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Yosemite and Lassen Volcanic National Park Discovery
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Yosemite and Lassen Volcanic National Park Discovery
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This is an Active Trip that requires a reasonable fitness level and relevant gear. Click here for info
Experience the best of California's north as you explore epic volcanoes in Lassen Volcanic National Park, traverse Gold Country to crystal clear Lake Tahoe and hike in stunning Yosemite for views of Half Dome. Experience the state capital of Sacramento as well as some of America's greatest farmland in the San Joaquin Valley. This exclusive small-group tour with no more than 17 guests offers you exclusive access to unique places to visit in the Golden State while traveling in a high-comfort Mercedes-Benz® sprinter vehicle.
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Trip code
JVGO
Yosemite and Lassen Volcanic National Park Discovery
Boots Icon
This is an Active Trip that requires a reasonable fitness level and relevant gear. Click here for info
Experience the best of California's north as you explore epic volcanoes in Lassen Volcanic National Park, traverse Gold Country to crystal clear Lake Tahoe and hike in stunning Yosemite for views of Half Dome. Experience the state capital of Sacramento as well as some of America's greatest farmland in the San Joaquin Valley. This exclusive small-group tour with no more than 17 guests offers you exclusive access to unique places to visit in the Golden State while traveling in a high-comfort Mercedes-Benz® sprinter vehicle.
Welcome to Sacramento, California’s capital city and jumping off point for your Northern California vacation. Join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception and toast to an epic week of iconic sites and hidden gem experiences in the golden state.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Citizen Hotel
Kick-off the first full day of your California tour with a scenic drive along the Sacramento River. Get out and stretch your legs at the Oroville Dam, the tallest dam in the United States at 770 feet high and once called the ninth wonder of the world. You’ll arrive refreshed and ready for more with a Dive Into Culture adventure at Lassen National Park’s Kohm Yah-mah-nee (meaning “Snow Mountain”) Visitor Center. Enjoy an introduction to this best-kept-secret national park over lunch and a visit to its exhibit hall before there’s time for exploring. Then you’re off to the Sulphur Works, a hydrothermal area at the center of a wide basin surrounded by towering volcanic peaks of Brokeoff Mountain, Mount Diller, Pilot Pinnacle, and Mount Conard. Learn how these peaks are remnants of a large, eroded volcano as you see all four rock types (shield, composite, cinder cone, and plug dome) from the volcanoes. You’ll feel like a geologist “time traveling” through the Earth’s surface. Take your newfound knowledge to the trail embarking on (weather dependent) the three-mile Bumpass Hell Trail getting up close to the largest hydrothermal area in the park. Watch the boiling cauldron gurgle and take in the surrounding rugged landscape before making your way back for a relaxed evening in your hotel.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Village Inn at Mill Creek
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 3
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Up and at ‘em this morning to continue your exploration of Lassen National Park on a guided hike to Kings Creek Falls. Wind your way on this 2.7-mile trail past a waterfall plenty of birdlife before stopping for lunch among the pines at the Manzanita Lake Visitor Center. Then the choice is yours on how you’d like to see more of the park: take the 1.9-mile Manzanita Lake Loop trail, visit the Loomis Museum, or kayak Manzanita Lake soaking in fantastic views of Lassen Peak—one of the largest plug dome volcanoes in the world. Reconnect with your small group for an afternoon of dramatic falls and stunning lava. Head to McCarthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park to feel the spray from the majestic 129-foot Burney Falls. Discover how this mist-filled basin is created from underground springs and, as you breathe in the evergreen forest, that the park is also part of the iconic Pacific Crest Trail. Learn how some of the water comes from the park's underground springs to create a mist-filled basin. Breathe in the park's evergreen forest shared by hikers of the iconic Pacific Crest Trail that passes through the park. Your highlight of the day—and perhaps the week—will surely be exploring the underground world of the Subway Cave’s lava tube. Grab your flashlight and take to the self-guided 1/3 mile-trail through a dark cave. As you explore this darkened wonder, consider how the cave was formed 20,000 years ago by the lava of the Hat Creek flow.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Village Inn at Mill Creek
You’ll feel like a pioneer heading out this morning for the Gold Country of Lake Tahoe. But first, you’ll need some tasty snacks for the journey. Stop at Quincy's Co-Op where your Travel Director will pick up a picnic lunch of fresh salad fixin’s, one the deli’s hearty sandwiches, or flavorful pasta or green salads. Then stroll along Quincy’s main street where you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into the early 1850's when gold lured people from all over to this small, now historic, town located in one of the richest gold mining regions in the world. Then you’re off! Make your way through gold country up the Sierra Nevada Mountains to Lake Tahoe—the largest alpine freshwater lake in North America. You’ll arrive at Emerald Bay State Park, of one of the most scenic parts of Lake Tahoe, to sit back and sip and savor your picnic lunch with newfound friends as you bask in the blue waters of this glacier-formed lake surrounded by expansive alpine peaks and the dramatic views of one of the most scenic parts of Lake Tahoe. Taking in the lake’s beauty, you’ll understand why this homeland of the Washoe people is considered the center of the geographical and spiritual world. Conclude an epic day relaxing in the crystalline lake’s deep blue waters or enjoying dinner on your own.
Just when you thought your California road trip couldn’t be any more beautiful, today finds you taking the scenic high country Tioga Pass into UNESCO-listed Yosemite National Park. Traveling on one of the most scenic drives through the High Sierra, you’ll be entranced by the granite cliffs, pine forests, alpine lakes and meadows. Visit Mono Lake, an ancient saline lake at the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada home to trillions of brine shrimp, birds, and world-famous tufa towers. You’ll be amazed at how these craggy, white limestone formations reach to the sky from the lake’s still waters. Stop to pick up a sandwich or salad for a relaxing picnic lunch at Tuolumne Meadows. After a leisurely lunch surrounded by nature’s stillness, explore the park on the 3.5-mile Tuolumne River Loop Trail, one of the highest rated hikes in the park. Then delve into the Yosemite Valley which boasts some of the tallest waterfalls in the world. Stop at Olmsted Point for expansive, eye-popping views of Clouds Rest and Half Dome as you wander among the gigantic boulders of its granite slopes. After experiencing some of California’s iconic sites, you’ll arrive at the exclusive cottages at Tenaya Lodge in the heart of Yosemite for your Stays With Stories experience, relaxed and ready to soak up its mountain charm.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 6
Yosemite
Rise and shine in the Sierra Nevada Mountains for your second day in Yosemite. You’re in black bear country so keep your eyes peeled as you take a scenic drive through Yosemite Valley. Your first stop is Tunnel View to view the tumbling Bridalveil falls and El Capitan. Stop for lunch at Yosemite Falls and take an easy walk along a grove of Ponderosa pines, dogwood, wildflowers, sugar pines to the lower falls to North America's tallest waterfall, Yosemite Falls. After a big morning, you’re in for an incredible Connect With Locals experience meeting a climber and naturalist at the Yosemite Conservancy. You'll learn the history of climbing in Yosemite through stories, photographs, and having a look at real climbing gear from a local professional who knows the land firsthand—feeling good knowing that you're supporting the conservancy’s mission to improve trails, restore habitat, and protect wildlife. Cap off the day by joining your Travel Director and new friends for a Farewell Dinner at the Tenaya Lodge.
Then make your way down the Sierra Nevada mountains through San Joaquin Valley. Stop at the Fruit Barn savoring the area’s bounty with a chance to buy local plums, grapes, cherries, peaches, almonds, pistachios, and honey before continuing along America's greatest farmland in the "Bread bowl of America." For a grand finish, enjoy a Be My Guest lunch at the family-owned, sustainable, organic Heringer Estates vineyard that has been farming in the Sacramento delta for over 100 years. You’ll learn the unique characteristics of the land on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience that also benefits local wildlife. Through its partnership with the Wildlife Care Association of Sacramento, Heringer Estates helps to provide a habitat for rehabilitated owls. Heart-happy and adventured-filled, say a fond farewell to your travel mates before your transfer to the Sacramento airport by 4:00 pm.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
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Trip details
Trip details
What's included
Trip Summary Accomodation Icon
6 nights
Accommodation
Trip Summary Meals Icon
11 Meals
1 Welcome Reception, 1 Be My Guest, 6 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner, 1 Farewell Dinner
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On-trip Transport
All transport shown
The Trafalgar difference
Connect With Locals
Meet a climber and naturalist that will delve into the dynamic history of climbing in Yosemite. Enjoy storytelling, photographs, see the old and new climbing gear, as well as ask questions about how they help improve trails, restore habitat, protect wildlife, and inspire the next generation of nature-lovers, and more.
Dive Into Culture
At Kohm Yah-mah-nee (meaning “Snow Mountain”) Visitor Center, enjoy an introduction to this best-kept-secret national park over lunch and a visit to its exhibit hall before there’s time for exploring.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
Guests will be able to enjoy a Be My Guest lunch at a family-owned sustainable organic vineyard that has been farming in the Sacramento Delta for over 100 years. Guests will gain knowledge of the land, the vines, and the unique characteristics of this region. This is a Make Travel Matter as they have built a lasting partnership with the Wildlife Case Association of Sacramento to provide habitat for rehabilitated owls in the region.
Stays With Stories
Nestled in the mountains 2 miles away from Yosemite National Park.
Sightseeing highlights
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Hike Bumpass Hell Trail, Kings Creek Falls, Manzanita Lake Loop, Tuolumne River Loop Trail, Big Trees Loop, and Grizzly Giant Loop
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Scenic Drive through the High Sierra Mountains
Experience Ti Filled Icon
View Olmsted point, Half Dome, California Tunnel Tree, and Grizzly Giant one of the largest trees in California
Experience Ti Filled Icon
Visit Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, Sulphur Works hydrothermal area, Loomis Museum, McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, Subway Lava Tubes, the Gold Rush town of Quincy, Emerald State Bay Park, Mono Lake, Tuolumne Meadows, San Joaquin Valley, and the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta
Weather considerations: While the itinerary is planned as described, we are at the mercy of the weather and so reserve the right to adjust the program as necessary to keep everyone safe and comfortable.
What To Pack: Guests should bring lightweight hiking shoes or boots, a hiking daypack, sun protection, (long sleeves and a hat), a reusable water bottle(s) and hiking poles (optional).
This is an “Active” lifestyle itinerary, with walks and hikes most days. Hikes will range from very gentle to strenuous. No technical climbing skills are required but a reasonable level of fitness is recommended to make the trip more enjoyable. Understanding that not all people want to hike at the same pace or even on the same trail we will where possible host map orientations and then let everyone disperse to enjoy the trails best suited to them.
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA). Does not apply to trips operated by Inspiring Journeys & our Mini-stays.
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless traveling as part of a family group.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange your flights to arrive on or before day 1.
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Active Trip Details
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What is an Active Trip? This is an "Active" lifestyle itinerary, with walks and hikes most days. Hikes will range from easy/moderate to strenuous. No technical climbing skills are required but a reasonable level of fitness is required to make the trip more enjoyable. Understanding that not all people want to hike at the same pace or even on the same trail we will, where possible, host map orientation and then let everyone disperse to enjoy the trails best suited to them. What to Pack Guests should bring lightweight hiking shoes or boots, broad brimmed sun hats, sunglasses, layered clothing, reusable water bottle(s), a hiking day pack and hiking poles (optional)
Weather & Altitude While the itinerary is laid out below, we are at the mercy of the weather and so reserve the right to adjust the program as necessary. Please keep in mind that the higher elevations and possible variations in weather and temperature can increase the perceived level of difficulty of our activities. Elevation ranges up to 9,000 feet for Utah’s Mighty Five and up to 11,000 feet for California High Country Adventure.
Everyone reacts differently to altitude and so if you do have any health issues you should check with your doctor that this trip is suitable for you.