High Sierra Holiday: An Intimate Rail Journey Through California's Mountains and Lake Tahoe

Calm blue lake with snow-capped mountains in the background, rocky shoreline, and sparse vegetation in the foreground.

Ride one of North America's most legendary rail routes and discover the timeless beauty of Lake Tahoe, the High Sierra, and the American West.

Experience the grandeur of California's High Sierra on a thoughtfully crafted small-group journey limited to just 14 travelers. Begin in historic Sacramento, where Gold Rush history and railroad heritage come alive before boarding the famed California Zephyr for one of North America's most spectacular rail journeys. Climb through the Sierra Nevada past Donner Pass, dramatic mountain scenery, and engineering marvels that helped shape the nation. Then settle into a four-night stay at Lake Tahoe, where crystal-clear waters, alpine vistas, charming mountain towns, and fascinating Old West history await.

Highlights include a complete tour around the lake, a cruise into Emerald Bay aboard the historic MS Dixie, visits to Virginia City and Genoa, and the acclaimed National Automobile Museum in Reno. Combining scenic rail travel, exceptional sightseeing, fine dining, and a relaxed pace, this is Western travel at its most rewarding.


A woman paddleboarding on a clear, rocky lake with a forested mountain in the background.

The UNCOMMON HIGH SIERRA HOLIDAY JOURNEY

  • Legendary Sierra Rail Journey: Travel aboard the California Zephyr over the original transcontinental railroad route, crossing Donner Pass and the spectacular Sierra Nevada.

  • Four Nights at Lake Tahoe: Enjoy an extended stay at one of North America's most beautiful alpine destinations, with breathtaking scenery and time to relax and explore.

  • Small-Group Western Discovery: Limited to just 14 travelers, this journey combines personalized touring, historic towns, scenic cruising, and unique cultural experiences.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Limited to just 14 travelers and fully escorted throughout, creating a relaxed and personalized small-group travel experience.

  • Begin with complimentary rail service from California to Sacramento, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination.

  • Enjoy two nights in historic Old Sacramento, where Gold Rush heritage, riverfront charm, and beautifully preserved architecture bring the past to life.

  • Explore two of California's most celebrated historic attractions: the renowned California State Railroad Museum and Sutter's Fort, gateway to the Gold Rush era.

  • Experience one of North America's legendary rail journeys aboard the California Zephyr, crossing the Sierra Nevada in daylight past Donner Pass and spectacular mountain scenery.

  • Relax during a four-night stay at Harrah's Lake Tahoe, ideally located near the lake's crystal-clear waters, restaurants, shops, and mountain attractions.

  • Discover the beauty of Lake Tahoe on a complete circle tour, featuring panoramic viewpoints, pristine shoreline scenery, and the hidden gem of D.L. Bliss State Park.

  • Step back in time with visits to Virginia City and Genoa, then explore America's automotive heritage at Reno's acclaimed National Automobile Museum.

  • Cruise the sparkling waters of Lake Tahoe aboard the historic MS Dixie, including a memorable journey into postcard-perfect Emerald Bay.

  • Travel in comfort aboard a deluxe Mercedes Sprinter, with included dining and carefully planned sightseeing throughout the journey.

Panoramic view of a city skyline with tall buildings, a river, and a bridge with two prominent yellow towers, under a partly cloudy sky during daytime.
A small town with houses and a church with a tall steeple at the base of a rocky, brown mountain under a blue sky.
A scenic mountain landscape with a train traveling through a green valley, surrounded by dense forest and rocky hills.

JOURNEY Dates & PRICING

2026: October 11 - 17
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