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What can you suggest for a Grand Canyon tour?

Visitor:
We’re a group of four people from Italy. We’re going to be in Las Vegas for a few days in September and are planning to do a Grand Canyon tour. We are still undecided as to what would be the best plan. In fact, we are considering either a two days trip by car and an overnight stay near the Canyon, or a Grand Voyager Skywalk tour, which sounds great but a bit expensive. What can you suggest?
Rita:
If you choose to drive to the Grand Canyon, the South Rim would offer the best views, but is a 5 hour drive from Las Vegas. Grand Canyon West and the Skywalk is closer to Las Vegas, it is a 3 hour drive one way, but does not have any hotels nearby. For Grand Canyon West you could either take a day tour from Las Vegas such as the Grand Voyager Skywalk, and then you don’t have to worry about finding another hotel. Or you could stay overnight in Kingman, AZ about 2 hours from Las Vegas, and then drive to Grand Canyon West, about 90 miles away.
Visitor:
I gather the Grand Voyager tour involves an aeroplane flight to the West Rim. Is it a panoramic flight and worth it more than a drive there? I went to the Grand Canyon many years ago and was on the South Rim, which was gorgeous. Is the West Rim as beautiful? Would we get a chance to see something of the Canyon on our helicopter flight to the bottom? And if we decide to take the afternoon tour from Las Vegas (leaving about 1 or 2 p.m.), shell we get enough light to view the sights? Does the afternoon tour include a meal, and if so, where and at what time?
Rita:
I am glad you have seen the South Rim, it is the “true” Grand Canyon National Park. Grand Canyon West is very different. It is a high desert region and the views are very different…no trees, and the elevation is not as high as the South Rim. Yes, I believe the airplane tour over Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and Grand Canyon West would be better than driving. The helicopter flight to the bottom does not do an air tour of the Canyon, but you are flying into the Canyon, to the bottom which is spectacular in itself.
Visitor:
Shoul we decide to drive to the South Rim (my companions have never been there), do you think it would be possible to find accomodation near the entrance to the Park? And when there, shall we be able to take an helicopter flight, or even a boat ride on the bottom? I think the road takes one through Tusayan and that is a five hours drive; is there a different road to get to the North Rim? How long does it take? And could we find some hotel there as well?
Rita:
For lodging for the South Rim, try www.grandcanyonlodges.com This link is for lodging inside the National Park.
Rita:
If they are full, try https://grandcanyon.com/hotels.html this link is for hotels in Tusayan and for helicopter tours from the South Rim, visit: https://grandcanyon.com/grandcanyonhelicoptertours.html, for float trips from the South Rim, visit: https://grandcanyon.com/canyonriveradventure.html or https://grandcanyon.com/coloradoriverfloattrip.html
Rita:
The North Rim from Las Vegas is about 5 hours. And, the North Rim and South Rim are about 5 hours apart. Would you like a map?
Visitor:
That would be great!
Rita:
Here is the map from Las Vegas to the South Rim, then on to the North Rim and back to Las Vegas: https://goo.gl/maps/AP7g  As you can see, it is a big circle.

Rita:
So you will see different areas during the drive
Visitor:
WOW! That’s a very big tour. We’ll have to think it over. You’ve been most helpful. I’ll keep in touch if we decide to book the plane plus helicopter and boat tour.
Rita:
That sounds great! Yes it is a lot of area to cover, but if you only have time to visit the South Rim, that would be well worth it, as you know.
Visitor:
I very well know it! It’s been one of the most beautiful things I’ve done in my whole life!
Rita:
It has been a pleasure chatting with you. And, I have always wanted to visit Italy…and Venice!
Visitor:
Then give it a thought: that too is worth it!
Rita:
It is at the top of our “wish list” 🙂

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