Sunday, 5/1/2011 - Arrive Yosemite
On this tour, our expert guide, Dennis Napier, will be onboard to point out the many geologic and geographic phenomena that we will encounter along the way. Dennis is a former professor of geography at Long Beach City College and his extensive knowledge and diverse background will make your journey an enlightening one. After everyone has joined us from one of our departure points, we set off on our journey for Yosemite. Following a stop for lunch, in the late afternoon we will arrive at the beautiful mountain retreat, The Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite. Located just outside the south entrance of Yosemite National Park, this Lodge is a classic mountain resort surrounded by a noble evergreen forest and offering an experience that is classic, yet perfectly modern. The property offers an indoor pool and spa and full service spa. After checking into the hotel, you will have time to relax before an included dinner at the hotel.

Monday, 5/2/2011 - Yosemite National Park
Following an included breakfast buffet at the hotel, your geographer-guide will provide a guided tour of the Yosemite Valley. Welcome to Yosemite National Park, embracing a spectacular tract of of mountain-and-valley scenery in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Set aside as a national park in 1890, the park harbors a grand collection of waterfalls, meadows, and forests that include groves of giant sequoias – the world’s largest living things. In addition, the park offers some of the most majestic sights in the world due in part to its unique, glacier-shaped cliffs and rock faces. Our day of sightseeing will be highlighted by such miraculously beautiful sights as Bridalveil Falls, El Capitan, Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. There will be time to browse around Yosemite Village and visit the Ansel Adams Photography studio. Later in the afternoon, visit and enjoy an optional lunch at the renowned and beautiful Ahwahnee Hotel – in the Grand Dining Room (or lunch on your own in the Village). Return to the lodge with the evening at your leisure. Perhaps you’ll take advantage of the indoor heated pool and spa and its three restaurants that offer a wide range of cuisine.

Tuesday, 5/3/2011 - Basque Lunch
After departing our mountain retreat, we’ll a few stops as we make our way home. One of these stops will be in Bakersfield for an included Basque lunch. Enjoy this traditional family-style meal including lamb and chicken – a memorable finale to spectacular journey. While we will have returned to the city, images of giant granite cliffs, majestic waterfalls, and the peaceful meadows of Yosemite National Park will remain with us forever.