Itinerary Expand all Las Vegas to Las Vegas Day 1 Start Las Vegas; travel to Lees ferry An early 05:00 hrs departure takes you to historic Lees Ferry, where your journey will begin and where you'll have your first taste of the mighty Grand Canyon and the snaking Colorado River. Don't let the calm waters fool you, the rapids aren't far away, and as soon as you see the boats you'll be eager to set off on your incredible voyage of discovery. Accommodation: Camping on the banks of the Colorado River Meals included: Lunch Dinner Days 2-7 Colorado River - Grand Canyon (South Rim) The Grand Canyon offers the most spectacular geological extravaganza on earth. Despite being a desert setting, plants and wildlife thrive. Cacti, wildflowers, Bighorn Sheep, Mule Deer, coyotes and Ringtail Cats may be seen along the banks, while overhead many species of bird may be observed, including hawks, Golden Eagles, falcons, Great Blue Herons and egrets. You will have the opportunity to hike and swim inside canyons, as well as running class V whitewater rapids. Due to the length of river covered in eight days, specially crafted motorised rafts are used for safety and comfort while rafting in the Grand Canyon. These allow ample supplies to be carried for the entire journey so travellers of all fitness levels can enjoy this incredible experience. Not all of your time is spent on the water, and you'll have ample time to hike some of the trails and stretch those legs. A visit to Havasu Creek is a highlight for most travellers on this trip with the incredible contrast of colours from the vibrant turquoise blue waters set against a backdrop of rich red rock, simply stunning. There's no need to pack much for our Grand Canyon rafting trips, the climate is mild and just a few changes of clothes are needed. We supply waterproof river bags and camera boxes so you can focus on enjoying the sights and sounds of the river; hidden trails, secluded riverside campsites and stunning canyon sunsets and sunrises. A TYPICAL DAY ON THE RIVER 7:00 AMYou awaken to the aroma of freshly-brewed coffee. Although the sun will not flood our camp for some time, the tops of the Grand Canyon's walls are already aglow with sunlight. While eggs, sausages and muffins cook, sleeping bags are being packed. 9:00 AMYou enter a series of rapids and a great Blue Heron takes off down-river, wings pumping; both bird and its surroundings seem somehow prehistoric. Embrace the coolness of the shadow, tilt your head back and see the sunlight slowly making its way down the epic canyon walls. 11:00 AMSouth Canyon intersects the river, signalling that Vasey's Paradise is just ahead. A paradise, indeed! Sunlight seems to explode from the fountains of water gushing from the Grand Canyon's walls. Lush growths of moss and ferns seem strangely out of place in this desert setting. You drift close to the gushing water, giving everyone aboard a welcome shower. 12:00 NOONOur boats stop for lunch in the shade of Redwall Cavern. Inside this great cave, there's room enough for a game of softball! 2:00 PMAs two Golden Eagles soar lazily overhead, you drift quietly along soaking in your surroundings and your boatman tells you the story of Bert Loper's historic river run in 1949. You feel the heat, but soon a roller coaster rapid refreshes you. We sight moon lilies abloom at the mouth of Saddle Canyon. A hike to explore Saddle is topped off with a cold soda. 6:00 PMYou make for Nankoweap, a site of ancient Indian ruins and your campsite for the night. After a dinner of fillet, Dutch-oven potatoes, green salad and cherry cobbler, we hike to the ruins and view the river below. 9:00 PMThose who cannot stay awake find their sleeping bags. Bed tonight is beneath the Milky Way and a canopy of stars that dwarfs even the Grand Canyon. Accommodation: Camping on the banks of the Colorado River Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 8 Las Vegas Your Grand Canyon white water rafting trip comes to an end with a thrilling jet boat ride along Lake Mead before transferring back to Las Vegas, where you’ll be dazzled all over again. Perhaps treat yourself to a celebratory drink after what can only be described as an incredible adventure, and slowly ease yourself back into normality. Meals included: Breakfast
United States British, New Zealand, Swiss and most EU passport holders do not need a visa (and enter the country under the Visa Waiver Program), provided they are in possession of an onward air ticket when entering the USA. Visas for the USA are required by some nationalities and it is always best to check with the relevant embassies. All passengers travelling to and from the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) are required to hold a machine-readable passport (MRP). A MRP has the holder's personal details, e.g. name, date of birth, nationality and their passport number contained in two lines of text at the base of the photo page. This text may be read by machine. The US now charges $14 for the visa waiver program and must be paid by credit card. The US authorities have introduced a mandatory requirement for all passengers travelling under the Visa Waiver Programme to register for an Electronic Travel Authority. As of 21 January 2016, any person who has travelled to Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia, or Yemen since March 2011, or have dual nationalities of these countries, may no longer qualify for the VWP. For additional specifics about the VWP please consult the VWP information on the U.S. Embassy London website. More information and all necessary Internet links can be found on our USA visas page.
Basic Camping An essential part of a camping tour is helping out with the day to day camp duties and everyone will assist with the setting up and packing up of the campsite. Your river guides will provide guidance on what to do, and typically it will only take 15 minutes to set up or break down the tents and camp kitchen. Before you know it you’ll be enjoying ‘home sweet home’ in the great outdoors. Sharing the camp duties is a great way to bond with your fellow travellers and the group camaraderie is all part of the experience. Please note that Single Supplements are not available on this holiday as there is not sufficient space to offer tents for single use.
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