Thunderbird Lodge Cruise & Tour

For the most unique experience at Lake Tahoe join us on our classic wooden boat, the Tahoe, for a narrated cruise along the lake's historic east shore followed by a private tour of its most fascinating waterfront landmark, the Thunderbird Lodge Historic Site. Formerly the Whittell estate, this property was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places.

First enjoy a light Continental breakfast as you see some of the grandest and most beautiful lakefront homes, including several belonging to celebrities and one of the largest on the lake at 24,000 sq. feet. Along the way we will also tour Glenbrook Bay, final resting place of the 100 year-old steamship, S.S. Tahoe.

We will then dock at the spectacular Thunderbird Lodge estate near Sand Harbor. This complex of structures was constructed of native granite in the late 1930's to resemble a French chateau for eccentric real estate tycoon George Whittell, Jr., and his French-born wife, Elia. A shrewd investor, Mr. Whittell acquired over 40,000 acres of land on the Nevada side of the lake and owned 27 miles of the shoreline at one time. In addition to being a collector of classic cars, yachts and airplanes, he was very fond of exotic animals and kept several at his Tahoe estate including his pet lion, Bill. There you will receive a guided tour of the grounds, including the Lighthouse Room, the Old Lodge, the maids' quarters and old kitchen, as well as the 600' underground tunnel leading to the infamous Card House and Boat House.

Yacht Thunderbird in Boathouse
In the Boat House you just may see the fabulous yacht Thunderbird, handcrafted for "Captain" Whittell in 1939. This classic woodie is a 55' mahogany and stainless steel Hacker Commuter. Designed to resemble the fuselage of a DC-2 airplane and fitted with dual Allison aircraft engines by subsequent owner Bill Harrah, the Thunderbird is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece and certainly the most beautiful vessel ever to grace the waters of Tahoe.

Following the tour you will enjoy a complimentary buffet-style deli luncheon on the site grounds. Cruise with tour is approximately 5 hours long. Full bar available on board. For reservations please call us toll-free at 775-588-1881 or 888-867-6394. For more information visit the Thunderbird Lodge website.

Tahoe

Departs Tuesday through Saturday at 10 am. Check-in begins at boat at 9:00 am at the end of the Rubicon Dock at Tahoe Keys Marina in So. Lake Tahoe

What's Included:

• Coffee, tea and pastries
• Narrated tour of the historic east shore and its fabulous homes
• Guided walking tour of the incredible Thunderbird Lodge Historic Site
• Buffet-style deli luncheon on the site grounds