Hike, Ride and Sightsee at the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon area holds many activities and tours for families and friends, and you’re welcome to try as many as you can fit in for your vacation. Many visitors are awestruck by the sheer size of the canyon walls and rock formations, and you’ll have a great time exploring the area during your excursion. Make plans to stay close to the Grand Canyon and view the splendors of the Painted Desert. You can reserve the following activities to provide you with new opportunities for discovery while you’re on vacation.
You can tour some of the surrounding rim of the Grand Canyon on this eight hour excursion, viewing layer upon layer of jagged rock and colorful cliffs. You don’t have to worry about a strenuous hike – it’s rated “easy to moderate” difficulty for everyone, including beginners, so your hiking experience can be as enjoyable as possible. The smooth trails are wide and easy to follow, and you’ll even get a little exercise!
Air, Land and Sunset Safari – Jeep, Helicopter Tour Combo
Combine all of your transportation around the Grand Canyon into one amazing tour, experiencing all facets and views of this incredible natural landmark. You’ll go to places like the Kaibab Plateau, the Dragon Corridor and see a large portion of the Colorado River. Your 30 minute helicopter tour includes narration, so you can sit back and relax as you receive a bird’s eye view of the canyon walls.
Grand Canyon Scenic Rim Full Day Tour
Spend the day with your knowledgeable tour guide as you head across a large portion of the Grand Canyon beside picturesque areas like old fossil beds and Indian cliff dwellings. Bring your camera to snap photos with your friends with the gorgeous sun-soaked canyon in the background. Best of all, you’ll be treated to a delicious lunch and beverages to renew your energy.
Stunning Grand Canyon Views Keep Away the Autumn Blues
Now that the heat of summer is starting to fade into the coolness of autumn, it’s the perfect time to visit the Grand Canyon. Take in gorgeous views of the area from helicopter, train, jeep, or water with some of the popular tours the area has to offer. You will find that these tours are perfect way embrace the coming of the new season.
The Majestic Helicopter Tour – North and South Rim gives you panoramic views of the Grand Canyon that you will never forget. You will see the deepest part of the gorge, the Colorado River, Dragon Corridor, and many other amazing views of the Grand Canyon during this tour. With all of the scenery spread below you, you have the perfect opportunity for pictures that will remind you of the incredible experience each time you see them.
After your exciting helicopter adventure, see more of the Grand Canyon in a more sedate style with the Grand Canyon Railway Budd Coach Train Tour. This relaxing train tour will give you great views from the comfort of a train coach. The train tour takes you through 65 miles of rugged, natural landscapes and gives you another chance to capture the unique beauty of the Grand Canyon on film to show your friends and family when you return home.
You haven’t fully experienced the stunning beauty of the Grand Canyon until you’ve seen it lit with the vibrant fire of a colorful sunset. The Grand Sunset Safari Jeep Tour will give you those views and a fun tour by jeep. Your tour will take you through the Kaibab National Forest for sightings of wildlife and the forest before you head to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. At the rim, you will be taken to an 80 foot observation tower to watch the sun set over the Grand Canyon, Painted Desert, and San Francisco Peaks. This is another perfect opportunity for pictures, so don’t forget your camera!
One more tour remains to complete your Grand Canyon adventure, so get ready for the Antelope Canyon Tour. This relaxing cruise experience gives you the chance to take in awe-inspiring views of the Grand Canyon. The tour begins at Wahweap Bay and takes you through the Canyon on the Navajo Nation and then through the Glen Canyon Dam. Your cruise is a great opportunity to get pictures of the canyons contrasting with the water, so don’t forget to put more film in your camera after your other tours!
Rendezvous in the Grand Canyon area of Williams, Arizona
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a pioneer heading out West? Find out at Rendezvous Days in Williams, Arizona. The event is on Memorial Day Weekend which is May 29th through May 31st and consists of a carnival, vendors, an exciting parade, and much more. Be a part of this thrilling tribute to the pioneers who helped carve out the American landscape we know today.
While you’re at the Grand Canyon don’t forget to take one of the helicopter tours. Both the Grand Kingdom Helicopter Tour of the North and South Rim and the Imperial Helicopter Tour of the North Canyon, Painted Desert and Colorado River offer an amazing bird’s eye view to this landmark all of America holds dear. Both offer slightly different features, and both are incredible tours that will increase your awe of the Grand Canyon.
If you’re interested in exploring the Grand Canyon but want to keep your feet firmly on the ground try the Grand Sunset and Indian Painting Jeep Tour. It offers a majestic Grand Canyon view with the background of the sunset after a day of learning about the Native Americans who inhabited the area. It’s an educational experience combined with all the beauty the Grand Canyon offers.
The Grand Canyon by Way of Trains, Planes & Automobiles
There are few things that represent Americana on as large of a scale as the Grand Canyon, though America’s love for transportation is easily on the short list. From the railroads blazing west, to the daring of heroes including the Wright Brothers and Amelia Earhart, to our general love affair with the automobile, each is decidedly set in American culture. And when combining our love of transportation with the natural beauty of our nation travelers will find a varied way to enjoy the different sights of the Grand Canyon for a full perspective of its depth and beauty.
Grand Canyon Railway Budd Coach
Those looking for a truly nostalgic trip to the Grand Canyon will absolutely want to experience the Grand Canyon Railway Budd Coach. Riding on an authentic coach train from Budd Manufacturing Company, the small touches of the car will go just as far as the mammoth views of the Grand Canyon in creating a memorable experience. Along the journey, you will travel approximately 65 miles, viewing the Grand Canyon from the South Rim. Whether wanting to relive yester year for the first time or all over again, the Grand Canyon Railway Budd Coach offers an authentic experience coupled with incredible sights!
The South Rim Airplane Tour combines panoramic views with the ability to see a lot in a short amount of time to create one of the more comprehensive options for sightseeing in the Grand Canyon area. Along this approximately 45 minute tour, Zuni Point, Painted Desert, Navajo Indian Reservation and, of course, the Grand Canyon will all be seen. And while great on its own, when combined with either a train or motor coach tour the South Rim Airplane Tour provides a perfect 1, 2 punch that allows you to take in both the grand scope of the Grand Canyon and the intimate details.
Grand Canyon Safari & Rim Walk
While the Grand Canyon may be most noted for its size, you won’t truly appreciate the spectacle fully until you have seen it face-to-face, and with the Grand Canyon Safari & Rim Walk you will get just such an opportunity. Along the journey, you will travel from the Kaibab National Forest to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon by way of Jeep. Once at the rim, you will then have the opportunity to explore by foot for a truly up close experience.
Romantic Excursions in Orlando
Although Orlando is a great family destination, it never hurts to set some time apart for yourself and your loved one to enjoy a romantic evening out during the balmy Orlando nights. From the ocean to the sky, Orlando has many options for a memorable evening.
It is hard to go wrong with dinner and dancing, and they are made even more special when on a romantic evening cruise. The Rivership Romance Dinner and Dance Cruise is a three-and-a-half hour long tour on the St. Johns Rivers. The cruise features a gourmet dinner and dancing. The dinner menu features entrees like Tuscan Chicken, Herb Roasted Grouper, and Caribbean Pork, as well as salad, vegetables, and dessert. Whether celebrating an anniversary or a new-found love, the Rivership Romance is a great way to celebrate your relationship.
Although evening activities are popular, a breathtaking sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Orlando landscape is sure to be an unforgettable experience. The total experience lasts approximately three hours and includes transportation to the launch site, an hour-long balloon ride, a champagne ceremony, and a full breakfast. From the balloon, you will be able to watch the sun rise on Orlando and take pictures of the scenery, landscape, and Florida wildlife.
From a sunrise ride to a sunset tour, the One Hour Night Airboat Tour is an evening experience unlike many others. On this airboat tour, you will tour the Florida swamplands, all while taking in a scenic Florida sunset over the swamp land. While exploring the swamp, you will watch for Florida wildlife, including alligators gliding through the water. Although this tour may not be as relaxing as a dinner cruise, it will still certainly be a night to remember and a bonding experience between you and your loved one.
Chicago Air and Water Show Offers Excitement for All Ages
The annual Chicago Air and Water Show is coming to the city August 15-16. As the largest air and water show in the United States, this event draws crowds from all over the city, state, and nation. The show began in 1959, and it just celebrated its 50th anniversary. Since its humble beginnings as a Family Day Celebration, the Air and Water Show has grown to be the largest spectator event in the U.S.
Performers in this year’s air show include the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights and Leap Frogs, Aeroshell Acrobatic Team, Lima Lima Flight Crew, and the Firebirds. Each team will take to the air to show off their flying skills, performing stunning stunts that will amaze you. Each day features both air and water performances from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The show takes place at the North Avenue Beach on Lakeshore Drive. Admission for this event is free.
Because admission to the show is free, you will have more money to make the most of your visit to Chicago. We offer many lodging options near the Air and Water Show and throughout Chicago. The W Chicago Lakeshore is the hotel closest to North Avenue Beach and Lake Michigan. The W is also close to Navy Pier, which offers legendary Chicago attractions, including the Ferris Wheel. Other sites close to The W include Wrigley Field, home of the legendary Chicago Cubs, John Hancock Tower, and Northwestern University. For relaxation and recreation, The W features the Bliss Spa Chicago as well as on-site restaurants.
To make the weekend of water activities complete, make reservations to join a sightseeing or dinner cruise on Lake Michigan. The Skyline Boat Tour and the Spirit of Chicago Lunch & Dinner Cruises offer an afternoon evening of sightseeing in style while cruising on Lake Michigan. The Skyline Boat Tour features some of the best sightseeing in Chicago, and you will be able to enjoy the Chicago Skyline from the water. For a memorable lunch or dinner, chose the Spirit of Chicago Lunch & Dinner Cruises. In addition to delicious meals, these cruises offer exceptional sightseeing in Chicago, including the Adler Planetarium, McCormick Place, and many other notable Chicago buildings.
