Discover the glittering gems of the Golden State on this journey into the natural offerings of California. With trees that stretch like mythical giants into the sky, thousands of years old, to caves sparking with crystals, to waterfalls and nature paths and yawning canyons, California is a singular location for natural beauty. Lose yourself in the primeval enchantment of the planet in her natural state as you marvel at some of the most incredible vistas the nation has to offer. Delve into the forests surrounding the spectacular Lake Tahoe, known for the purity and clarity of its water, which stretches to incredible depths. Become part of the tapestry of nature, floating on the waters, wandering through the forests, and discovering new horizons in California.
Degree of Difficulty –
Welcome to San Francisco! Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel, where you can freshen up and prepare for your welcome dinner with the rest of your group this evening. HOTEL CAZA.
(D)
This morning, depart San Francisco for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, stopping en route at the Ferry Building so you can purchase lunch to enjoy on the road (at own expense) and visit the Castle Air Museum. Check in at your lodge for the next two nights, and enjoy an evening at leisure, surrounded by nature. In the morning, prepare for a full day devoted to the great outdoors. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are adjacent to each other in the southern Sierra Nevada region of California, east of the San Joaquin Valley, and well known for their giant sequoia trees. Start your day at the Giant Forest Museum and get to know the locals, Sequoiadendron giganteum. From here, a short, steep hike up 400 steps to Moro Rock will test your tolerance for heights and reward you with a 360-degree view of the High Sierras. A beautiful off-the-beaten path trail takes you to Crescent Meadows, one of many stunning and peaceful places in the Parks. Lastly, visit the largest tree in the world, General Sherman Tree, measured by volume. It stands 275 feet tall, is over 36 feet in diameter at the base, and even at 60 feet above the base, it is 17.5 feet in diameter. Discover the secrets that have helped this giant Sequoia grow for over 2000 years and let the awe and wonder of the forest surround you. WUKSACHI LODGE.
(B,D Daily)
With so much to see and do in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, you will be spending most of this day hiking, driving, and exploring through the parks. Stops are at the discretion of the guide, but will include some, if not all of the following: Kings Canyon Visitor Center, General Grant Tree, and Kings Canyon Byway with stops at scenic overlooks. Once you have seen everything possible, depart for Fresno where you will enjoy dinner at Sal’s or Pismo’s Coastal Grill before you check in at your hotel for the night. HYATT PLACE FRESNO.
(B, Boxed L, D)
Yosemite io comprised of a significant number of geological features, earning its UNESCO World Heritage status many times over. It contains three of the 10 tallest waterfalls in the world and numerous rock formations, including the largest piece of exposed granite in the world. There are winding streams, lush meadows, and towering trees, in addition to black bear, mule deer, and the Sierra Nevada red fox roaming through the park. Enjoy a guided tour of the park, centering around Mariposa Grove, the largest grove of Giant Sequoias, with trees that are thousands of years old. Check into the Tenaya Lodge this evening and relax at your leisure. You’ll dive right back into park exploration in the morning, stopping by sites such as El Capitan Meadow, Valley View, Bridalveil Fall, and Yosemite Valley Center. End the day at the lodge, enjoying dinner with your group. TENAYA LODGE.
(B,L; B,D)
Begin your day with a drive to Tuolumne Meadows, a section of Yosemite Valley so beautiful that it is one of the most photographed regions, boasting a plethora of wildflowers throughout the spring, some of the best hiking in the park, and excellent rock climbing. If you wish, take the Soda Springs hike, considered an easy 1.5-mile trek, to see naturally carbonated water bubbling out of the ground. Then, drive to Lee Vining, a small town at the base of the Sierra just below Tioga Pass, for lunch (at your own expense). Arrive in Lake Tahoe in the evening and take some time to rest before a group dinner. BEACH RETREAT & LODGE.
(B,D)
Your day begins with a drive to Emerald Bay State Park, one of the most photographed locations in the United States. Stop at a scenic viewpoint to take in the views of the bay and take an optional tour of Vikingsholm (at an additional cost), a 38-room mansion on the shore. After lunch, head across the street to see the fascinating Lake Tahoe Dam. Afterwards, drive north around Lake Tahoe to take in the views on the eastern side of the Lake. End the day on a Sunset Dinner Cruise, complete with famous Tahoe sunsets, breathtaking views, local cuisine, and live music. The next day is completely at your leisure to use as you wish in spectacular Lake Tahoe. BEACH RETREAT & LODGE.
(B,D; B)
This morning, depart Lake Tahoe for San Francisco. En route, stop at Sausalito and have lunch (on your own expense.) In the afternoon, explore Muir Woods, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, one of the few remaining forests in the San Francisco Bay Area. There are a variety of trails to hike ranging from pretty flat, easy walks to more strenuous climbs. Your evening culminates in a farewell dinner at Causewells, or similar. Afterwards, check into your hotel and enjoy your last evening in the Golden State. HOTEL CAZA.
(B,D)
In the morning, transfer to the Airport for your flight home, knowing you’ve experienced the enchanting nature of California.
Start your California experience in San Francisco, home of the Golden Gate Bridge. Enjoy tours of the iconic spots of this major US city, including Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz, Healdsburg, the Painted Ladies, and of course, the famous cable cars! Shopping, scenery, history, and nightlife are all waiting for you in the glittering city of San Francisco.
Wrap up your journey with a trip to the idyllic Napa Valley, famous for its vineyards and the beauty of its rolling vistas. Lunch aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train in fabulous style, with old world grandeur and exceptional comfort. Explore the best places in the region to taste wine, sample cheese, and enjoy the remarkable atmosphere.
Prices vary by season and package. Please inquire by phone at (800) 627-1244 or email info@classicescapes.com for more information and a pricing estimate.
Maximum group size: No restrictions, although we recommend a maximum of 24 travelers.
YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES:
- Accommodation at hotels as indicated in the itinerary (or similar).
- All meals as specified in itinerary (or similar).
- Roundtrip transfers from San Francisco airport to hotel. (Please note one group transfer will be supplied each way. Anyone not arriving on group schedule, will require a personal transfer at additional cost.)
- Services of driver/guides throughout the tour.
- Services of specialist guide on main tour.
- Transportation in private sprinter vans throughout the tour.
- All park and admission fees.
- All applicable hotel and lodge taxes and gratuities for baggage handling (no baggage handling at Beach Retreat in Lake Tahoe).
- Water and snacks in vehicles.
Often compared to the climate of the Mediterranean, California has warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. On the coast, temperatures range between the low 40’s to the high 80’s. Further inland, summers are hot and dry, and at higher altitudes you can encounter the four seasons with cold, snowy winters. The three largest cities that are included in this program have very different climates. San Francisco is famous for its fog — especially in the summer, Los Angeles is known for its consistently sunny, desert-like, coastal climate, and San Diego for its ideal climate year-round. Our Culinary California program can be offered year-round. Our San Diego program is also a year-round destination, but the desert is best visited in the winter months and in particular in February through March when you could see the wildflowers blooming. Our Nature’s Playground program is only offered in the summer months as it visits some high-altitude areas where the weather can set in starting in October and ending in May through June.
