Tourism to the area now known as Yosemite National Park began in the 1860s, after the California Gold Rush had brought more people to the area who then went away and promoted its beauty. To protect the treatment of the area, the government declared it a National Park in October 1890. The park now encloses an incredible 761,268 acres (308,074 hectares) of beautiful rock formations, dramatic waterfalls and lush greenery. It is particularly celebrated for its biological diversity.
The park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984, and now it attracts approximately 3.7 million visitors every year. Among the park's highlights is the Half Dome at the eastern end of Yosemite Valley, which peaks at 4,000 feet (1,219 metres) above the valley floor. Another popular attraction is El Capitan, a 3,000 feet (914 metre) vertical rock formation also in Yosemite Valley. It is very popular with rock climbers for its unusual shape; however it is also appreciated by those who like to keep their feet firmly on the ground!
Discover the vibrant, varied United States on a once in a lifetime journey that takes you to some of America's most famous sights including Alcatraz, the Las Vegas strip, the Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls.
… see more19 days from £4,395 pp
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Awe-inspiring scenery at the Grand Canyon and Yosemite National Park contrasts with the glamour of Las Vegas on this holiday. Discover the scenery of the Golden State, enjoy scenic railway journeys and visit Hollywood for an unforgettable experience.
… see more15 days from £3,195 pp
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very well organised and great value for money.tour guide Chris was fab,didnt intrude too much but told us what we needed to know.hotels very good quality,loved not having to deal with our suitcases and all the coach drivers we had were really good,especially Tom who took us up and down the mountain in the snow safe and sound.Denver and thd Rockies were disappointing,would have liked to have stayed jn Chicagoi longer instead.hated the sleeper compartment, would have preferred to have slept in a normal seat,they were far comfier but apart from that, everything else was amazing,would definately travel with you again and recommend you.
By Georgia Shipley
9 September 2019
The three-part series is an epic travelogue that sees the famous comedian travelling through the United States of America, taking the migratory trail that Scots took in the 18th century.
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By Lorna Heatley
15 November 2018
Though we don’t really think about streets on a daily basis unless we’re trying to get to somewhere, it’s amazing just how many streets in the world can be a holiday destination in themselves.
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By Katie Shaw
27 September 2018
From the multitude of incredible personal advantages to the economic benefits enjoyed by local communities, there is a myriad of reasons that we think tourism is a wonderful thing.
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By Lorna Heatley
23 February 2018
Happy Birthday Mr President! No, we're not talking about the current one, we're talking about the original. The number one. The man who started it all: George Washington, who is celebrated on Presidents Day, that took place on the 19th of February this year. What better way to celebrate his country than having a look at some of its most spectacular natural wonders?
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Fabulous and so well organised. Every day was great and we like that there is thought given to including enough free time in each place. We like Great Rail Journeys very much having done two this year! We had Peter as our Tour Manager and he looked after us all brilliantly! He certainly made all the travel very smooth and easy. Thanks go to him. Great area to enjoy. Thoroughly recommended.