Destinations 
Living the American Dream: Cowboys, Gold Seekers, and Adventurers of the Wild West
A 12-day journey through the heart of Pioneer America
Get your boots ready, your cowboy hat, and your best Clint Eastwood imitation because we're off on an adventure worthy of the greatest Western movies. 🌵 Rodeo drive? Never heard of it. Instead of wandering shopping avenues, we're going to trace the legendary footsteps of gold seekers, cowboys, and pioneers who forged the untamed spirit of the American West. 🐎 On the agenda: the vibrant San Francisco with its gold rush history, Sacramento, California's historic capital, and Nevada with its ghost towns and dusty roads that wind between arid mountains. 🌄 Imagine yourself prowling a ghost town in Virginia City, or greeting that good old sheriff of Carson City. And who knows, maybe you'll find a little gold along the way! This journey is an opportunity to feel the thrill of adventure, freedom, and especially those vast spaces that invite dreaming and exploration. So, saddle up your mount (or rent a sturdy car) and discover with us the hidden treasures of the Wild West, where every day is a new adventure, every horizon a promise of legend. ⭐
Top 10 activities
1. Panning for Gold in Auburn
Equip yourself with a pan and search for gold like the pioneers of old on the banks of the American River. Who knows, you might find a nugget?
2. Rodeo in Sacramento
Attend an exhilarating rodeo and experience the intensity of this typically American sport where cowboys and horses share the spotlight.
3. Alcatraz Island Tour
Explore the mysterious Alcatraz prison in San Francisco. An adventure with legendary escape stories that will give you chills.
4. Steam Train in Virginia City
Hop aboard an authentic steam train for a journey like in the days of the gold rush.
5. Performance at the Carson City Opera House
Enjoy a period show, between opera and saloon, in an amazing historical setting.
6. Taste the Giant Burger at Reno's Diner
reno offers XXL burgers to satisfy even the hungriest cowboys after a long day.
7. Yosemite National Park
A slight detour, but the beauty of Yosemite is worth the trip for breathtaking landscapes.
8. Gold Rush Museum in coloma
Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the gold rush at your fingertips, with interactive exhibits.
9. Farm Visit in Fair Oaks
Discover American rural life with a guided tour of an authentic agrarian farm.
10. Photo Session with a Cowboy in Sacramento
And to end on a high note, capture your adventure with a souvenir photo alongside a real cowboy.
Welcome to San Francisco, the heart of the Gold Rush (Day 1 to 3)
Ah, San Francisco! The city where even the trams seem to have fun on the hills. First stop of our 12-day epic, and what better way to start than where so many pioneers believed in their dreams? Get ready to feel the breath of history at every street corner while enjoying the spectacular views that make San Francisco a city of legends. 🌉
Activities
Cruise Under the Golden Gate
Description: No visit to San Francisco is complete without a boat ride under the legendary Golden Gate. Go on, take your best selfie onboard while imagining yourself as a glamorous modern-day gold seeker.
Price: €30 per person
address: San Francisco Pier
Cable Car Ride Down Lombard Street
Description: Speed down (at cruising speed) the world's windiest road. An experience that makes even the most fearless souls scream “Whooaaa!” And as a bonus, breathtaking views.
Price: €8 per ride
address: Departure from Powell Street
Explore Chinatown
Description: Dive into the colors, aromas, and sounds of one of the oldest Chinatowns in the United States. An intriguing blend of east and West awaits you , like a hidden treasure in the heart of the city.
Price: Free
Address: Grant Avenue
Restaurants
Fog Harbor Fish House
Description: Treat yourself to a breathtaking view of the bay while savoring fresh seafood, like locally caught Dungeness crabs. A true marine delight that makes you salivate in advance.
Price: €25-45 per person
Address: Pier 39
Tony's Pizza Napoletana
description: For pizza lovers , Tony's is the Holy Grail. Discover why their Neapolitan pizza is awarded every year. To be enjoyed hot with a small glass of Chianti.
Price: €15-30 per person
Address: 1570 Stockton St
Boudin Bakery
Description: Savor a bowl of clam chowder served in a typically sourdough bread bowl. Boudin promises you a gastronomic experience as warm as it is authentic.
Price: €10-20 per person
Address: 160 Jefferson St
accommodations
Hostel International San Francisco
Description: Perfect for a tight budget, this hostel offers basic comfort with a friendly atmosphere, ideal for meeting other travelers in search of adventure.
Price: €30-50 per night
Address: 312 Mason St
The queen anne Hotel
Description: Immerse yourself in Victorian elegance with this charming boutique hotel, where each room is unique and carefully decorated. A night that will transport you to another era!
price: €100-150 per night
Address: 1590 Sutter St
fairmont San Francisco
Description: Luxury at its peak with a panoramic view of the city and attention to detail that will make you feel like a millionaire, even if you don't have all the gold of California.
Price: €250-400 per night
address: 950 Mason St
After enjoying the charm of San Francisco, we leave this oasis of modern legends to continue our quest eastward, where other adventures await us. Mark your next days of bravery in your calendars and stay tuned to discover what Sacramento has in store for you! 🏞️
Diving into the history of Sacramento, the golden capital (Day 4 to 5)
Sacramento, our next step, is California's historic capital. Known for its central role during the gold rush, it offers a unique blend of vibrant history and contemporary culture. Embark on two days of discovery where every street corner seems to whisper secrets of the past. If you listen carefully, you might even hear the clinking of a few gold nuggets! 💰
Activities
Visit Old Sacramento State Historic Park
Description: discover the charm of old Sacramento with its gold rush-era buildings. Wagons, period costumes, and cowboy stories await you for a complete immersion.
Price: Free entry
Address: 1002 2nd St
California State Railroad Museum
Description: For train and railroad enthusiasts , this museum is a must-see. Admire the genius of the railroad industry that transported thousands of gold seekers to their Eldorado.
Price: €12 per adult
Address: 125 I St
Boat Ride on the sacramento River
Description: Treat yourself to a relaxing cruise on the majestic Sacramento River while discovering the history of the pioneers who navigated these waters in search of fortune.
Price: €20 per person
Address: Sacramento River Dock
Restaurants
The Firehouse Restaurant
Description: Housed in a historic firehouse, this restaurant will seduce you with its refined cuisine and warm ambiance, a true mooring to gastronomic pleasures.
Price: €30-60 per person
Address: 1112 2nd St
Tower café
Description: A funky and colorful place for a brunch galore, with a fantastic outdoor garden. Their pancakes deserve a guaranteed childhood return!
Price: €20-40 per person
Address: 1518 Broadway
Magpie Café
Description: This modern café offers dishes using only local seasonal ingredients. Ideal for enjoying a fresh and tasty meal in a relaxed atmosphere.
Price: €15-35 per person
Address: 1601 16th St
Accommodations
HI Sacramento Hostel
Description: In a sumptuous Victorian mansion, this hostel offers affordable accommodation with a healthy dose of historical charm.
Price: €25-45 per night
Address: 925 H St
Kimpton Sawyer Hotel
Description: A modern and chic hotel with a rooftop pool, ideal for relaxing after a day of exploration. Perfect to feel at home, but better.
Price: €180-250 per night
Address: 500 J st
Amber House Inn of Midtown
Description: This bed and breakfast offers elegant rooms and homemade breakfast that will remind you of Sunday mornings with grandma.
Price: €120-200 per night
Address: 1315 22nd St
After exploring the treasures of Sacramento, get ready to fasten your boots even tighter and adjust your hat, because we are heading for an incursion into the past in the fabulous Virginia City! The legends of the West await you. 🌵
Step Back in Time in Virginia City, a Slice of American History (Day 6 to 7)
Virginia city, Nevada, is a real time capsule that will take you back to the days of the gold rush. With its period buildings and cobblestone streets, every corner seems to whisper legends of the past. Fasten your seatbelts and let yourself be transported to a life-size movie set! 📽️
Activities
Visit the Comstock Lode Mine
Description: Dive into the depths of the mining era at the famous Comstock Lode. Discover the secrets of what was one of the most lucrative mines of its time!
Price: €15 per person
Address: S. c St
Stagecoach Ride
Description: Travel back in time by boarding a real stagecoach. An authentic and fun way to discover Virginia City while feeling like a Far West pioneer.
Price: €10 per person
Address: E. taylor St
Visit the Local Museums
Description: Don't miss the various museums that tell the fascinating history of the city. The bank museum, among others , welcomes you with tales of fortune and failure.
Price: €8 per person
Address: C St
Restaurants
The Cider House
Description: Known for its comforting typically American dishes and homemade cider, this establishment offers you a gourmet break in a convivial and warm atmosphere.
Price: €20-40 per person
Address: 40 S. C St
Red Dog Saloon
Description: An old-fashioned saloon with a varied menu of Tex-Mex dishes and evening musical performances. A good time to be had in an authentic Wild West atmosphere.
Price: €15-30 per person
Address: 76 N. C St
Cafe Del Rio
Description: If you're in the mood for a Mexican twist, Cafe Del Rio will delight you with its deliciously spicy tacos and burritos, all homemade.
Price: €10-25 per person
Address: 394 S. C St
Accommodations
Virginia City Inn
Description: Savor the rustic charm of this historic hotel where each room is uniquely decorated, whispering tales of the past in your dreams.
Price: €70-100 per night
Address: 675 S. C St
Silverland Inn & Suites
Description: This modern and alluring hotel offers an indoor pool, ideal for relaxing after a day of vibrant historical discoveries.
price: €110-150 per night
address: 100 N. E St
Gold Hill Hotel
Description: One of the oldest hotels in Nevada , with a history as rich as its accommodations, combining old-world charm and modern comfort.
Price: €90-130 per night
Address: 1540 Main St
Immerse yourself in the captivating history of Virginia City before venturing to Carson City. Each moment spent in this town is another page in your own golden book of the West. Next stop: Carson city, with even more stories to uncover! 🗺️
Historical and Cultural Exploration in Carson City (Day 8 to 9)
Carson city, Nevada's capital, welcomes you with a rich tapestry of Western stories. Rooted in the folklore of the Wild West, this city is a true treasure for history enthusiasts. With its picturesque architecture and fascinating anecdotes, Carson City offers an unforgettable journey through time. Be ready to discover the soul of this unique city that served as a strategic point in the great westward migration. 🏛️
Activities
Nevada State museum
Description: Dive into the fascinating world of the Nevada State Museum. Coins and mining artifacts await you, leading you straight into the heart of gold rush legends.
Price: €10 per person
Address: 600 N carson St
Capitol Grounds
Description: Stroll through the Nevada Capitol Grounds and admire the magnificent architecture embodying the strength and resilience of this proud state. The place is perfect for a sunny picnic.
Price: Free
Address: 101 N Carson St
Nevada Steam Train
Description: Embark on a picturesque journey aboard the impressive Carson City steam train. A ride with magnificent landscapes evoking adventures of yesteryear.
Price: €25 per person
Address: 4650 Eastgate Siding Rd
Restaurants
The Basil
Description: For a culinary experience beyond classic steaks and beans, the Basil offers Thai dishes that will delight your taste buds in a warm atmosphere.
Price: €20-40 per person
Address: 311 n Carson St
Red's Old 395 grill
Description: A local restaurant with a wide variety of craft beers and tasty dishes, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploration.
Price: €15-35 per person
Address: 1055 S Carson St
Glen Eagles Restaurant
Description: For a more refined meal, Glen Eagles offers a culinary experience with panoramic views, perfect for a special dinner.
Price: €30-60 per person
Address: 3700 n Carson st
Accommodations
Carson Tahoe Hotel
Description: An affordable hotel with impeccable service, within walking distance of the city's main cultural attractions.
Price: €60-100 per night
Address: 800 N Carson St
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort
Description: A luxurious getaway on the shores of Lake Tahoe, with spa and water activities just steps away. A perfect place to rejuvenate.
price: €200-300 per night
Address: Incline village
Hardman House Hotel
Description: This charming hotel offers excellent value for money with a continental breakfast to start the day off right.
Price: €80-120 per night
Address: 917 N Carson St
After enjoying the hospitality and stories of Carson City, your exciting journey continues. Prepare to dive back into the bustling energy of San Francisco, as our epic adventure gently reaches its peak! 🌉
Vibrant Return to San francisco to Conclude the Adventure (Day 10 to 12)
after our epic journey rich in history and discoveries through the mythical lands of the American west, we close our extraordinary loop by returning to San Francisco. This cosmopolitan city is ready to welcome you again, ready to offer you new experiences and horizons that will make your last stay as memorable as the first. Enjoy the final moments to get (deliberately) lost in its lively streets and store up memories galore. 🌁
Activities
Mission District Street Art Tour
Description: Embark on an artistic walk through the Mission District, where every wall is a canvas telling contemporary stories. A festival of colors for the eyes and mind.
Price: Free
Address: Mission St
Visit Napa Valley Wineries
description: Take a day to explore the famous Napa Valley wineries. Taste some of the best Californian vintages while admiring the green hills.
price: €100 per person
Address: Napa Valley
bike Ride on the Golden Gate Bridge
Description: Cross the monumental Golden Gate by bike for a breathtaking perspective of the San Francisco Bay. Feelings of freedom and delight guaranteed.
Price: Bike rental, €20
Address: Golden Gate Bridge
Restaurants
Foreign Cinema
Description: an amazing setting where you can dine while watching a classic film projected on a wall. The dishes , just like the atmosphere, are pure enchantment.
Price: €40-70 per person
Address: 2534 Mission St
Tartine Bakery
Description: For a sweet break, buy one of the delicious pastries from Tartine Bakery , known well beyond the borders of california. A must-try for foodies.
Price: €8-20 per person
Address: 600 Guerrero St
The Stinking Rose
Description: Discover garlic dishes like you've never tasted before in this original restaurant where garlic is king. A delight that surprises and delights.
Price: €30-50 per person
Address: 325 Columbus Ave
Accommodations
Green tortoise Hostel
Description: A warm and friendly hostel for solo travelers and groups. Enjoy social evenings while saving on accommodation.
Price: €30-60 per night
Address: 494 Broadway
Palace Hotel
description: dive into luxury and elegance at the Palace Hotel, where five-star service meets rich history and modern comfort.
Price: €250-400 per night
Address: 2 New Montgomery St
Hotel Nikko
Description: For a Japanese experience in california, this hotel offers modern comfort and excellent service in a relaxing setting.
Price: €200-350 per night
Address: 222 Mason St
As you close the pages of this fantastic adventure through the American West, let the smile of San Francisco Bay illuminate your memories. Every moment spent exploring , dreaming, and discovering will remain etched in your memories as a true treasure. 🌅
Practical information
Climate: Be ready for anything! Varied climates between the gentle breeze of San Francisco Bay and the dry air of the inland areas. A good coat and sunglasses should suffice!
Transport: Renting a car is ideal for exploring the roads of the West with a touch of flexibility. Make sure the radio works for singing at the top of your lungs on deserted roads.
When to go?: Spring and fall are perfect for avoiding the crowds while enjoying pleasant temperatures for all your outdoor trips.
Budget: Prepare to invest between €1500-2000 for a 12-day trip (including flight , accommodation, and small culinary indulgences). You'll get your money's worth, promise, swear!
Practical tips:
- Always keep water handy, especially in desert areas.
- Prepare your road trip playlist to avoid singing the crickets.
- Try as many local specialties as possible, each city has its gastronomic treasures.
- Don't miss visiting the small local museums, often full of surprises!
- Smile at every cowboy you meet – it will always make a good story to tell.
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This practical information will help you prepare for your trip to the American West and fully enjoy your adventure through these culturally rich and diverse landscapes.
After navigating this itinerary like a true modern explorer, it's time to say goodbye to the twinkling stars and golden sands of the American West. Each road taken, each story heard, and each meal savored contributes to the vastness of your adventure. Carry with you the memories and smiles that have marked this extraordinary journey through the time of cowboys and gold seekers. ✨🇺🇸
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