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| Daily Itinerary: |
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| Day 1 | Sunday June 20: Terre Haute to San Francisco
Depart Terre Haute traveling to O’Hare International Airport for our flight to San Francisco, California. Upon arrival at the airport, you will check-in with your State Government Real ID (with Star) or Passport. You are responsible for your baggage check in ($40 per bag credit/debit only). Upon arrival, meet our Sprinter Vans and make our way to the Doubletree located on the waterfront of the Bay. (Meal Money) |
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| Day 2 | Monday June 21: San Francisco to Yosemite National Park
Depart early this morning to get out of the city and on our way to Yosemite National Park. You will travel across the Central Valley into the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada and then climb up to Tioga Pass and Tuolumne Meadows, where you will enjoy lunch and the opportunity to hike in the Sierra Nevadas along the John Muir Trail or up to one of the many high alpine lakes and granite peaks found in this area. Explore this less-traveled region with your group before arriving at your hotel for the evening. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at the hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite (Two Nights) A superbly designed 'destination within a destination' located at the Highway 120 West entrance to Yosemite National Park. The lodge's many amenities are designed to create an outstanding getaway for all. From their innovative Yosemite-inspired Spa to the local nature trails, our amazing restaurant and tavern, charming general store, swimming pool area, guided Yosemite adventures and daily onsite activities, you're in for a real treat! |
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| Day 3 | Tuesday June 22: Yosemite National Park
We spend the day exploring the many areas in and around Yosemite Valley, including the Ansel Adams Gallery, Yosemite visitor's centers, Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls, and walk along the Merced River to see Vernal Fall, Emerald Pool, Silver Apron, and for those hearty souls, Nevada Fall. In the late afternoon, you will get to enjoy a breathtaking view of Yosemite Valley from Glacier Point as the Grand Finale of your Yosemite Experience. (Breakfast, Meal Money) |
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| Day 4 | Wednesday June 23: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
This morning, you will depart Yosemite and move on to another equally beautiful region of the Sierra Nevada, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Enroute to the next park, you will pass through the Fresno/Clovis metropolitan area. As you climb back up out of the Central Valley, you will enter Sequoia National Park and descend into Kings Canyon. You will see Roaring River Falls and explore Zumwalt Meadows. There are great walking/hiking trails here. At the end of the day, explore Grant Grove without the crowds and enjoy almost a private viewing of these Giant Sequoia trees and the valleys they call home. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Grant Grove John Muir Lodge -The pinnacle of Kings Canyon lodging, the John Muir Lodge is a stone-and-timber retreat located in Grant Grove Village and within minutes of historic Grant Grove and its towering forest of giant sequoias. John Muir Lodge offers a serene and cozy retreat for Kings Canyon National Park visitors. Built in 1998, it boasts rustic charm with open-beam ceilings, a stone fireplace, and a historic redwood mantel from Sequoia National Park. Unwind in the lobby great room, complete with games, puzzles, and books, or bask in the Sierra sunset from one of our public balconies. Named after John Muir, the lodge honors the famous conservationist’s legacy with a lobby painting overlooking the wilderness he cherished. Guest rooms feature handcrafted wood furniture and a welcoming ambiance, often accompanied by a crackling fire in the evening. Porches outside invite guests to relax in the fresh mountain air. |
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| Day 5 | Thursday June 24: Sequoia - Pacific Coast
Today is dedicated to further exploration of Sequoia National Park. Stand in awe before the legendary General Sherman Tree - the largest tree on Earth by volume - and wander through other groves of towering giant sequoias that define this extraordinary landscape. In the early afternoon, bid farewell to the sequoias and the majestic Sierra Nevada as you descend into the fertile Central Valley on your way to the California coastline and the iconic Pacific Coast Highway. Before reaching the coast, enjoy a scenic drive through the picturesque rolling hills of Paso Robles, renowned for its vineyards and pastoral beauty - an idyllic prelude to your arrival in Cambria. (Breakfast, Lunch)
FogCatcher Inn is an oceanfront gem located across the street from beautiful Moonstone Beach. Our coastal décor is as fresh as the ocean breeze that flows through our hotel in Cambria, CA. Enjoy driftwood-inspired designs elements and yellow accents that reflect our easy-going setting along Moonstone Beach - voted one of the “10 Best Beaches in California” by the readers of USA TODAY. |
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| Day 6 | Friday June 25: Pacific Coast Hwy, Big Sur, and Coastal Redwoods
Depart Cambria and travel north along Pacific Coast Highway 1, taking in wide ocean views, rugged cliffs, and pockets of coastal forest. Along the way, there will be many stops at notable viewpoints such as roadside bluff where elephant seals gather along the shore. You will stop at Limekiln State Park with its redwood groves and creekside setting, then continue to McWay Falls and take a hike to the waterfall. There will be a picnic lunch after McWay Falls. Further up the coast, you will explore Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park for a hike beneath towering trees. After reaching the northern end of the coastal drive, the route turns inland before continuing to Monterey. The evening will be yours to enjoy in downtown Monterey! (Breakfast, Lunch)
Monterey Bay Inn is located on Cannery Row where we will experience the gentle waves of Monterey Bay. We will enjoy the rocky coastline of beautiful beaches and coves, seaside charm and history, and fresh seafood, Monterey is the jewel of California's central coast. |
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| Day 7 | Saturday June 26: Monterey, San Francisco, Fisherman's Wharf
Start your day with sweeping coastal views of Monterey and Pacific Grove from Point Pinos Lighthouse before one of California's most celebrated scenic routes, the legendary 17-Mile Drive. Wind through Cyprus Cove and Pebble Beach, known for their rocky coves, coastal trails, and breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific. Once finished, you will be traveling north to San Francisco. When you arrive at Fisherman's Wharf, enjoy a leisurely afternoon exploring waterfront shops, local attractions, and classic bay views at your own pace. You will regroup in the evening for a wonderful farewell dinner cruise with Hornblower Cruises on San Francisco Bay. Keep an eye out for porpoise and grey whales. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf a boutique hotel tucked in a quiet corner of one of San Francisco’s most iconic neighborhoods. Hotel Zoe Fisherman’s Wharf is two blocks from all of the Fisherman’s Wharf attractions. |
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| Day 8 | Sunday June 27: San Francisco to Terre Haute
This morning, you will enjoy a tour of Alcatraz Island, where you can explore the historic prison and the island itself. Upon returning to shore, depart for the airport to fly to O’Hare International Airport. Upon arrival at the airport, you are responsible for your baggage check-in and fees (approximately $40 a bag). Motorcoach to Terre Haute. (Breakfast, Meal Money)
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