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Self-Guided Driving Tour from Lake Tahoe to Virginia City

20 Reviews 4.15 out of 5 stars Based on 20 reviews collected by Cool Lake Tahoe and TripAdvisor | Lake Tahoe, USA
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from $14.99 per group (up to 15)

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On average, this is booked 27 (0) days in advance.
2 to 3 hours (approx.)
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Offered in: English

Overview

Explore the mineral-rich towns that were at the center of Nevada‘s Silver Rush at your own pace. On this self-guided driving tour from South Lake Tahoe to Virginia City, you’ll travel back in time to the second half of the 1800s to find out how silver changed these towns’ fortunes forever.

Starting in California, a short drive from the state line, this tour crosses high over Kingsbury Grade, and drops down into Douglas County, Nevada. Dramatically framed by the Carson Range of the Sierra Nevada, this county is home to the quaint town of Genoa, one of Nevada‘s first permanent settlements. From Genoa, you‘ll drive through Carson City, the state‘s capital, and pass one of Nevada‘s oldest towns, Silver City, before finishing our tour in the charming silver rush town of Virginia City.

By the end of this tour, you‘ll have gained an understanding of the historical moments that shaped this industry and Nevada’s Silver Rush while driving through the sparkling landscape of the Silver State.

What's Included

  • Get unlimited, lifetime use of the the virtual tour option
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • App for Android and iOS
  • Food and drink
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • Parking Fees
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Heavenly Village Way
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, USA

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

South C Street
Virginia City, NV 89440, USA

This tour ends at the public parking lot of the Virginia City Visitor Center.

What To Expect

South Lake Tahoe (Pass By)

As you start this driving tour, you'll begin in the picturesque surroundings of South Lake Tahoe, nestled amidst the stunning Sierra Nevada mountains.
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Carson Valley Monument (Pass By)

Pass by the Carson Valley Monument, a landmark that commemorates the natural beauty and historical significance of the Carson Valley region.
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Genoa (Pass By)

Cruise through the charming Town of Genoa, one of Nevada's earliest settlements, and soak in its historic ambiance as you journey through.
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Mormon Station State Historic Park (Pass By)

See the Mormon Station State Historic Park from the road, a site that preserves the rich history of early Mormon settlers in the region.
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Nevada State Railroad Museum (Pass By)

Drive by the Nevada State Railroad Museum, where vintage locomotives and railroad artifacts tell the story of Nevada's railway history.
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Carson City (Pass By)

Pass through Carson City, the vibrant state capital of Nevada, and catch glimpses of its historic landmarks and cultural attractions from the road.
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Nevada State Capitol Building (Pass By)

Drive past the Nevada State Capitol Building, symbolising Nevada's governance and political heritage.
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Sears-Ferris House (Pass By)

Admire the Sears-Ferris House, an architectural gem that reflects Carson City's Victorian-era elegance.
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Saint Peter's Episcopal Church (Pass By)

Pass by Saint Peter's Episcopal Church, a historic place of worship that adds to the cultural tapestry of Carson City.
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Orion Clemens House (Pass By)

Catch a glimpse of the Orion Clemens House, associated with the famous Clemens family, including Mark Twain.
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Krebs-Peterson Mansion (Pass By)

Drive by the Krebs-Peterson Mansion, a stately home that embodies Carson City's affluent past.
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Nevada Governor Mansion (Pass By)

Drive past the Nevada Governor's Mansion, a grand residence that has housed the state's governors throughout history.
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Bliss Mansion Historic Marker (Pass By)

See the Bliss Mansion Historic Marker, which commemorates the historical significance of the Bliss Mansion in Carson City.
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Nevada State Museum (Pass By)

Drive past the Nevada State Museum, where exhibits showcase the diverse cultural and natural history of Nevada.
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Donovan Mill Museum (Pass By)

Catch a glimpse of Donovan Mill, a historic industrial site that played a vital role in Nevada's mining heritage.
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Silver City (Pass By)

Drive through Silver City, a historic mining town that bears testimony to Nevada's silver mining legacy.
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Devils Gate (Pass By)

Pass by Devil's Gate, a geological formation that adds intrigue to the landscape along your driving route.
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Gold Hill (Pass By)

Drive through Gold Hill, another historic mining town that contributes to the rich tapestry of Nevada's mining history.
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Virginia City (Pass By)

Drive through Virginia City, a charming silver rush town that transports you back in time to the heyday of the Comstock Lode.
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Chollar Mansion (Pass By)

Pass by Chollar Mansion, a historic residence that reflects the opulence of Virginia City's prosperous era.
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Chollar Mine (Pass By)

Catch a glimpse of Chollar Mine, an iconic mining operation that played a significant role in Virginia City's mining industry.
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Historic Fourth Ward School Museum (Pass By)

Drive past the Historic Fourth Ward School Museum, a well-preserved schoolhouse that offers insights into Nevada's educational history.
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Mackay Mansion Museum (Pass By)

Drive by the Mackay Mansion Museum, a historic landmark associated with one of Nevada's prominent mining magnates.
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Virginia & Truckee Railroad Company (Pass By)

Pass by the Virginia & Truckee Railroad Company, a historic railroad that once connected Virginia City to the rest of Nevada.
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St. Mary in the Mountains Catholic Church (Pass By)

See Saint Mary In the Mountains, a historic church that stands as a testament to Virginia City's religious heritage.
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Virginia City Visitor Center (Pass By)

End your tour at the Virginia City Visitor Center, a hub of information and resources for visitors exploring the historic town.
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Show 24 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • This 50-mile driving tour can be completed in about 2 hours without any stops.
  • You may stop where you want, when you want, and for as long as you want.

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Self-Guided Driving Tour from Lake Tahoe to Virginia City?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-110804P679

Traveler Photos

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Reviews

4.15
20 reviews

Average 4.15 out of 5 stars based on 20 traveler reviews collected by Cool Lake Tahoe and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
12
4 stars
3
3 stars
3
2 stars
0
1 star
2

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On average, this is booked 27 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (6)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Lake Tahoe customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Self-Guided Driving Tour from Lake Tahoe to Virginia City?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PST).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Get unlimited, lifetime use of the the virtual tour option.
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata.
  • App for Android and iOS.
  • Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start.
The following is NOT included:
  • Food and drink.
  • Smartphone and headphones.
  • Parking Fees.
  • As this is a self-guided driving tour, transport isn't included.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Self-Guided Driving Tour from Lake Tahoe to Virginia City is as follows:

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Self-Guided Driving Tour from Lake Tahoe to Virginia City will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Lake Tahoe. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024

What's Included

Activity name

  • Get unlimited, lifetime use of the the virtual tour option
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • App for Android and iOS
  • Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
  • Food and drink
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • Parking Fees
  • As this is a self-guided driving tour, transport isn't included

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • This 50-mile driving tour can be completed in about 2 hours without any stops.
  • You may stop where you want, when you want, and for as long as you want.
  • You can take this tour at any time, but daytime hours are best for this tour.

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Lowest Price Guarantee

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We guarantee the lowest price on all the tours available to book on our site. We'll refund the difference if you find the exact tour cheaper online until 48 hours before your tour starts.

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If everything checks out, we'll refund you the price difference.

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The following conditions apply to all lowest price guarantee refund requests:

  • The lowest price guarantee is available to any customer who makes a qualifying purchase through our website. The qualifying purchase must be a minimum of US$20 (or equivalent).
  • The lowest price guarantee covers retail and prepaid rates available to the general public. This does not include discounts or promotions you may receive (or be eligible for) from third-party sites or organizations such as AAA or AARP or special offers made as part of a membership program, corporate discount, daily deal, group, or rewards program.
  • Cool Lake Tahoe promotions cannot be combined with the lowest price guarantee.
  • If you find a lower retail or prepaid rate for the same tour, offered on the same date, time and priced in the same currency as your original purchase, on any other website between the time you book on Cool Lake Tahoe and 48 hours before your trip starts, we will refund the difference.
  • The lowest price guarantee does not apply where a lower overall price is found by breaking down the purchased tour into one or more parts sold separately.
  • Cool Lake Tahoe reserves the right to verify the lower price details. Examples of acceptable forms of verification include a web screenshot or a web address.
  • All refund decisions will be made at the sole discretion of Cool Lake Tahoe.
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Free Cancellation

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PST).

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On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You'll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.

If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through Cool Lake Tahoe over a 12-month period.

The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We're always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.

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Cool Rewards

  • Cool Rewards is a loyalty program operated by Cool Destinations. Rewards may be earned by any eligible person holding a Cool Destinations account, subject to the Cool Destinations customer Terms of Use.

Earning rewards

  • Rewards can be earned by making bookings on the Cool Destinations website. You will be able to see the value of the rewards you can earn during the booking process.
  • Earned rewards will be issued in a pending state and will move to a confirmed state 24 hours after the start time of the experience.
  • Earned rewards will be available to redeem once they are no longer in a pending state.
  • For bookings that are moved to a different travel date, the rewards will be redeemable after the amended travel date.
  • If a booking where rewards were issued is canceled, the earned rewards will not be redeemable and will be moved to a canceled state.

Redeeming rewards

  • To redeem rewards, you must be logged into your Cool Destinations account.
  • Any available rewards will be automatically applied the next time you make a booking, and their value will be deducted from your order at checkout, unless you choose not to apply them, which requires you to indicate this via the toggle switch. Bookings made using rewards are subject to the standard Cool Destinations Customer Terms of Use.
  • You will not be able to redeem only a portion of your available rewards at checkout. It is only possible to redeem all or none of your available rewards.
  • There is no minimum order value required to redeem your rewards. This means that you can pay for 100% of your order with rewards.
  • Rewards are non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash.
  • If rewards are redeemed against a booking that is canceled or refunded, the rewards will be reissued to your account.

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  • You can check your Cool Destinations account to see the rewards you have collected at any time. You are responsible for ensuring that your rewards balance is correct.
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  • We reserve the right to terminate the Cool Rewards program and cease issuing any further rewards on future bookings. All pending and available rewards balances will be honored.
  • By earning and redeeming rewards, you agree to these Terms and Conditions, as well as any subsequent changes made to them.