Go back in time to the American Wild West on this private tour from South Lake Tahoe to Virginia City, Nevada. Follow part of the old Pony Express to reach the area of the Comstock Lode, founded in 1859 during the Gold Rush, and hear about the days when Mark Twain walked the dusty streets. In Virginia City, a National Historic Landmark District, you have free time to explore on your own before stopping in Carson City on the way back to South Lake Tahoe.

Private tour to Virginia City from South Lake Tahoe
Drive along part of the old Pony Express
Learn about the history, geography, vegetation and native animals of the area from a private driver-guide
Explore Virginia City at your leisure to check out museums, the saloon and other historic sites
Visit Carson City, Nevada's state capital

What's Included

Professional guide

Lunch
Gratuities

Meeting And Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Start time

08:30 AM

Pickup details

The Hilton Vacation Club departure time: 8:30am Marriott Resorts departure time: 8:35am Lake Tahoe Resort hotel departure time: 8:45am

What To Expect

Governor's Mansion (Pass By)

Kingsbury (Pass By)

Comstock Lode

3 hours • Admission Ticket Free

The Delta Saloon

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

The Way It Was Museum

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Genoa Bar (Pass By)

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Not wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible

Service animals allowed
Infants must sit on laps
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers

Cancellation Policy

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

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Traveler Tips

I recommend this trip for anyone especially family with school ago kids.

Reviews

4.5

16 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

Showing 1-9 of 16 reviews

Amazing job

Deborah_S, May 2023

The driver was very knowledgeable, extremely friendly. He made the trip more enjoyable. Would highly recommend him

Nice Ride

Diane_K, May 2023

The driver/tour guide was informative and pleasant. Virginia City is interesting and Carson City as well. The issue I have is with the booking company. One of the pickup places was in front of Marriot Resorts and the listing didn’t say where you could park. Unless you are staying at this particular hotel there is no parking close by. Don’t make the mistake I made. I parked in a shopping center across from the hotel and didn’t realize it was a 2-hour limit. Ended up with a $200 parking fine.

Lake Tahoe: Nearby Notorious Places of Interest

Judy_D, May 2023

Seeing Virginia City - yet not having to drive. Also to see the mines was an added bonus, not to mention the detour through Carson City

A day trip thru Nevada history.

Tony_A, May 2022

Would have liked to have made stops in Carson City. Wasn't enough time spent in Virginia City to go thru all the shops but all in all it was the best of all the excursions I went on during this trip.

Awesome tour guide. Very personable and knowledgeable.

Karen_W, Apr 2022

All of the land marks he stopped to point out if he had a chance to pull off the road, remembering where we were from very accommodating.

5 stars out of 5.

Doug_H, May 2021

Well planned, driver’s conversation was perfect mix of information and light banter...would and will enjoy future outings from you.

Great and fun trip. Well worth it.

Cheryl_A, May 2021

Driver was wonderful at narrating. Much history and so interesting. Comfortable tour bus and very clean.

This tour is beyond my expectation

Sharon_L, Nov 2019

The driver is nice and knowledgeable. With his introductions, we have see a lot of interesting sites on the way to Carson and Virginia city. It was excited to see Mustangs walking pass you. We bought rings from a local jeweler designer. Also visited a portrait of lady with 250 silver coins. Our trip is filled with interesting scenes and historical stories. It is worthy for each penny. I recommend this trip for anyone especially family with school ago kids.

lake tahoe area

S7616ZHthomass, Apr 2019

professionally guided tour well worth the price guide was friendly and informative provided info only a local resident could relate

Guided Tour of Historic Virginia City and Carson City from South Lake Tahoe

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