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| Whales, Bears and Sequoias – A Nature Lover’s Trip through the Heart of California | |
| Starting in San Francisco, ending in San Francisco (or in reverse) | |
| California is in land mass the third largest U.S. state. It is known for its huge variety of landforms – from the Pacific Coast to the Sierra Nevada range, a mountain range towering 14,500 ft. above the sea. For the nature lover California is known for its rich diversity of flora and fauna. The species-rich Pacific Ocean provides its famous assortment of sea mammals (Gray, Blue and Humpback Whales, Sea Otters, Killer Whales, Sea Lions, Seals), while the Sierra Nevada mountains provide wild animals which have enjoyed decades of protection in countless national parks and nature preserves. In Monterey we sight whales on a Whale Watching Cruise. Then we discover wonderful Highway 1 with its coastal redwoods, the tallest trees on earth. Finally, we experience 3 unforgettable days in Yosemite National Park, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, where we stroll under the shadow of the giant sequoias and enjoy the remarkable views afforded by Glacier Point in Yosemite Valley. Topping this varied trip off we visit one of the most beautiful cities in this world: San Francisco. | |
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Half Board 7 Nights in centrally located higher-class hotels (3*) 6 Picnic Lunches in the parks 7 Breakfasts o world-famous Yosemite National Park o 2 nights in San Francisco with guided tour of the city, 2 nights in Monterey, 3 nights in Yosemite National Park o tickets for excursions are included in the tour price (a $120 value) o balanced mixture of city, coastal and mountain touring o access via small vehicles to overlooks and secluded coastal view points, which large bus groups cannot reach o easy guided walks and hikes o fantastic photo ops o small group touring - max 11 participants – allowing the tour leader the flexibility to accommodate the wishes of individual participants o expert local and dedicated tour directors Day 1, San Francisco Arrival in San Francisco, individual transfer to the hotel. A hotel shuttle bus costs app. $15 pp, a taxi app. $45. Cova Hotel, 3*, 1x Golden Gate Bridge Day 2, San Francisco Guided Tour, B,L 8 A.M.: Meet your tour leader in the lobby of the hotel for an orientation meeting. We undertake a city tour by foot and cable car (cable car tickets included). We discover Union Square, Chinatown und walk along the bay to Fisherman’s Wharf (or we may go by streetcar). Those who wish can climb stairs to the top of the Coit Tower for a fantastic view over the bay and Alcatraz. In Fisherman’s Wharf we observe the ever popular harbor seals and sea lions, who sun here. If there is interest, there is time for a boat tour around the harbor (optional ca. $20). In the afternoon we drive to a secluded nature preserve, which is home to a wonderful forest of coastal redwood trees: Big Basin Redwood State Park. Short walks under the tallest trees on earth. Then a drive to nearby Monterey, where our centrally located hotel awaits us. Bay Park Hotel 3*, 2 x. drive time ~120miles / 200 km, 2.5 hrs Pelican rookery Day 3, Whale Watching in Monterey Bay, Monterey Bay Aquarium, B,L We board a boat which takes us out to open sea. Monterey Bay is world famous for its richness of species. In the 1940’s the biggest fish factories in the world were located here. This is the setting for John Steinbeck’s novel “Cannery Row”. There are generally a large quantity of whales and dolphins at play in this sea, and there is near 100% certainty that whales will be seen, either Gray, Blue or Humpback. With luck we will be sighting killer whales and dolphins as well. After this we have time to visit the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium (included), which is literally built into the bay, providing marvelous views into the colorful underworld of the sea. In the soft evening light we drive along 17 Mile Drive enjoying outlooks over the sea and the cliffs.Blue Whale, Grey Whale Pacific, white sided dolphin Day 4, Highway 1, Point Lobos State Preserve, Yosemite National Park, UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Site, B,L We visit Point Lobos State Preserve, which is famous for its diversity of species and its raw beauty. Point Lobos has been described as the “greatest meeting of land and water in the world”. Sheer cliffs descend into dark blue sea and all around are wild animals. We often spot here animals threatened by extinction, like sea otters, sea lions, pelicans, not to mention endemic vegetation, like Monterey Pines and Monterey Cyprus. Short hikes bring us nearer to nature. We might also catch one or more artists in the act of capturing the bewitching beauty of this corner of the earth. sea otter Then we drive down the coast on the steepest stretch of Highway 1, on the look out for giant coastal redwoods. A short stroll takes us to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, where a lovely waterfall splashes into the ocean. In the afternoon on we go to Yosemite. Our hotel lays picturesquely on the Merced River right at the entrance to Yosemite National Park, famous for its deep valley. Yosemite View Lodge, 3*, 3 x. drive time ~230 miles / 350 km, 4-5 hrs Day 5, Yosemite National Park’s Glacier Point, Giant Sequoias, B,L Glacier Point, 7200 feet above the sea, is certainly one of the most beautiful vista points in the world. We drive high up a narrow mountain road to this viewpoint overlooking the Yosemite Valley. Yosemite Valley was carved by glaciers during the last Ice Age. Giant granite domes were split in two by the glaciers, forming impressive rock walls like nowhere else on earth. The most famous of these are Half Dome and El Capitan. On all sides waterfalls cascade down into the 3000 foot deep valley – a scene of majestic and picturesque beauty. Glacier Point is closed to large buses, so we can enjoy this view in peaceful freedom from crowds. According to the group’s interest, we can take a short hike along the edge of the valley. In the afternoon we drive to a southern corner of Yosemite – to the spectacular Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. Here live over 500 of these enormous trees, the oldest one over 2,700 years in age and 30 feet in diameter! With the “tram” we drive high up to the densest part of this forest and wander through green meadows under the towering trees, a perfect target for photography. If you are interested, we can hike back down hill to our vehicle. Sequoia Trees In the light of dusk we are on the lookout for wildlife: coyotes, mule deer and, with a bit of luck, black bears. Any of 80 mammal and 250 bird species might be seen in this park. In the spring dogwood blooms color this valley. Day 6, Yosemite National Park Mountain Regions: Tuolumne Meadows, Bear Stalking B,L Today we explore the high valley of Yosemite National Park. The mountain pass Tioga Pass Road climbs up to almost 10,000 feet through dense coniferous forests, full of ponderosa pines, California black oak and incense cedar trees. In Tuolumne Meadows we are surrounded by summits of polished granite, which rise above charming alpine meadows. We view the deep blue Tenaya Lake, which is ringed by gray-white granite domes. We have the chance of sighting mule deer, chipmunks, coyotes and an array of birds. Best-known among the bird possibilities are the blue Steller’s Jay, the acorn woodpecker, Clark’s Nutcracker, the peregrine falcon and the golden eagle. Toward afternoon we visit the famous Yosemite Valley. We walk to the renowned Yosemite Falls, which plummets 2,500 feet into the valley (Note: the brooks and streams of Yosemite have their greatest water flow during the spring thaw from April to July). The opportunity will usually arise to experience in the soft light of dusk a rapturous sunset and to capture it on film. Then we are on animal watch, this time on the lookout for bears in Yosemite Valley, which often come out of hiding shortly after sundown. If we are very lucky, we might even see a mountain lion, or perhaps raccoons or porcupines. Half Dome from Glacier Point Day 7, Marine Headlands, San Francisco, B,L Shortly before sunrise we are back in Yosemite Valley. The early hours also afford a good chance of spotting wild animals roaming the meadows. If you are interested, a hike to Vernal Waterfall is an option. This is accessible on the John Muir Trail. A peaceful stroll in the valley is another option, an opportunity to rest your soul. Vernal and Nevada waterfalls Shortly before noon we drive back to San Francisco, a 4-5 hour ride. We visit the beloved Marine Mammal Center, a rehabilitation hospital for injured wild sea mammals. Here we can see sea lions and seals at very close proximity. Geographically, the Center lies in a fabulous location on the Marin Headlands. We want to make sure that our monetary donations support the small infirmary, because its research on sea animals is so very important. We see the impressive Point Bonita Lighthouse (with its great views of the Golden Gate Bridge) and perhaps even visit some of the interesting tide pools beside the Pacific Ocean. The return ride leads us through Sausalito and over the Golden Gate Bridge to our centrally located hotel. Cova Hotel 3*, 1x. drive time ~200 miles / 320 km, 4-5 hrs Day 8, Departure, or extension The Great White Sharks of the Farallone Islands, B Today is the day of departure. You can either take a hotel shuttle (app. $15) or a taxi to the airport. A lesser known attraction is the quite remote Farallon Islands, which lie 32 miles (~50 km) west of San Francisco. Sea lion and elephant seal colonies breed on these islands and rock outcroppings. Every year, from August to November, hundreds of great white sharks migrate to this area to dine on these sea mammals. The white sharks grow to 6m in length (22 ft) can weigh up to 2000kg (4000 pounds). You may like to take the time for a long day trip out to the Farallon Islands. Sightings of white sharks are not guaranteed, but there is large variety of other sea life that you are also likely to encounter. There are namely 23 different sea mammal species, of these 18 different types of dolphins and whales, that inhabit these waters. The Farallon Islands are also home to the largest bird colony in the U.S. Here tufted puffins, pigeon guillemots, rhinoceros auklets, shearwaters, pelicans, and many other varieties can be sighted. These tours are only offered on weekends and must be booked well in advance. Minimum group size: 5 Pax Maximum group size: 11 Pax Minimum Age: 8 years Inclusions • English and/or German speaking driver-guide that also conduct all hikes (we need a minimum of 5 pax from Germany to secure a tour director that speaks German, English is spoken on all tours) • Transport in 15 passenger vans with or without trailer depending on group size, or any other vehicle according to group size • Entrance fees Yosemite National Park • Entrance fee to: Point Lobos State Preserve, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Big Basin Redwood State Park, Marin Headlands, 17 Mile Drive • Entrance fees & Excursions: ½ day whale watching trip in Monterey, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Marine Mammal Center, Mariposa Grove tram, Cable Car, total value of $120 pp • wildlife watching along the coast and in the Sierra Nevada • All hikes guided • 7 nights hotel accommodations in 3* hotels with private facilities, very centrally located and of higher standard • Meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 self made picnic lunches (breads, cold cuts, cheeses, trail mix, snacks, fruit) while traveling in the parks Exclusions • All other meals • Airport transfers • Tips of $25-40 per person for the tour manager depending on his/her performance • Alcoholic beverages • All meals not listed (all dinners) • additional optional excursions (see below) • Single supplement if single room is desired • Porterage Temperatures: The temperatures in California vary greatly by season. May, June and October are perfect along the coast as the coastal fog has not yet set in. Expect warm, sunny days with a brisk ocean breeze. Temperatures should be between 60-75 F. Inland expect a bit cooler temperatures in May and October, depending on elevation. Since we travel from the low Yosemite Valley at 1000m elevation to the high country of over 2800 m, expect a wide range of temperatures on certain days. July and August are main tourist season, often these months are foggy along the coast, but very dry. In July and August, in temperatures are hot and dry, expect warm days in the 80-95 F range depending on elevation. July has wildflower bloom in Yosemite’s high country. Equipment List (Mandatory): walking shoes small day pack for the following rain jacket sun hat dark sunglasses sun screen lip balm with UV personal first aid kit fleece jacket or sweater bug repellant Equipment List (Recommended): binoculars You should be prepared to dress in layers so that you can take off additional clothing as needed to adapt to the changing temperatures. Often we have cool or cold mornings which warm up fast due to the strong sun. If you photograph with slide film, be sure to bring all the film you need. Please bring all your cash in US- $ as there will not be an opportunity to change money while on tour. We recommend a mix of cash and credit cards (Visa or Mastercard). If you bring your ATM card, you will be able to withdraw cash from cash points (make sure to notify your bank in advance of your travel plans). You will need your PIN Number. Luggage limit: because of the limited space on the van, you are allowed a maximum of 2 midsize pieces of luggage. While on tour, the hotels offer washing machines and driers, allowing you to wash your clothes while on the trip Additional expenses: count on $5-10 pp/day for greeting cards, soft drinks, tips. Please remember to tip your tour director between $3-5 pp/day. In the USA tipping is a way of life. Food: The USA has a large selection of freshly prepared food choices with lots of fresh vegetables. However, once we leave the city the selection will be more limited. Your breakfasts are included in this tour, they are a mix of continental breakfasts (toast, jam, fruit, cereal, coffee and tea) and Full American Breakfasts (eggs and bacon). One breakfast will be in camp at the Grand Canyon. Your lunches are included. We provide breads, cold cuts, cheeses and trimmings, along with trail mix and other snacks. We either picnic or you can customize your own lunch for the day. Dinners are not included, except one dinner while camping at the Grand Canyon. Your tour director will recommend restaurants. For a restaurant meals, count on $20-35 pp per meal depending on what you order. A glass of wine is $8-15, a beer is $4-8. |
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