Tour Title: Grand Canyon Tour with Helicopter ride
Tour Duration: 9 hours from Flagstaff
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 with Ponderosa Pines of Flagstaff, past the dormant volcanoes of the San Francisco Peaks on our way to the South Entrance of the Grand Canyon.
Your helicopter ride departs from the Grand Canyon airport in Tusayan for an exhilarating 25 minutes. The tour takes guests over the Kaibab National Forest. The central region of Grand Canyon where, the geography is at its most diverse with the width of the canyon being close to 11 miles across and a vertical mile deep. The flight employs a loop so that guests seated on either side of the aircraft can take postcard ready pictures without attempting to shoot across the cabin. Enjoy breathtaking views through large windows as you fly over the mighty Colorado River towards the Canyons North Rim. See the Tower of Ra and Vishnu Schist as you fly back through the Dragon Corridor, the widest and deepest section of the Grand Canyon.
For lunch, enjoy a sit down lunch at the Grand Canyon. Afterwards, 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.
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 stop at many exquisite vistas. From the South Rim you'll gaze 14 miles across to the North Rim. Your last stop will be at Desert View. You can climb to the top of the Watchtower Observatory for amazing panoramic views that will take your breath away.
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 from the Grand Canyon. As you descend from 7000 ft above sea level see the spectacular views of the Colorado River Gorge and the buttes of the South Rim.
Before you return 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.
Additional Information:
Pickup Times / Locations:
Pickups at All Flagstaff hotels.
Departure time is approximately 8:30AM from Flagstaff with pickups slightly 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.
Al 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.
Your helicopter has first class seating with a capacity of 6 plus the pilot. The helicopter is equipped with low skids for easy entrance and exit. Multi language audio narration is available upon request.
Lunch / Dinner Options:
Lunch options will be at a restaurant at the Grand Canyon Village. The restaurant is a food court setup that allows for a multitude of options... perfect if you have special dietary requirements. This option also allows us to have lunch in a short amount of time and maximize your time at the rim of the Grand Canyon.
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:
-
Bottled water is provided, but guests are welcome to bring alternate beverages and snacks. Please no alcohol is permitted.
-
Lunch
-
All permits and admission fees.
Not Included:
Guide tips not included: 20% tip for your guide is recommended if you enjoy your tour.
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. Please Note: This tour is NOT available on Christmas Day/December 25.
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.