Yosemite & Sequoia National Parks

Land of Giants

Date
September 26-October 1, 2025 | Fri / Wed – 6 Days

Location
Fresno | Sequoia National Park | Kings Canyon National Park | Sierra National Forest | Yosemite National Park

Ambassadair Trip #8999

Overview

The breathtaking landscapes of Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks stand as a testament to the awe-inspiring diversity of our natural world—towering mountains, rugged foothills, profound canyons, and the majestic giants that are the largest trees on our planet. Nestled side by side, these two parks unite as a single, breathtaking national treasure. Here in the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada in California, giant sequoias rise up to 325 feet high, with their magnificence base of their trunk measuring 94 feet in circumference. Within the realm of Giant Forest, witness the largest unlogged grove of these titanic trees, a sanctuary that cradles more extraordinary sequoias than any other, including the iconic General Sherman Tree, the largest living sequoia on Earth. Immerse yourself in the sheer wonder and reverence that envelops you, surrounded by these colossal sentinels in a land where giants roam.

In Yosemite National Park, embrace the deep valleys, expansive meadows, crystal-clear streams, and the ancient giants that stand tall in a vast wilderness. Watch in awe as rivers and glaciers have sculpted solid granite into breathtaking rock formations, the very essence of which has made Yosemite Valley renowned. Lift your gaze from the valley floor to truly grasp the staggering heights of Half Dome and El Capitan and embark on an adventure through over 800 miles of hiking trails and 20 miles of paved paths that beckon you to explore. From oak woodlands to alpine zones, the park’s diverse ecosystems rise and fall, reaching eloquently from 3,000 feet to towering peaks over 13,000 feet, each step you take stirring the soul with the beauty that surrounds you.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE

Guided tours in Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks
Marvel at the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree in the world!
Experience Mariposa Grove—home to the Giant Sequoias
Narrated steam train ride in the Sierra National Forest
Stay at Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Park
Stay at Tenaya Lodge near Yosemite’s south entrance
Free time to explore Yosemite National Park at leisure

PACKAGE INCLUDES

Roundtrip commercial air from Indianapolis to Fresno, California
Escorted
5 nights accommodations
Breakfast daily
3 lunches, 2 dinners
Sightseeing and admissions per itinerary
Ground transportation
Hotel baggage handling

NOTE:

This itinerary includes activities where moderate walking, possibly on uneven terrain, is required. Some of the most unique sightseeing can be restrictive to motorcoaches, especially in historic areas.

Itinerary

Fri, Sep 26: Fly to Fresno, California. Transfer to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and check in for two nights at the Wuksachi Lodge located right inside the park. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner at the lodge. (Meals: Dinner)

Sat, Sep 27: This morning, meet your Sequoia guide for an informative tour around the park. At 6,600 feet in elevation the Grant Grove area was originally General Grant National Park, created in 1890 to protect giant sequoias from logging. Take a gentle, well-graded stroll to see the Fallen Monarch, literally once a “log” cabin, and the General Grant Tree, the second largest tree in the world, named a “National Shrine” by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1956, to the people who served, fought, and gave their lives to keep America free. Explore the National Parks visitor center after lunch at the Grant Grove Restaurant located within the park. Then take a walk to the General Sherman Tree, the largest living tree in the world by trunk volume, measuring over 36 feet in diameter at the base. Drive along the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway for an incredible view of the dynamic landscape of one of America’s deepest canyons. (B,L)

Sun, Sep 28: This morning, take a guided tour of the Forestiere Underground Gardens, an incredible attraction of passageways and tunnels carved, dug, and chipped away by one man over forty years. This afternoon, enjoy an al fresco barbeque-style lunch at the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad station, then board the train for a narrated ride on the rails! Hear about the Madera Sugar Pine Lumber Company’s logging operations, discover the trees of the Sierra National Forest. After the ride, transfer to Tenaya Lodge, located near the south entrance of Yosemite National Park, and check in for three nights. Relax in the comfort of the lodge with a stunning, natural backdrop and discover the plethora of amenities and extra options available for your enjoyment. (B,L,D)

Mon, Sep 29: Transfer to Yosemite Village and take a guided Yosemite Valley Floor tour, which provides a unique look at the park. Learn about the history, geology, plant, and animal life while viewing some of the park’s most famous sitesincluding Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, El Capitan, and Tunnel View. Visit the south end of park including the Mariposa Grove—home to the Giant Sequoias, before returning to the lodge. (B,L)

Tue, Sep 30: The day is yours to do as you please! Partake in various optional activities at the lodge, such as renting a mountain bike or fishing pole, taking a hike to discover your surroundings, testing your skills on the rock-climbing wall, or taking an archery lesson. Choose to take our motorcoach transportation back to Yosemite Village to spend more leisure time exploring or simply enjoy your last day relaxing. (B)

Wed, Oct 1: Check out of Tenaya Lodge and transfer to Fresno Airport to fly home. (B)

Hotels

Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia National Park. Located within the heart of Sequoia National Park this striking stone-and-cedar mountain lodge is surrounded by a mighty sequoia forest and soaring Sierra peaks. Highlights: mini refrigerator, in-room coffee maker • complimentary WiFi Internet access in the main lodge • main restaurant with expansive windows overlooking the beautiful scenery.

Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite, Fish Camp, California

Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite, Fish Camp, California. Located near Yosemite National Park’s south gate, this Four-Diamond resort is nestled on 48 acres in the southern High Sierras and framed by noble evergreen forest. Highlights: in-room coffee/tea maker, refrigerator • complimentary WiFi Internet access • 2 restaurants, bar • game room • spa • indoor/outdoor pools and hot tubs • fitness center.

Pricing