Spend two days exploring the splendor of Yosemite National Park, one of America’s greatest natural wonders. With guided tours of the valley and the high Sierra, this is our most extensive visit ever to Yosemite. The fun and amazement continue in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, home to the largest trees on earth. Wrap around to the Eastern Sierra Nevada for unforgettable visits to the Alabama Hills National Scenic Area and Death Valley National Park!
DAY 1—WELCOME TO LAS VEGAS!
Arrive in Las Vegas and get to know your fellow travelers and Tour Director over a welcome dinner. D
DAY 2—DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
With a park expert, explore the locations that make Death Valley perhaps our most misunderstood National Parks in the system. Step out onto the salt flats of Badwater Basin — the lowest elevation on the continent — and marvel at the landscape of the Mojave Desert from Zabriskie Point. B, D
DAY 3—ALABAMA HILLS
Travel through the Mojave Desert to one of California’s best kept secrets, the town of Lone Pine, where an other-worldly red rock landscape sits beneath the tallest peak in the contiguous U.S. — Mount Whitney. B, D
DAY 4—SEQUIOA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS
It’s time to explore Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks with a guide from the Sequoia Field Institute. These parks are home to giants: immense mountains, deep canyons and huge trees. Behold the largest tree in the world, General Sherman, more massive than ten blue whales combined! Visit General Grant, designated as the nation’s Christmas Tree by Calvin Coolidge in 1929. B, L
DAY 5—SUGAR PINE RAILROAD
We’ll visit Fresno Flats Historic Village, where California’s “wild west” is on display with historical homes and buildings. The sounds and scenes from the era of steam powered railroad logging come to life aboard the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad. Enjoy breathtaking scenery as you enter Yosemite National Park. B, L
DAY 6—YOSEMITE VALLEYFADDENS/FLUME GORGE/WINNIPESAUKEE RAILROAD
Explore the incomparable beauty of Yosemite Valley aboard an open-air tram and discover views of waterfalls, deep valleys and rock formations. With such spectacular scenery–it’s easy to grasp why Yosemite is one of the nation’s most photographed parks! Enjoy leisure time in what John Muir called “Nature’s Greatest Cathedral.” B, D
DAY 7—TIOGA PASS
Marvel at the granite domes of Yosemite along the scenic Tioga Pass during a tour of the park’s high country. Considered one of America’s most scenic roads, Tioga Pass will leave you with only one word: “wow!” Discover the peaceful Toulumne Meadows and gaze across endless vistas to Half Dome, Yosemite’s most iconic peak. B, L
DAY 8—PINNACLES NATIONAL PARK
After a final morning enjoying the peaceful flow of the Merced River, continue the journey to Pinnacles National Park. Be on the lookout for a California Condor! Once an endangered species, these magnificent birds are frequently seen. Pinnacles Park is the only national park that is a release site for captive-bred Condors. B, L
DAY 9—RETURN HOME
Return home from San Jose with treasured memories of California! B
Quality Accommodations
Night 1: Hilton Garden Inn, Las Vegas Airport, NV
Night 2: The Ranch at Death Valley
Nights 3-4: Fairfield Inn & Suites, Fresno, CA (or similar)
Nights 5-7: Yosemite View Lodge, El Portal, CA
Night 8: Hampton Inn & Suites, San Jose Airport, CA
Dates:
Sep 19-27, 2025
Price Per Person:
Double $3,147
Single $4,155
Pre/Post Tour Hotel:
$208/night
Depart/Return:
Depart: Las Vegas, NV
Return: San Jose, CA
Inclusions:
Free airport shuttle or hotel parking
Welcome Dinner and meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Fees and tips for included attractions and meals
Luggage handling at most hotels
Free bottled water on coach
24-hour emergency call service
Arrival Time
Our Welcome Dinner on Day 1 is at our hotel, Doubletree Las Vegas Airport, starting at 6:30 p.m. We recommend scheduling your flight to arrive by 4:00 p.m.
Departure Time
Schedule your flight to depart San Jose International Airport any time after breakfast on Day 9. The hotel breakfast buffet will be open to visit at your leisure. Plan your return flight home to best fit your schedule.
Airport Transportation / Vehicle Parking
Our starting and ending hotels offer a complimentary shuttle service to/from the Las Vegas and San Jose airports.
Please note that this tour starts in Las Vegas, Nevada and ends in San Jose, California. Travelers who drive to the starting hotel will need to book a flight back to Las Vegas to retrieve their vehicle.
Walking Distance
Moderate walking is required to fully enjoy this tour. Some walking will also be on uneven paths. This tour also features multiple train rides, and there are several large steps involved in getting on and off the trains. While walking canes are allowed, we are unable to accommodate travelers using other mobility devices, including walkers and wheelchairs.
Average Temps
High of 93°, low of 61°
Please note that temperatures in Death Valley can reach up to 107° in September.
Time ZonePacific
Hotel Amenities
The majority of hotels offer a hair dryer, iron and ironing board, Wi-Fi, and swimming pool.
Additional Information
A total of three mailings are sent to assist you in preparing for your tour, including information sent upon receipt of your reservation.
Dress on tour is casual. Closed toe shoes that you’re comfortable walking in are highly recommended. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat will add to your enjoyment of this tour.
Travel Protection Available?
Yes, see CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/TravelProtectionPlan
