Explore two of northern California’s most treasured places on a short journey that will have you discovering San Francisco’s lively neighborhoods and hiking incomparable Yosemite with private guides.
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San Francisco and Yosemite: A Tailor-Made Journey
A Self Drive Journey
6 days from $2,425
Explore two of northern California’s most treasured places on a short journey that will have you discovering San Francisco’s lively neighborhoods and hiking incomparable Yosemite with private guides.
Overview
When you travel on a tailor-made journey, you will receive a Friends of the Smithsonian Archivist Circle membership. Benefits include:
- Recognition in the Friends of the Smithsonian Honor Roll displayed electronically on the National Mall in the Membership Reception Center
- Invitation to a special welcome tour for new members at a Smithsonian venue
- A Smithsonian Institution annual engagement calendar with full color images of exceptional art and artifacts
- A complimentary Smithsonian museum guidebook
- Subscription to the award-winning magazine Smithsonian
- 20% discount at Smithsonian Museum Stores, 10% discount at selected dining facilities, at SmithsonianStore.com, and Folkways Recordings
- Special member rate for tickets to the Smithsonian's IMAX® theaters and Einstein Planetarium
- Admission to Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum in New York City
- Weekday access to the Friends of the Smithsonian Reception Center
If you are already a member of the Archivist Circle or above, you will receive The Smithsonian's History of America in 101 Objects by Richard Kurin.
To see itinerary, please click on an option below.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1 - San Francisco, California
Arrive in San Francisco and make your way to your hotel. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Consider taking the cable car to Fisherman's Wharf and strolling around Pier 39 to watch the sea lions hauled out on the dock.
Day 2 - San Francisco
Pick up your rental bikes this morning and set off on a scenic ride across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Admire sweeping views of the city and its bay as you head toward the town of Sausalito. Enjoy lunch or an ice cream before taking the ferry back across the bay to San Francisco. You’ll have the rest of the day to explore the city at your own pace. We recommend a tour of the famous island-prison of Alcatraz or a visit to the excellent San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. This evening, you may wish to check out the vibrant music scene tonight or take a walk through Chinatown.
Day 3 - San Francisco and Yosemite National Park
Join a guide this morning for a private walking tour that includes the vibrant neighborhoods of the Castro and the Mission District. Gain insights into how San Francisco has evolved over the centuries as you stroll past the Victorian homes of the Liberty Hill Historic District. After lunch, pick up your rental car and leave the city behind, heading for the Sierra Nevada mountains and Yosemite National Park. Upon arrival, settle into your private cabin within the park.
Day 4 - Yosemite National Park
Meet your private naturalist guide in the valley this morning, and set out for a full day of hiking in the park. Your guide will tailor the day to your pace and interests, choosing trails and activities that are as adventurous or as leisurely as you wish. As you explore celebrated sites like Half Dome and El Capitan as well as lesser known parts of the park, learn about the history of Yosemite and the flora and fauna that inhabit it.
Day 5 - Yosemite National Park
Another day of adventure in Yosemite awaits. Head out with a guide on a private half-day rock climbing tour. Your guide will show you the basics of rock climbing and you will be able to try your hand at the activity that draws so many thrill-seekers come to Yosemite. Alternatively, enjoy free time to visit the Ansel Adams Gallery and explore other parts of the park. Retreat to your cabin for a final night in the park, and enjoy smores around the campfire.
Day 6 - San Francisco / Depart for Home
After a final morning nestled in the wilderness of Yosemite, head back to San Francisco for your flight home.
Included meals are denoted as follows: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Reception (R), Dinner (D)
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