This company was the only bus tour to come up on my Google search other than the free shuttles available in Yosemite Park. We wanted to avoid driving to the Park because of the rainy winter conditions. I called the company 3x and each time a woman answered and said she would call me back when she was in the office. Twice she called back and was not able to give me a specific date for a tour but wanted to take my credit card info.
When we arrived at our Bass Lake destination there were glitzy brochures from this touring group. We called and got a slightly better response with a specific date that was available; we booked a full-day tour.
The tour guide was punctual. Another couple at our hotel was also on the tour. The guide was pleasant but lacked a certain exuberance and historical/local lore knowledge that I associate with great tour guides. This beckons the question -- why go with a tour company? It's often more relaxing to let someone else do the driving, someone who knows the area and where to park. But, tour buses are more than taxi services. You expect them to "entertain" you with information tidbits.
Our guide wasn't bad...but she was so tentative and seemed mostly to recite dates and little factoids. I was surprised to learn that she was leading bus tours for 12 or so years. But I ask a lot of questions...I'm inquisitive. The couple from Sacramento asked virtually no questions during the tour.
We had asked ahead of time if we could dine at the Ahwahnee Hotel for lunch and the tour bus confirmed we'd stop there. The other couple was unfamiliar with the Ahwahnee but agreed to eat there after I told them about its historical significance compared to the "Food Court." The guide called to make reservations and asked if we wanted to sit together which made for some awkward silence until I said "two tables." How many people would want to spend $100 on lunch and sit with strangers?
When the guide dropped us off at the restaurant she said she'd give us 30-45 minutes. Again, does it make sense to go to an expensive restaurant for a lovely lunch and leave within 30-minutes. I felt rushed. The tour consisted of driving around and looking out the van windows at lovely mountains and waterfalls. It was cold and wet and no one wanted to go hiking. I regret having to rush through the Ahwahnee Hotel and I never got to go to a Yosemite store or visitor station.
Our tour would have ended about 2 hours earlier than usual if I'd not requested that we stop at a museum in Mariposa. The guide obliged but it was apparent she was interested in ending the tour early.
I've had some terrific tours and a lot of it has to do with the personality of the tour guide -- their passion about the place, their willingness to go beyond and treat their guests to interesting experiences. Yosemite & Beyond is not there yet. read more
