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Wander-Lush

Yerevan to Tatev and Noravank: How to Visit Two Iconic Armenian Monasteries in a Day

A group tour is the most convenient and affordable way to travel from Yerevan to Tatev Monastery . Here’s my review of the tour, plus everything you need to know about getting to Tatev from Yerevan using public transport.

Tatev is one of the most historically significant monasteries in Armenia . Established in the 9th century, it once housed one of the region’s most important universities and is still an active Armenian Apostolic place of worship to this day.

Its location atop an isolated basalt plateau in southern Armenia ‘s Syunik Province makes it one of the most visually spectacular tourist attractions in the Caucasus.

Before 2010, Tatev was very difficult to reach because of its remote location. When a 5.7-kilometre aerial cableway was erected to connect the monastery with the nearby village of Halidzor, it became more accessible for worshippers and tourists alike.

The Wings of Tatev is included in the Guinness World Records book as the world’s longest non-stop double track cable car , and Tatev is a Tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Caucasus .

Soaring into Tatev via the ropeway is nothing short of a magical experience. But because Tatev is so far from Yerevan (roughly 4 hours by road), a lot of tourists forego a visit in favour of monasteries that are closer to the city, for example Garni and Geghard or Haghpat and Sanahin (the latter can also be visited on a day trip from Tbilisi ).

You need at least three full days to visit Tatev from Yerevan using public transport . When we came to Armenia for the first time, we wanted to see Tatev but simply didn’t have room in our itinerary .

So instead, we opted for a different route – a group tour .

Let me be clear: Visiting Tatev from Yerevan as a day trip is very tiring, and you don’t get a whole lot of time at the monastery to explore on your own. But I firmly believe it’s worth the long drive provided you choose a good itinerary with lots of stops and a company with a good road safety record.

In this guide, I’ll show you the easiest way to get to Tatev Monastery, see more of Central Armenia in the process – and still be back in Yerevan in time for a late dinner. My travelogue recalls my own day trip experience so you know exactly what to expect.

I’ll also run through alternative transport options for getting to the monastery by van or taxi.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

How to travel from Yerevan to Tatev Monastery

Before we delve into my travelogue, here’s some basic info plus a quick run-down of the four different transport options available for travellers who want to visit Tatev from Yerevan.

Where is Tatev Monastery?

Tatev is located near the village of Tatev in far-southern Armenia’s Syunik Province . The start point for the Wings of Tatev cableway is further north in the nearby village of Halidzor .

The closest town to Tatev is Goris . Here, you’ll find plenty of accommodation and food options plus other things to do, including hiking trails and medieval ‘cave cities’.

Yerevan to Tatev distance & travel time

The distance from Yerevan to Tatev is 253 kilometres (157 miles). It takes between 4.5-5.5 hours to reach Tatev Monastery from Yerevan by road.

The distance to Halidzor (where the station to board the cable car is located) is slightly less, 240 kilometres (150 miles). It takes approximately 4-4.5 hours to get to Halidzor from Yerevan by road.

Yerevan to Tatev Monastery on a group tour

The most efficient and cost-effective way to travel to Tatev from Yerevan is by joining a group tour. A couple of different companies run this itinerary – I personally recommend Hyur Service . I’ve travelled with Hyur Service twice now on both my visits to Armenia. They are extremely professional, well organised, and affordable.

A day trip to Tatev from Yerevan with Hyur lasts for 13 to 14 hours . They currently offer four Tatev itineraries:

• The highlights: Group Tour to Khor Virap, Noravank, Devil’s Bridge & Tatev Monastery (from $45 per person) – book here on Viator
• For wine lovers: Group Tour to Hin Areni Winery, Tatev Monastery & Khndzoresk Caves (from $45 per person) – book here on Viator
• For nature: Group Tour to Shaki Waterfall, Devil’s Bridge, Tatev Monastery & Hin Areni Winery (from $45 per person) – book here on Viator
• Private tour: Full-Day Trip to Khor Virap, Noravank & Tatev Monastery (from $210 per group) – book here on Viator

Tours to Tatev only run on certain days of the week, but departures are guaranteed. Groups are small and there’s no minimum number of passengers nor a single supplement – great for solo travellers .

The price of 45 USD per person for the group tour includes transport in a mini bus, bottled water, snacks, a ticket for the cablecar (which costs 7,000 AMD in high season or 5,000 AMD in low season), plus a knowledgeable and attentive guide for the duration of the trip. The only extra is lunch, which costs 3,000-5,000 AMD depending on your choice of meat (vegetarian options also available).

In the next section, you’ll find a full write up of the tour experience so you know what to expect when travelling with Hyur.

Yerevan to Tatev Monastery using public transport (van or shared taxi)

It’s not possible to visit Tatev in a day from Yerevan using public transport, so you’ll need to organise accommodation near the monastery for one or two nights. The town of Goris 35km north-east of Tatev has a number of guesthouses, including the highly regarded Khachik’s B&B .

To get to Goris from Yerevan, take a direct marshrutka from the Southern Bus Station. There are 2 scheduled services daily at 9am and 3pm . The trip takes around 4-4.5 hours and costs 2,500 AMD. Check the bus schedule here . (Note that there is an earlier van from the Northern Bus Station but it takes much longer, around 6.5 hours, to reach Goris.)

Another option is to take a marshrutka bound for Stepanakert and get dropped off early in Goris. There are 3 vans in the morning at 8am, 9am and 10am departing from Kilikia Bus Station. Tickets cost 5,000 AMD (you will likely need to pay the full fare) and the journey time is the same. Triple-check with the driver before boarding that he can indeed drop you in Goris.

A spot in a shared taxi from Yerevan to Goris should cost between 4,500-6,000 AMD per person or roughly 24,000 AMD for the whole car. This is a faster and potentially safer way to travel, and you will have the option to make photo stops along the way. Taxis leave from Yerevan’s Southern Bus Terminal when full.

From Goris, you can take a taxi to Halidzor for 2,200 AMD (one-way) to board the cablecar over to Tatev. Drivers are prepared to wait and you can usually negotiate a lower fare for a two-way trip.

Travelling back to Yerevan from Goris , you can either take a marshrutka at 9am or 3pm or find a spot in a shared taxi. Either way it’s a good idea to inquire with tourism information in Goris (or your guesthouse) the day before you plan to travel as spots are limited.

Driving from Yerevan to Tatev

I’ve never rented a car in Armenia, but I know plenty of people who have. A road trip in Armenia can be a real adventure and I can imagine driving all the way south to Tatev from Yerevan would be an incredible experience.

I don’t recommend trying to get there and back in the space of a day. Instead, you should plan to overnight in Goris or another town nearby.

If you’re interested in hiring a car in Yerevan, I recommend using Local Rent to compare prices on local rentals.

Wings of Tatev opening hours & tickets

If you’re visiting Tatev as part of an organised tour, tickets for the Wings of Tatev will usually be included in the price. If you’re visiting independently, tickets can be purchased from the station in Halidzor where you board. One-way and return tickets are available.

If you have time and want to save some cash, it’s possible to hike back to Halidzor from the monastery instead of riding the cable car both ways.

Note that the Wings of Tatev is closed on Mondays . In the event of bad weather, the cable car may stop running at short notice. Working hours and prices vary by season so it’s a good idea to check the official schedule here before you go. If you’re travelling in high season, it’s possible to buy tickets online in advance on the website.

• Normal operating hours: 10am-7pm Tuesday to Sunday
• Ticket price (Mar-Nov): 5,500 AMD one-way or 7,000 AMD return
• Ticket price (Dec-Feb): 3,500 AMD one-way or 5,000 AMD return

On the road in Armenia: Our day trip to Tatev Monastery with Hyur Service

From the moment we walked into the Hyur office to enquire about booking a tour to Tatev, I knew we had made the right decision. Hyur staff were supremely organised and thorough, which as an anxious traveller, I really appreciate.

On the day of our tour, we left Yerevan at 9am sharp in the company of six other tourists, two Armenian girls who were back home from working in Belgium, and our guide, who spoke in both English and Armenian.

This wasn’t a case of just sitting back and driving from A to B. Our guide spoke almost the entire way – about the history and geography of her country, about the sites we were visiting, about her own life. She was fantastic.

When she wasn’t chatting or answering our questions, the minibus driver would pump up the volume on his radio and sing along to pop songs with the Armenian girls. Sometimes he’d fishtail the bus in rhythm with the music. It was hilarious.

The good spiritedness of our guide and driver and fellow passengers definitely made the long drive easier and the whole day more enjoyable.

Mount Ararat

As soon as we reached Yerevan’s city limits, immaculate views of Mount Ararat appeared out the bus window. Passengers started nagging the driver to stop for a photo. He promised us he knew a good spot, so we patiently waited. Eventually we pulled up on the side of a quiet road and piled out of the bus for a close-up look at mighty Ararat.

By mid-morning, the mountain is usually covered with thick cloud, so we were very lucky to be out early enough to catch a clear view. Skirted by fields green and winding dirt roads, Ararat looks close enough to reach out and touch…

Noravank Monastery

After a few more hours on the road we entered Vayots Dzor province. Our first official stop, Noravank Monastery, is a charming little monastery complex that dates back to the 13th century.

One of the main buildings was rebuilt by a generous benefactor after the original was destroyed in an earthquake.

At one point, the whole Noravank complex came under threat. Our guide told us that when Mongols conquered Armenia and destroyed many of the places of worship in the area, they spared Noravank because of the stone engravings on the facade which depict God with almond-shaped eyes.

Apparently this familiar Asiatic facial feature was enough to save the monastery.

The Khachkar cross-stones at Noravank are some of the loveliest I’ve seen. In the old days the engravings were done by hand, so the more intricate the patterns, the newer the stones are. Noravank has a very peaceful, reverent feel and we had a good hour to wander around the grounds here.

Riding the Wings of Tatev

By the time we rolled into Syunik province in southernmost Armenia, the increased frequency of cargo trucks with Iranian number plates and road signs pointing the way to Tehran were a reminder of just how close we had come to the border.

I’m sure everyone on the bus thought about travelling just a little bit further into the Islamic Republic. Maybe another time.

After sitting down to a home-cooked lunch, it was time to ride the Wings of Tatev, the world’s longest double-gauge ropeway. The 5km aerial car was set up by a benefactor to make Tatev Monastery – which sits on the opposite side of an expansive gorge – easier to reach from the main road.

A journey that took more than an hour along winding mountain tracks has been cut down to 12 minutes. Locals ride for a discounted rate and use the cable car as public transport to travel across the valley to Sunday mass, which is still held at the monastery.

We rode with other tourists and a guide who obligingly gestured at points of interest on the way over.

Soaring over the gully, the red-roofed villages and the tiny waterfalls was really stunning. We got a bird’s eye view of some old ruins on the valley floor and later learned that an underground passageway connects the building all the way up to the monastery. It was used as an escape path during invasions.

Even backpackers will fork out 7,000 AMD for a ticket on the aerial car. Lucky for us day trippers, we could leave our luggage at home.

Tatev Monastery

As we drew closer and closer to the monastery, my excitement started to build. I vied with the other aerial car passengers for a spot at the window and drew my camera close to the cloudy glass in anticipation.

I really enjoyed our time exploring the monastery and learning about its history. I especially love the story of the rogue state that has its origins inside the monastery.

The Republic of Mountainous Armenia was a self-declared, unrecognised state established in 1920. This all happened inside the monastery, during a congress led by Garegin Nzhdeh, a military commander and local politician.

The state didn’t last long: In July 1921, Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic was declared and Mountainous Armenia was no more.

We found a lot of interesting details around the monastery complex. Our guide led us into a few rooms including the refectory, and we saw the hatch door that leads to the tunnel I mentioned earlier.

My only criticism of the tour is that we were a bit rushed at Tatev Monastery. It would have been nice to have more free time to climb the hills around the monastery.

On the way out, we bought some snacks from the friendly vendors at Tatev and picked up a jar of honey for our Airbnb hosts back in Tbilisi (which we then proceeded to carry around with us for the next five weeks).

We travelled back to our waiting tour bus on the Wings.

Zorats Karer

Our final destination for the day was Zorats Karer (or Karahunj), otherwise known as ‘Armenia’s Stonehenge’. Located in Syunik province, about 50km north of Tatev, this impressive archeological site is made up of no less than 223 weathered and mossy boulders set in an open field against a backdrop of rugged mountains.

There is some controversy surrounding the true age and origins of the formation – Bronze Age tomb stones or part of an ancient observatory? (look out for the peep holes cut in some of the stones).

When we arrived, it was blowing a gale and absolutely freezing. We braced ourselves for a quick walk around the site and a few photos of the breathtaking landscape. After Zorats Karer, we made one final rest stop at a tea house on the road back to Yerevan.

We returned to the city around 10pm. Since it was late when we returned, the driver was happy to drop passengers off closer to their hotels. I strongly suggest you bring a jacket with you because it’s likely to get cold in the evening.

Yerevan to Tatev with Hyur Service: Final thoughts

All in all, we were very happy with our group tour with Hyur Service. Although it wasn’t cheap, when you account for everything included in the price, I think it’s fantastic value – and a lot more affordable than similar tours might cost elsewhere in the world.

Hyur Service offers other day and overnight trips around Armenia and into Georgia. They can also help with things like car hire and long-term apartment rental. Tickets for day trips should be purchased at least a few days in advance from the office in Yerevan, or through tour agencies around the city (look out for Hyur’s blue, red and yellow banners).

We loved our day trip from Yerevan to Tatev and will continue to travel with Hyur on our future visits to Armenia.

→ Check prices and availability for the same Tatev day tour I took here on Viator .

Where to stay in Yerevan

If it’s your first time in Yerevan, I highly recommend choosing an accommodation in the central Kentron District. This will put you within easy walking distance of all the best places to visit in Yerevan, terrific restaurants, bars and cafes.

I usually stay in the north-west of the city around Saryan Street.

BUDGET: Highland Hostel (⭐ 9.8). This bright hostel has both a mixed dorm and a budget-friendly private double room. It is located 10 minutes by foot from Republic Square.

MID-RANGE: Republica Hotel (⭐ 9.2). This stylish hotel offers comfortable rooms decorated with traditional Armenian carpets and with views towards Ararat from the windows and balconies. The breakfast is highly regarded.

HISTORIC: Villa Delenda (⭐ 8.8). This cosy, character-filled boutique hotel is set inside a 100-year-old stone villa and decorated with gorgeous heritage furnishings. The central location in Kentron is perfect.

HIGH-END: Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Hotel (⭐ 9.1). This luxury 19th century-style hotel is located adjacent to the Venissage in the centre of the city. It features modern suites, a pool, an onsite restaurant, and in the basement, an Armenian carpet museum!

Yerevan to Tatev: Pin it

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16 Comments

hi Emily, I’m amazed with your blog! This is much better and detailed then lonely planet! We will do a trip Georgie and Armenia in july. I’m still doubting to go to Tatev in Armenia or Vardzia in Georgie? As both i cannot fit into our itenary :-). I know it’s always hard to choose, but glad to hear your opinion. Also you think you can go with personal driver from Dilijan NP to Vardzia?

Thanks Tom! I appreciate it.

Hmm, it’s really hard to say as both are incredible… Vardzia is super hot in July, if that impacts your decision at all.

You can do that leg with a private driver – GoTrip offers it, for example. You can add in stops along the way – don’t miss Gyumri!

Here is my affiliate link: https://gotrip.ge/en/transfer/from-dilijan-to-vardzia?p=wander-lush&hottransfer=0&page=1&load=1

Thanks Emily, I have to try both then!

Hi Emily, thanks for this detailed post and all the helpful Caucasus tips. Your site has become my go-to for trip planning.

We decided against driving ourselves to Tatev and are opting for a tour instead. Hyur service’s private tour doesn’t appear to include the Wings of Tatev tickets, snacks and the Devil’s bridge stop on the group tour. Not sure why this is the case, given the high price!

Hi Sophie, thank you!

I’m not sure which itinerary you opted for, but the Hyur tours I see online all include ropeway tickets (because I believe they get a heavy discount). Lunch is indeed extra – definitely important to check that, I’ve been caught out a few times!

I hope you had a wonderful time in Armenia!

Hi Emily, Thanks a million for this fantastic page on the Caucasus. I am planning a family trip with the children (4 adults) and will visit all three countries in the month of June 2022. Will need a lot of advice from you as our itinerary is taking shape.

Hi Emily! We just came back from our trip to Armenia. I was worried that going there in winter would be a little depressing, but I was so wrong!

We ended up following your advice and going on a tour to Tatev with Hyur service. Our driver’s name was Artak. He was immaculate! The drive to Tatev in winter was breathtaking! Gorgeous white snow mountains everywhere! The Wings of Tatev were closed, however, due to strong wind, but they still run it when the weather is good. We ended up taking the serpentine road up to Tatev, which was fine and not as dangerous as the one in Albania, although there were a lot of semi trucks taking it as it was the only route they had left because of the recent conflict with the neighboring country. It was sunny and warm at Tatev. Gorgeous view. I was a little disappointed that I didn’t know about the view point of Tatev monastery which was just a little bit up the hill, where you can see the monastery and the mountains around it. Our driver seemed to be more excited about showing us the Devil bridge 🙂 which was also very interesting to see.

I wanted to say how grateful I am for your helpful blog and that you are my go-to for all my travels.

Thanks so much Vera, I’m glad you got to visit Tatev! I’d love to see it in winter. We missed the viewpoint too – there was scaffolding up when we visited. A good reason to go back!

Hi Emily, I have been following your blog for more than a year and had an amazing trip to Georgia thanks to your tips! Now I’m planning a trip to Armenia in February. I’ve been watching videos of winding (serpentine like) roads to Tatev. Will the cable cars replace them? Are the roads generally fine from Yerevan to Halidzor? Thank you so much! Vera

Hi Vera, great to hear that! The cable car at Tatev has been running for many years now. The road to Halidzor is fine, Tatev is a popular destination so lots of traffic going that way. Enjoy your time in Armenia!

Thank you for the super fast reply! That’s great to hear! I’m very excited!

Hi Emily, FYI Hyur Service not offering group tour to Tatev Monestary. I contacted them and they advised they only offer private tour to Tatev. Cheers Cindy (Brisbane, Australia)

Thank you Cindy for the update – I’ve added a note to the post. Hopefully they will reinstate the group tours once things open up a bit more.

Thank you so much for writing such an extensive travel guide through the Caucasus. I will be traveling through the region in early November and will definitely use your guide as my primary resource. I saw where you made a comment about traveling to Lake Sevan and it didn’t seem to be very positive. What was it about this area that you didn’t like?

Hi Irma, terrific! Glad to hear you’re planning a trip here!

I visited Lake Sevan in summer – it was very hot and exposed, and there’s not a lot to do in the area apart from the monastery and Writer’s House. Both those landmarks are very beautiful, and of course the lake itself is nice to look at, but it just didn’t live up to my expectations. That’s a personal thing though so perhaps you’ll enjoy it more! I plan to go back some time with a car and explore more.

Lovely photos! Makes me want to visit Armenia so much! Thanks for sharing the links, which are vry useful!

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Yosemite and Giant Sequoias One Day Tour from San Jose

Begin your tour of Yosemite’s awe-inspiring monuments with a pickup in San Jose

• The most time in Yosemite National Park—over 5 hours
• Unique Giant Sequoias hike in Tuolumne Grove (conditions permitting)
• Five more stops to explore Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Falls, El Capitan Meadow and Valley View
• 2 hours of free time to explore Yosemite Valley
• Fully guided by a Yosemite Park expert
• Convenient pickup at the Signia by Hilton San Jose

What’s Included

• Pick up in downtown San Jose
• Park reservation and entry fee (pay at checkout)
• Hike to Yosemite’s Giant Sequoia redwoods
• Local expert guide (English)
• Foreign language audios in 8 languages

What’s Not Included

• Meals or beverages
• Guide gratuity

Please note: This season’s greatest-of-all-time waterfalls have led to a surge in Yosemite park visitors. So you can have the best possible experience, our new “early bird” itinerary is designed to beat the crowds and avoid delays at the popular attractions. Please note the new earlier hotel pickup times.

Description, experience yosemite in a day from san jose.

Join us on this breathtaking tour of Yosemite National Park, whose towering granite peaks, cascading waterfalls and nature trails are perhaps the most stunning in the world. This award-winning tour spends the most time in Yosemite and includes a unique hike among ancient Giant Sequoia trees .

Your tour begins with a convenient hotel pick up in San Jose. Sit back and enjoy the scenery as your guide explains how glitter in the American River sparked the California gold rush; what geological forces made Yosemite’s dramatic landscapes; and the role John Muir played in the formation of America’s first protected wilderness.

Be Blown Away by Awe-Inspiring Valley Views

After entering Yosemite National Park, we’ll make our way to a scene made famous by photographer Ansel Adams. Take a moment at Tunnel View. Capture yourself with El Capitan , Half Dome, Sentinel Dome, Glacier Point, and Cathedral Peak as your background.

Once you’ve had your fill of photographs from this perch overlooking the valley, the tour will arrange a memorable stop where you can get eye to eye with wispy Bridalveil Fall.

Have Your Own Yosemite Valley Adventure

After arriving at our main stop in Yosemite Valley , you will have 2 hours for lunch and exploring on your own. The free time options include hiking to Yosemite Falls, meandering through Sentinel Meadow, checking out the Ansel Adams Gallery and more.

Take a Moment with More Iconic Monuments

Your Yosemite experience stops next at El Capitan Meadow to learn more about the world’s largest granite monolith and its climbing culture. As we are leaving Yosemite Valley, we will make our final stop at Valley View which serves up a panoramic landscape framing the Merced River, El Capitan and the imposing spires of Cathedral Rocks.

Feel the Quiet Grandeur of Giant Sequoias

The highlight of our tour is still ahead of you as we head to the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. In this beautiful grove, you’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with some of the largest and oldest trees on earth.

When the Tuolumne Grove trail is snow-covered or unsafe, we always spend extra time in Yosemite Valley. 

By the end of the day, you’ll have experienced some of the most incredible landscapes in the world and captured memories to last a lifetime. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore Yosemite National Park with us.

06:15 AM to 10:30 AM - San Jose Pickup, Head to Yosemite

• Convenient hotel pickup at the Signia by Hilton San Jose
• Breakfast stop. Pick up snacks and lunch for the park
• Your guide prepares you for a day in Yosemite Park

10:30 AM to 12:30 PM - Admire Views of Yosemite Valley

• Enter Yosemite National Park
• Stop to ogle and photograph Tunnel View
• Marvel at the beauty of Bridalveil Fall and Half Dome

12:30 PM to 2:30 PM - Explore the Valley On Your Own

• Enjoy free time to explore Yosemite Valley
• Explore the trail to the Lower Yosemite Falls
• Have lunch (meal not included)

2:30 PM to 3:30 PM - Stops at El Capitan and Valley View

• Stop at El Capitan Meadow to spot some climbers
• Capture the Merced River among granite peaks at Valley View

3:30 PM to 5:30 PM - Hike to Giant Sequoia Redwoods

• Make the scenic drive to the Tuolumne Grove of redwoods
• Hike the nature trail to the Giant Sequoias (conditions permitting)

5:30 PM to 9:00 PM - Return to San Jose

• Descend the Sierras as you return to San Jose
• Break for dinner
• Enjoy the ride as we return to your pickup location

Times listed are approximations. Traffic and unforeseen events can cause delays.  Please do not make flight/travel arrangements on the same day as your tour

What Our Guests Are Saying About Us

What a day!!!

Once I got in the van, the adventure started! I felt safe, knew where we were going and the plan for the tour. Bud driver and guide were super friendly, went out of their way to make the most of the experience and were very thoughtful of the needs of the visitors. They really made it a great day I won’t forget. Thank you for a great experience, I’ll be back!!!

Viktoria Rethmeier , Google

I had a blast in Yosemite

I didn't know if one day was going to be enough, it's obviously not enough but Lars my tour guide did a great job with explaining everything and giving us tips about the park. I loved the giant sequoias hike, shared the road with some chipmunks and deers.

Read Full Review

Fer Mijangos, Google

I didn't know if one day was going to be enough, it's obviously not enough but Lars my tour guide did a great job with explaining everything and giving us tips about the park. I loved the giant sequoias hike, shared the road with some chipmunks and deers. I liked the fact that he gave us free time to do what we wanted to do, I like hiking so I used my time for that. He did a great job telling us about Yosemite and the area's history, being a mexican I really enjoyed listening to the "other side of the border" version.

The Yosemite Tour with Giant Sequoias was incredibly well planned and on point.

It was perfect to see everything you want to see in one day there in Yosemite. The short hike of 50 minutes to see the Giant Sequoias was perfect to get a feel of this kind of experience there, and the shuttle rides around the main sights and to the picnic area were perfect to keep you cool (with A/C) and rested.

It was perfect to see everything you want to see in one day there in Yosemite. The short hike of 50 minutes to see the Giant Sequoias was perfect to get a feel of this kind of experience there, and the shuttle rides around the main sights and to the picnic area were perfect to keep you cool (with A/C) and rested. Everything I wished to see was seen on the tour with time to stop at each. John, our guide, was entertaining and smart. He handled the whole day with care and great attitude. I would book again with this company and I highly recommend this tour!!

We travel often and don’t usually use tour companies

We travel often and don’t usually use tour companies but we are so glad we went this route for Yosemite! Our tour guide Denise was so personable and a wealth of knowledge about not only the park but also the Bay Area and regions we drove through.

Erin Harris, Google

We travel often and don’t usually use tour companies but we are so glad we went this route for Yosemite! Our tour guide Denise was so personable and a wealth of knowledge about not only the park but also the Bay Area and regions we drove through. She had great recommendations for after the tour, gave us as much time as she could inside the park and had such a positive outlook on life in general. This company and industry both are better with Denise in it! Thank you for helping us make memories that will last a life time, Denise! Look us up if you make it to the Midwest!

I went on this trip from San Jose and can highly recommend it.

I went on this trip from San Jose and can highly recommend it. It was a long day which started with a limousine pickup that took the small number of people from the Fairmont San Jose to a meeting point with the bus that would take us to Yosemite. The total drive was about 4 hours, but was quite interesting.

Karim Maarouf, TripAdvisor

I went on this trip from San Jose and can highly recommend it. It was a long day which started with a limousine pickup that took the small number of people from the Fairmont San Jose to a meeting point with the bus that would take us to Yosemite. The total drive was about 4 hours, but was quite interesting. The views were very nice and along the way our tour guide Denise gave us a lot of interesting information about the area we were driving through. Once we arrived to Yosemite, we proceeded to an area with the giant redwoods. We had about an hour to hike down to the redwoods and back up again, which was enough to enjoy them. Then we proceeded to a viewpoint over Elcapitan and half dome. The views from there were quite nice. After that we had some free time and were given some tips on where to go. I hiked to the waterfall and walked around a river there. The views were amazing and I also saw some wild animals. Finally, we went to another viewpoint, which was up close to Elcapitan. There Denise gave us so much information about the climbers there and shared a lot of interesting stories. Then began our long drive back home. All in all I would definitely recommend this trip. Especially if you only have one day. Otherwise, you should think about staying over at least one or two nights. There was so much to be done there.

We had a great day with Rob as our guide.

He was helpful, humorous and a very safe driver-thankfully. The tour itself was great. We were able to see highlights such as the giant sequoias, bridal veil falls, El Capitan and half dome. Rob lent us his binoculars to view climbers on El Capitan. What a place!

Jessica Thiessen, Google

He did a great job explaining what each sight was. He also gave lots of info about San Francisco on the way down which was great. Great trip overall. We loved it!

It's a great tour

We had a female tour guide who was also our bus driver. I don't remember the name but she is excellent at her job. Entire tour she shared enough information related to the history of the place etc. It made the tour all the more engaging and entertaining.

Nikunj B , TrustPilot

We had a female tour guide who was also our bus driver. I don't remember the name but she is excellent at her job. Entire tour she shared enough information related to the history of the place etc. It made the tour all the more engaging and entertaining. Yosemite is magical and one day tour isn't enough. But if you are short of time and get the most from your day, choose this tour. Few things to keep in mind. Keep your water bottles and food with you. Go on weekdays for better all round experience. If you want to travel solo and website doesn't seem to allow solo booking, contact their customer support and convince them.

Our guide Mike was super professional

Our guide Mike was super professional all the time and our whole trip was really fun with him! I'd definitely recommend this tour to other friend!

Suhye Seo, Google

So much fun!

I’ve been dying to see Yosemite for years. I am a flight attendant and had a long layover in San Jose. I ubered 30min to the 7-eleven pickup area. The tour was great! Loved my guide. I had 2 hours to explore and hike the lower area of the Yosemite falls.

Brenna Skipper , GetYourGuide

And we had an hour and a half to go look at the giant sequoias. That walk was about 2.5 miles, going uphill back. It was tough but the trees were beautiful! (It’s optional whether you wanna walk the trails or not there).. the stops for food on the way there and back we’re great too!! Highly recommend this tour! :)

It definitely beats driving yourself!

It definitely beats driving yourself to and from the park after a long day of hiking, but I'm glad I read through ALL the reviews before going - the San Jose groups gets picked up by a shuttle that takes them to Livermore where they wait for the bus with everyone from San Fran.

Daniel Lim, GetYourGuide

Our Van was on time, you also definitely have to count on the other 30ish people in the tour group to make it back onto the bus on time when we stop for food or pictures. However, if you pack your patience cap its still a wonderful day. Our tour guide, Andy, went above and beyond. He was super knowledgeable both about the history of the area, but is also a geologist and has a lot of experience with the outdoors which he was very excited to share. He also went out of his way to help take pictures for people on our tour who wanted photos of themselves with the iconic sites.

, TripAdvisor

Book With Confidence

Award-winning tours & customer service, money back guarantee, worry free cancellation, 2000+ 5-star reviews, award-winning tour, 460,000+ happy guests since 2002, can i be picked up from a different location other than signia by hilton san jose.

At the present time, we have only one pickup location in San Jose.

What do I need to know about the pickup in San Jose?

A 3rd party shuttle will pick up in San Jose and transport you to Livermore to meet our tour leader and vehicle. The transfer takes 40 to 60 minutes depending on traffic.

Where can I park my car near Signia by Hilton?

The Signia by Hilton has a parking garage but it is a bit expensive. We suggest trying the Impark Lot #367 at 285 S Market St just a block from the Hilton pickup location.

How will I recognize the vehicle that will pick me up?

Look for an SUV with identification as Bay Area Airport Shuttle. If there are fewer than 6 passengers making the transfer to Livermore, we will send you a link to an Uber whose location you can track on your phone.

What do I need to know about the Giant Sequoias hike?

The hike is only available when trail conditions are safe, usually April to October. The hike is a 2-mile round trip on a paved trail with a steep incline on the return. Individuals with respiratory issues or not used to strenuous exercise may skip the hike and wait in the outdoor seating area at the Tuolumne Grove stop.

Is a day enough time to see Yosemite?

Our incredible 1-day tour to Yosemite from San Francisco visits all the top attractions, like Tunnel View, El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Falls, and (conditions permitting) the Giant Sequoias.

How can I travel around the park during my free time?

Walking is the best form of transportation in the Valley. We do not recommend public transportation or park shuttles during your free time since you cannot be certain about getting back to the tour vehicle on time. The most popular attractions are a short distance from the drop-off point near Yosemite Valley Lodge.

Can I use my annual pass for the United States National Parks to enter Yosemite for free?

Sorry, but no. The entrance fee we pay to Yosemite National Park is based on the vehicle and not on the individuals, and the entrance is located at a toll gate – not on foot. Therefore, the tour cost includes the admission fee.

Do you offer this tour in different languages?

Our Yosemite tour has live narration in English, but we offer complimentary recorded audio guides in 8 languages: Spanish, French, German, Italian, Korean, Mandarin, Japanese, and Portuguese. If an audio guide is required, please specify the language when booking.

What should I bring with me on tour?

The weather in the Sierra Mountains can be unpredictable and you will be spending 4-5 hours outdoors enjoying nature. We recommend that you dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes or hiking sandals (not flip flops). Bring along a light water-resistant jacket, camera or phone, 1-liter water bottle, hat and sunscreen, sturdy umbrella (if the forecast calls for rain), and some cash or a credit card for meals, snacks and souvenirs.

Are meals included? Can I buy or bring my own?

Meals are not included on this tour. We do make a stop about halfway to and from Yosemite, where you can buy food and beverages. There are a few restaurants and a food court in Yosemite Valley. They are usually crowded, so it’s a good idea to bring or purchase a picnic lunch prior to arriving in the park.

What stops do we have for photographs?

Your Yosemite tour will make 5-6 stops for you to exit the vehicle and take some photographs although weather and traffic conditions may require your driver to alter the itinerary slightly. The usual stops are: Tuolumne Grove of Sequoias, Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, Valley View, El Capitan Meadow, and Yosemite Valley View lookout.

What can I do during my free time in Yosemite Valley?

Nice and easy hikes through Cook’s Meadow or to Lower Yosemite Falls or the Swinging Bridge can all be done during your free time. On clear days, biking to Yosemite Village, Mirror Lake or the Ahwahnee Hotel are great choices. Finally, the Ancel Adams Gallery is a wonderful showcase of the artist’s work. We do not recommend taking the park shuttle since the timing of the return trip can be unpredictable.

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