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) 

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)

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) 

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)