Yosemite & Sequoia: John Muir's California
8 days | Roundtrip San Francisco | From $6,390
KEN BURNS AMERICAN JOURNEYS TOUR
At his first breathtaking view of Yosemite in 1869, young John Muir had a life-changing moment – a surge of euphoria as he wandered, overwhelmed in the great natural beauty of a landscape unlike anything he had seen before.
On this compelling Yosemite and Sequoia Tour from Tauck, you’ll follow Muir’s path from San Francisco to the Sierra Nevada, embracing Muir Woods, Sequoia National Park and his beloved Yosemite, experiencing the powerful beauty of glacier-carved mountains, soaring redwood and sequoia forests, and the story of why they remain for us exactly as he found them.
This vacation is available as a Small Group Tour, limited to 24 guests and led by an experienced Tour Director. Tauck offers a collection of Small Group travel experiences.
Trip Highlights
- Tauck Exclusive: Filmed vignettes by filmmakers Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan that tell the stories of the history and ideals of the people behind the creation and preservation of the national parks.
- Explore the incredible landscapes of Muir Woods, Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks, from the famed Giant Sequoias and redwoods to mountains, lush forests, and amazing waterfalls.
- Visit the Presidio in San Francisco, a former army base that was the home of the Buffalo Soldiers, African-American cavalrymen who played a key role in the history of the national parks.
- Discover the night sky over Sequoia National Park as a naturalist guides you through the spectacular constellations that are visible in the absence of “light pollution”.
Itinerary at a Glance
DAY 1: Arrive San Francisco, California
Transfer from the airport to the St. Francis. Join everyone in the evening for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner.
DAY 2: San Francisco & Muir Woods
Drive through the Presidio and over the Golden Gate Bridge to Muir Woods, a coastal redwood forest preserved as a national monument. Enjoy a self-guided tour along its winding walkways with dense flora and tranquil streams. Lunch in picturesque Sausalito and return to San Francisco. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
DAY 3: Central Valley to Sequoia National Park
Drive a route that follows the Buffalo Soldiers’ path across the agricultural Central Valley. Stop in Fresno for lunch, then board a motor coach for the 7,000-foot climb to Sequoia National Park. Learn how John Muir found and documented the “Giant Forest” in 1875 and, after dark, a naturalist will guide you through the constellations that fill the night skies.
DAY 4: Land of Giants & Sequoia National Park
Begin the day with privately guided walks among ancient Giant Sequoias. Enjoy a private barbecue style western lunch. In the afternoon, tour the Sequoia National Park via 10-passenger vehicle accompanied by a guide who’ll regale you with stories. Climb the 400 steps to the top of Moro Rock for stunning views.
DAY 5: Yosemite National Park
Drive to Fresno via Kings Canyon National Park, arriving at the south entrance to Yosemite National Park. Your visit begins with a film by Ken Burns describing Muir’s passion for the Yosemite Valley, and his activism to preserve it for future generations. Lunch is at Wawona Hotel, followed by an afternoon tour.
DAY 6: Yosemite National Park
Discover Yosemite’s power to move your spirit on a guided tour with opportunities to explore on foot. The afternoon is yours to enjoy the park at your own pace. Optional activities are available (some at additional cost): bicycling, a hike over the footbridge at Vernal Falls, and a visit to the Yosemite Indian Cultural Museum and Village.
DAY 7: Central Valley & San Francisco
Depart Yosemite, visiting the Mariposa Museum and followed by a stop for lunch. Filmed narratives by Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan weave together the history and nature of these parks, with insights you won’t get anywhere else. Arrive late afternoon at The Fairmont San Francisco. Farewell cocktail reception and dinner.
DAY 8: Depart San Francisco
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
Accommodations
The Westin St. Francis | San Francisco, California
Reigning over Union Square from a landmark location in the heart of the city for over a century, The Westin St. Francis welcomes guests with an ambiance of elegance, charm and grace.
Wuksachi Lodge | Sequoia National Park, California
Highlighted by stone fireplaces and natural woods, the Wuksachi Lodge® enjoys a spectacular forest setting surrounded by mountains in the heart of Sequoia National Park, just minutes from the most popular attractions.
The Ahwahnee | Yosemite National Park, California
Completed in 1927, The Ahwahnee is known for its magnificent façade and architecture, and was specifically designed to highlight its natural surroundings, featuring Yosemite Falls, Half Dome and Glacier Point.
Fairmont San Francisco | San Francisco, California
This renowned, landmark hotel has been reigning over the City by the Bay from atop Nob Hill since 1907. The hotel is the only spot in the city where all of the cable car lines meet, making it convenient to all that San Francisco offers.
Dates and Pricing
September 2022 – October 2023 | From $6,390 per person
This is a Ken Burns American Journeys Tour. Prices are per person, double occupancy for the itinerary as published, and subject to availability.
Contact us for more information about specific pricing, dates, and availability.
Inclusions
- Tauck Tour Director and expert Local Guides
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted
- 17 meals as noted in itinerary
- Gratuities to local guides and drivers, service charges, taxes and porterage
About Tauck
Tauck prides itself on delivering outstanding personal service, uncompromising standards for quality, and a steadfast commitment to making the most of your vacation time – a brand promise Tauck made in 1925 and hasn’t deviated from since.
Tauck has developed longstanding relationships with its travel partners to bring guests incomparable travel experiences around the world, on all seven continents. Tauck Directors are experts at handling all your travel details seamlessly, and along with local experts and guides, are extremely knowledgeable about the destinations you visit.
Ken Burns American Journeys: Leading storyteller and filmmaker Ken Burns and filmmaker Dayton Duncan have teamed with Tauck to bring to life the films, stories, and insights that shaped the history of the United States, creating over 100 original film vignettes and exclusive tours.
Contact us for more information about travel adventures with Tauck.