California High Country Adventure

Visit United States

Day 1

Start Your Wilderness Adventure in Fresno

Welcome to Fresno, your gateway to the Sierra Nevada Mountains! Settle in and unpack before meeting your fellow adventurers at a Welcome Reception.

Your Travel Director gives you the rundown of this exciting, active, self-paced tour. From easy strolls to hard-charger hikes, there are plenty of options and no shortage of natural beauty.

Day 2

Mariposa Grove and Giant Sequoias Stays With Stories

Up and at ‘em this morning for Yosemite National Park, famous for its giant, ancient sequoia trees, deep valleys, and grand meadows.

Standing among these towering trees sets the tone for this week’s experiences of feeling small within the vastness of nature. After breakfast in Fresno, head to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, home to over 500 mature trees and the largest sequoia grove in Yosemite. An important historical site, you’ll learn how in 1864 President Lincoln signed legislation protecting the Mariposa Grove and Yosemite Valley, for the first time in US history setting aside scenic, natural areas to be protected by the federal government, even as the country was embroiled in the Civil War. You’re a part of history and your surroundings as you walk the Big Trees Loop or Grizzly Giant Loop (two miles) amongst other options. The 3,000-year-old Grizzly Giant sequoia alone is worth the trip! After your first full day of exploring, the adventure continues as we head to our home for the next two nights, Oakhurst, situated in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada.

Day 3

Yosemite National Park Make Travel Matter

Explore Yosemite National Park today, famed for its giant, ancient sequoia trees, grand meadows and iconic rock formations.

Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you meet a naturalist through the Yosemite Conservancy that will delve into the dynamic history of climbing in Yosemite through fascinating stories, photographs and demonstrations. The Yosemite Conservancy is a non-profit organization that has provided over $140 million to Yosemite for more than 700 completed projects that improve trails, restore habitat, protect wildlife and inspire the next generation of nature-lovers. Spend the rest of the day in Yosemite to appreciate this bucket list destination and choose the hike that suits you. This evening, get ready for a unique Be My Guest Experience incorporating mindfulness while embracing the outdoors over a guided Forest Bathing experience followed by dinner.

Day 4

Head to Mammoth Lakes

Another day of exceptional hikes begins on the journey from Oakhurst to Mammoth.

Your first stop is Tuolumne Meadows where, whether it’s an explosion of summer wildflowers or fiery fall colours, you’ll bask in beauty. Enjoy a leisurely walk along Tuolumne River to Soda Springs and the Tuolumne Meadows Footbridge. We’ll then make our way through Tioga Pass (seasonal) to wildlife-rich Mono Lake before finishing the day in Mammoth. Tioga Pass: weather conditions may cause Tioga Pass to be closed to traffic, typically from mid-October to the end of May. In this case, an alternate entry point to Yosemite will be used entering through the west side of the park. While this may not cause a change in overnight, sightseeing will be affected this day.

Day 5

Mammoth Lakes at Leisure

What better way to start the day than breakfast with a view? Sip your coffee as you take in 360 degree views of the Sierras and beyond on an aerial ride up Mammoth Mountain on the Panorama Gondola.

Climbing 11,053 feet to the top of Mammoth Mountain, these sweeping views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range can’t be beat. The rest of the day is yours to continue your Mammoth sightseeing with another boots-on-the-ground exploration at Mammoth Lakes or a well-deserved rest.

Day 6

Wander Through Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest

Departing Mammoth Lakes arriving at Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, where you’ll walk among the oldest living trees in the world.

Some of these living trees are over 4,000 years old, displaying spectacular growth forms of twisted and beautifully coloured wood. Tonight, make your way to Bakersfield for an evening of trading tales and photos.

Day 7

King's Canyon National Park Stays With Stories

Next on our tour of incredible sights and sounds is Kings Canyon National Park.

Home to the largest remaining grove of sequoia trees in the world with the focal being the General Grant Tree, the third largest in the world which was proclaimed "the Nation's Christmas Tree" in the 1920s by President Calvin Coolidge. Sit back and take in the views as we travel along the Kings Canyon Scenic byway to end up at Zumault Meadow Trail, where nature's diversity is on display with powerful rock formations and roaring rivers contrasted my lush, serene meadows.

Day 8

Sequoia National Park Make Travel Matter

Explore Sequoia National Park by starting the day visiting General Sherman Tree, the world's largest tree.

We continue to the Giant Forest Museum where we'll have the option to hike the Big Trees Trail or Moro Rock Trail. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure using the park shuttles. Having trekked Sierra Nevada's peaks, celebrate at tonight's Farewell Dinner followed by an evening MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience where a naturalist will guide you through the constellations in a stargazing adventure.

Day 9

Farewell Fresno

Say goodbye to Fresno as you return to the Fresno Airport for your return trip home.

Airport arrival will be 11:00 AM, please be aware when booking your flights.

Dining Summary

1 Welcome Reception (WR)

8 Breakfast (B)

1 Lunch (L)

2 Dinner (D)

Be My Guest

Oakhurst: Enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience Forest Bathing, an immersive practice that uses all your senses to connect with your surroundings. Meet your host Susan Madden, certified meditation instructor, labyrinth facilitator and forest bathing guide. To help you create a more peaceful life, Susan's scientifically proven practices have been shown to improve health. Begin with a simple meditation before learning the fundamentals and science behind Forest Bathing. Following the presentation, sit down to a plated meal at Tenaya Lodge for conversation and storytelling with Susan.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Yosemite National Park: Meet a climber and naturalist that will delve into the dynamic history of climbing in Yosemite. Enjoy storytelling, photographs, see the old and new climbing gear, as well as ask questions about how they help improve trails, restore habitat, protect wildlife, and inspire the next generation of nature-lovers, and more. This Make Travel Matter experience targets United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15 Life on Land improving, protecting, and conserving wildlife and/or restores natural ecosystems

Sequoia National Park: Meet your Local Specialist and enjoy stories and the latest astronomical news under one of California's most brilliant skies. The Milky Way galaxy spills out across the broad Sequoia sky, an explosion of stars, planets and infinite questions. Spend the hour touring constellations, galaxies, planets, and the history of human space and exploration.

Must-see Highlights

: Explore Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park

: See El Capitain, Half Dome, Bridalveil Falls

: Visit Mariposa Grove, Yosemite History Center, Giant Forest Museum

: View Tunnel View, Olmstead Point, General Grant Tree in Kings Canyon National Park and General Sherman Tree in Sequoia National Park.

: Hike Discovery Loop at Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, General Grant Loop at Kings Canyon National Park, General Sherman Tree Trail at Sequoia National Park.

: Scenic Drive Tioga Pass, Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, General Sherman Highway.

Trafalgar Difference

Sequoia National Park: The Wuksachi Lodge in the heart of Sequoia National Park surrounded by forest and soaring Sierra peaks. 

Whats Included

: An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

: Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

: All porterage and restaurant gratuities

: All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

: Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

: Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

: Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

: All transport and transfers shown

: Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

: Optional Experiences and free time

: On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.

View our great airfares, hotels and travel insurance.