Optional Excursions to Virginia City OR Lake Tahoe on Saturday Afternoon

This year, we will offer two optional (fee-based) excursions: one excursion to Virginia City and one to Lake Tahoe. All convention sessions end at noon on Saturday; both excursions leave Harrah's at 1:00 pm. Space on the excursions is limited, so book early. Reservations will be made directly with the tour operator, Convention Activities. MAIL YOUR RESERVATION FORM DIRECTLY TO:

Convention Activities (A Division of Travel Services, Inc.)
1280 Terminal Way #33
Reno, NV 89502

Telephone: (775) 786-8687
Fax: (775) 322-2487
Email: TSIReno@aol.com

Click HERE to download the excursion reservation form.

Excursion #1-Virginia City | Excursion #2-Lake Tahoe | The Fine Print

EXCURSION #1: VIRGINIA CITY TOUR
DATE / TIME: 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Saturday, October 11, 2008
Guests will be transported from Reno to beautiful Virginia City. Our Convention Activities guide will narrate and point out interesting sights along the way. Established in 1859, Virginia City was at one point the richest mining town in the world. It was the biggest city (30,000 people and 110 saloons) between San Francisco and St. Louis in the 1860's. Indeed, San Francisco was built from the mines of the Comstock and the Civil War was partially financed from the gold and silver discovered beneath the city. Today's Virginia City is remarkably the same as it was during its heyday, with wooden sidewalks, restored Victorian mansions, "Old West" saloons, the Piper Opera House and mine tours. At the Delta, Virginia City's oldest business dating back to 1862, you can view the "Suicide Table," so called after the three owners committed suicide due to crushing house losses incurred while gambling. And Mark Twain began his illustrious writing career at Virginia City's own "Territorial Enterprise." You can visit his, as well as numerous other museums, shops, mansions and churches in this richly historic town during your free time.

INCLUSIONS:

  • Round trip transportation (leave Harrah's Lobby @ 1 pm; leave Virginia City @ 5:00 pm)
  • Professional driver and driver’s gratuity
  • Convention Activities professional guide
  • Narrated tour to and from Virginia City
  • All pre and on-site coordination
PRICE: $45.00 per person based on a guaranteed minimum of 15 guests

Among the sites in Virginia City:

  • Bullette Red Light Museum: History of Julia Bullette, a "soiled dove" of 1860. Displays include vintage erotica and antique medical equipment;
  • Chollar Mine Tour: Private guided tour of the Chollar Mine. This is an old original mine from the 1860’s. On the underground tour you will see silver ore, square set timbers and other remnants from the past (if interested, tour must be scheduled in advance; contact TSIReno@aol.com);
  • First Presbyterian Church: 1886 historic church building; one of a few public building that survived the "great fire";
  • Fourth Ward School Cultural Center: Built in 1876, the school houses permanent and changing exhibits featuring the history and culture of the Comstock;
  • Liberty Engine Company #1 State Fireman Museum: History and artifacts relating to fire fighting on the Comstock;
  • Mackay Mansion Museum: Built in 1860 as the headquarters of John Mackay, King of the Comstock, it includes mining artifacts, original furnishings and Tiffany silver;
  • Nevada Gambling Museum: See more than half-a-million dollars worth of gaming memorabilia, including over 100 antique slot machines, cheating devices and gambler’s weapons;
  • Virginia City Trolley: A 2 ½ mile, 20-minute narrated tour of Virginia City on a trolley or tram;
  • Virginia & Truckee Railroad: Narrated 35-minute steam train ride through the heart of the historic Comstock mining region;
  • Way It Was Museum: Museum displays the most complete collection of Comstock mining artifacts in the world, plus rare photos, lithographs and maps of the "Bonanza" period.

EXCURSION #2: LAKE TAHOE TOUR with stop at TAHOE CITY
DATE / TIME: 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Saturday, October 11, 2008

Guests will be transported to Lake Tahoe, one of North America’s largest Alpine Lakes. North Lake Tahoe belongs to a truly one-of-a-kind environment. With its extraordinarily blue water set like a jewel in the mountains, this environment exists virtually without peer. Guests will stop at Tahoe City, a beautiful town on the edge of one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. A Convention Activities Professional Guide will be provide insightful information on the history of Reno and Lake Tahoe.

Guests may enjoy the splendor of Lake Tahoe, sightseeing, shopping and dining. Events that will be taking place on Saturday, October 11 in Tahoe City:

  • Cobblestone Oktoberfest: Will include live music, German Food and beverages, beer and entertainment from street vendors. Time for Oktoberfest 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
  • Scarecrows on Parade: Scarecrows will be decorated and set up in all the storefronts in downtown Tahoe City. All the scarecrows are decorated by local school children. Guests are expected to vote for the best in the Scarecrow Contest.
  • Pumpkin Patch: Tahoe City Tree Company will have a complete pumpkin patch set up will all the fall decorations imaginable. Guests can even purchase and carve a pumpkin.

After guests enjoy Tahoe City, they may want to meander down to "Jake’s on the Lake" for a quick bite. The restaurant’s classic waterfront grill menu showcases Californian Cuisine with infused flavors, innovative ingredients and exciting presentation. Guests are responsible for their own dinner.

INCLUSIONS:

  • Round trip transportation (leave Harrah's Lobby @ 1 pm; leave Tahoe City @ 8:00 pm)
  • Professional driver and driver’s gratuity
  • Convention Activities professional guide
  • Narrated tour to and from Reno and Lake Tahoe
  • All pre and on-site coordination
PRICE: $50.00 per person based on a guaranteed minimum of 30 guests
******* The Fine Print (from the tour operator):
  • The prices quoted in this proposal are based upon availability.
  • The prices quoted here are based on a guaranteed minimum number of guests.
  • If the minimum number of guests is not met, it will change the price per guest, or the tour will be cancelled.
  • The prices quoted here include a minimal gratuity for the driver. If you feel you received exceptional service from the driver, additional gratuity is always appreciated.
  • The prices quoted do not include any gratuity for the tour guide. This customary gratuity should be extended to the tour guide on voluntary and individual bases. Our guides aim to please so we always assume that you will be happy with the services rendered. In the unlikely event that you were unhappy with the services rendered, please advise us so that we can rectify the situation. Thank you.
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