Lake Tahoe & Reno

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Day 1 – Home to South Lake Tahoe, CA 

Today we board our connecting flight for Reno. We’ll travel to South Lake Tahoe and check into the Beach Retreat & Lodge for 3 scenic nights. Located right on the beachfront, our Lodge makes it easy to discover the breathtaking south shore of Lake Tahoe, where panoramic alpine views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains meet the tranquil blue waters of the lake! We’ll enjoy partial lakeview rooms of Lake Tahoe, the third deepest lake in North America. After getting settled in, we’ll board the M.S. DIXIE II, an authentic paddle wheeler, for a sunset dinner cruise. As we cruise against a backdrop of astonishing views over Emerald Bay, we’ll experience famous Tahoe sunsets, breathtaking views, fabulous local cuisine, and live music! 

Included Meals: Dinner 

Hotel: Beach Retreat & Lodge (3 Nights) (Partial Lakeview Rooms) 

Day 2 – South Lake Tahoe 

After a great breakfast, a local step-on guide joins us for a full day of touring. We will start off by traveling the entire length of the east shore and across the north shore to Tahoe City. We’ll have a chance to grab a cup of coffee and walk on the beach in this beautiful little town, which is actually the first community on Lake Tahoe that was started in 1860! Next stop is Squaw Valley, which put Lake Tahoe on the International map as the home of the 1960 Olympics! Then we make an important stop at the Tahoe City Dam & Fanny Bridge. During our time walking around the bridge and dam, we’ll learn about the waterworks in Lake Tahoe as well as see large rainbow trout & aggressive brown trout under the dam. Ever hear of Kings Beach? This north shore town was won by Joseph King in a Poker game! We’ll have the opportunity to find lunch on our own here and maybe even do a little shopping or a walk on the beach. As we continue on, we’ll drive by the Cal Neva Resort, once owned by Frank Sinatra from 1960 to 1963. This afternoon we’ll head to Sand Harbor State Park to view the most beautiful part of the lake! Here we’ll find large boulders mingling with white sand beaches and huge ponderosa pines growing out of the rocks! It’s an idyllic place to unwind and take pictures. Returning to our Resort, we’ll enjoy the remainder of the afternoon and the evening free to walk the sandy beach, relax on the sundeck or take a swim in the outdoor heated pool. Dinner on your own is made easy at the resort with an over-water dining escapade option at Boathouse on the Pier or catch some sports at the Sidelines Sports Pub. 

Included Meals: Breakfast 

Day 3 – South Lake Tahoe 

Another breakfast is included at the hotel before we board horseless, electric carriages right at our resort for a fun and musical way to see the local sights! After lunch on our own, we are treated to getting back out on the lovely, emerald waters of Lake Tahoe, this time during the day for a private, narrated cruise aboard the Safari Rose! Originally built by the 3M Company in 1959 for the ocean, the world-traveled Safari Rose is constructed of mostly Mahogany and Teak wood. We will see the unforgettable views of Emerald Bay, Fannette island, Vikings Holm and more. Truly a spectacular afternoon on stunning Lake Tahoe! Dinner and the evening are on your own at our resort. 

Included Meals: Breakfast 

Day 4 – South Lake Tahoe to Reno, NV 

One last South Lake Tahoe breakfast before our local guide joins us again for full day of touring as we make our way to Reno. First, we’ll stop in the beautiful little town of Genoa. It was established by the Mormons in the 1850s and is the oldest community in Nevada. You’ll have a little time to by a treat from one of the great eateries, visit the fort, take in the scenery, or see the gravesite of Snowshoe Thompson who was the famous skiing postman. Next up is Carson City, the capital of Nevada. We’ll visit its small but beautiful downtown where we can take a peek at the Kit Carson Statue as well as walk to the Capitol, perhaps going inside the building if it’s open! Moving on, we head to Virginia City, home to many Victorian buildings as a result of its mining boom from 1860s-1880s, making it one of the richest places on earth! We’re treated to a fantastic train ride from the original 1870 Virginia & Truckee Depot down to Gold Hill, passing by mines and railing through tunnels along the way. The Virginia & Truckee Railroad, completed in 1869, hauled millions of dollars in gold and silver ore from the mines of the Comstock. We may even see wild horses run alongside the tracks on this short rail adventure. Afterwards, find some lunch and explore on your own around Virginia City. Did you know that this little town supplied the federal government with the entire budget for 3.5 years during the 1860s and saved America from splitting into two during the Civil War?! Departing, we make our way to Reno. Be sure to be on the lookout for wild horses along the way! After checking into the Hampton Inn & Suites Reno West, dinner and the evening are on your own. 

Included Meals: Breakfast 

Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Reno West (2 Nights) 

Day 5 – Reno 

Have a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before we make a special visit to the Reno-Tahoe Equestrian Center. Their slogan is: “Where it’s more than riding a horse!” We will enjoy finding out why! After lunch on own, we’ll head to the National Automobile Museum for a guided tour. Their mission is to collect and preserve the automobile for future generations, with an emphasis on vehicles collected by William Fisk “Bill” Harrah, to tell the story of the impact of the automobile on American society, and to perpetuate the legacy of Mr. Harrah as a renowned collector. Then we’ll return to the hotel to freshen up before gathering together for a farewell dinner. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Day 6 – Reno to Home 

After breakfast, we depart for the airport. What a grand time we’ve shared in Lake Tahoe & Reno! 

Included Meals: Breakfast