Northern California Vacation
Golden Path to Yosemite
8 Days / 7 Nights
Day One
Arrive in Lake Tahoe
Upon arrival at Reno International Airport, you will be met by an Adventures by Disney representative who will escort you to your transfer vehicle. Relax as the driver assists with your luggage and brings you to the Resort at Squaw Creek.
Resort at Squaw Creek
Welcome to sparkling Squaw Valley, home to the 1960 Winter Olympics! Meet your Adventure Guide upon arrival at this elegant resort with dramatic views of the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains. Just a few minutes away from the north shore of Lake Tahoe, this resort offers a banquet of recreational activities for hikers, bikers and other fans of fun in the sun.
Welcome Reception and Orientation
Gather with your fellow adventurers for a private reception and refreshments as your Adventure Guides give an informative orientation.
Tie-Dyeing
Get groovy with your California colors as you twist, tie and dye a Disney shirt with the vibrant hues of West Coast culture. It's yours to take home as a souvenir of the Golden State!
Welcome Cookout Dinner at Hotel
Round up your biggest appetite for this Chuckwagon Cookout. We fire up the grill with marinated meats and fish, with a variety of fresh vegetables and savory sides. It's the perfect time to say "Howdy" to your fellow adventurers. Don't forget your fill of tempting desserts!
S'mores and Storytelling
Come gather 'round the crackling campfire for something a bit "s'more" special as a professional storyteller spins a yarn of the Old West. Evoke the spirit of the Sierras on this exclusive night of mountain tales and tasty treats.
Meal Included: Dinner
Day Two
Truckee River Float Trip
After a buffet breakfast at the hotel, gently raft down the silvery waters of the Truckee River as a local expert takes you on a private, 2-hour trip past the forested banks of Gold Country.
Lunch at the River Ranch Lodge
Settle down under the pinwheel wood beams, amongst the stony walls and mountain charm of this cozy lodge on the banks of the Truckee River. Lunch includes creatively prepared California cuisine served in the lodge's cantilevered dining room with curved walls and a river rock fireplace.
Gondola Ride
Glide through the air over sensational views of the six towering Sierra peaks. Once you reach the mountain top at 8,200 feet, hike down the legendary slopes to The Village at Squaw Valley. Take a deep breath of that fresh alpine air! Should you prefer a more leisurely trip, ride the gondola to The Village instead.
On Your Own in Tahoe City
Spend the afternoon on your own in Tahoe City and explore the stellar trails that wind along the Lake, stroll the galleries, or shop in the city's bouquet of unique boutiques.
Dinner On Your Own in The Village
In the evening, relax or enjoy the restaurants and activities on your own in this picturesque village reminiscent of European towns in the Alps. Your Adventure Guides can recommend where to go for a wonderful family meal.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day Three
Depart Lake Tahoe
Enjoy a hearty buffet breakfast at the resort before checking out and boarding a motor coach for the photographic ride to Yosemite National Park.
Picnic Lunch at Mono Lake County Park
Along the way, break open the picnic baskets near the banks of Mono Lake. Relish freshly made fare on the open grass under the cool shadow of bristling cottonwood trees. After lunch, wander over the boardwalk planks to check out the lake and its astonishing tufa towers. Then board the motor coach for the rest of your journey to glorious Yosemite Falls.
Tioga Pass and Olmstead Point
As you wind along the Tioga Pass at 9,945 feet, the mountains sweep upwards to dramatic heights, taking your spirits with them! The coach then pauses for photos at panoramic Olmstead Point, where the splendor of the canyon stretches to the edge of forever.
Dinner at Mountain View Restaurant
After your Adventure Guides check you in to the Yosemite Lodge at the Falls, adults sit down to a delicious dinner as Junior Adventurers chow down in a separate room at a special buffet!
Junior Adventurer Trailblazing
While adults take a break from the day's activities at the Lodge, Junior Adventurers get together for a nature hike with a local expert to learn how to navigate the wonders of the wilderness like true trailblazers.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day Four
Breakfast and Bike Riding
Fuel up for the morning's activities with a delicious breakfast at the Lodge. Then hop on a bike and make your way at your leisure down the pine-dusted trails of the great mountain paths.
Walking Tour of Yosemite Valley with John Muir
After a hearty lunch at the Lodge, accompany the historical character, John Muir, on a tour similar to the one on which he took President Teddy Roosevelt in 1903. Learn why Muir was one of the great naturalists of American history. Catch his contagious passion for the soaring monoliths, crystalline falls and fascinating wildlife on this exclusive tour of Yosemite Valley.
Afternoon On Your Own
Visit the Indian Cultural Exhibit or roam the valley on a Ahwahneechee trail as you discover the grandeur of the spectacular granite walls and waterfalls. Inhale the invigorating scent of conifers and feel the soft trail of pine needles beneath your feet. The afternoon is yours to explore as you wish!
Dinner On Your Own in Yosemite
Tonight, sit back and share tales of your day's discoveries. Your Adventure Guides will be happy to make recommendations for a memorable family meal.
Campfire with Music and Storytelling
Listen as a musician with a six-string guitar awakens the campfire flames with songs and stories of the Wild West! Let the warmth of the fire cheer you as the ravishing beauty of the night forest surrounds you.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day Five
Horseback Riding on Happy Isles Trail
Saddle up for a privately guided expedition on Happy Isles Trail as a guide leads you on horseback into the tranquil forest. On the way, learn important facts about the ecology and geology of this intensely beautiful region.
Lunch and Afternoon On Your Own
Trade tales about the morning's horseback excursion over a leisurely family meal. Your Adventure Guides can recommend where to have the perfect lunch. Next, several outdoor activities await you this afternoon. Get the family together and explore the area on your own. Bikes are still available for those who want to pedal on the pathways.
Ahwahnee BBQ Dinner and Hotel Tour
Round up for a BBQ at the towering Ahwahnee Hotel. Feast in the cozy Mural Room with its dark wood paneling and the wildlife mural that fills the top half of one wall. A copper fireplace blazes in the corner, keeping you comfy in cool weather. After dinner, take a privately guided tour of this fascinating hotel, which is a Registered National Landmark. Learn about the history and marvel at the Native American designs that highlight each room.
Starry Skies Over Yosemite
Lay beneath the infinite night and gaze at the Milky Way galaxy as a special guide talks about the constellations, comets, meteors and myths of our skies. It's a private event just for you and your fellow astronomical adventurers!
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day Six
Drive to San Francisco
Come together for one last breakfast at the lodge before boarding a motor coach to the glorious Golden Gates of San Francisco! Lunch is included on this trek so sit back and relish the view as you approach one of the most striking cities in the world.
San Francisco Walking Tour
Stretch your legs on this privately guided orientation of this premier shopping district known as Union Square and the vibrant streets of Chinatown. Meanwhile your Adventure Guides check you into the stylish and stately Sir Francis Drake Hotel.
On Your Own for Dinner
"The City," as it's called by the locals, is absolutely brimming with some of the best dining on the West Coast. Whether you fancy unique pizzas in North Beach, fresh sushi in the Sunset District or perhaps one of those fragrant Asian restaurants you passed in Chinatown, your Adventures Guides can help you choose the right place your family meal.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day Seven
Trolley Tour
After breakfast at the hotel, hop on a motorized trolley for a ride up and down the steep streets of San Francisco. Visit colorful districts like Chinatown, North Beach and Fisherman's Wharf, view the majestic Golden Gate Bridge and learn the history of the Presidio.
Lunch at Capurro's Restaurant
Bask in the warm family atmosphere of Capurro's Restaurant. Relax in the comfort of old-style San Francisco as you savor California cuisine flavored with the Italian heritage that founded Fisherman's Wharf.
Bike Ride Across the Golden Gate Bridge
Take the bike ride of a lifetime across the grand expanse of the Golden Gate Bridge. Soak up the sea breezes as you pedal across this astonishing architectural wonder, past the panorama of The City's silhouette to the Sausalito waterfront. Or opt to bike easily around the bay and return to Fisherman's Wharf.
Afternoon On Your Own
This afternoon is yours to explore this famous city by the bay, its colorful inhabitants and picturesque Victorian houses. Hang out in The Haight, shop at Union Square, nibble on creamy chocolate at Ghiradelli Factory and much more! The public transportation system is close and convenient, so it's easy to reach pretty much any site you wish. Your Adventure Guides can suggest the best activities to make this afternoon on your own a memorable one.
Farewell Dinner at Fior d'Italia
Feast with your fellow adventurers in trendy North Beach at the oldest Italian restaurant in America. As you dine, consume an interactive dinner show a la carte as a local theater group serves up fun on a silver platter. With music and period costume, immerse yourself in the melodrama as you participate in brief historical scenes from your adventure stops! After dinner, a special surprise awaits as you relive the highlights of the trip together.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day Eight
Breakfast at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel
Say goodbye to your newfound friends and enjoy one last meal in San Francisco.
Transfer to Airport
Relax and enjoy your final moments in California as we handle your luggage and arrange for transportation to the San Francisco International Airport.
Meal Included: Breakfast
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