforms into a dazzling holiday showcase. Every room of the mansion is adorned with elaborate seasonal décor, while the gardens shimmer as a winter wonderland.
Following your tour, delight in a traditional high tea served in the wood-paneled dining room, a warm and elegant holiday experience.
Return to Newport for some free time to explore the waterfront and browse the festive shops before this afternoon’s highlight—Sparkling Lights at The Breakers. Stroll along a half-mile outdoor path glittering with hundreds of thousands of lights, accompanied by holiday music and sparkling displays at every turn.
Then step inside the grandest of Newport’s Gilded Age mansions, The Breakers, where holiday splendor fills every room. Christmas trees glow with ornate, themed decorations reflecting the style of each space, while poinsettias, evergreens, and garlands adorn mantels, tabletops, and sweeping staircases. The iconic 15-foot poinsettia tree in the Great Hall—crafted from 150 vibrant poinsettia plants—offers the perfect backdrop for a holiday photo.
This evening, we gather for a festive dinner together, where the holiday spirit comes alive, and perhaps even a visit from our favorite jolly old elf will add a touch of Christmas magic to the celebration.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4 (B)
THE ELMS + HOME
After breakfast this morning, visit The Elms, the “summer cottage” of Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Berwind of Philadelphia. Modeled after the mid-18th century French château d’Asnières outside Paris, this elegant mansion dazzles during the holidays with lavish decorations, sparkling trees, and festive touches in every room.
Following your tour, we bid farewell to Newport and begin our journey home—taking with us the magic of the season and many cherished holiday memories.
PRICING
4 in room = $1250 each
3 in room = $1275 each
2 in room = $1325 each
Single room = $1525
Each room has 2 queen beds
INCLUDED
- 3 nights lodging
- 3 full breakfasts
- 3 dinners
- 1 high tea
- Wine tasting
- Luggage handline
- Hotel taxes, meal taxes + gratuities
- Tour Guide gratuity
NOT INCLUDED
- Driver gratuity ($15 per person suggested)
TERMS
$250 Deposit to save your space.
Balance due Oct 1.
LIMITED TO 30 PEOPLE. FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
$250 if paying by VENMO, ZELLE or CHECK.
VENMO to Susan-Duval-2
ZELLE to SusanDuvalSeminars@gmail.com
CHECK: Susan Duval, 200 Spruce St, Apt C5, Doylestown PA 18901
$260 if using PAYPAL / CREDIT CARD (4% fee added)
PAYPAL / CREDIT CARD to SusanDuvalSeminars@gmail.com
REGISTRATION
To register, call or email Susan Duval with:
Your full name as it appears on your driver’s license or passport.
Your email address + phone number.
Name + contact info for your emergency contact person.
Location
Dec 1 meet at 7:30am at parking lot.
331 New Britain Rd, Doylestown.
Dec 4 back to parking lot at 6pm.
Questions
Travel Insurance
Payments are non-refundable but are transferable to your friends/family or people on my Wait List. Travel insurance offers peace of mind, as it covers unexpected events. Get a quote from Faye, Aegis, Allianz. For pre-existing conditions, purchase within 7-14 days of paying the deposit
