Private Tour Highlights
- Take the chance to visit the excellent Monterey Bay Aquarium, rent kayaks to see the sea otters or visit the Point Lobos State Preserve in Big Sur.
- Visit Glacier Point, a promontory across from the famous Half Dome, allowing astounding views into Yosemite Valley with its massive waterfalls.
- Witness the local wildlife that can be found in the parks, including bear, deer, coyote and big horn sheep among many others.
- Marvel massive waterfalls cascading from the surrounding cliffs of Yosemite Valley, one of the most beautiful valleys on earth.
- Wrap up the tour with a visit to the quaint mission town of Santa Barbara, taking in its colonial architecture and lovely beaches.
- Explore the groves of Sequoia National Park while marveling at the massive size of the giant sequoia trees.
Tour Overview
In many regards, California, the world’s fifth-largest economy, is a worldwide trendsetter. Not only an economic powerhouse, but culturally California breathes life into popular culture, communications, information, innovation, environmentalism, economics, politics, and entertainment. As a result of the state’s diversity, California integrates foods, languages, and traditions from other areas across the country and from around the globe. Considered to be the origin of the American film industry, the hippie counterculture, barbecue, fast food, beach and car culture, the Internet, and the personal computer, California contributes more to our everyday lives than we know.
While the cities boast economic and multi-cultural activity, the countryside is famous for its natural splendor. California’s backbone is the Sierra Nevada, a sharply rising mountain range created by the collision of tectonic plates. In the remote valleys, we find groves of giant Sequoia, the giants of the trees. Where the land meets the sea, cliffs fall into the ocean and giant kelp beds provide shelter for sea otters, eel, and grey whales.
From the dry SoCal deserts to the stunning coastline and into the towering redwood forests, visitors can see all the natural beauty that California has to offer and embark on a Golden State Exploration; California Parks & Coastline.
Note: Some tours may be effected by COVID19. Your Yampu Tour Consultant will advise upon booking.
Inclusions
Exclusions
International airfare (unless specifically included), airport departure taxes that must be paid on-site, gratuities, meals not mentioned, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages with meals, early / late check-out, room service, visa fees/services, and other personal items or services not mentioned.
Package Price: From £$ 6420
Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.
Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.
Trip Type:
All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!
Tour Itinerary
Welcome to Sunny California!
After arrival to Los Angeles International Airport (visitors can also arrive in Fresno), we leave the large city to head out towards the nearby Sierra Nevada. This massive mountain range spans 250 miles between the Mojave Desert in California and Oregon. To this day the collision of two tectonic plates push this mountain range up. Arrive at this evening’s hotel in Sequoia National Park or near its entrance.
After arrival to Los Angeles International Airport (visitors can also arrive in Fresno), we leave the large city to head out towards the nearby Sierra Nevada. This massive mountain range spans 250 miles between the Mojave Desert in California and Oregon. To this day the collision of two tectonic plates push this mountain range up. Arrive at this evening’s hotel in Sequoia National Park or near its entrance.
Sequoia National Park
Known for its towering sequoia trees, Sequoia National Park is a land of giants. These lofty trees can reach up to 300 feet in height with a bark up to 3 feet thick! These giants are remnants from the age of the dinosaurs and are the longest living trees on the planet, with some today being nearly 3000 years old. Today we explore the groves of these giants, as we wander in the dappled shade they cast over the forest floor.
Known for its towering sequoia trees, Sequoia National Park is a land of giants. These lofty trees can reach up to 300 feet in height with a bark up to 3 feet thick! These giants are remnants from the age of the dinosaurs and are the longest living trees on the planet, with some today being nearly 3000 years old. Today we explore the groves of these giants, as we wander in the dappled shade they cast over the forest floor.
Kings Canyon National Park
Kings Canyon National Park is a rugged glacier carved valley more than a mile deep. Straddling the Sierra Nevada, Kings Canyon is bordered by vast areas of wilderness and national parks. Many animals can be found in the park, including bear, deer, coyote and big horn sheep among many others. We take the day to explore the deep canyon and the rushing Kings River with various walks that bring us closer to nature.
Kings Canyon National Park is a rugged glacier carved valley more than a mile deep. Straddling the Sierra Nevada, Kings Canyon is bordered by vast areas of wilderness and national parks. Many animals can be found in the park, including bear, deer, coyote and big horn sheep among many others. We take the day to explore the deep canyon and the rushing Kings River with various walks that bring us closer to nature.
Yosemite National Park
A short drive takes us to the next highlight, Yosemite National Park. Here, huge granite domes were carved into steep canyons by glaciers of the last ice age creating a stunning landscape with a vast valley below. Reaching about 3500 feet deep with massive waterfalls cascading from the surrounding cliffs, Yosemite Valley is one of the most beautiful valleys on earth.
Today we will take time to visit Glacier Point, a promontory across from the famous Half Dome, allowing astounding views into Yosemite Valley and Little Yosemite Valley with its massive waterfalls. Sunset finds us down within Yosemite Valley, where the evening light reflects on the granite domes and where we may see wildlife such as bears or coyotes. ...read less
Tuolumne Meadows - Carmel-by-the-Sea
This morning we will be heading to the high country at Tuolumne Meadows. Maybe you desire to walk to the top of Lembert Dome for amazing views? In the afternoon we transfer to the world-famous California coast where we will settle in to our beautiful hotel in the little town of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
This morning we will be heading to the high country at Tuolumne Meadows. Maybe you desire to walk to the top of Lembert Dome for amazing views? In the afternoon we transfer to the world-famous California coast where we will settle in to our beautiful hotel in the little town of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Located read more...
Located on the central California Coast, Monterey Peninsula’s cold upwelling of the ocean creates a rich marine life with giant kelp forests that are home to sea otters, a plethora of fish, and the migratory grey whale. The town of Monterey was founded 1770 by the Spanish missionary Junipero Serra. We will have a chance to see the ancient mission, as well as see the old Spanish colonial center of town, when Monterey was the capital of Upper California. Steinbeck’s “Cannery Row” harkens back to the fishing industry when sardines where the main industry in the town.
There is a chance to visit the excellent Monterey Bay Aquarium, rent kayaks to see the sea otters or visit the Point Lobos State Preserve for walks and wildlife. In the afternoon we head south along Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, enjoying the amazing views over the vast Pacific Along the way we will make a stop at Julia Pfeiffer Burn’s State Park where waterfalls plunge into the Pacific. We can also wander among one of the southernmost Coastal Redwood Groves before reaching our hotel at the ocean’s edge overlooking the Pacific. ...read less
Santa Barbara - Flight Home
Today’s schedule depends on your flight times home. En route to the airport we can choose to stop in Santa Barbara, yet another mission town, now famous for its colonial architecture and being a highly desirable location to live.
Today’s schedule depends on your flight times home. En route to the airport we can choose to stop in Santa Barbara, yet another mission town, now famous for its colonial architecture and being a highly desirable location to live.
LAX airport (LAX), World Way, Los Angeles, CA, USA
Sequoia National Park, California, USA
Kings Canyon National Park, California, USA
Yosemite National Park, California, USA
Tuolumne Meadows, California, USA
Monterey Peninsula College, Fremont Street, Monterey, CA, USA
Santa Barbara, CA, USA
Places You'll See
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Sequoia
Known for its towering Sequoia Trees, this national park is located in California’s southern Sierra Nevada mountains just near Kings Canyon National Park. With some reaching 250 feet in height and 30 feet in diameter, visitors come from near and far to take in the giant trees. The most notable tree is General Sherman, towering almost 300 feet above the forest floor. Visitors will appreciate the park’s seclusion from the city while taking in the surrounding nature and wildlife.
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Kings Canyon
Also hosting Sequoia groves, Kings Canyon is adjacent to Sequoia National Park, located in California’s southern Sierra Nevada mountains. Named after the mile-deep glacial valley, Kings features multiple 14,000-foot mountain peaks, high mountain meadows, swift-flowing rivers, towering waterfalls, and some of the world’s largest sequoia trees.
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Yosemite
Just north of Sequoia National Park is one of California’s most prized natural landscapes, Yosemite. Protected since the mid-1800s, Yosemite’s nearly 1,200 square miles provides explorers with deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, vast wilderness, towering granite formations, and roaring waterfalls. Whether you would like a stroll through the forest or scale the park’s famous Half Dome, trails ranging in difficulty sprawl across the stunning landscape. Yosemite village offers travelers will find supplies stores, shops, and restaurants, as well as a gallery of Ansel Adams’ photography of the region.
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Big Sur
Located between the Santa Lucia Mountains and the misty Pacific ocean, Big Sur is a stunning stretch of natural scenery along California’s famous Pacific Coast Highway. The sparsely populated area has several state parks with hiking and camping options. The ocean’s natural Kelp forests attract numerous species of wildlife, including sea otters, sea lions, harbor seals, elephant seals, gray whales, and several species of sharks. Aside from an abundance of unique fauna, visitors will appreciate the numerous beaches along the winding cliffside road with views across the Pacific Ocean.
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Santa Barbara
Set on the central California coast, Santa Barbara is a quaint city with a stunning backdrop of mountains, palm tree-lined beaches, and Spanish colonial architecture. From hiking to fine-dining, to water sports and lazing on the beach, Santa Barbara offers quintessential California experiences with an eclectic culture and great nightlife.
Media Gallery
Hotel Options
4 Star Properties
Sequoia National Park, CA : Wuksachi Lodge
Wuksachi Lodge
Sequoia National Park, CA , UNITED STATES
Every national park has its top lodge, the one place to stay that reflects all the park stands for. The Wuksachi Lodge is Sequoia’s signature hotel, a striking stone-and-cedar mountain lodge situated in the heart of the park and surrounded by a mighty sequoia forest and soaring Sierra peaks. Open year-round and located with the best access to Sequoia’s awesome attractions, the Wuksachi Lodge was built in 1999 in a spectacular alpine setting at an elevation of 7,200 feet.
This alluring mountain lodge features 102 spacious guest rooms, a full-service restaurant with massive picture windows, cocktail lounge, retail shop, and dedicated special event facilities.
All guest rooms at this distinctive Sequoia lodge are located 100-200 yards from the main lodge and feature upscale, natural décor highlighting native granite rock, oak, cedar, and hickory woods, private baths, flat-panel televisions, telephones, hairdryers, coffee makers, iron/boards, mini-refrigerators, ski racks, central heat, and daily maid service.
You’ll enjoy our Sequoia lodging’s remote location, yet all the modern amenities and guest services of a AAA-rated three-diamond hotel. It’s the perfect base camp for exploring the wonders of Sequoia by day, and as evening falls, spinning Sequoia stories next to a roaring, rock-rimmed fireplace.
Carmel-by-the-Sea : Carmel Mission Inn
Carmel Mission Inn
Carmel-by-the-Sea , UNITED STATES
Breathtaking views. World-class shopping. Exceptional dining. Unparalleled golf. There is no shortage of unique activities to be had in California’s Central Coast. Situated in the charming town of Carmel, the Carmel Mission Inn is the ideal hub for all of your Central Coast Adventures.
Infused with a modern aesthetic, our rooms and suites mirror the vibrant energy of the area. Well outfitted with smart amenities, they are designed for genuine comfort and convenience. Whether you’re seeking a weekend escape, romantic rendezvous, or family vacation (yes, we’re pet-friendly), there’s no better choice for an authentic Central Coast adventure than Carmel Mission Inn.
Pismo Beach, CA : Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa
Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa
Pismo Beach, CA , UNITED STATES
Set along the majestic coastline midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Dolphin Bay is an ideal location for your getaway. Whether it’s a romantic weekend, a family vacation or an executive retreat; our elegant, all-suite resort offers an experience unlike any other. Indulge in California Cuisine in Lido at Dolphin Bay or rejuvenate with pampering treatments at The Spa. Spend a day exploring all that the Central Coast has to offer or stay-in and relax in luxury
Offering one and two bedroom accommodations ranging from 1,000 to 2,100 square feet, all suites are equipped with a living room, dining room, full gourmet kitchen, laundry facilities, and a spacious balcony. Staying for an overnight getaway or accompanying us for a weekly or monthly stay, our spacious suites provide all the comforts of home allowing you to relax and take in the coastal views. The resort is an ADA Accessible Property and offers accessible parking and pathways to entrances and suites. Accessible lifts are provided at the Infinity Pool & Jacuzzi. ADA Accessible rooms are per availability and include accessible bathroom counter, roll-in shower, shower bar, transfer bench, toilet riser and TTY/TDD.
Testimonials
Reinhard, German clients
Traveled March, 2010
Everything went very smoothly on our private tour
Everything went very smoothly on our private tour, many thanks. We were able to see many different regions and aspects of Mexico making it a simply fascinating experience. We had a great time in Mexico City and Taxko (sadly Puebla was flooded and had to be taken out of the itinerary), and were able to take in the Aztek culture and Spanish colonial architecture. Then in the north, Copper Canyon (bigger than the Grand Canyon in the US) and the amazing train journey. The trip at the end to Baja California we managed to see the grey whales and the Yucatan and beautiful Maya ruins. The exposure to these very different areas in a short time made this a truly memorable journey.
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Erik M.
Traveled December 2017
A ++ experience!
We used Yampu last Christmas (2017) for a 2 week trip in Argentina. From the very first email to the follow up after our trip, everything was perfect with Yampu. The hotel selection was matching our needs, the transfers between locations and airports all went very smoothly, the overall trip plan was a good balance of sightseeing, discovery and personal time. The guides were all so friendly and knowledgeable. This was a A+ experience. Our main point of contact in the USA was Christine Cronin. She did an amazing job for us. We like their services so much that we are now planning another trip with Yampu.
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Kurt & Rosabel, family of 5
Traveled August, 2010
I consider using your company again
The trip was fantastic. No complaints about the accomodations and I was truly impressed with the transportation arrangements. The guides from the various companies were courteous, polite and extremely helpful whenever a problem arose. The atmosphere on the Caribbean coast (Tortuguero) was completely different from that encountered on the Pacific coast (Guancaste), as was each location along the way. I honestly can’t say I preferred on spot over the others, though perhaps I was little more outspoken about the comforts of Arenal Springs compared to rest. The two beach spots along the Pacific were memorable for the ocean and all the things we did there.All the above said, I have no problem recommending your firm, and yourself in particular, to any of my friends and acquaintances regarding having you help them with their travel plans. Indeed, I have done so repeatedly today and will continue to do so into the future. It also goes without saying that I consider using your company again when Rosabel and myself start planning our next vacation or adventure trip.
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