Journey into the heart of California’s Sierra Nevada, where historic towns lead to the awe-inspiring landscapes of Yosemite National Park. Enjoy an open-air tram ride through Yosemite Valley, a guided ascent to breathtaking Glacier Point, and a nostalgic steam-era railroad journey. With leisure time and visits to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, home to the world’s largest trees, this unforgettable adventure showcases America’s natural grandeur at its finest.
- Yosemite Valley tour aboard the park tram
- Guided tour to Glacier Point
- Leisure time in Yosemite National Park
- Train ride aboard the Sugar Pine Railroad in Sierra National Forest
- Guided tour of Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
DAY 1: WELCOME TO CALIFORNIA!
Arrive into Fresno for dinner and an overnight stay. D
DAY 2: FRESNO FLATS
Begin your day with a visit to Fresno Flats Historical Park in Oakhurst for a taste of California’s “wild west” in the late 19th Century, including an extensive pioneer village. Continue north to the gates of Yosemite, for your first look at the vast mountain scenery of the Sierra Nevada. Goosebumps await as you come out of the Wawona Tunnel for the grand scene of Yosemite Valley at “Tunnel View.” Check in for a relaxing 3-night stay at Yosemite View Lodge along the peaceful Merced River. B, L
DAY 3: YOSEMITE VALLEY
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 4: GLACIER POINT
Ascend 3,500 feet on a guided tour into the high Sierra for the most spectacular scenery Yosemite has to offer. Take in 360-degree views of the valley floor below and marvel at the top-down views of Half Dome, El Capitan, and Nevada Falls. Spend time at the top, exploring the paths that lead from one breathtaking view to next. After the tour, enjoy an afternoon at leisure in the park. B
DAY 5: SUGAR PINE RAILROAD
Enjoy a final look at the beauty of Yosemite as you travel the scenic Wawona Road into Sierra National Forest. The sounds and scenes from the era of steam powered railroad logging come to life aboard the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad. After a delicious lunch, continue to Wonder Valley Ranch Resort for a 2-night stay. B, L, D
DAY 6: SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK
It’s time to explore Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks with an expert guide. 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 10 blue whales combined! Visit General Grant, designated as the nation’s Christmas Tree by Calvin Coolidge in 1929. After a day among giants, return to Wonder Valley Ranch Resort for a farewell dinner. B, L, D
DAY 7: RETURN HOME B
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Night 1: DoubleTree by Hilton, Fresno, CA
Nights 2-4: Yosemite View Lodge, El Portal, CA
Nights 5-6: Wonder Valley Ranch, Fresno, CA
Departure Cities:
- St. Louis
- Kansas City
- Springfield, MO
Depart: September 9, 2026
Return: September 15, 2026
Price Per Person:
- DB $3,599
- TP/QD $4,399
- SG $3,199
Helpful Hints
Yosemite View Lodge is located right on the Merced River. Walk the paved path behind the hotel for great views and try to spot the resident Great Blue Heron fishing in the mornings.
A picture with the Yosemite National Park entrance sign can be taken just a short walk from the hotel.
Visit the Ansel Adams Gallery and gift shop near the Yosemite Welcome Center during your leisure time for a look at beautiful and historical photography of the park.
Elevation Note
This tour will visit locations that exceed 9,000 feet in elevation. Travelers prone to altitude sickness should consult a doctor before traveling.
Accommodations
Yosemite View Lodge is on the border of the park and next to the park sign – a perfect photo opp!
Walking Distance
Some walking will also be on uneven paths. In order to experience this tour to its fullest, guests should be capable of walking several blocks without assistance. In Sequoia National Park, walks of up to a half mile are required to see its most famous trees – General Sherman and General Grant. While walking canes are allowed, we are unable to accommodate travelers using other mobility devices, including walkers and wheelchairs.
US National Parks Note
All National Park visits will include an opportunity to stamp your NPS Passport, if desired.
Other General Information
We will send 3 key communications for your tour; “Get Ready” is your email confirmation and initial tour information sent upon registration, “Get Set” email will be sent about two months before departure, “Go” trip documentation mailing is sent via USPS 3-4 weeks before departure and will include your daily itinerary, luggage tags, and final departure information.
Travel Protection is optional but highly recommended and can be purchased until the day before departure. We offer plans through battleface, information about which will be sent with your Get Ready email or can be found HERE.
Unless otherwise noted, your Sunrise Tour includes: Professional Sunrise Tour Director, meals as indicated, local step on guides including gratuity (international tour guide gratuity inclusion vary by tour), deluxe motorcoach transportation with onboard restroom, admission to activities and events as indicated, airfare from designated airports, transportation to/from designated airports from our convenient local pickup points*, luggage handling at hotels when available
We believe tipping is a personal and discretionary interaction between our guests and our staff. A typical gratuity for your Sunrise Tour Director and motorcoach driver may be $6-10 per person, per day on tour. Sunrise Shuttle drivers appreciate gratuities (suggest $5 per person) for excellent service as well. Our staff will not solicit gratuities or pass out envelopes.
We are happy to offer refreshments on most motorcoach travel days on tour. We recommend you bring a refillable water bottle to maintain healthy hydration.
If less than 4 people request a pickup point, we may ask that you choose another pickup point from which to join your Sunrise Tour.
If you would like to join a tour from a city not listed as a departure point, we would love to have you! Please discuss arrangements with our friendly reservation team. From a departure city not listed, typical airfare will be +$100 higher than our published fare for domestic tours, and +$200 for international tours.
If you have a TSA precheck or Airline Rewards numbers, you MUST give those numbers to our reservations team at least 60 days before departure, otherwise they may not be applied.
Preferred seating may not be available on group air. In some cases, seats are not assigned until the airport. Your tour fare includes an economy seat on the flight; it does not include seat selection. Seat upgrades may be available at an additional cost.
To help make our tours the most comfortable in the business, we limit Sunrise Tours motorcoaches to 80% capacity, or 44 passengers on a coach built for 55. We reserve the right to amend this practice.
Your Tour Director will rotate seats on the motorcoach each day of your tour. A single fare does not guarantee two seats on coach; you may be seated next to another friendly Sunrise Tours guest.
Terms and Conditions
Please refer to our policies HERE for more information on our terms and conditions.
