California Splendor: Sequoia, Yosemite, & More!

July 11, 2024 thru July 18, 2024

Explore California’s natural wonders on this 8-day tour. Traverse the towering sequoias of Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park, delve into the iconic landscapes of Yosemite, and enjoy the tranquil beauty of Lake Tahoe on a sunset cruise. Discover historic Truckee and relive the tales of the Donner Party. From majestic forests to shimmering lakes, this journey offers a captivating blend of nature and history. Experience the essence of California in one unforgettable adventure.

“The views of nature captured me and my heart. It was amazing with the people with us, our tour guide, and coach driver. This trip was beautiful. I want to come back! I loved it! Thank you!” – Lylah P. on CA Splendor 2023

“This is a great tour because it includes three national parks and Lake Tahoe. These all contain a high amount of drop-dead gorgeous natural beauty. Thank you for this!” – Sue M. on CA Splendor 2023


Transportation

Roundtrip Air Transportation from ABQ

Transportation

Motorcoach

Duration

8 days, 7 nights

Activity Level 4

Active

Meals

9 meals (6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners) included

Availability

Available

Gratuities

Tour director, driver & local guide tips included


Tour Highlights

  • Sequoia National Park
  • Giant Sequoia Trees – General Sherman
  • Kings Canyon National Park
  • Yosemite National Park
  • Gentle Hike or Trail at Mariposa Grove
  • Yosemite Valley Floor Tour
  • Tioga Pass
  • Lake Tahoe Sunset Dinner Cruise
  • Historic Downtown Truckee
  • Donner Memorial State Park & Museum

Inclusions

  • Roundtrip air transportation from ABQ (not including airline baggage and in-flight charges)
  • Transportation by deluxe motorcoach
  • 7 nights’ lodging at excellent hotels
  • Baggage handling at hotels (for one piece)
  • 9 meals (6 breakfasts, 1 lunches, 2 dinners)
  • Admission to all listed attractions
  • Your professional SUN TOURS Tour Director
  • All taxes and tips for included items (except hotel housekeeping)


Day 1 – Arrive in Fresno

Fly into Fresno Yosemite International Airport from Albuquerque and check into your hotel for a 2-night stay in Fresno.

Day 2 – Sequoia & King's Canyon National Park

After a hotel breakfast, depart the hotel and journey to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park. Relish a scenic drive through Kings Canyon, enjoying your picnic lunch amidst the park’s beauty. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, are renowned for their giant sequoia trees, including the famed General Sherman Tree, one of the largest living trees on Earth. These neighboring parks boast deep canyons, vast caverns, and the rugged High Sierra peaks. While Sequoia National Park is celebrated for its sprawling forests, Kings Canyon is known for its dramatic landscapes, including one of the deepest canyons in the United States. Together, they offer a mesmerizing blend of natural grandeur and wilderness.

End the day with a hotel check-in and choose your independent dinner spot.

Meals included: (B, L)

Day 3 – Majestic Giant Sequoias

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before checking out and embarking on a captivating driving tour of Sequoia National Park, renowned for its majestic giant sequoias. Enjoy an independent lunch at the Grant Grove Restaurant, nestled in the heart of the park. By late afternoon, arrive and settle into the Tenaya Lodge for a one-night stay. Round off your day with a warm welcome dinner at the lodge, cherishing the beauty and comfort of your surroundings.

Meals included: (B, D)

Day 4 – Yosemite National Park

Begin your day with a refreshing breakfast at the hotel. Immerse yourself in nature at Yosemite National Park with a choice of either a gentle accompanied hike or a more challenging trail at Mariposa Grove. Break for an independent lunch in the scenic Yosemite Village, then spend your afternoon exploring the village’s highlights, including the Visitor Center, the Ansel Adams Museum, and the picturesque Bridal Veil Falls trail. As the day winds down, check in at the Yosemite Valley Lodge, where you can enjoy an independent dinner, savoring the park’s tranquil ambiance.

Meals included: (B)

Day 5 – Yosemite Valley Floor

Start your day with a hearty breakfast. Spend your morning at leisure in Yosemite National Park, utilizing the free shuttles to explore or opting for an accompanied hike to discover the park’s hidden gems. In the afternoon, gather for the enlightening Yosemite Valley Floor Tour. After soaking in the park’s iconic sights, return to the hotel to unwind. Round off your day with a delicious independent dinner.

Meals included: (B)

Day 6 – Lake Tahoe

Begin with a refreshing breakfast. As you journey through the scenic Tioga Pass, make a brief stop at Whoa Nellie Deli to relish the view of Mono Lake. Post-lunch, check into the Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel to refresh. By evening, head to Zephyr Cove Resort & Lake Tahoe Cruises, where you’ll embark on the M.S. Dixie II for a breathtaking sunset dinner cruise. After soaking in the serenity of Lake Tahoe, return to your hotel for a restful night.

Meals included: (B, D)

Day 7 – Historic Truckee

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel. At mid-morning, embark on a journey to Historic Downtown Truckee & Visitor Center, where you can indulge in independent shopping and savor a local meal. Dive into history at the Donner Memorial State Park-Museum, learning about the area’s past. As the afternoon wanes, enjoy a scenic drive along Lake Tahoe’s opposite side before returning to the hotel.

Meals included: (B)

Day 8 – Depart to Home

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, set out for Reno/Tahoe International Airport to catch your flight. Conclude your journey at the Albuquerque International Sunport. It’s a day of transitions, making your way back from the scenic landscapes to the comforts of home.

Itinerary subject to change


Package Pricing

$4,095 per person

Double occupancy

Deposit: $200

$5,275 per person

Single occupancy

Deposit: $200

Final Payment Due:

April 9, 2024

Deposit:

Price Includes

• Roundtrip air transportation ABQ (Not including airline baggage and in-flight charges)
• Transportation by deluxe motorcoach
• 7 nights’ lodging at excellent hotels
• Baggage handling at hotels (for one piece)
• 9 meals (6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners)
• Admission to all listed attractions
• Your professional SUN TOURS Tour Director
• All taxes and tips for included items (except hotel housekeeping)


Booking Policy

FULL PAYMENT DUE: April 9, 2024

CANCELLATION FEES:

  • None through April 9, 2024
  • $200 – April 10 – May 7, 2024
  • $2,400 – May 8 – June 4, 2024
  • 100% – After June 4, 2024

TRAVEL PROTECTION STARTS AT $383


ACTIVITY LEVEL RATING

Level 4: Active

Expectations: The tour includes well-paced walking tours with regular breaks. Up to 2-3 hours of walking each day. To fully take advantage of all this tour has to offer, guests need to be able to walk longer distances, climb several flights of stairs and navigate steps and uneven terrain walking for extended periods of time over more difficult terrain (e.g. cobblestones, city hills, stairs without handrails, limited or no access to elevators). Your itinerary can include significant changes in temperature and altitude and may require a higher number of longer travel days with morning and/or evening activities. Most trips will feature long touring days, many full-day excursions and a full and active itinerary with a faster pace and longer distances. Excursions require standing and walking to city centers where coaches are prohibited.

Appropriate for: Travelers who are physically fit, expect a vigorous pace and enjoy participating in two to three hours of physical activity per day.

ITINERARY

For your reference, we send to you a detailed itinerary approximately 3-4 weeks prior to the scheduled tour departure. This has day-by-day times and events, hotel information where you can be reached in case of an emergency, and airline information.

The times listed on the itinerary are all approximate. We cannot be held responsible for schedule changes due to unforeseen circumstances with the weather, transportation agents, highway conditions, hotels or contracting agents.

AIRLINE TICKETS

You will be issued your boarding pass the morning of our departure, after your arrival at the Albuquerque International Airport. If you have an American Airlines frequent flyer number, or a TSA number, please call our office at least 3 days prior to the tour to ensure we can note these in your reservation.

If you are joining the tour from locations other than Albuquerque, we make other arrangements for you to join the tour. Please call our office for more details.

AIRPORT SECURITY

You will be issued your boarding pass the morning of our departure, after your arrival at the Tucson International Airport. If you have an American Airlines frequent flyer number, or a TSA number, please call our office at least 3 days prior to the tour to ensure we can note these in your reservation.

If you are joining the tour from locations other than Tucson, we make other arrangements for you to join the tour. Please call our office for more details.

BAGGAGE

We have arranged for handling for one piece of luggage per person regarding the skycaps (where available) and hotels. If you check through luggage note that the maximum weight for the checked piece of luggage is 50 pounds and maximum size is 62 inches (length + width + height). If your bag weighs over 50 pounds the airlines will levy an extra fee that you will be responsible to pay. If you feel the need to lock your checked through luggage and your bag is searched, your lock could be damaged in the process. You can purchase a TSA (Transportation Security Administration) accepted and recognized lock at any luggage store. Make sure you ask for a TSA approved lock. These locks are the kind that TSA screeners can open by using a special tool without breaking. Passengers can carry-on 1 bag (dimensions are limited to 10x16x24 inches), plus a personal type bag, like a purse. We advise that you pack your carry-on lightly. There are restrictions regarding your carryon baggage and contents due to enhanced security measures. If you have further concerns, please visit the TSA's Web-site at www.tsa.gov. There is room inside the motorcoach for your hand carried bag.

CHECKED BAGGAGE FEES

On our scheduled airline for this tour, passengers are assessed a fee per checked in bag, by the Airlines, upon checking in for the flight.

EMERGENCY CONTACT

It is always a good idea to carry on your person a list of medications that you are taking and an emergency contact phone number while you are traveling. And we suggest making a copy of the itinerary and provide it to a friend or family member.

GRATUITIES/ITEMS INCLUDED IN PRICE

All hotel baggage handling fees are included. We also include basic gratuities for the Tour Director, Coach Driver, and local Tour Guides. If someone has truly gone above and beyond additional tipping is permitted, but never required.

LODGING REQUESTS

If you would like to request special accommodations at the hotel(s) where we are lodging, please call us as soon as possible and we will forward these requests for you. The phone numbers of the hotel(s) where we are staying are listed on the itinerary.

TRAVEL REQUESTS

We pay close attention to your requests but please realize that these are merely requests and cannot be guaranteed.

RESPONSIBILITY

SUN TOURS acts solely as an agent in arranging hotels, transportation, sightseeing, baggage-handling, and other services and does not assume any liability for injury, damage, loss or delay due to any act or default of any company or person. We, along with our subcontractors, reserve the right to make changes to an itinerary if it is necessary for the proper handling of a tour.

WEATHER AND CLOTHING/MISC. SUGGESTIONS

Warm and generally pleasant weather in July, making it one of the most popular times for visitors. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Temperature:
Daytime: Temperatures in typically range from 70-90°F (21-32°C), though it can occasionally get hotter. At higher elevations, temperatures may be cooler.
Nighttime: Temperatures can drop to 50-60°F (10-15°C), while higher elevations can see nighttime temperatures drop to 30-50°F (0-10°C).

Sky and Precipitation:
Sky: July is generally sunny with clear blue skies.
Precipitation: Rainfall is scarce, but afternoon thunderstorms, particularly in the high country, can occur.

Tips for Visitors:
Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun, especially if engaging in outdoor activities.
Be prepared for cooler temperatures if you plan to visit higher elevations.
Keep an eye on the weather forecast for possible afternoon thunderstorms.

Clothing:
Please dress for outdoor activities. Wear shoes that are comfortable for walking on various terrain.

Inquire About This Tour

Submit your inquiry for more information about a tour. We will get back to you with a (human) response as soon as possible. During the week that’s usually within a couple of hours. Evenings and weekends may take us a little bit longer. Please note that this is an inquiry for tour bookings only and does not constitute or confirm a reservation on a tour.

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