If you’re heading to Arizona or the surrounding areas, there’s no doubt you’ll see a range of the Grand Canyon tours on offer. Considering it’s one of the most remarkable natural wonders of the world, you’d be a fool to miss an opportunity to visit the Grand Canyon. So, without much hesitation, Tyrone and I booked a day-long Grand Canyon Travel Package to visit the South Rim. Below are completely untouched pictures of our tour – what you see is what you get!
Grand Canyon Travel Package
There are numerous tour companies arranging trips to the Grand Canyon, so you’ll be spoiled for choice. We opted to use Papillon Tours, and selected the South Rim Bus Tour for $89/person.
After being picked up from our hotel and collecting the necessary accreditation from the Papillon offices, we were seated in our Grey Line bus ready for the 14 hour tour package to begin.
It’s a long trip, we knew that going in, but honestly these buses were amazing! I have some experience traveling by bus, and this was by far the best bus I’ve ever used. It was air conditioned, with massive windows and a toilet on board.
Once we were on the road it wasn’t long before we stopped at the O’Callaghan bypass bridge overlooking the famous Hoover Dam for photo opportunities.
After our pics we headed back to the bus and continued on through the Mojave Desert and along the Colorado River to the Grand Canyon National Park.
Throughout the journey, we listened to a CD about the various areas we drove through, and if it was a particularly long stretch, the bus driver would put on a movie for all the passengers who managed to stay awake.
Mather Point and Grand Canyon Village
Be prepared for crowds! Mather Point was packed with tourists all wanting to take pics. We managed to get a few in, before deciding to walk around and find a more secluded area for photos.
We moved off of the paved path and did a short hike to a nice outcrop of rocks where small groups were taking in the scenery. We managed to get some great pics away from the crowds.
After an hour at Mather Point, the bus drove us to the Grand Canyon Village. The bus driver explained that there are around 32 view points along the South Rim, but tour buses are only allowed at these two points (Mather Point and Grand Canyon Village).
At the end of the day, I finally put the camera away and enjoyed a quick ice-cream at the Grand Canyoon Village. It was an awesome experience and certainly a highlight of our Las Vegas trip.
I would recommend this Grand Canyon travel package for everyone! In fact, if you could splurge a bit more, get the helicopter ride for some seriously awesome views.
What’s Included – Grand Canyon Travel Package?
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Air-conditioned coach, with restrooms and comfortable seats
- Large viewing windows and television monitors
- Depart Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon National Park with rest stops along the way
- Enjoy a brief stop on the O’Callaghan-Tillman Bridge for photo opportunities of Hoover Dam.
- Entertaining and informative commentary from your driver/guide
- Arrive the Grand Canyon National Park with stops at Mather Point and Grand Canyon Village
- Stop at the National Geographic Center Food Court located in Tusayan, Arizona. A meal voucher is provided and redeemable at the food court
- Optional IMAX movie: Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets
What To Bring – Grand Canyon Travel Package?
- Bring your I.D. – All passengers booked on a tour must have government issued forms of identification
- Be sure to book your tour as early in your trip as possible
- Water: You may bring a bottle of water, however the bottle is not allowed to be opened in aircraft
- Don’t forget your camera! Cameras and phones are allowed and encouraged, but please be aware that the use of “Selfie Sticks” and extending camera poles is strictly prohibited in and around the aircraft
- Not sure what to wear? Layered clothing is recommended through the months of March to September, and winter clothing should be worn from October to mid-March”
- Wear sensible shoes. The ground at the Grand Canyon is rough, rocky and uneven. It is important to wear sturdy, toe-covering shoes that can handle rough terrain. Sneakers or hiking boots are highly recommended
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