2-Day San Francisco to Hearst Castle and Yosemite National Park In-Depth Tour
Tour Code: GOL-SFO-313
Duration: 2 Day(s) / 1 Night(s)
Tour Guide: Chinese, English
Quality: Budget
Departure City
Destination
Return City
Overview
Experience: UNESCO, Family
Extra (Excluded): Wifi, Meal etc...
Tour Guide:Chinese, English
Explore the charm of Yosemite National Park, Tunnel View, Bridal Veil Falls, El Captain, Merced River, Yosemite Falls, Half Dome or Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, Bear Mountain area, Roaring Camp, Gilroy Fashion Outlet and Hearst Castle in a two days guided bus tour starting from the Bay Area with exclusive offers and discounts.
- Only the guides and drivers who have COVID 19 negative can provide services from now onwards. Drivers and Guides will wear the mask. They will disinfect the bus daily. Travelers will have to wear the mask and their temperature will be monitored regularly. Travelers will be provided with hand sanitizer and wipes. We recommend travelers to bring their own hand sanitizer also. Bus sitting will be based on the standards set by the Government.
Itinerary
Begin our tour in the morning from San Francisco and head towards Yosemite National Park. In the afternoon, we will reach Yosemite National Park. Here we will explore the spectacular and scenic beauty of the park from popular viewpoints. We will sightsee Tunnel View, Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, Merced River, Bridal Veil Falls, and El Captain. We will head to Fresno for night stay.
Note: In case of snow in Yosemite we will choose an alternative plan with no objection. To ensure safety, we have the sole right to decide whether to Yosemite under adverse driving conditions in the winter.
Hotel: Piccadilly Inn Airport Fresno or Similar.
Alternative Plan
We will travel towards the northern edge of the Monterey Bay and stop at Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf. Here we will enjoy the great experience of seaside shopping of handmade arts and crafts, enjoy fresh delicious seafood from fresh fish markets and do lots of entertainment. Then we will travel to a Bear Mountain area, and stop by visiting Roaring Camp. Here we will enjoy walking around the Redwood Trees and take a one hour tour of the steam train inside the park (admission excluded). The Gilroy Premium Outlets will be our next stop to explore all four main shopping areas and shop the best quality goods for loved ones at very reasonable prices. Night stay will be at the hotel.
Hotel: Salinas Quality Inn or Similar.
Attractions

Bear mountain with its exquisite surroundings makes it an ideal spot to enjoy a number of outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and fly-fishing among others.
Bridal Veil Fall is one of the most popular and prominent waterfalls that are located in California. It is popular place for visitors to see the beauty of the 188 meters high waterfall that flows all year.

A vertical rock formation located on the northern side of Yosemite Valley and National Park is called El Captain. It is linked with the mountain range of Sierra Nevada.

Gilroy Premium Outlets is a perfect one-stop shopping platform located in California. Many renowned local and global brands are available at this place.

Half Dome is located at Yosemite National Park in the famous state of California; it is basically a granite dome, the crest of the granite is 4,737 ft. above the floor of the valley.

A 45-mile long tributary flowing from Sierra Nevada into San Joaquin Valley is known as Merced River. The river is located in California.

Mono Lake, CA in the western hemisphere is the oldest lakes. This is beautiful reflecting on shimmering blue waters the snow-capped the Sierra Nevada. This covers 70 square miles in size and is an immense inland sea filling a natural basin. This area is suitable for an entire family as a natural wonderland.

The roaring camp train in California gives a pleasant ride of about 1.5 hour through the old huge redwoods. It is a historic steam train with a narrow track of about 82 meters.

Santa Cruz Wharf, United States is wharf in Santa Cruz, California. It is best known for fishing, boat tours, viewing sea lions, dining, and nightlife and gift shops.

Tunnel View is a fabulous place with lush scenes, situated on State Route 41 in Yosemite National park. The beautiful and scenic view of this marvelous valley from the view point have been watched and certified by tourists since it was initialized in 1933.

In Yosemite National Park, there is a highest waterfall known as Yosemite Falls. It has a height of 739 meters and 1.647 meters of elevation.

The Sierra Nevada Mountains of California are linked with the range of Mountains towards Yosemite National Park. The Tunnel View, Ancient sequoias and giant mountains are the reason that grabs tourists towards this place.
Today in the morning we will leave the hotel and head to Hearst Castle in San Simeon. We will wander around and sightsee the stunning beauty of this beautiful castle. In the evening, we will be back to the Bay Area where we will conclude our tour.
Attractions

Hearst Castle is a mansion located in California; it is considered a national landmark which is situated at California’s central coast. The castle was constructed between the years 1919 and 1947.

San Simeon, United States is a town and a concentration of population place (identified by the US) on the Pacific coast of San Luis Obispo country. The most famous feature of the place is the Heart castle.
The order of itinerary may change without any notice depending on weather situations or for some other unforeseen circumstances.
The order of activities held during the tour is planned by the tour guide. So, it may be different from what is mentioned on the tour page. On fewer occasions, Tour Guide has to skip an attraction or few during the tour depending on weather, traffic, group interest or some other reason.
Some attractions are seasonal. So, when they are closed they will be replaced with some other attraction.
You can skip some optional activities during the tour and plan something on your own. Make sure that you coordinate with Tour guide and stay with the group with next activity. Please note you cannot stay on the bus if you skip some optional activity.
Probable hotel names are mentioned in the itinerary. It can be similar or a different hotel of the similar rating. Exact Hotel details can only be provided one day before the departure.
Maximum 4 people of any age can stay in 1 Room in the hotel.
These tours are conducted in a group. A group can have people of several cultures. We expect each person to coordinate with Tour guide to make sure things are on track.
Though attractions are optional but you have to at least take 2 attractions.
Pricing
What's Included
Passengers will be picked up and dropped off at their chosen locations. (Please take notice of locations and times of pick up)
All tours are carried out in air conditioned bus. We may also use a minivan depending on the number of people booking the tour.
A professional tour escort will be with you throughout the tour.
Tour package price includes all the taxes.
What's Excluded
Mandatory Admission: Yosemite National Park, Hearst Castle and Roaring Camp Steam Train.
Rates could alter without prior notice.
Optional fees will be paid in cash to the guide. Optional activities price may change or can be different as displayed on the website.
Guide will arrange meals and drinks when requested as they are not included in the package.
Daily Service charge for driver and the guide is $8 minimum per person.
Such expenses as telephone services, alcoholic drinks, beverages and laundry services which are private room services.
Services related to travel insurance.
Other personal expenses.
Important:We never encourage customers to purchase admission packages from outside sources and try using them in this tour with discount. If they do, they must arrange transport on the same day. If you skip some attraction, you cannot do it on your own. You can sit near the bus or visit some nearby place, but you will not be allowed to sit in the bus.
Attraction Prices
Attractions | Adult | Child(3-11 yrs) | Senior(65+ yrs) |
---|---|---|---|
Hearst Castle, CA | $33.00 | $20.00 | $33.00 |
Roaring Camp Steam Train, CA | $33.00 | $25.00 | $33.00 |
Yosemite National Park, CA | $20.00 | $20.00 | $20.00 |
All the prices are listed in USD.
Any Amount paid in cash to the Tour Guide is not refundable.
Tour display price is based on double occupancy. It is the price each person will pay if a group of two is traveling.
Prices may change without any notice.
Prices include hotel accommodation, transportation and taxes.
Admission Tickets to different places and meals are NOT included in the tour price.
Mandatory Tip for tour guide and driver are NOT included.
Only the tour guide can purchase entrance tickets for you. Pre-purchased tickets are NOT acceptable.
There must be at least one passenger of 18 years for every booking made with GoldenBusTours. For Children between the age group of 2 to 14 years, a different price will be charged. Please refer to Child price on our pricing calendar. Child Age may vary between different bus operators. Maximum 4 people of any age can stay in 1 Room in the hotel. If the 5th person is infant you will be charged normally then with the second room as an expense.
Activities are optional though, but each customer has to participate in 2 activities at least. No city pass allowed. Some attractions are mandatory. Each customer has to take part in them and have to pay for them in cash.
Departure Location
Departure Location
- Starbucks Coffee (391 Sutter St. San Francisco, CA 94108) (the intersection of Sutter Street & Stockton) at 7:30 AM
- Red Roof Inn (777 Airport Boulevard, Burlingame, CA 94010) at 8:00 AM
- Angel Feet Reflexology (441 9th St. Oakland, CA 94607) at 8:15 AM
- Marina Food Supermarket (10122 Bandley Dr. Cupertino, CA 95014) at 9:00 AM
- Aberdeen Cafe (46881 Warm Springs Blvd. Fremont, CA 94539) at 9:10 AM
- Ulferts Center (668 Barber Ln, Milpitas, CA 95035) at 9:30 AM
Return Location
- Ulferts Center (668 Barber Ln, Milpitas, CA 95035) at 6:00 PM
- Bai Xing Jia Hunan Fusion (1701 Lundy Ave. San Jose, CA 95131) at 06:10 PM
- Aberdeen Cafe (46881 Warm Springs Blvd. Fremont, CA 94539) at 6:20 PM
- Marina Food Supermarket (10122 Bandley Dr. Cupertino, CA 95014) at 6:30 PM
- Angel Feet Reflexology (441 9th St. Oakland, CA 94607) at 7:15 PM
- Red Roof Inn (777 Airport Boulevard, Burlingame, CA 94010) at 7:30 PM
- Starbucks Coffee (391 Sutter St. San Francisco, CA 94108) (the intersection of Sutter Street & Stockton) at 7:45 PM
Important Notes
Arrive at departure location 10 to 15 minutes before the mentioned time to make sure you catch the bus on time. If in case you are late, the bus will not wait for you at the location and ultimately you will miss the entire tour (no refund in this case).
Return time on the website is just an estimation. Expect some variation always. Time may change depending on traffic and weather situations
There is a possibility that tour operator may use a shuttle to drop you off at the return location. It usually happens in the case of multiple return locations.
You can leave the tour at any place only after signing a Tour Departure Form for leaving the tour early.
Please note that price will stay the same even if you leave the tour early.
If you have booked a pre-tour hotel stay, then you will have to arrange your own transport from hotel to departure location.
If you have booked extra night hotel after the tour, then you will arrange transport from drop off point to hotel.
On West Coast tours some bus operators have a lot of departure locations. A slow start is expected on these tours.
Policies
Cancellation and Refund Policy
No matter the reason for the cancellation, we are forced to carry costly charges from out travel and hotel providers in the form of penalties and fees that re-incurred when there is a cancellation of confirmed or pending bookings. As such, there are cancellation penalties or fees incurred. Determination of the time of cancellation will be done when the notice is received and confirmed by our office. You must make any notice of cancellation directly to GoldenBusTours by email or webmail at the Contact Us section.
We reserve the right to cancel or re-schedule any tour departure with respect to operating requirement or circumstances beyond control. In case a cancellation is made at any given moment in time before departure, our only liability as GoldenBusTours will be to refund you, the passenger with the amount we received for the booking of the tour. We will try our best to re-book the same or similar tour. We are not responsible for any cancellation penalties that may have been incurred on any other travel arrangements inclusive of separate purchase of air tickets.
We are not liable for any other travel arrangements that have been affected as a result of the cancellations.
Cancellation Charges
⇒ $80/person or 15% of transaction amount (whichever is higher) cancellation fee will be incurred if the cancellation occurs 8 days or more before the departure date.
⇒ 60% of transaction amount (whichever is higher) cancellation fee will be incurred if the cancellation occurs 4 - 7 days before the departure date.
⇒ A 100% cancellation fee of the total tour purchase will be incurred if the cancellation occurs 3 days before the departure date.
6% handling and Processing Fee in case of any refund for all transactions.
Any Amount paid in cash to the Tour Guide is not refundable.
There is no refund for unused features. You forfeit the entire payment when you are a no-show on the departure date and unable to join the tour for any reason including COVID.
Cancellation or Reschedule charges are applicable even if you are NOT able to take the tour because of visa rejection. If you reschedule tour and later decides to cancel it then cancellation charges will be applicable to the original departure date and not to the rescheduled one.
In order for there not to be a cancellation, a minimum number of participants are required. We reserve the right to cancel a scheduled trip although every effort is made by us to ensure that normal operations are maintained.
For any refund case, we do include the discount offered already. This is where GoldenBusTours is playing its role to make sure its customers get the best available deal at an affordable price.
No refund request or complaint will be entertained after 30 days of tour departure. You have to send a formal complaint through email.
Note: More 30 days after the completion of the tour, we cannot grant any refunds.
⇒ In the case of free passenger cancellation kindly update us 7 days before the departure.
⇒ In the case of late cancellation request or free passenger does not show up on tour day then $128 will be charged.
Reservation, Booking & Redemption
Terms & Conditions
Any travel service purchases indicate your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions set out herein.
You are advised to carefully read through and understand these Terms & Conditions before making your booking.
Tour Confirmation
You will get an email immediately once you place an order. Tour Confirmation usually takes 2, 3 days except for urgent order. Urgent orders can be confirmed in a day or even few hours, but we can’t assure success in these cases. On fewer occasions, some of the others may require a longer period of time for confirmation. You are advised not to book airline tickets unless you have received the confirmation.
E-Ticket (Mandatory to be on bus)
Your e-ticket includes complete operator information such as local telephone numbers at your destination. You are required to print the e-tickets and bring them along with you on the trip. They will be needed as proof of purchase.
Changes in Booking
You may incur a fee for any revisions or alterations made to the reservation when the booking has already been confirmed. Cancellation fees may be applied to things such as name changes or corrections. They may also apply to tour date changes or tour itinerary changes. Please note that no departure changes are permitted 72 hours before departure.
Changes in Tour Itinerary
We are continuously striving to improve tour itineraries and features. In the event of unforeseen circumstances that are beyond the control, we do reserve the right to vary the itineraries and to substitute hotels. Duplicate departures may operate during certain peak periods, sometimes in reverse order. As such, hotels may vary from those included on the itinerary pages.
Reschedule
⇒ $85 Transaction reschedule fee will be incurred if the reschedule occurs 8 days or more before the departure date.
⇒ 50% Transaction reschedule fee will be incurred if the reschedule occurs 4 to 7 days before the departure date.
⇒ No request to make any change will be entertained if request is sent 3 days before the departure date
Cancellation or Reschedule charges are applicable even if you are NOT able to take the tour because of visa rejection.
6% handling and Processing Fee in the case of any refund for all transactions. No matter what the reason of cancellation is this processing fee will be deducted on each refund.
Pricing
1. One room can accommodate maximum 4 people. Even if you are 5 people including 1 month old baby you still need 2 rooms.
2. If you can carry your child up to 2 years of age then you do not need to book seats for him. It may vary from one tour to another.
3. Service providers hold the right to change the itinerary and hotel arrangements without any notice.
4. Child (0-9 years) and Single traveler going on the tour have special rates. These prices vary from one tour to another.
5. Meals and Attractions are not included. You can ask your tour guide to try to arrange the meal for you as per your requirements. For attractions, admission fees pay it to the tour guide on the tour.
6. Prices may change without any notice because of prices fluctuation in the market.
7. All prices mentioned on the website are in US dollars.
8. In Case of Bank Wire Transfer customer have to bear Wire transfer fee.
9. Tour package price is inclusive of taxes.
10. Tour Prices are every individual and in view of room inhabitance.
Child rates are applicable for children between (0-12 years) of age. Parents are advised to bring car seats for the safety of their child.
Buy 2 Get 3rd discounted: Get 3rd Ticket on special discounted rates on the purchase of 2 tickets.
Responsibility
3. Before booking any tour make sure to go through every detail like tour itinerary, tour price, cancellation policy, reschedule and refund policies.
4. You should either bring a printed copy of your E-Ticket or bring it in your smartphone on the day of tour departure. You should also bring a valid photo ID along with your E-Ticket. In the case of any issues for not carrying E-Ticket or Photo ID GoldenBusTour will not be responsible.
5.Make sure to provide a valid phone number so we can reach you in the case of any emergency.
6. Please read all important notes, inclusion, exclusion section, terms and conditions, policies and below notes.
6a. Tour Operator holds the right to cancel the tour at any time depending on poor weather condition or some other unforeseen circumstances. However, GoldenBusTour will update its customers about the cancellation and shall not be held accountable for charges other than tour fees.
6b. Change in tour price will not affect any confirmed booking.
6c. Tour Operator can change the order of itinerary at any time without any notice.
7.You will be responsible for your travel documents during the tour.
8.Reach Departure location about 20 to 30 minutes before departure time. Unfortunately, no one will wait for you in case you get in late. The bus mostly has Bus Operator name and logo on it. Even if you are five minutes late and miss the bus then GoldenBusTours or Tour Operator will not be responsible. There will be no refund in this case. You will be charged 100% tour fee.
Reviews
Reviews
Nakul Shrma
A much decorated short tour with all the beauties of nature and modernity. There was a proper supervision of the team for all the visitors to make them safe and sound. Whenever I will be asked for the best bus tour of my life I will certainly vote for this amazing tour. It was not that expensive regarding its accommodations specifically. I found good services inside the bus and also inside the hotels as well. Yes! There was a special feeling to be in good hands and to be in the arms of remarkable destination. Do not waste the time and go and book its tickets for you and your love ones. This would be the best gift ever for them from your side. Many thanks and all the best wishes for future journey of this bus tour.
zee
It was trip of beauty and I joined it with my three kids and all of my three kids were indulged in this trip entirely. This involvement was because of amazing guide whose attractive and interesting way of presentation involved them much. Happy time at places like Bear Mountain area and outlets in this trip! I will definitely recommend it to other because once you join it you are rewarded with the memorable moments of your life. Much gratitude and respect from all my heart.
Quon
Want memorable days? What you are waiting for then? This trip is the perfect place for the best memories. There was perfection in all areas in all the two days. There were amazing destinations with cool environment. I enjoyed this trip with a trained team. We were never alone in this trip a very nice team was helping us in every step and was also helping in searching good shopping items (their local knowledge helped a lot in finding reasonable gift items). Destinations like Yosemite National Park and its fall were the best and attractive part of this bus tour. Thanks a lot for amazing services and for making us feel stress free.
Zion
What I experienced in this trip was only the easiness and fun. A very generous driver and guide were there to help us throughout the trip. Bus tours like this and with such an amazing team are enough in them to be the best one.. what else we could demand other than lovely reaction of team and beauty of destinations. I was inspired by the destinations like Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf in this gorgeous and dazzling and trip.
Hu Hao
Want memorable days? What you are waiting for then? This trip is the perfect place for the best memories. There was perfection in all areas in all the two days. There were amazing destinations with cool environment. I enjoyed this trip with a trained team. We were never alone in this trip a very nice team was helping us in every step and was also helping in searching good shopping items (their local knowledge helped a lot in finding reasonable gift items). Destinations like Yosemite National Park and its fall were the best and attractive part of this bus tour. Thanks a lot for amazing services and for making us feel stress free.
Melissa
We had an amazing time during these 2 days, i just wish it was more than 2 days. We visited Yosemite National Park for the first time and it was really more beautiful than i thought. We also enjoyed Tunnel View, Bridal Veil Falls, El Captain, Merced River, Yosemite Falls, Half Dome or Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, Bear Mountain area, Roaring Camp, Gilroy Fashion Outlet and Hearst Castle.
Kamlish
Bus tour can be that fun I never thought about that. I used to be only on personal vehicles with family but this time my son thought to have some new fun with this bus tour. I was very impressed by his selection because I experienced much fun and found this bus tour very comfortable one. Thanks God I was no more driver in this tour because I was enjoying smooth driving of john (our driver). Sightseeing experience was so nice in this bus tour and destinations were just more than beautiful. Guide was a very nice and informative man who gave us enough time to enjoy destinations. I love amazing beauties like Yosemite National Park and Bear Mountain area in this brilliant trip. I liked all things in this two day tour and do suggest it to others to enjoy. Experiencing it will always be a new experience. Thanks a lot!
Moti Andra
The best tour i had in many years. Great service and hospitality, tour guide is an amazing person, really helpful and friendly, yet very professional at the same time. both accommodation and transportation are really luxurious. We saw a lot of nice places for the first time like Yosemite National Park, Tunnel View, Bridal Veil Falls, El Captain, Merced River, Yosemite Falls, Half Dome , Bear Mountain area, Roaring Camp, Gilroy Fashion Outlet and Hearst Castle
Sabina Ahuja
The tour itself was really great, i just had a couple of issues, first the bathroom on the bus was for emergencies only,so we had to wait for breaks, also i really wish if admissions were included in the tour price. But other than that, we really had a great time, we loved all places we saw and the tour was very well organized. Hotels were really good and the tour guide was real nice guy. We really loved Yosemite National Park, Tunnel View, Bridal Veil Falls, El Captain, Merced River, Yosemite Falls, Half Dome
Xue Mao
That tour was really almost everything i had hoped for, the only thing that i did not like is that admissions were not included, but it was really worth every penny. We really loved how well the tour was organized. And our tour guide was an amazing guy. we loved Yosemite National Park, Tunnel View, Bridal Veil Falls, El Captain, Merced River, Yosemite Falls, Half Dome or Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, Bear Mountain area, Roaring Camp, Gilroy Fashion Outlet and Hearst Castle
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