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Activity #957 |
Newport, RI Group Sightseeing Tour |
Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?
Tickets must be purchased in advance, and since tours sell out quickly, we recommend that you book well in advance. This ensures a greater likelihood that you will get the day and time you prefer.
How long is the tour?
You can choose between a 6 or 8 hour duration for the tour. The 6-hour Regular version includes a stop for lunch and a tour of the town and a visit to ONE of the mansions. The 8-hour Extended version includes a stop for lunch and a tour of the town and a visit to TWO of the mansions. These durations include transportation time from your hotel/residence and back after the tour, if you are staying in downtown Boston. If you are not staying in downtown Boston please check the questions below for more information. If you have specific questions about additional transport time, you can also click on the "Contact this seller" link.
How do I estimate the travel time to and from my hotel/residence?
If you are staying outside of downtown Boston, the tour duration does NOT include travel time to and from your hotel/residence. In these situation you can look up the distance from your hotel/residence to these locations, add it to the tour duration, and that will give you an approximate total tour time. West (of Boston): You should use Kenmore Square. North (of Boston): You should use Kendall Square in Cambridge. South .
Where do we meet the tour? Where do you drop us off?
We pick you up and drop you off at your hotel or residence. We will pick up from any location within a 20 mile radius of Boston, in other words within 10 minutes of I-95/Rt 128 free of charge. If you are staying at a hotel, you should meet us at the bellman's stand about 10 minutes before the scheduled start time of your tour. When you arrive, let the bellman know who you are waiting for, if the tour guide isn't there already. If you would like us to pick you up from your residence, the tour guide will ring your front door bell upon arrival.
What if I'm not staying within 20 miles of Boston?
If you are staying outside of a 20 mile radius of Boston, but within a 40 mile radius, in other words 15 minutes of I-495, we will pick you up from your hotel/residence, but you will be charged an additional $20, which you must bring in cash with you to the tour.
What if I'm not staying within 40 miles of Boston?
If you are not staying within 40 miles of Boston or 15 minutes of I-495, we may ask you to meet us at a central location closer to the start of the tour. Please click on the "Contact this seller" link before purchasing tickets to arrange a meeting location.
How many tickets should I buy for my party?
One ticket admits your whole group, up to 6 passengers.
Are we on the vehicle the entire time?
No, guests have a tour of a mansion (not included in the price of the tour), and, later in Newport Center, guests have the option of stepping off the vehicle at sites and times of their choosing, e.g. the Touro Synagogue, St. Mary's Church, and the Waterfront. You'll also stop off for lunch.
Would children enjoy and benefit from this tour?
Children are very welcome on the tour. Particularly for eight year olds and older, the sites we visit have a particular historic interest and charm.
Is there an age limit for the tour?
No, so feel free to bring the whole family. However, we do require that children ages 4 and younger, weighing under 40 pounds use a car seat (it's Massachusetts law!). You must supply your own car seat.
Will there be anyone else on the tour with my group?
No, all our tours are completely private and consist of only our group so everyone gets a personalized experience!
What is the maximum number of people on the tour?
Our luxury minivan accommodates a maximum of 6 people, including children, for the tour. In particular circumstances, for groups of between 6 to 12 people, we can arrange for a larger vehicle so that the group can travel together. Please click on the "Contact this seller" link for more information on larger group accommodations.
What happens if it rains?
Our tours run rain or shine, and are always enjoyable no matter what kind of weather is going on! Rain does not impact visibility. Please be sure to dress appropriately for the weather, though, as we do make several stops where we get off the vehicle.
Do we stop for lunch during the tour?
For guests who would like to have lunch during the tour, we arrange for that in a restaurant according to the guests' preference. Lunch is usually around $8.00 to $16.00 per person. Sharing a meal during the tour provides the opportunity to comment on sights already experienced and to have further discussion with the tour leader.
Can we take photos during the tour?
Newport offers wonderful photo-ops. Cameras, both still cameras and video cameras, can be taken along and used.
Do you provide us with maps or guidebooks?
Yes, in addition to a comprehensive narrative by your tour guide, we have maps and brochures for your use. We find these are helpful in getting you acquainted with sights along the way. If your child is doing a school project, s/he will especially appreciate them, as it gives them some reference material after the fact!
Can I bring food or drinks on the tour?
You're welcome to bring any non-alcoholic beverages of your choice and also any snacks you would like to enjoy during the tour. We also provide you with a bottle of water.
Are the tours conducted in English only?
Tours can be conducted in either English or French, with no advance notice. Just let us know that you would prefer to have your tour in French at the start time. We may also be able to arrange for a Mandarin interpreter. This will reduce the tour capacity to 5 guests. If you are interested in having your tour interpreted into Mandarin, please click on the "Contact this seller" link to make arrangements before purchasing tickets.
Are bathrooms available along the way?
Bathrooms are available at a few stops along the way. Also, we are only about 5-10 minutes away from a bathroom stop at all times. Should you need to stop, just let your tour guide know and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Is the van wheelchair accessible?
At this time, the van does not have a wheelchair ramp. However, if you are able to rise out of your wheelchair to enter the vehicle with minimal assistance, we will gladly place the wheelchair in the back of the van and carry it during the stops. Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate guests with limited or no mobility who need to be lifted into the vehicle.
Are gift certificates available for the tour?
Yes. Gift certificates for Acorn Tours are great for any occasion. To purchase a gift certificate, click on the "Contact this seller" link.
