Tour Title: Grand Canyon Tour with Helicopter ride
Tour Duration: 14 hours from Phoenix
Tour Description:
Travel to Northern Arizona in a comfortable vehicle that seats no more than 14 passengers for an intimate and personal experience. The tour is fully narrated by some of the most experienced guides in the Southwest. We will make frequent stops for photo opportunities at great scenic sites, stretch your legs, and for bathroom breaks.
The tour begins as we travel Northward through the Sonoran Desert with vast desert landscapes filled with huge saguaro cacti.
We then arrive at the majestic and scenic red rocks of Sedona where we make a brief stop. Then we are off through Oak Creek Canyon—one of the top scenic drives in America! Continue through the Ponderosa Pines of Flagstaff, past the dormant volcanoes of the San Francisco Peaks.
Before we enter the Grand Canyon, a special treat, a brief stop at the Navajo Reservation where you will have a chance to shop for authentic Native American souvenirs at the Historic Cameron Trading Post. The Journey continues, providing you a breathtaking view of the western edge of the Painted Desert and the Little Colorado River Gorge on your way to the Grand Canyon. As you ascend to 7000 ft above sea level see the spectacular views of the Colorado River Gorge and the buttes of the South Rim.
You will have time to take in the beautiful views at different venues along the South Rim of the canyon. See some of the widest and deepest scenic views the Grand Canyon has to offer getting glimpses of the mighty Colorado River. During your visit you will have the chance to interact personally with the exquisite scenery as you take a mile-long nature walk along the South Rim. From the South Rim you'll gaze 14 miles across to the North Rim. You'll visit the only point where you can see both Phantom Ranch as well as the Kaibab Suspension Bridge. You will see Desert View. You can climb to the top of the Watchtower Observatory for amazing panoramic views that will take your breath away. Before you depart, enjoy visiting and shopping at many historic buildings and museums, like the Hopi House, the rustic El Tovar Lodge, the Grand Canyon Railway Station and Kolb Studio.
In the afternoon to finsish off your day at the Grand Canyon, the helicopter tour takes you over the Kaibab National Forest. The central region of the Grand Canyon where, the geography is at its most diverse with the width of the Grand Canyon being close to 11 miles across and a vertical mile deep. The flight employs a loop so those seated on either side of the aircraft have equal photo opportunities. Enjoy breathtaking views through large windows as you fly over the mighty Colorado River towards the Grand Canyons North rim.
Additional Information:
Pickup Times / Locations:
Pickups at most resorts and hotels in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe.
Departure time is approximately 6:30AM from the Phoenix area with pickups before that depending on the specific guest hotel. Tour operator will contact guest the afternoon before for exact pickup time and answer any last minute questions.
Type of Transportation:
All of our vehicles will have large windows so you can enjoy the views with no obstruction. Although each of the vehicles is slightly different, the vehicle will be selected to maximize guest comfort, with full climate controlled and individual seating. No vehicle has more than 14 passengers to allow for a personal and intimate experience.
All vehicles have audio PA system in order to maximize you entertainment experience while on-board.
Sorry no in-vehicle bathrooms are available but we make frequent stops where clean bathrooms are available.
We can accommodate a collapsible wheel chair. For a rule of thumb, guest will need to navigate three steps in or out of the vehicle unassisted. Vehicle have assist bars and seat handle for ease of entry and exit. A collapsible wheelchair can be provided but must be requested 24 hours prior to tour departure.
The Bell heliocopter seats six guests comfortably plus the pilot. It offers low skids for easy entry and exit. It also offers digital narration with large view windows for exceptional picture taking.
Lunch / Dinner Options:
No meal is provided on this tour. Since various guests travel differently and have different dietary requirements or food choices, we want you to eat and spend your money the way you want to. Our guides will brief you on your options throughput the tour.
Feel free to bring food, snacks, or beverages along. Please no alcoholic beverages.
What to Bring and Wear:
You should wear comfortable shoes, a hat to keep your head protected from the sun, sunglasses, and sunscreen. It may be cool in the early morning or evening and can get very hot in the afternoons. A light shirt, shorts and a rain jacket are recommended in warmer months. It does rain in Arizona so you may also want to carry an umbrella. Light day packs are great for carrying everything you will need and for filling up with all of the wonderful souvenirs that you will find at the many gift shops. Of course, don't forget your camera with plenty of film or memory.
We require that all children 4 and younger be in a car seat. You may bring your own or we can provide one for you. If you would like to use one of our car seats please let us know in advance so we can reserve one for you.
Physical Activity Level:
Light. Plenty of walking opportunities but if you are not up for it, the tour is such that a minimum you will need to walk is only three city blocks for the entire day.
Included:
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Bottled water is provided, but guests are welcome to bring alternate beverages and snacks. Please no alcohol is permitted.
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All permits and admission fees.
Not Included:
Guide tips not included (optional depending how the guest enjoys the experience)
Optional Activities:
Be sure to ask about optional activities to better customize your Grand Canyon experience.
- A 30 minute helicopter ride over the South rim of the Grand Canyon caps the perfect and unforgettable day.
Tour Availability:
This is a very popular tour that departs daily. As we are concerned for guide and customer safety we reserve the right to cancel a tour in the event of hazardous weather. Our commitment is to keep in contact with the customer during these rare periods.
Cancellation Policy:
Guest can cancel up to 24 hours before scheduled tour date and departure time and receive a full refund.
Tour Operator Information:
Complete Tour Operator details, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation email. We select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.