Sounds like a busy trip, with some close timing (if you go to their website). Only two meals included, I would assume that's the box lunch and the dinner at Chris'. So some interesting questions; WHAT motel in VC? WHAT motel in Portola? Not a lot of choices either place. Now then, what about breakfasts and the other meals?? Again, not many choices, and with no transportation, they must me close at hand. The morning trip in VC LEAVES at 5am. Hmm, nothing open at that hour! If you want to sleep in, there's a 6am bus to catch the train at Carson City area, or a 10:30 train down to Gold Hill and back. Then everyone leaves VC for the NSRM at about 11:30 (trains return, folks load up); and leaves the NSRM at 2pm to go 'round Lake Tahoe to Portola (giving you MAYBE 2 hours to eat and visit the NSRM). I would guess you would arrive at the WPRM about 4pm-or later! So, about 2 hours there before leaving for Dinner, then to a motel in Portola??? Not much choice there either. Leave for Truckee at 8 am. (Breakfast?? Where???) and board AMTRAK at 9:30 (if it's on time) getting back to Emeryville at 4:10 pm. Finally, one can sleep! (Oh, Lunch, Dinner???)
Interesting trip, but not for the slow of movement! Sounds like the European guided tour--If this is Tuesday, this must be Belgium!