Yuletide in Yosemite

Day 1 – Welcome to the Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite! (Sunday, December 6)

From our departure points we’ll travel aboard a deluxe motorcoach this morning into California’s fertile Central Valley, pausing along the way for a morning rest stop and a stop for lunch on your own. This afternoon we’ll leave the valley floor behind as we climb into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Just two miles from the south entrance of Yosemite National Park, situated on 35 secluded acres amongst a noble evergreen forest at 5,300 feet in elevation, is the Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite. We’ll enjoy a two-night stay at this premier AAA Four Diamond mountain retreat that effortlessly blends rustic elegance with modern luxury. This full-service resort features an expansive lobby anchored by a majestic stone fireplace, an indoor pool and spa, room service and a full-service restaurant offering a wide range of cuisine. Ranked among USA Today’s “Top 10 Best Hotels for the Holidays,” the lodge truly shines during the holiday season, welcoming guests with a towering, brilliantly decorated Christmas tree in the lobby. Enjoy the balance of the evening at leisure to enjoy dinner on your own, admire the holiday decor and make s’mores around the outdoor fire pit.

Day 2 – Yosemite National Park (Monday, December 7)

Following an included breakfast at the lodge, a Yosemite Conservancy guide will join us onboard our motorcoach for a full-day of exploration of Yosemite National Park. Established as a national park in 1890, this legendary sanctuary cradles serene meadows, historic landmarks, and towering pine forests framed by dramatic, glacier-carved granite cliffs. Our first dramatic look at the world-famous Yosemite Valley comes from Tunnel View, offering sweeping vistas of iconic landmarks including the sheer face of Half Dome. Across the canyon stands El Capitan – the undisputed king of granite monoliths, soaring 3,593 feet above the valley floor as the earth’s largest single piece of exposed granite. Descending into the heart of the park, we’ll explore the majestic Yosemite Valley itself, an eight-mile-long, 4,000-foot deep geologic marvel lined with glacially sculpted, polished rock walls. Although glacially carved valleys with similar features exist elsewhere in the world, none can compete with what legendary naturalist John Muir called the “Incomparable Valley.” Along the way, we’ll admire the delicate, cascading veil of 620-foot Bridalveil Fall and pass historic architectural treasures. We’ll enjoy an included three-course, roasted chicken lunch (with vegetarian alternative available) in the grand dining room of The Ahwahnee, one of Yosemite’s crown jewels. A National Historic landmark built in 1927, this destination for royalty and presidents is renowned for its stunning architecture. It blends historic charm with modern elegance and offers a perfect balance of history, luxury and world-class hospitality. The dining room is a grand and historic space featuring a massive, high ceiling supported by huge sugar pine trusses, striking granite pillars, and immense windows that flood the room with natural light. This afternoon we’ll enjoy time at leisure in Yosemite Village, home to the visitor center, Ansel Adams Gallery of photographic art, shops and a variety of historic build- ings. Later, join your guide on a leisurely walk to the base of Yosemite Falls, North America’s tallest waterfall, which plunges a staggering 2,425 feet in three dramatic leaps. We’ll return to the Tenaya Lodge in the late afternoon, leaving the evening at your leisure to relax in the grand lobby, unwind in the indoor pool and spa, and enjoy dinner on your own. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 3 – Kearney Mansion, Basque Feast, Journey Home (Tuesday, December 8)

After an included breakfast at the lodge, we’ll begin our journey home with a stop in Fresno, located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. Step back in time to experience a turn-of-the-century Victorian holiday at the Kearney Mansion, an early 1900’s French Renaissance-style mansion featuring original Victorian furnishings. On a docent-guided tour, learn the fascinating story of M. Theo Kearney – the original “Raisin King” – whose pioneering spirit helped build the Central Valley’s agriculture empire and shaped California’s rich immigrant heritage. Decorated from top to bottom with sparkling trees, lush garland, and festive bows, the mansion offers a enchanting look at how Christmas was celebrated over a century ago. Next, we’ll gather for an included traditional Basque feast at a locals’ favorite. Served family-style, this generous meal features fresh bread, homemade soup, delicious side dishes, fried chicken, charbroiled lamb chops, house wine, and ice cream – providing a delicious and memorable finale to our journey. This afternoon, we’ll continue south, pausing for a rest stop before returning to our drop-off points this evening filled with fond memories of grand granite cliffs, serene winter meadows and magical holiday spirit of the Tenaya Lodge. (Breakfast, Lunch)

While we make every effort to operate our tours as outlined in the itinerary, we ask for your patience, understanding and flexibility and to retain a sense of adventure while traveling with us. Situations may arise that necessitate changes to the itinerary. Should we need to adjust the itinerary either prior to or while on tour, these changes will be communicated to you and only done when absolutely necessary.