Day 1: Groveland & Old Iron Door Lunch, Yosemite Valley Cycling & Hosted Welcome Dinner Party
You'll be picked at your downtown Sacramento hotel at 9:30am and shuttled into the heart of the central Sierra Nevada Mountain range. We'll stop at Old Iron Door Saloon (Established 1852) for lunch in "California's Oldest Saloon-Best Food in the Forest-Music Weekly". Continue into Yosemite Park and head into Yosemite Valley where we'll stop for several mind blowing vistas and photo opps. Check into the beautiful Yosemite Lodge at the Falls for 3 nights. There will be a 16 mile ride through Yosemite Valley with vistas of many of the "world-renowned" attractions Yosemite Valley is known for. We'll have some free time to relax and explore the Yosemite Village area by foot or bike before Escape Travel hosts a scrumptious welcome dinner party with wine (order off the menu) at the beautiful Mountain Room Restaurant with views of the 2,425-foot-high Yosemite Falls. The Mountain Room specializes in steaks, seafood, pasta and featuring California's finest ingredients. 16 miles cycling (easy/moderate).

Day 2: Giant Sequoias at Mariposa Grove, Glacier Point Picnic Lunch, Hike down to Yosemite Valley *
After a filling breakfast, we'll go to the south side of the park to learn about the natural beauty and culture at the world-renowned Giant Sequoias in the Mariposa Grove by foot that includes "The largest living species on the planet". This where horse draw carriages and cars traveled through the base of these massive trees. Several hiking loop options allow you to see some of the world's oldest and largest Sequoias up close as well as a historic museum. Next you'll be shuttled to Glacier Point where we embark on a visual discovery of Yosemite Valley, Little Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Vernal Falls and beyond from this elevated perch. more than 3,000 ft above the valley floor. A delicious picnic lunch is served at Glacier Point before the downhill hike on the four-mile trail (actually six miles) to Yosemite Valley and back to the Yosemite Lodge. On your way, endless valley and mountain vistas within the park will be seen before relaxing on the shores of the Merced River. An easy walk back to our lodge awaits from here. Relax or soak in the heated pool before dinner tonight (evening on your own). Discover several good dinning options in Yosemite Village and the Ahwanhee Hotel. 13 miles hiking (moderate).

Day 3: Vernal & Nevada Falls Hike, Ahwahnee Dining Room Hosted Dinner Party & Theatre *
After breakfast, set out to conquer Vernal Falls just below Little Yosemite Valley. Feel the spray and mist as you make it to both the base and top of this natural beauty. This is a Yosemite Valley icon and should not be missed. Enjoy a bountiful picnic lunch on the trail today. This afternoon, you'll have the opportunity to hike two top attractions in Yosemite with wonderful photo opps along the way. A hosted dinner party with wine (order off the menu) at The Ahwahnee Dining Room, The crown jewel of Yosemite dining. The award winning Ahwahnee Dining Room is both magnificent and intimate. A National Historical Landmark and one of the most distinctive resort hotels in North America, well known for its great granite facade, striking beamed ceilings, massive stone hearths, richly colored Native American artwork.The 34-foot-high beamed ceiling, floor-to-ceiling windows, chandeliers, linen tablecloths and beautiful china create the perfect ambiance for a memorable dining experience. The executive chef's menu is based on traditional American cuisine. Gaze among the forest, granite and mountains through the wall of glass in the dinning room. After dinner, enjoy some live performances in the Village Amphitheatre. 10 miles hiking (moderate).

Day 4: Merced River Rafting, Ahwahnee Cafe Lunch, Yosemite Village Attractions
After breakfast, head out to float (raft) down the tranquil and gentle Merced River (1.5 hrs). Or (September and October dates when the river is closed) hike to Mirror Lake along Tenaya Creek and the Tenaya Canyon drainage from Tenaya Lake. Hike through a beautiful forested canyon underneath the granite cliffs of Half Dome. The two-hour round trip hike is perfect for photographers looking for unique photographic opportunities from experienced guides. You'll learn about the geologic forces that are slowly turning Mirror Lake into a meadow. Several good trails head up into the canyon for the more aggressive hikers.

A beautiful lunch at the Ahwahnee Cafe. There will be time to walk around and explore the natural history and relics of this property. The afternoon will conclude with an opportunity to discover the attractions and sites of Yosemite Village that include: Ansel Adams Gallery and Bookstore, Visitors Center and Movie Theatre (large format movie on the park), Indian Museum, The Nature Shop and Amphitheatre. At 3:30pm, head back to Sacramento for a 7:00pm hotel drop off. Sacramento airport drops also available. 6-9 miles (easy/moderate).

* Optional cycling (12-18 miles/day) before breakfast at 8:00am on days 2-4 is available.

Congratulations, you just cycled, hiked and paddled one of the finest national parks in all the world. Cheers and Bon Voyage!