Summer in Newport & Block Island

Departure Info:

PetSmart, Crossgates Commons 6:45am
Yankee Trails, Rensselaer- 7:15am

Sunday, August 9th:

With great anticipation and expectation, we board the coach this morning and travel to Newport, RI where upon arrival you will have time for lunch on your own in Brick Market Place, Bowens or Bannisters Wharf, all located near the lovely Newport Harbor. There are a wide variety of dining options in the area that will appeal to all. This afternoon we’ll take a ride uptown to Bellevue Avenue to The Elms. The Elms was modeled after an 18th-century French chateau but featured the latest technology of the Gilded Age. It houses an outstanding collection of paintings, statuary and tapestries, and its landscape features formal gardens, terraces, pavilions and fountains.Designed by architect Horace Trumbauer and modeled after the 18th-century Château d’Asnières outside Paris, The Elms reflects the Berwinds’ desire for European sophistication and their extraordinary wealth. With its classical symmetry, ornate interiors and advanced technology for its time — including one of the earliest electrical systems in a private residence, The Elms exemplifies the lavish lifestyle of America’s industrial elite and remains a key landmark among Newport’s historic summer “cottages.” We will then continue on to our accommodations for the next two nights at the Wyndham Newport Hotel & Conference Center in Middletown, RI (401-236-2054). Situated in picturesque Middletown, this contemporary hotel is just three miles from downtown Newport, reachable via their convenient shuttle. This property offers an indoor pool and free WiFi. Following check in you will have some free time to relax before dinner tonight included at Johnny’s Restaurant & Lounge located right on property. Meal choices are 1) New York Sirloin or 2) Chicken Piccata. After dinner the rest of the evening is on your own to relax or take the hotel's free shuttle into Newport.

Monday, August 10th:

A hot breakfast is included at the hotel this morning, then we will make our way to Point Judith, RI where we will board the Block Island Ferry to spend the day on Block Island! Only 15 miles from the coast of Rhode Island, Block Island offers many attractions, including 2 lighthouses, 17 miles of beaches, and great restaurants. Upon our arrival we will savor lunch (included) on the front porch of The National Hotel, located right on the waterfront. Your meal includes New England clam chowder and an entree choice of 1) Baked Seafood Casserole (Medley of Seafood baked with Ritz Cracker Topping) 2) New England Scrod crusted with breadcrumbs and a toasted garlic lemon oil or 3) Pan Seared Chicken Breast finished with a lemon basil butter sauce. Strawberry shortcake is included for dessert! After lunch, delight in a narrated one hour bus tour and view the scenic island beauty and charm. There will also be time on your own for shopping and browsing in the unique village shops before we take the 5:15pm ferry back to Point Judith. We will return to the hotel following our day on Block Island. Dinner will be on your own tonight; the rest of the evening is on your own to relax or take the hotel's free shuttle into Newport.

Tuesday, August 11th

A hot breakfast is included this morning at the hotel. Then we're off to the magnificent Breakers mansion on Ochre Point Avenue. Cornelius Vanderbilt II, President and Chairman of the New York Central Railroad, commissioned leading American architect Richard Morris Hunt to design this summer retreat for his large family. This 70-room Italian Renaissance-style house includes a 45 foot high central Great Hall. A National Historic Landmark, it sits on a 13 acre estate overlooking Atlantic Avenue. Following our tour we will return to downtown Newport and the Brick Market Place for lunch on your own and more free time in that area before our departure at 3pm with approximate arrival in the Capital District will be 7pm. One stop each way.

LU=Lunch, DN=Dinner, FB=Full Breakfast