Two nights in the “City by the Bay,” two scenic rail experiences and two
narrated, leisurely cruises are highlighted by a journey through California’s Sierra Nevada. Experience
Nevada’s rich mining heritage and rugged frontier history along with a special wine-accompanied dinner
aboard the Old Vine Express.
Day
1 Arrive in San Francisco
Arrive in San Francisco and transfer to your lodging in the Fisherman’s Wharf area. Meet your Tour Manager in the hotel lobby at 6:00 p.m. for dining suggestions.
Day
2 San Francisco Touring and Bay Cruise
Embark on a guided tour of San Francisco and see many of the landmarks that made the city known throughout the world. See Union Square, Twin Peaks, Golden Gate Park, Chinatown and the world’s most crooked street, Lombard Street. In the afternoon, set sail on a narrated San Francisco Bay cruise, taking in the city’s waterfront, Fort Mason, the Presidio, Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. Tonight, dinner is on Fisherman’s Wharf capping off a memorable day.
Meals: B, D
Day
3 Ride the California Zephyr through the Sierra Nevada Range
This morning, board Amtrak’s famed
California Zephyr for the scenic ride through the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountain Range with their rugged mountains and lush forests. Arrive Truckee, Nevada where you board your waiting motorcoach for the drive to the year round resort area of Lake Tahoe which boats casinos and great entertainment for evening fun. Upon arrival, check into the hotel where dinner awaits.
Meal: D
Day
4 Virginia City Mine Tour and Carson City
Begin the day in Virginia City. Once a thriving, vibrant metropolis of 25,000 residents because of the Comstock Lode, a rich deposit of silver ore discovered in 1859. At the Chollar Mine experience the real working conditions of a Comstock miner on a guide-led visit down the old mine tunnel. Spend some free time in Virginia City with its wooden sidewalks, historic buildings and lively saloons. Then, make a stop in Carson City at the Nevada State Railroad Museum. See the extensive collection of locomotives, rolling stock, artifacts, photographs and memorabilia directly related to railroads and railroading in Nevada. Later, return to Lake Tahoe.
Meals: B, L
Day
5 Lake Tahoe Cruise
This morning view the scenery from the water with a cruise on the turquoise waters of Lake Tahoe, the largest and second deepest Alpine lake in North America. From the deck of the MS
Dixie II, view castles and mansions tucked between inlets and picturesque points while enjoying an included lunch. En route to Sacramento, take in the spectacular mountains, breathtaking forests and sparkling clear waters along the way.
Meals: B, L
Day
6 Old Sacramento the Old Vine Train
Begin the day at the California Capitol Building where a tour shows you its extensive collection of statues, paintings and portraits. In Old Sacramento, a National Historic Landmark District, sits the California State Railroad Museum. Here, learn the importance the “iron horse” played in connecting California with the rest of the nation. In the afternoon, climb aboard the
Old Vine Train where a private “Meet the Vintner” event featuring a small wine tasting and snacks await. Then, enjoy dinner and more wine tastings as the train gently rolls through scenic farmland along the Sacramento River.
Meals: B, D
Day
7 Return Home
Our tour ends with a group transfer to the Sacramento International Airport for flights home after 11:00 a.m.
Meal: B