5-Day Northern California National Parks and Yosemite Tour from San Francisco

5-Day Northern California National Parks and Yosemite Tour from San Francisco. Five days in California’s national parks will be a dream come true for nature lovers. Instead of stressing about driving, you can unwind and take in the scenery on a small-group tour. Explore Yosemite and Lake Tahoe, as well as Napa and Sonoma Valley wine regions on this tour from San Francisco. California’s diversity and natural beauty will astound you.

5-Day San Francisco, Grand Canyon South Rim, Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend

Highlights

  • Four nights’ accommodation and breakfasts are included
  • Most national park entry fees are included
  • Enjoy a stylish welcome reception in Monterey
  • Receive personalized attention on a small-group tour

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Itinerary

Day 1

Union Square

It all starts in one of the world’s greatest cities, San Francisco. You might want to come a few days early or stay over a bit to make sure you see all you can of The City by the Bay.

Monterey Bay

National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center Pacific Coast beauty will surround you as your luxury coach heads south on Highway 1. In Monterey, you’ll have time to visit its world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium and see all its creatures. You might want to check out the unusual art at the Dali 17 Museum. Want some exercise? You’ll have time to walk the city’s historic streets or check out the watersports center!

17-Mile Drive

You’ll enjoy our leisurely tour along 17-Mile Drive, which starts in Pacific Grove and winds through Pebble Beach and Carmel by the Sea.

Pebble Beach

You’ll enjoy our leisurely tour along 17-Mile Drive, which starts in Pacific Grove and winds through Pebble Beach and Carmel by the Sea.

Monterey Bay Recreation Trail

After some relaxing free time in Carmel, you’ll arrive back in Monterey in time for a sunset welcome reception hosted by your Expedition Leader. Then, around sunset, capture another memory on a leisurely walk on the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail.

Monterey After some relaxing free time in Carmel, you’ll arrive back in Monterey in time for a sunset welcome reception hosted by your Expedition Leader.

Day 2

San Joaquin Valley

After a buffet breakfast, we’ll cross the wide San Joaquin Valley and climb into the Sierra Nevada mountains to Yosemite. Your Expedition Leader will provide engaging, and sometimes humorous, details about the region’s history, geology, and wildlife that will enhance the outdoor experience.

Yosemite National Park

Your entrance to Yosemite Valley will be at the Mariposa Grove, where 500 Giant Sequoia trees soar to the heavens.

El Capitan

During our Yosemite stops at Inspiration Point and El Capitan Meadow, you again will experience nature’s handiwork the best way – in person.

Half Dome

Keep your camera handy as you approach the Yosemite Valley floor because the memory-making sights never end — Inspiration Point, El Capitan Meadow, Half Dome, Lower Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls.

Yosemite Falls

Keep your camera handy as you approach the Yosemite Valley floor because the memory-making sights never end — Inspiration Point, El Capitan Meadow, Half Dome, Lower Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls.

Bridalveil Falls

Keep your camera handy as you approach the Yosemite Valley floor because the memory-making sights never end — Inspiration Point, El Capitan Meadow, Half Dome, Lower Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls.

Yosemite Valley

Yosemite Valley is a glacial valley in Yosemite National Park in the western Sierra Nevada mountains of Central California. The valley is about 7.5 mi long and 3,000–3,500 ft deep, surrounded by high granite summits such as Half Dome and El Capitan, and densely forested with pines.

You’ll spend a night just outside the gates of Yosemite park at Cedar Lodge (or similar), where the views are amazing.

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Day 3

Columbia

After an early leisurely departure from Yosemite, lunch will be in the Gold Rush community of Columbia, where you can stroll and take old-timey selfies along the wooden sidewalks of this historic mining town and even take a stagecoach ride.

Eldorado National Forest

You can rest a bit on the scenic drive through the El Dorado National Forest on the way to Lake Tahoe.

Lake Tahoe (California)

The beauty of this glistening mountain jewel will energize you. And with all the seasonal activities in the area, that’s a good thing!

Emerald Bay State Park

Take an Emerald Bay cruise, visit Vikingshold Castle, hike in the forest, or walk on the beach. In winter, there’s skiing, snowboarding, and much more. Save some energy for night shows, fine dining, and gaming at Harvey’s, Harrah’s, Dottie’s, or the Lakeside Inn, where you’ll stay.

5-Day Northern California National Parks and Yosemite Tour from San Francisco

Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias

Start your day with the hike to Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. You will not doubt for a second that these Yosemite trees are the largest living creatures on the planet. No picture does them justice, but that should not keep you from trying!

Day 4

Lake Tahoe (California)

Your Expedition Leader will be raring to go the next day (where does all that energy come from?). But first, you’ll all enjoy a breakfast buffet in Lake Tahoe.

Napa Valley

Then it’s on to more great food and fine wine (with the emphasis on “fine”) as we travel through the scenic country of Napa and Sonoma valleys.

Sonoma Valley

Then it’s on to more great food and fine wine (with the emphasis on “fine”) as we travel through the scenic country of Napa and Sonoma valleys.

Day 5

Point Reyes National Seashore

You’re in the home stretch! On Day 5, we cruise toward Point Reyes, just a few miles from the northern span of the Golden Gate Bridge

Point Reyes Lighthouse

The Point Reyes Lighthouse will provide you with a powerful new profile picture – one that captures your adventurous spirit. Descend the 300 wooden steps to its base and capture an indelible memory. Minutes away is the Cypress Tree Tunnel, another stunning site with can’t-miss photo potential.

Muir Woods National Monument

When you’ve had your fill of locally sourced food, we have a special dessert – a stop at the Muir Woods National Monument and its ancient Coastal Redwood forest. Some trees rise 250 feet in the air and have stood for over 1,000 years.

Golden Gate Bridge

Our last photo stop of the day comes at the northern footing of the Golden Gate, one of the most famous bridges in the world. Your selfie with the bridge is a forever keepsake.

Sausalito

Enjoy some time in this quaint Coastal Village before heading back to SF 30 minutes

San Francisco

Filled with five days of fun and a lifetime of magical memories, you’ll arrive back at your San Francisco hotel, inspired to start planning your next adventure.

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Attractions on this trip

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