The tour fee was reasonable, and I would give our driver, Todd, 5 stars. He was accommodating and ultimately made an effort to address some of our concerns. Transportation was also very comfortable, and both Yosemite National Park and Kings Canyon are absolutely beautiful destinations. Unfortunately, the tour itself was not well organized. The biggest issue was the lack of communication and information throughout the trip. There was no introduction at the beginning, no itinerary, and no overview of what we would be seeing or where we would be stopping. We expected a tour bus with a professional tour guide, but instead traveled in a comfortable Honda minivan with four paying passengers, the driver, and another person assisting the driver who never introduced himself. Shortly after departure, we were informed that the itinerary order had changed, which was not a problem. However, our first bathroom stop was a gas station where we had to purchase merchandise to use the restrooms. Later, we stopped in Mariposa for lunch and were simply told to buy food at a supermarket. Fortunately, we found a Mexican restaurant nearby, which turned out to be a much better option. At several scenic stops, we received little or no information about what we were seeing. For example, at one stop we were told to spend 15 minutes there but were not told it was Bridalveil Fall. We only learned this by reading the informational signs ourselves. We also visited Yosemite Falls, several granite formations, and Tunnel View, where we could see El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall. The scenery was spectacular, but the lack of explanation significantly diminished the experience. That evening, we were told there would be no dining options near the hotel and were offered a stop at a Chinese buffet. We accepted, but the food quality was poor. We then arrived at the Best Western in Selma, not Fresno as advertised. While the bed was comfortable, the strong chemical odor throughout the hallway and room was almost unbearable. The second day was dedicated to Kings Canyon and the giant sequoias. To our surprise, the itinerary did not include a visit to the General Sherman Tree, the largest living tree in the world. After some discussion, Todd agreed to take us there, which we greatly appreciated. On the return trip, we stopped at Popeyes for lunch (not what we were expecting) before being dropped off at our final destination. Overall, the destinations were magnificent, the transportation was comfortable, and the driver was helpful. However, this felt more like a transportation service than a guided tour. The constant lack of information left us not knowing where we were going, why we were stopping, or what we were supposed to see. A guided tour should provide context, explanations, and a clear itinerary. Unfortunately, this tour did not.
Thank you very much for taking your valuable time to share such detailed and insightful feedback about your recent two-day trip to Yosemite National Park and Kings Canyon. We would also like to express our sincere gratitude for your kind words about our driver, Todd, as well as your recognition of our comfortable transportation services and the magnificent destinations. We have carefully reviewed all the issues you raised, and please allow us to respond candidly. 1. This was the new guide’s first tour, so he felt nervous throughout the trip and was under considerable pressure. To make up for any shortcomings, he did his best to provide attentive service and accompanied the group throughout the tour. He regrets that the results did not meet expectations and sincerely apologizes for that. Regarding the other assistant on the bus—this was an experienced staff member specifically assigned by the company to support Todd during his first tour, ensuring safety and smooth operations. His role was to guide Todd and step in when necessary. 2. The adjustment to the itinerary order was proposed based on the assistant’s experience, with the goal of saving travel time and providing a better overall experience. This adjustment was discussed with and unanimously agreed upon by the group. All changes were made with your knowledge, and no unannounced modifications were made. 3. At the time, the vehicle needed refueling, and the stop was intended to be a brief rest break. We did not anticipate that the gas station would require a purchase for restroom use. After the guide communicated with the station staff, the issue was resolved, and no one was forced to buy anything. Nevertheless, we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and frustration this may have caused. 4. The guide informed the group that they could buy food at the supermarket or choose to eat elsewhere—he never stated that the supermarket was the only option. We are glad you found a better dining choice at the Mexican restaurant. No guest would ever be forced to eat at a specific location. After leaving Yosemite, dining options along the route were limited. The guide recommended a Chinese buffet based on route efficiency. We are sorry that you were not satisfied with that meal. The guide has learned from this experience and will give guests full freedom to choose where to eat in the future. 5. Regarding the strong chemical smell you mentioned in the hotel corridor and room, we take this matter very seriously and will contact the hotel immediately to address it. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. 6. The General Sherman Tree was not included in the published itinerary for this trip. After discussion, the guide voluntarily agreed to add an extra hour of driving to take the group to see the General Sherman Tree—which exceeded our contractual obligations. We are glad you appreciated this effort. 7. There were five guests in total on this tour. As disclosed in our itinerary, the vehicle type is determined based on the final group size. For a group of this size, a comfortable Honda minivan was entirely appropriate, and we are glad you found the transportation arrangement comfortable and satisfactory. Thank you again for your patience and understanding of Todd, who was on his first tour as a guide.
