Yosemite Tahoe Explorer

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Take a deep breath and feel the wonder of Yosemite National Park. Yes, it is REAL! And it is a part of our country that you don't want to miss! The exhilaration of seeing the enormity of Half Dome, El Capitan and the Giant Sequoias in person is indescribable. 

If you've been to Alaska and loved it, this thrilling experience leaves you with the same sense of awe and majesty.

And that is only the beginning. For the second half of this trip, as you travel through the Sierras to Lake Tahoe, you'll feel like one of the explorers who discovered the natural wonders of the West. The beauty of Lake Tahoe is yours to enjoy for 4 nights, with fascinating guided tours and delicious dining with lakeside vistas. Watching the mountains surrounding Lake Tahoe change colors as the sun sets will be with you forever. Bring your group along on this journey and they will thank you again and again.

Day 1: Fly into Fresno, California. Meet your motor coach guide at the airport. Depart for Groveland, California for your beautiful resort located at the entrance to Yosemite National Park. You’ll spend three nights at this modern, rustic lodge built in 2016. Enjoy your 2 ¾ hour trip to Groveland.  Tonight, you’ll check in and enjoy a welcome reception dinner and s’mores around the firepit. Dinner and Welcome Reception Included.

Day 2: Prepare yourself for some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. This two-in-one Yosemite Valley and giant sequoia guided tour is a memorable, fun day getting to know Yosemite from an insider’s perspective. Let us do the driving while you enjoy dramatic waterfalls, a spectrum of colorful landscapes, stunning panoramic vistas and majestic giant sequoia trees.

The Yosemite Valley portion of this tour showcases the Valley’s icons as well as its hidden secrets. You’ll gain an understanding of how glaciers, rivers, rocks and erosion created this scenic wonder, and get some insight into John Muir’s legacy.

The giant sequoia portion of our day includes a grove of the magnificent trees. Giant sequoias, among the largest living organisms on earth, are one of the reasons that Yosemite was declared a National Park. Once you stand next to one you’ll fully appreciate the magnitude of their grandeur.

Return to the hotel this evening. Depending on the day of the week, evening activities vary. A list will be available a week before you arrive. You can always count on s’mores around the outdoor firepit from 7-9 pm. Other options range from Glass Blowing, Yosemite Paint Party, Bocce Ball or just relax around the large heated outside water pool. Box Lunch and Dinner included.

Day 3: This wide-ranging tour has something for everyone. After soaking up Glacier Point’s panoramic views, we’ll meander through the Valley, possibly take a swimming break in the Merced River, drop by the legendary Ahwahnee Hotel, or enjoy a shaded picnic in beautiful El Capitan Meadow while watching climbers ascend the world’s largest granite rock face! Throughout the day, your guide will share their extensive knowledge of Yosemite’s natural and human history, and you’ll learn and discover much more than most who visit the park. Box lunch and Dinner included.

Day 4: Depart for Lake Tahoe. Your 4.5 hour drive will have spectacular mountain scenery. Arrive at your hotel You may want to take a hike on some beautiful trails that wind around the lake before you meet your guide for an introduction and overview of your upcoming tours . Dinner will be at a local craft brewery.

Day 5. Lake Tahoe Historical Tour. Guests will be picked up at the Resort. Our Interpretive Historical Tour will circumnavigate the lake, heading down the West and back up the East Shore of Lake Tahoe. We will stop along the way at the most scenic spots to take photos and enjoy the sites. Stops include Sand Harbor State Park, Emerald Bay, and other scenic locations. Time permitting, additional stops will include Rubicon Point, Valhalla, and the Tallac Historic Site. Knowledgeable guides will discuss historical topics such as: Cal-Neva Resort, Thunderbird Lodge, Spooner Lake and the logging era, geology, ecology, and interesting facts about Lake Tahoe, the 1960 Squaw Valley Olympics, as well as the history of the North Tahoe area, includes 8 hours transportation, gratuity, snacks and bottled water.

Day 6: Truckee Historical Tour with Shopping and there will be time for lunch on your own. Why not stop into the Truckee Diner, made famous by Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives? Guests will be picked up at the Resort. Knowledgeable guides will offer natural and human history information along the way to Truckee. Historical topics that may be covered include: geology and interesting facts about Lake Tahoe (creation of the lake, volcanic and glacial influences and other topics), 1960 Squaw Valley Olympics, a stop at Donner Memorial State Park for short nature walk and/or Donner Party museum time, optional short film, as well as the history of the town of Truckee. Lunch in one of Truckee's fine restaurants and time for shopping are optional. Includes: knowledgeable guides, 8 hours transportation, walking maps, gratuity, snacks, bottled water included

Day 7: We’ve saved the best for last. This will be a day of blue sky on a boat cruise on glittering Lake Tahoe surrounded by mountains. Tonight you will have a farewell dinner at another great local restaurant. Dinner included.

Day 8: Depart for the Reno airport, just a short 45-minute drive.

PRICING INFORMATION

LUXURY STAY AT THE HYATT

Click here for pictures of the beautiful Hyatt Resort 

Double Occupancy

May 25, 2021 | $4,450

June 16, 2021 | $4,530

July 7, 2021 | $4,870

September 1, 2021 | $4,770

October 7, 2021 | $4,240

VALUE AT THE BASECAMP HOTEL

Double Occupancy

May 25, 2021 | $3,990

June 16, 2021 | $4,090

July 7, 2021 | $4,060

September 1, 2021 | $3,920

October 7, 2021 | $3,750

PASSPORT OR REAL ID REQUIRED FOR AIR TRAVEL

Deposit Policy: An initial deposit of $500 per person double occupancy or $1,000 per person single occupancy is required to secure reservations. Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure.