DAY 1 Meet your guide in downtown San Francisco at 8:15 am. Once out of San Francisco, you will cross the Central Valley through gold country on your way into the mountains. Before reaching Yosemite Valley, you'll enjoy a hike and picnic* amongst the giant sequoias.
(*Meals on the first day are not included in the tour price. You will have an opportunity to get food en route to the park. Depending upon group interest/logistics you may visit any of the three Sequoia groves).
The hike through the giant sequoias brings you right up close to these massive wooden monuments, some of which are over one thousand years old and measure up to 30 feet wide and 300 feet tall. Continuing into the park on a 1 1/2-hour guided tour, you will descend into Yosemite Valley, the most famous and photographed part of Yosemite (thanks to the work of Ansel Adams).
Your guide will give you an orientation to the park as well as an explanation of the itinerary and options for the next two days. After some free time in Yosemite Valley, you will head for the campsite to set up camp, ending the day with drinks around the campfire as you decide what to do with your next two days in the park.