Sacramento Snow Train and Tahoe: Feb. 4-8, 2025
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View Snow in the Sierra Nevada Mountains from the Zephyr Train on this Incredible Winter Journey!
Enjoy the best of Old Town Sacramento and then travel by the famous Zephyr Train route up into the Sierra Nevada mountains to view a snow covered landscape of rivers, forests, mountain peaks, and deep blue alpine lakes. Enjoy the sights and activities of Lake Tahoe and the historic western charms of Virginia City. This trip promises some beautiful views and fun diversion from the Northwest February weather.
Day One; Tuesday, February 4, 2025: Arrive in Sacramento Old Town
Our journey begins via motor coach as we travel up the Willamette Valley to the newly renovated Portland International Airport. The group will board a direct midday flight and arrive in Old Town Sacramento and check into the hotel. This evening we will be headed a short distance to board the historic Delta King for dinner and unparalleled panoramic views of the river. While no longer cruising the rivers, this authentic 1927 paddlewheel riverboat has been restored to its full glory and is full of nostalgia. Return to the hotel for a good night’s rest. (D)
Day Two; Wednesday, February 5, 2025: Exploring Sacramento
After breakfast in the hotel, we will explore our home base, Old Town Sacramento. First with a trip to the Sacramento History Museum to lean or the local heritage and the Gold Rush. Take part in a Underground Tour to learn how the modern streets above were built on top of the original streets and buildings. You will have free time to explore and lunch on your own around Old Town before a visit to the colorful locomotives and exhibits of the California State Railroad Museum. This afternoon we will do a bit of tasting to see (or taste) some of Sacramento’s robust microbrewery scene, before heading out to the historic Folsom District for dinner. In the evening, return to the hotel and rest up for tomorrow’s snowy excursion. (B, D)
Day Three; Thursday, February 6, 20251: Zephyr Train Ride through the Sierra Nevada Mountains
This morning we will check out after breakfast and board the train for a portion of one of the most beautiful railway excursions in North America, the California Zephyr. We will twist and turn through forested peaks, rushing rivers, and the snowy landscape on our way to Reno. The views from the train should be a highlight of the trip. Once at the station in Reno, we will board our motor coach and take a short trip into Lake Tahoe to check into Harrah’s where guests will have the evening free to rest, explore, and enjoy. (B, L)
Day Four; Friday, February 7, 2025: Virginia City
After breakfast, the motor coach will depart for the charming and oh so western Virginia City with streets lined with buildings from the building book of the 1800s thanks to the mining operations. We will have a chance to stroll the streets lined, tour a mine that was active in Virginia City’s heyday, and visit a preserved Silver Baron’s mansion for some refreshments (and to be on the lookout for paranormal activity). In the late afternoon, return to the hotel to freshen up before heading out to for dinner and fun on the town. (B, L, D)
Day Five; Saturday, February 8, 2025: Journey Home
This morning after breakfast we will check out and retrace our journey from Sacramento, this time on the motor coach. The group will drive to Sacramento, passing snow parks and ski slopes, as we descend toward the airport. The direct flight from Sacramento to Portland will depart midafternoon and allow us the be back in the Northwest for dinner. (B)