One of the most legendary train rides in North America, rightly so, is the crossing of the High Sierra between Sacramento and Reno over the famed Overland Route of the Union Pacific, part of the original transcontinental railroad. With stupendous views, brilliant engineering, including snowsheds at Donner Pass, this was once the most important stretch of railroad in the United States. This epic journey is just part of an elegant short getaway we are debuting that includes time in historic Old Sacramento with brilliant sightseeing in Sacramento, a four-night stay in stunning Lake Tahoe, comprehensive included sightseeing, fine dining, and perhaps best of all, small group travel with no more than 14 travelers.

This holiday is a visual feast, featuring Lake Tahoe, storied Virginia City, NV, historic Genoa (the oldest town in Nevada), along with some manmade sights like the remarkable National Automobile Museum in Reno and much more. As with all of our programs, there is a nice mix of scheduled events and free time. Some unique highlights include a drink at the fabled Bucket of Blood Saloon in Virginia City, a visit to D.L Bliss State Park at Lake Tahoe, a breathtaking cruise of Lake Tahoe on the paddle-wheeler Dixie, and lunch at the best Mexican restaurant in Reno one day. We know this area well, and it shows.

With fine hotels, excellent dining, amazing vistas and small group touring, this is a delightful and easy holiday. With only 14 places available, both departures will sell out quickly, so prompt reservations are encouraged. We invite you to join us. All Aboard!

Arrive in Sacramento and transfer to the superbly located Holiday Inn Downtown just a two-minute walk from Old Sacramento. Later tonight, a casual welcome dinner, a nice way to meet your fellow travelers. Be sure to find time for the short walk to the Sacramento River to see the famous Delta King riverboat, the twin of the beloved Delta Queen.

After breakfast, we tour the acclaimed California State Railroad Museum, considered by most experts to be the finest train museum in the world. A bit later today, a visit to Sutter's Fort State Park, the oldest restored Fort in the West with a focus on the Gold Rush. The balance of the day is free to visit the nearby Crocker Art Museum with some of the finest Western art in the country. We have a list of favorite restaurants downtown you may wish to visit tonight.

All Aboard! This morning, we board the California Zephyr in Sacramento for the epic journey over the Sierra Nevada to Truckee, CA, one of the most impressive train rides in North America, passing sights like Gold Run, Blue Canyon, Donner Lake and Stanford Curve. Nicely the train has a sightseer lounge car and you will want to have your camera ready. From Truckee a very short drive takes us to Lake Tahoe to begin our four-night stay at the superb Harrah's Lake Tahoe with the balance of the evening at leisure in this great resort.

Today is a magical day on a leisurely drive around the Lake Tahoe with multiple stops including Inspiration Point, JD Bliss State Park, Kings Beach, Sand Harbor and Rubicon Point. This is a very full day, and we have left the evening at leisure for relaxing, walking to the dozens of good restaurants and cafes around the hotel or 'games of chance'

This morning, we drive to historic Virginia City NV, the most glorious of old west mining towns with sightseeing and a drink in the fabled Bucket of Blood Saloon. Later, a visit to historic Genoa, NV, a little-known jewel and the oldest town in Nevada before we travel to Reno to visit the amazing National Automobile Museum in Reno which even people with no interest in cars are in awe of. We return to Lake Tahoe in late afternoon.

Saving the best for last, today is our Lake Tahoe cruise aboard the MS Dixie that crosses the Lake and dips into the picture postcard perfect Emerald Bay, offering some of the greatest sights in North America. We have left the afternoon at leisure and later tonight is our Farewell dinner in a nostalgic restaurant from between the two world wars, a fitting end to a nostalgic and beautiful holiday.

After breakfast, we offer complimentary transfers to the Reno airport or the nearby Amtrak station in Truckee, CA served by the California Zephyr in both directions, east and west.