Northern California – Golden Path to Yosemite
San
Francisco and Yosemite
Daily Itinerary Day
One
Arrive in Lake Tahoe Upon arrival at Reno International Airport, you will be met by
an Adventures by Disney representative who will escort you to your
transfer vehicle. Relax as the driver assists with your luggage and brings you
to the Resort at Squaw Creek. Resort at Squaw Creek Welcome to sparkling
Squaw Valley, home to the 1960 Winter Olympics! Meet your Adventure Guide upon
arrival at this elegant resort with dramatic views of the majestic Sierra
Nevada Mountains. Just a few minutes away from the north shore of Lake Tahoe,
this resort offers a banquet of recreational activities for hikers, bikers and
other fans of fun in the sun. Welcome Reception and Orientation Gather
with your fellow adventurers for a private reception and refreshments as your
Adventure Guides give an informative orientation. Tie-Dyeing Get groovy
with your California colors as you twist, tie and dye a Disney shirt with the
vibrant hues of West Coast culture. It's yours to take home as a souvenir of
the Golden State! Welcome Cookout Dinner at Hotel Round up your biggest
appetite for this Chuckwagon Cookout. We fire up the grill with marinated meats
and fish, with a variety of fresh vegetables and savory sides. It's the perfect
time to say "Howdy" to your fellow adventurers. Don't forget your fill
of tempting desserts! S'mores and Storytelling Come gather 'round the
crackling campfire for something a bit "s'more" special as a
professional storyteller spins a yarn of the Old West. Evoke the spirit of the
Sierras on this exclusive night of mountain tales and tasty treats.
Meal Included: Dinner
Day Two
Truckee River Float Trip After a buffet breakfast at the hotel, gently raft down the
silvery waters of the Truckee River as a local expert takes you on a private,
2-hour trip past the forested banks of Gold Country. Lunch at the River
Ranch Lodge Settle down under the pinwheel wood beams, amongst the stony
walls and mountain charm of this cozy lodge on the banks of the Truckee River.
Lunch includes creatively prepared California cuisine served in the lodge's
cantilevered dining room with curved walls and a river rock fireplace. Gondola
Ride Glide through the air over sensational views of the six towering
Sierra peaks. Once you reach the mountain top at 8,200 feet, hike down the
legendary slopes to The Village at Squaw Valley. Take a deep breath of that
fresh alpine air! Should you prefer a more leisurely trip, ride the gondola to
The Village instead.
On Your Own in Tahoe City Spend the afternoon on your own in Tahoe
City and explore the stellar trails that wind along the Lake, stroll the
galleries, or shop in the city's bouquet of unique boutiques. Dinner On Your
Own in The Village In the evening, relax or enjoy the restaurants and
activities on your own in this picturesque village reminiscent of European
towns in the Alps. Your Adventure Guides can recommend where to go for a
wonderful family meal.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day Three
Depart Lake Tahoe Enjoy a hearty buffet breakfast at the resort before checking
out and boarding a motor coach for the photographic ride to Yosemite National
Park. Picnic Lunch at Mono Lake County Park Along the way, break open
the picnic baskets near the banks of Mono Lake. Relish freshly made fare on the
open grass under the cool shadow of bristling cottonwood trees. After lunch,
wander over the boardwalk planks to check out the lake and its astonishing tufa
towers. Then board the motor coach for the rest of your journey to glorious
Yosemite Falls. Tioga Pass and Olmstead Point As you wind along the
Tioga Pass at 9,945 feet, the mountains sweep upwards to dramatic heights,
taking your spirits with them! The coach then pauses for photos at panoramic
Olmstead Point, where the splendor of the canyon stretches to the edge of
forever. Dinner at Mountain View Restaurant After your Adventure Guides
check you in to the Yosemite Lodge at the Falls, adults sit down to a delicious
dinner as Junior Adventurers chow down in a separate room at a special buffet! Junior
Adventurer Trailblazing While adults take a break from the day's activities
at the Lodge, Junior Adventurers get together for a nature hike with a local
expert to learn how to navigate the wonders of the wilderness like true
trailblazers.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day Four
Breakfast and Bike Riding Fuel up for the morning's activities with a delicious
breakfast at the Lodge. Then hop on a bike and make your way at your leisure
down the pine-dusted trails of the great mountain paths. Walking Tour of
Yosemite Valley with John Muir After a hearty lunch at the Lodge, accompany
the historical character, John Muir, on a tour similar to the one on which he
took President Teddy Roosevelt in 1903. Learn why Muir was one of the great
naturalists of American history. Catch his contagious passion for the soaring
monoliths, crystalline falls and fascinating wildlife on this exclusive tour of
Yosemite Valley. Afternoon On Your Own Visit the Indian Cultural Exhibit
or roam the valley on a Ahwahneechee trail as you discover the grandeur of the
spectacular granite walls and waterfalls. Inhale the invigorating scent of
conifers and feel the soft trail of pine needles beneath your feet. The
afternoon is yours to explore as you wish! Dinner On Your Own in YosemiteTonight,
sit back and share tales of your day's discoveries. Your Adventure Guides will
be happy to make recommendations for a memorable family meal. Campfire with
Music and Storytelling Listen as a musician with a six-string guitar
awakens the campfire flames with songs and stories of the Wild West! Let the
warmth of the fire cheer you as the ravishing beauty of the night forest
surrounds you.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day Five
Horseback Riding on Happy Isles Trail Saddle up for a privately guided
expedition on Happy Isles Trail as a guide leads you on horseback into the
tranquil forest. On the way, learn important facts about the ecology and
geology of this intensely beautiful region. Lunch and Afternoon On Your Own Trade
tales about the morning's horseback excursion over a leisurely family meal.
Your Adventure Guides can recommend where to have the perfect lunch. Next,
several outdoor activities await you this afternoon. Get the family together
and explore the area on your own. Bikes are still available for those who want
to pedal on the pathways. Ahwahnee BBQ Dinner and Hotel Tour Round up
for a BBQ at the towering Ahwahnee Hotel. Feast in the cozy Mural Room with its
dark wood paneling and the wildlife mural that fills the top half of one wall.
A copper fireplace blazes in the corner, keeping you comfy in cool weather.
After dinner, take a privately guided tour of this fascinating hotel, which is
a Registered National Landmark. Learn about the history and marvel at the
Native American designs that highlight each room. Starry Skies Over Yosemite
Lay beneath the infinite night and gaze at the Milky Way galaxy as a
special guide talks about the constellations, comets, meteors and myths of our
skies. It's a private event just for you and your fellow astronomical
adventurers!
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day Six
Drive to San Francisco Come together for one last breakfast at the lodge before
boarding a motor coach to the glorious Golden Gates of San Francisco! Lunch is
included on this trek so sit back and relish the view as you approach one of the
most striking cities in the world. San Francisco Walking Tour Stretch
your legs on this privately guided orientation of this premier shopping
district known as Union Square and the vibrant streets of Chinatown. Meanwhile
your Adventure Guides check you into the stylish and stately Sir Francis Drake
Hotel. On Your Own for Dinner "The City," as it's called by
the locals, is absolutely brimming with some of the best dining on the West
Coast. Whether you fancy unique pizzas in North Beach, fresh sushi in the
Sunset District or perhaps one of those fragrant Asian restaurants you passed
in Chinatown, your Adventures Guides can help you choose the right place your
family meal.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day Seven
Trolley Tour After breakfast at the hotel, hop on a
motorized trolley for a ride up and down the steep streets of San Francisco.
Visit colorful districts like Chinatown, North Beach and Fisherman's Wharf,
view the majestic Golden Gate Bridge and learn the history of the Presidio. Lunch
at Capurro's Restaurant Bask in the warm family atmosphere of Capurro's
Restaurant. Relax in the comfort of old-style San Francisco as you savor
California cuisine flavored with the Italian heritage that founded Fisherman's
Wharf. Bike Ride Across the Golden Gate Bridge Take the bike ride of a
lifetime across the grand expanse of the Golden Gate Bridge. Soak up the sea
breezes as you pedal across this astonishing architectural wonder, past the
panorama of The City's silhouette to the Sausalito waterfront. Or opt to bike
easily around the bay and return to Fisherman's Wharf. Afternoon On Your Own
This afternoon is yours to explore this famous city by the bay, its
colorful inhabitants and picturesque Victorian houses. Hang out in The Haight,
shop at Union Square, nibble on creamy chocolate at Ghiradelli Factory and much
more! The public transportation system is close and convenient, so it's easy to
reach pretty much any site you wish. Your Adventure Guides can suggest the best
activities to make this afternoon on your own a memorable one. Farewell
Dinner at Fior d'Italia Feast with your fellow adventurers in trendy North
Beach at the oldest Italian restaurant in America. As you dine, consume an
interactive dinner show a la carte as a local theater group serves up
fun on a silver platter. With music and period costume, immerse yourself in the
melodrama as you participate in brief historical scenes from your adventure
stops! After dinner, a special surprise awaits as you relive the highlights of
the trip together.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and
Dinner
Day Eight
Breakfast
at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel Say goodbye to your newfound friends and enjoy
one last meal in San Francisco. Transfer to Airport Relax and enjoy your
final moments in California as we handle your luggage and arrange for
transportation to the San Francisco International Airport.
Meal
Included: Breakfast