For the ultimate bird’s eye view of your destination there’s no more thrilling way to get your bearings than zooming over the landscape in a helicopter. Whether hovering over a kaleidoscope of corals at the Great Barrier Reef or soaring around the Statue of Liberty in New York, here are 10 of the best places in the world to see from above.

Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon View

The world wonder of the Grand Canyon is so immense you’ll have to take to the skies to get a feel for its true magnitude – an incredible 446 km long and up to 29 km wide. Grand Canyon helicopter flights are very popular, with various flight paths taking in Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, the Kaibab National Forest and the Grand Canyon National Park. Best of all, you can fly through the canyon itself, plummeting 1,500 feet beneath the rim for a spectacular journey through the Dragon Corridor, the canyon’s widest and deepest section where the vast expanses of colored rock showcase millions of years of geology.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas Strip

Don’t blow all your cash on the slot machines because there’s an even better way to take in the dazzling lights of Las Vegas – by helicopter. Fly over the famous Strip at night for the most atmospheric views over downtown Vegas, the Stratosphere Tower and the Luxor Pyramid. Keep your eyes peeled for overhead views of New York New York, Bellagio, Paris, the Venetian, Caesars Palace and Treasure Island, as well as getting the chance to peek into the famous resort pools and hotels. Prefer a daytime flight? Combine it with a flight over the nearby Red Rock Canyon where you’ll get views of the Nellis Air Force Base, the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Mt Charleston.

Hawaii

Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii

Swap the urban sprawl for an up-close encounter with the stunning natural scenery of the most tropical state in the US with a helicopter flight over Hawaii. Fly over dense rainforest, crashing waterfalls – including the epic ‘Wall of Tears’ – and volcanic peaks for a breathtaking airborne adventure. Best of all, you can look down on one of the most active volcanoes in the world, Kilauea, which is often oozing lava from its gaping crater.

New York

New York City Skyline

Few city skylines are as iconic as New York’s but the only way to cram all the city sights into one tour is by soaring overhead. Helicopter flights over New York head up the Hudson River, taking in the Financial District, the Yankee Stadium, the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building, the George Washington Bridge and Central Park, as well as offering unbeatable aerial views over Manhattan, New York Harbor and Staten Island. The main highlight though, is the chance to circle the inimitable Statue of Liberty – the city’s most legendary landmark.

San Francisco

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco.

If you can’t make it to New York,  taking a helicopter ride over the San Francisco skyline comes a close second, with its exhilarating mix of towering bridges, rolling hills and urban beaches. Flights swoop over the notorious Alcatraz Island, the magnificent 1.7-mile long Golden Gate Bridge, the picturesque San Francisco Bay and the historic Ferry Building, but for the most atmospheric views, take to the skies at night when the city will be aglow with neon.

Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef

Often deemed the ‘eighth wonder of the world’ Australia’s underwater marvel is one of the country’s biggest attractions. Divers and snorkelers flock to the northern shores to experience the colorful coral gardens underwater, but to really grasp the reef’s size, take a helicopter ride over the Great Barrir Reef. Flights not only offer a bird’s eye view of the reef – an otherworldly mass of corals – but take in the World Heritage Rainforest of the Daintree National Park, the surrounding white sand cays and the nearby city of Cairns.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles

There are few better ways to mark your arrival in Los Angeles than looping around the iconic Hollywood sign in your own personal VIP helicopter. Couple it with a glamorous aerial tour of LA and the Santa Monica Mountains, the Palos Verdes Peninsula and the Hermosa, Redondo and Manhattan beaches, then soar over the celebrity studded haunts of Beverly Hills and Bel Air’s luxury mansions. Your guide can even point out the most iconic LA sights from above – the Hollywood Bowl, Sunset Strip, Downtown LA and Universal Studios.

French Riviera

Villefranche Bay, French Riviera

Join the European jetset for a James Bond-esque retreat to the star-studded beaches of France, where you can enjoy a taste of the highlife with a helicopter tour of the French Riviera  over the famous Mediterranean coastline. Floating overhead, the shimmering ocean, luxury yachts and endless beaches provide the perfect backdrop, but the real highlights are the panoramic views of sights like the Prince’s Palace, the Rock of Monaco, the Monte Carlo Casino and the Monaco Grand Prix race track.

New Zealand

Auckland, New Zealand

The self-proclaimed adventure capital of the world offers plenty of ways to take flight, but if you’d rather not jump out of a plane or turn yourself into a human yo-yo, get a view while safely strapped into a helicopter seat instead. Choose from a jaw-dropping New Zealand helicopter flight over the glistening Franz Josef or Fox Glacier on the South Island’s West coast; a close up view of the iconic Sky Tower and volcanic Rangitoto Island in Auckland; a bird’s eye view of the famous Craters of the Moon and the mighty Huka Falls at Lake Taupo; or hovering over bubbling mud pools in Rotorua.

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro

Taking the pilgrimage to the famous Christ the Redeemer Statue at the summit of Corcovado Mountain is a right of passage for visitors to Rio de Janeiro, but for an even better view of the holy man, take a Rio helicopter flight over the mountaintop instead.  That’s not all; you’ll get a bird’s eye view of the legendary Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, Sugar Loaf Mountain, the Rodrigo de Freitas Lake and the Maracana Stadium. Make sure to toast your safe return with a Caipirinha – Brazil’s national cocktail.

 -By Zoe Smith

10 Best Cities to See From Above by Zoe Smith from Viator Travel Blog

HURRY! Book by March 21st, 2013 to save 40% on the recommended retail price for a Las Vegas Strip Night Flight by Helicopter with Transport. This exclusive offer applies to all scheduled departure times and dates through December 31st, 2013. Please note that this offer is available for new transactions only and cannot be applied to any existing booking.

Save 40% on a Las Vegas Strip Night Flight by Helicopter!

Make your trip to Las Vegas one to remember with an exhilarating 12-minute helicopter ride over the Las Vegas Strip! Enjoy fabulous views of the dazzling lights from a state-of-the-art, six-seater ECO-star helicopter. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included, as well as a Champagne toast prior to your flight. Choose nine departure times, allowing you to easily fit the tour into your busy Las Vegas schedule.

Sound like a great deal? Then be sure to book by March 21st, 2013 to get 40% off the Las Vegas Strip Night Flight by Helicopter with Transport!

Please note this offer is available for new transactions only and cannot be applied to any existing booking.

- Viator Travel Team

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Las Vegas tours & things to do, Las Vegas attractions, and Las Vegas travel recommendations. Or book a private tour guide in Las Vegas for a customized tour!

Save 40% on a Las Vegas Strip Night Flight by Helicopter! by Viator Travel Team from Viator Travel Blog

I’ve explored the Windy City from plenty of angles: often on foot, sometimes by boat, but never before from the air. To say that touring Chicago by helicopter provides a different perspective would be a huge understatement.

Coming in from Midway

Taking off from Midway Airport, located to the southwest of the city, I immediately developed a new appreciation for how vast Chicago actually is. Most visitors will spend the majority of their time in the downtown area, perhaps venturing north to Lincoln Park or Wrigley Field or south to Chinatown or US Cellular Field. Flying high over the city from the far south side all the way north past Wrigley makes you realize how much more there is to explore.

Flying over the lake

We soared higher and higher as we passed over colorful railyards, streets lined with traditional Chicago row houses and US Cellular Field, the home of the Chicago White Sox. Heading northeast toward Lake Michigan, we circled around Soldier Field as the pilot pointed out the Field Museum and the Adler Planetarium, as well as the Shedd Aquarium with a line stretching down the sidewalk.  From there it was a straight shot north along the lakefront, soaring over the Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier and flying even with the observation deck at the John Hancock Building, the second tallest building in the city.

Wrigley Field

As we turned inland and made our way up to Wrigley Field, the long, diagonal stretches of Elston, Milwaukee, and Lincoln Avenues – some of Chicago’s main drags – seemed to sprawl forever, again accentuating how vast the city is. After pausing above Wrigley to snap shots of the famous marquee, we started the journey south again. One last spin around downtown took us past the Willis Tower (best known to most as the Sears Tower), even with the Ledge’s glass boxes and close enough to see the bright orange shirt of a visitor standing inside.

Willis (Sears) Tower

Chicago skyline

Finally, we glided west to the United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls, before returning south to Midway, navigating around an approaching Southwest airplane in the process. Thirty minutes after we first took off in the tiniest helicopter I have ever seen, we were back on solid ground and I was wishing it could have lasted longer. I got to see all of the highlights, but if I had been riding on my own or with friends, I probably would’ve asked the pilot to linger a bit longer over some major landmarks. While he seemed willing to customize the tour, two strangers were sharing the ride with me and I didn’t want to get too demanding. Overall, for those looking to splurge a bit, this tour is definitely worth it.

Photos courtesy of Katie Aune.

Book a Chicago helicopter tour

 - Katie Aune

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Chicago tours and things to do, Chicago attractions, and Chicago travel recommendations. Or book a private tour guide in Chicago for a customized tour!

Touring the Windy City from Above on a Chicago Helicopter Tour by Katie Aune from Viator Travel Blog

My Small-Group Franz Josef Glacier Walk tour didn’t start on a glacier. Nor did it start on a helicopter. No, this tour started in the town center of Franz Josef, New Zealand, in the office of the tour guide, where excitement for what was coming escalated as I outfitted myself in glacier clothes.

So what exactly are ‘glacier clothes’? Waterproof pants and a jacket, plus extra thick socks, mittens and hat. The group I was part of to go up the mountain consisted of 10 travelers and we were all giggling excitedly as we pulled on our fashion accessories for the day. Once we were all decked out in our glacier-friendly outfit, things got even more fun.

We all got big boots to wear over our thick, wooly socks, plus the most important accessory – crampons. Crampons are strapped to the bottom of boots and have spikes on them to keep hikers from sliding down the glacier. Crampons can’t be put on until you’re actually on the glacier, so I stuck them into the waterproof bags that were handed out for us to bring. We were instructed to leave our personal bags and backpacks behind, and soon we were off to the next part of the tour: the helicopter ride.

Helicopter ride to the glacier

A helicopter quickly takes you to and from the glacier

I’d never been on a helicopter before so I was pretty psyched that this was a component of the tour. It takes many hours to hike via foot to the glacier, but a helicopter ride takes five minutes and lands straight on the ice at the base of the Franz Josef Glacier.

Riding in the helicopter reminded me of one of those motion rides where you sit and watch a mini-movie while the platform your seat is on moves around. That’s what it felt like to be on the helicopter – except less jerky. The helicopter ride was smooth and graceful and all of us riding were snapping pictures as the ground beneath us changed from browns and greens to whites and blues.

After landing, we all fussed around with getting our crampons secure on our boots while our guide walked around and checked that everybody’s footwear was all put together correctly.

Then we were off.

The hike begins

Crampons on and ready to go!

Hiking a glacier involves quite a bit of stomping – for all of us new to crampons as we learned how to walk with them and make sure they stuck in the ice – and hacking; our guide had a huge ice pick that he slung down to make steps for us through the ice so we could walk up them easier. Our guide put a big emphasis on safety and so on the really steep areas at the beginning while we were still getting used to walking on the ice, our guide would install ropes or check ropes already there from previous groups to make sure they were secure in the ice so we could cling onto them as we made our way up the incline.

The guide set up ropes to help make the climb easier

In addition to keeping those of us on the tour safe, the guide was extremely informative. He was open to any questions we had about the glaciers and also was quick to share his knowledge whenever we would be stopped for a break between inclines. As we traversed Franz Josef Glacier and crawled in holes that glowed in hues of blue and bright white, we were regaled with stories about the monstrous pile of ice.

We learned the shades of sky blue we saw streaked through the ice was because the thick and compacted ice often found on glaciers absorbs every color except blue, resulting in the phenomenon often called, appropriately enough, “blue ice”. Our guide also informed us how the holes, arches and crevasses in the glacier appear due to a combination of movement, melting and wind. In addition, he pointed out that one thing that makes the glaciers of New Zealand special is that they are bordered by rainforests. Therefore, while hiking up this ancient glacier, I marveled in being able to look around and see green shrubbery and trees to our left and right with waterfalls making their way down through the foliage of the mountain.

The glacier is surrounded by green rainforests

Despite the interesting things to learn and see on the trek up and down the glacier, the most fun part was feeling like an adventurer navigating the ice. Franz Josef Glacier is constantly changing and evolving which is why it’s important to go with a guide who knows how to look for sturdy parts of the ice to walk over. The best part was a small tunnel that we all had to shimmy through sideways. The top of the tunnel was dripping water and the bottom was slippery, but I made it through and it was elating.

Squeezing through a tunnel in the glacier

Travel tips

Here are some additional tips if you go on this tour:

• Bring water to stay hydrated. Also, fill up your water bottle on the mountain from the streams running down the glacier to have truly pure glacier spring water.
• Wear sunscreen. The rays of the sun bounce off the ice and will give you sunburn faster than you may expect.
• Wear sunglasses. The glare from the white ice is very bright and you’ll spend the whole time squinting without sunglasses to protect your eyes.
• Wear appropriate clothing. Fast-drying fabrics are best to wear even with the waterproof jacket and pants you get; jeans are strongly discouraged. You’ll also want to dress warmly, but don’t overdo it. A sweater to wear underneath your jacket should suffice as the top of the glacier can get quite warm, but the temperature drops when you’re at the bottom for the helicopter pick up and drop off.

Book a Small-Group Franz Josef Glacier Walk

 - Gina Douglas Tarnacki

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Franz Josef & Fox Glacier tours and Franz Josef & Fox Glacier recommendations.

Small-Group Franz Josef Glacier Walk by Gina Douglas Tarnacki from Viator Travel Blog

Flying past the Strip on the Las Vegas Night Strip Helicopter Tour

As the sun sets on Las Vegas, the slumbering city comes to life. Glittery lights blink awake, the volume of competing music from different venues increases and the sounds of laughter and slot machines fill the air. When darkness falls, Vegas rises.

That’s what makes the Las Vegas Night Strip Helicopter Tour such a great way to see the city. Or, as my girlfriends and I used it, the perfect way to get hyped up for a night out on the town. We knew we were in for a great time when we were greeted at check-in with champagne – that’s our kind of tour!

Champagne toast at check-in!

We quickly made friends with our helicopter-mates, two couples, all of us celebrating different occasions. That’s one thing I love about Las Vegas – everyone is there to toast to something! The seven of us set off in a shuttle — bubbly in hand — that dropped us off on the runway, the bright red helicopter already fired up nearby. I was lucky enough to ride shotgun with the pilot, but we all were able to communicate easily thanks to our headsets.

The red helicopter awaits

I had the sensation of being in a hovercraft as we lifted smoothly up into the darkness. I felt a moment of fear as we rose high above the glittering lights of the casinos and hotels, over the Bellagio, beyond The Aria, past The Venetian, over The Wynn. The jolt of adrenaline passed quickly though as I enjoyed the sensation of watching a 2D map come to life in front of me.

Our pilot provided commentary and history about Las Vegas while I daydreamed about lounging in the various pools we floated above. As we turned and soared past the observation deck of the Stratosphere, it was if we were in a video game. Then we passed the space beam of the Luxor Pyramid and I suspected we were on another planet entirely. While I was sad for the helicopter to land, I was excited to get out and play on ground level in all the places we had seen from the sky.

Flying past the Stratosphere

The flight lasts from 12-15 minutes and takes in 22 miles, covering the hotels and casinos of the Strip as well as Fremont Street and downtown Las Vegas. After the flight, transportation is provided to the Excalibur Casino. I can attest to the fact that the views from the front seat are excellent, while my assistants in the back recommend getting left-side seats (when facing the front of the helicopter) if possible. Keep in mind that there is a $15 fee payable to the tour operator when you check in for your ride.

Sitting in the front of the helicopter

As we set off for a night of dinner, drinks and dancing, we were more excited than ever to explore the Strip – after all, we had just had aerial views of every part of it! Knock-out views and a kick of adrenaline — this tour is the perfect way to kick off a weekend of Vegas-style adventure.

Photos courtesy of Alex Baackes.

Book a Las Vegas Night Strip Helicopter Tour and read more about the the tour.

- Alex Baackes

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Las Vegas tours & things to do, Las Vegas attractions, and Las Vegas travel recommendations. Or book a private tour guide in Las Vegas for a customized tour!

Las Vegas Night Strip Helicopter Tour by Alex Baackes from Viator Travel Blog

HURRY! Get 50% off the Las Vegas Night Strip Helicopter Tour! This deal is only available for 3 days – so hurry! You must book by March 15, 2012 to SAVE 50%! This exclusive offer applies to all scheduled departure times and dates through June 30, 2012.*

Save 50% on the Las Vegas Night Strip Helicopter Tour!

The best view of the glittering lights of Las Vegas can be found on a nighttime helicopter tour! From the Stratosphere to Mandalay Bay and everything in between, the lights of the famous Las Vegas Strip will look magical from your bird’s-eye view in the sky. The tour includes a champagne toast before boarding the six-seat helicopter. See Vegas icons like the Bellagio Fountains, Caesar’s Palace and the Luxor pyramid from a dazzling new perspective. Flight time is approximately 12 minutes.

Remember – you must book by March 15, 2012, to save 50%.

*Please note that this sale price does not include the US$15 fee payable on the day of the tour. This offer is available for new transactions only and cannot be applied to any existing booking.

- Viator Travel  Team

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Las Vegas tours and things to do, Las Vegas attractions, and Las Vegas travel recommendations.

Save 50% on a Las Vegas Helicopter Tour! by Viator Travel Team from Viator Travel Blog

There are many places and ways to explore the great American outdoors. At the top of any itinerary you will find the Grand Canyon, and while most people would drive in to check out Lake Meadow and the Hoover Dam, why not avoid the crowds and take the first class route, high about in a helicopter on the Grand Canyon All American Helicopter Tour?

Take off from Las Vegas Airport and enjoy an hour and a half in the sky, flying over all of the great Canyon’s hot-spots in the West Rim aboard a helicopter that can seat up to six people. This scenic view from high above is accompanied with audio commentary of the sights and comes complete with hotel pick-up by limousine.

For an extra touch of class, 45 minutes into your flight, the helicopter touches down 3,200 feet (960 meters) below the rim so that you can enjoy a 30-minute picnic including lunch and champagne.

For any questions about the trip or the lovely sights below, your friendly pilot is available to rest any inquiries.

This helicopter package sets off four times throughout the day, twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon. Though booking times remain year-round, flights tend to sell out weeks ahead of time, so be sure to book yours with enough time to spare.

Total time of the journey from pick-up until your limousine drop-off back to the hotel is 3 hours 30 minutes, leaving with an entire morning or afternoon to explore wonderful Nevada. Be sure to book today!

 - Viator Travel Team

 Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Las Vegas tours and things to do, Las Vegas attractions, and Las Vegas travel recommendations, or book a private tour guide in Las Vegas for a customized tour!

[VIDEO] Grand Canyon All American Helicopter Tour by Viator Travel Team from Viator Travel Blog

David Whitley has his preconceptions shattered when he takes an early morning helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon.

Perception vs Experience

It’s funny how you can have a really skewed idea of what things look like before you actually see them. For example, I expected the Sydney Opera House to be much bigger than it is, the Leaning Tower of Pisa to be out on its own rather than part of a complex and Prague Castle to be a bit like the ones you see in fairy story cartoons.

Grand Canyon

In a similar way, I got the Grand Canyon all wrong. In my head, it was a bit like the slot where you put the bread in a giant toaster. I was expecting a big canyon, but one where it’s pretty much two steep walls presenting sheer cliff faces to the Colorado River at the bottom.

It’s not like that at all. For a start, at 277 miles long, it is approximately 273 miles longer than I thought it was. Secondly, it’s not a neat toaster slot chasm, but a winding splatter of mini canyons branching off the main one like a splayed millipede.

The Grand Canyon lives up to the hype!

It is far more spectacular than a big gap to peer into. It’s not just the Colorado River that has carved this geological masterpiece out over the years, but long-dried tributaries and streams. This leads to crags jutting out like clifftop headlands, and the whole thing resembling a complex jigsaw puzzle.

Guano Point

Picking the best lookout at the Grand Canyon is near impossible, but Guano Point is pretty darned special. Named for its previous incarnation as a hub of bat poop mining, it is pretty much at the western end of the Grand Canyon. A rocky red promontory juts out, offering postcard views in every direction. The range of colours is a major surprise–many rubbly slopes are coated in a pale green, whilst others look utterly barren and fiercely stark.

Arrive early to enjoy the Canyon all to yourself

Another of the canyon’s glories is the way that the marks of time are obvious. The canyon has clearly been cut out in stages, with the changing water levels marked clearly in the lines of the rock. The mountains–and they are essentially mountains–left standing by the river all have a series of watermark lines that are reminiscent of the carefully staggered terraces of Asian paddy fields.

Timing it right

Guano Point is our last stop on the Ultimate Grand Canyon 4-in-1 Helicopter tour before we get back on the chopper back to Las Vegas. We’ve unquestionably made the right decision to go with the early morning option. By the time the rotor blades are whirring at 11.45am, the small airport and tour base at Grand Canyon West is under siege with people. Those groups will be filtering out to the highlights we’ve just come back from, jostling for space where we were able to roam free and admire the views undisturbed. Basically, if your helicopter gets you there before the tour buses arrive, you’re going to have a far more memorable experience.

Flight into the Canyon

The day started with limousine pick-up at our hotel and a transfer to the heli hub in the dark edges of Las Vegas McCarran airport. The helicopters are six-seaters and we got lucky–there were only five aboard our chopper, and turns in the front two seats were rotated.

Fly through the Canyon on a helicopter tour!

The flight out took us over spectacular desert scenery and a few surprises. You don’t hear the term “the Las Vegas Valley” very often–but Las Vegas is in a valley–the city is almost perfectly flat whilst high mountains surround it. To the west, some even appear to have snow caps on.

We flew out over Lake Mead, the giant man-made lake caused by the damming of the Colorado River. That dam, of course, is the Hoover Dam–one of history’s great engineering achievements, and moments later we were flying over it with perfect overhead views.

The merits of a helicopter over a scenic flight on a normal plane became abundantly clear as we approached the Grand Canyon. The chopper can skirt so close to the canyon walls, providing something of a thrill ride as well as postcard shots.

Boat trip and Skywalk

Descending into the canyon, we were headed for a small landing pad in an area that appeared to be blissfully remote. Hiking down here would have taken serious effort. The only sign of life is a boat jetty, and that neatly segued into the second part of the experience–a 20 minute boat ride along the Colorado River which gave the opportunity to see the canyon from a different perspective.

The third stop–after a helicopter and bus transfer–was Eagle Point. This is home to the relatively new Grand Canyon Skywalk, where you can walk out on thick glass right over a vertigo-inducing drop. It’s not as much of a test of nerve as I initially thought it would be. Looking down once on the glass raises a dizzying gulp, but it’s something you get used to quickly.

Travel down the Colorado River on the Ultimate Grand Canyon 4-in-1 Helicopter Tour

In truth, the Skywalk is something of a disappointment. Again, we were lucky to get there early–it apparently gets very overcrowded–but it feels done on the cheap and the photography pricing is little more than an exploitative scam.

But the real reason that the Skywalk is let down is that it is so tame. One of the major joys of the Grand Canyon–including the section at Eagle Point right next to the Skywalk–is that it’s a health and safety officer’s nightmare. There are no guard rails or barriers preventing you from walking right up to the edge or, indeed, tumbling over it. It’s fearsome, wild and utterly memorable for that.

Don't miss the Grand Canyon on your trip to Vegas!

Las Vegas Accommodation

I stayed at the Vdara and Mandalay Bay hotels in Las Vegas. The former is a great option for couples– it’s a modern-but-reasonably reserved joint that has no gambling and no smoking. It’s arguably the most romantic place to stay in Vegas (although that’s very much a relative term in a city that just doesn’t do boutique and homely). The Mandalay Bay has more of a party spirit.

- David Whitley

 Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Las Vegas tours and things to do, Las Vegas attractions, and Las Vegas travel recommendations, or book a private tour guide in Las Vegas for a customized tour!

[PHOTOS] Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour by David Whitley from Viator Travel Blog

Often described as a “once in a lifetime experience”, helicopter tours offer you a unique opportunity to see the world’s most famous icons and cities from above. Only in a helicopter can you hover, land and gain access to areas that would otherwise be off limits to tourists. It’s a great way to start or finish a holiday, and for many travelers, a helicopter tour is the absolute highlight of their trip. This year, New York City and Las Vegas helicopter tours were our travelers top picks! With such iconic attractions and amazing skylines, it’s no wonder helicopter tours in these areas are consistently popular.

From natural wonders to amazing skylines, here’s our complete list of our top 10 most popular helicopter tours:

#10. Niagara Falls

Get the best views of the Falls on the Niagara Falls Grand Helicopter Tour

You don’t need to go over the Falls in a barrel to get your kicks. Enjoy just as big a thrill (and the best views!) from the safety of your seat on the Niagara Falls Grand Helicopter Tour. On this 20-minute scenic helicopter tour you’ll get panoramic views of Niagara Falls, as well as see Niagara’s historic landmarks and fly over the region’s renowned wine country.

#9. Uluru and Kata Tjuta from Ayers Rock

See Ayers Rock, one of Australia’s most spectacular icons, from the air on an Uluru and Kata Tjuta Tour by Helicopter from Ayers Rock. Don’t settle for just seeing these these significant landmarks from a distance! Get a real sense of their enormity and uniqueness from above on this helicopter tour of Australia‘s remote and beautiful Red Centre.

#8. Great Barrier Reef

Choose to fly and cruise the world’s largest reef system on a Great Barrier Reef Scenic Helicopter Tour and Cruise from Cairns. Spot turtles and other marine life from above and then explore beneath the water on a snorkeling or coral-viewing adventure.

#7. Franz Josef & Fox Glacier

Visit remote parts of the Franz Josef Glacier on the Heli Hiking Franz Josef

Find out why Heli Hiking Franz Josef is described by those who’ve done it as “a trip of a lifetime”. Only in a helicopter can you access the most remote and pristine areas of the Franz Josef Glacier.  This tour combines a scenic helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier with a two-hour guided walk through the ice caves, pinnacles and seracs of New Zealand‘s South Island.

#6. Sydney Harbour

Take the Sydney Harbour Tour by Helicopter and see one of the world’s most beautiful harbor cities from the air. Gain a unique perspective on Sydney’s famous icons like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House as you peer down at the yachts and ferries in the sparkling water below.

#5. San Francisco City Tour

See all the famous San Francisco landmarks from above!

Get a bird’s eye view of one of the world’s most famous cities. The San Francisco Vista Grande Helicopter Tour will whisk you over and under(!) the Golden Gate Bridge, hover above Alcatraz and even fly you as far as Sausalito! Expect to see all of San Francisco’s well-known landmarks including Fisherman’s Wharf, Coit Tower, the financial district and the spectacular Pacific coastline.

#4. Grand Canyon Tour from Arizona/Grand Canyon National Park

With so many Grand Canyon tours on offer how do you choose between them? Well, our travelers have voted and the 45-minute Helicopter Flight Over the Grand Canyon from Tusayan, Arizona comes in at number four. Fly over the Kaibab National Forest and see the Painted Desert, the Marble Canyon and Point Imperial as you fly through the Canyon and climb above the North Rim to the Dragon Corridor, the Canyon’s widest and deepest section. For a shorter version of this tour, check out the 25-minute Grand Canyon Dancer Helicopter Tour from Tusayan, Arizona.

#3. Las Vegas Strip

Prepare to be dazzled as you hover over the lights of Sin City on this great value Las Vegas Night Strip Helicopter Tour. Champagne in hand, you’ll fly past New York New York, Bellagio, Paris, the Venetian, Caesars Palace, Treasure Island, the Stratosphere Tower, Fremont Street and downtown. On your return, you’ll be lit up by the Luxor Pyramid’s space beam. For a bit longer version of this tour, check out the Vegas Strip and Hoover Dam Twilight Helicopter Tour and, in addition to the Las Vegas strip, experience scenic views of Lake Mead and Hoover Dam at sunset!

#2. New York City Tour

Don’t get lost in the maze of the world’s most famous city. See Manhattan’s skyline and its famous landmarks from the air on the Big Apple Helicopter Tour of New York. Enjoy unsurpassed close ups of the Statue of Liberty, the iconic Empire State Building, the Art Deco brilliance of the Chrysler Building, and the sprawling green expanse of Central Park. Looking for something slightly different? As our second most popular helicopter-tour destination, it’s hard to go wrong with any helicopter tour you choose. Check out all of our New York City Helicopter Tours and find the perfect fit for you!

#1. Grand Canyon West Rim from Las Vegas

"Sweet view!"

And the winner is…. the Grand Canyon All American Helicopter Tour! For obvious reasons, helicopter tours offer the best and often the only way to appreciate the might and grandeur of the incredible Grand Canyon, and the Grand Canyon All American Helicopter Tour is by far our most popular helicopter trip! This fantastic half-day tour has over 90 minutes of flying time as you take in Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon AND Las Vegas from above. Come back down to earth with a champagne picnic deep in the canyon!

The following Grand Canyon tours are popular runners up. There’s heaps of variation so you can choose a tour that best suits your needs.

Runner ups:
Grand Canyon West Rim Deluxe Sunset Helicopter Tour
Grand Canyon West Rim VIP Helicopter Tour from Las Vegas
Skip the Line: Grand Canyon Skywalk Express Helicopter Tour

- Viator Travel Team

Top 10 Helicopter Tours by Viator Travel Team from Viator Travel Blog

It’s no doubt that Orlando is the quintessential kid-oriented entertainment paradise. Mickey and Goofy sightings, splashy water rides, and acrobatic dolphins are fun, for sure, but after awhile, one does need some quality grown-up time. Thankfully, Orlando has much to offer for those who want a break from the kids, are traveling without kids, or just want to lower the kid quotient. Let our top 8 list of things to see and do for grown-ups show you the way.

1. Get acclimated from the air!

See Orlando from above on a Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride

With more than 100 attractions to choose from, plus the omnipresence of Walt Disney World, choosing what to do in Orlando can seem overwhelming. So put it all into perspective and see this magical city from the air. Toast the sunrise with a glass of champagne as you float above forests, lakes, and all the theme parks on the Orlando Sunrise Hot-Air Balloon Ride. For a close-up view of the parks themselves, take to the air on a helicopter tour, where you can customize your flight over SeaWorld, Disney, and other parks.

Read more: The Most Inspiring Hot Air Balloon Views

2. Zip around a speedway track

Leave your friends in the dust at the Walt Disney World Speedway

Even if you’re not a Daytona 500 fan, you will still get a thrill doing 8 laps around the Walt Disney World Speedway in the driver’s seat of a V-8 stock car, with 600hp at the ready. For a more intense experience, speed aficionados can try the Richard Petty Drive Along, which gives drivers 30 laps of heart-pounding speed in 10-lap intervals. You can ride shotgun, if you like, or take the wheel yourself.

3. Have a night on the town

Arabian Nights Dinner Show - photo credit: Ben Yanis via Flickr

Like its spectacular theme parks for kids, Orlando’s after-dark options provide nonstop grown-up fun. See a fairy tale come to life at an Arabian Nights Dinner Show, take in the wild theatrics at a Blue Man Group Show at Universal Orlando, or splurge for a dinner at one of the many upscale restaurants (the more you spend, the fewer kids you’ll see). If you want to dance, head to Red Coconut Club or The Groove, two of the top clubs on Universal Citywalk, or catch a concert at the House of Blues or Hard Rock Live. Many of the big hotels also have nightlife scenes, so be sure to check out what’s in your hotel.

Read more about the Blue Man Group

4. Shop ’til you drop

Find some more sophisticated shopping along Park Avenue - photo credit: Robert Neff via Flickr

From designer labels to souvenirs, shoppers will find much to browse. Downtown Disney, CityWalk, and International Drive have much of the family-friendly shopping, but for a more sophisticated experience, browse the couture boutiques along the cobblestone Park Avenue in Winter Park. Bargain hunters and antique lovers will find many treasures along Antique Row and Ivanhoe Row on Orange Avenue in downtown Orlando. Galleries and gift shops line Market Street in Celebration, while outlet and mall shoppers will find plenty along International Drive. For a broader scope, try an Orlando Shopping Tour, which will give you a mix of mall and designer shops.

5. Tee off under the sun

Spend a day at the links! Photo credit: Kissimmee Convention & Visitors Bureau via Flickr

Golfers can choose some 150 sunny greens in Orlando to improve their handicaps. In Walt Disney World alone, there are five 18-hole, par-72 courses. Outside of Disney, try Champion’s Gate Golf Club, Grand Cypress Golf Club, or the 45 holes designed by Jack Nicklaus at the Villas of Grand Cypress.

6. Take a thrill ride at Universal Orlando

There's no shortage of fun for adults at Universal Orlando! Photo credit: Nick Hubbard via Flickr

Relive your love of rides in a grown-up way. Try the intoxicating and exciting blend of breathtaking rides, attractions, and cutting-edge special effects and technology at Universal Studios Orlando. Thrill-seekers can test their mettle on the high-speed Incredible Hulk Roller Coaster, overload their senses on the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, or zip through the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Read more in our Guide to Universal Orlando Resort

7. Globe-trot at Epcot

Travel around the world without leaving Orlando at Epcot Center

Taste your way through the cuisine of 11 different countries—including Norway, Morocco, Canada, Japan, China, and Germany—in the World Showcase at Epcot. Try succulent pescado a la talla (grilled red snapper) in Mexico, Mediterranean tuna tartar in France, the “Night in Casablanca” sampler (roast lamb meshoui, chicken kebab, seafood bastilla, vegetable couscous) in Morocco, or watch chefs perform at a teppanyaki steak house. Bring your appetite!

Read more: Epcot for Adults

8. Have a rejuvenating spa day

Make sure to spend a day at the spa or by the pool - photo credit: Michael Gray via Flickr

Escape the glitz, the fireworks, and the noise to the serenity of a day spa. Orlando resorts offer a variety of experiences, from orange and lime therapies to treatments from Japan, Sweden, and Thailand. If you want to splurge, immerse yourself in the luxurious Guerlain treatment at the Waldorf-Asotria, or a hydrating body wrap at Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes. A stay at the Villas of Grand Cypress is a retreat in itself, as you can not only sequester yourself in a spa but you can wander amid peaceful, lush grounds while passing by lakes, bougainvillea, and hibiscus.

Or relax and swim at the Wekiwa Springs State Park

- William Travis

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Orlando tours and things to do, Orlando attractions, and Orlando travel recommendations. Or book a private tour guide in Orlando for a customized tour!

Top 8 Things to See and Do in Orlando for Grown-Ups by William Travis from Viator Travel Blog

November 11, 2011 is a unique occurrence on the calendar, but what’s just as unique are the experiences travelers are planning to have on that day. Our team at Viator has compiled a list of the 11 most popular activities as booked by actual travelers for Friday, November 11th. With everything from a 5-day Moroccan adventure to a tour of the Vatican and Sistine Chapel and even a helicopter wedding at the Grand Canyon, Viator travelers are making the most of the special day, anywhere they are traveling in the world.

1. Grand Canyon West Rim Helicopter Wedding – The first of two sets of Viator travelers will have an unforgettable wedding (and anniversary date) that takes place on a bluff in the Grand Canyon accessible only by helicopter, overlooking the Colorado River.

2. Grand Canyon All American Helicopter Tour– A fan-favorite all year long with 5-stars and more than 2,000 traveler reviews.

3. Eiffel Tower, Paris Limousine Rouge Show and Seine River Cruise – Likely to sell out on an ordinary night, Viator travelers booked this Parisian gem, which combines a number of iconic experiences, in advance.

4. Moulin Rouge Paris Dinner and Show – Also likely to sell out, this experience focuses on the extravagant and historic show and gourmet meal.

See all the famous Parisian sights on a Seine River Cruise

5. Skip the Line: Grand Canyon Skywalk Express Helicopter Tour – The quickest way to visit the Grand Canyon Skywalk from Vegas starts with a scenic helicopter flight over Lake Mead, Hoover Dam and the Las Vegas Strip.

6. Skip the Line: Vatican Museums Walking Tour – including Sistine Chapel, Raphael’s Rooms and St Peter’s – Smart travelers on 11/11 are avoiding the very long lines that often queue to view Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, saving sometimes hours for additional exploration.

7. Niagara Falls Day Trip from New York by Air – Travelers will be treated to an exploration of the falls on both the U.S. and Canadian sides including a ride on the historic “Maid of the Mist”.

8. Valley of Fire Wedding by Private Limousine – The desert’s red rock formations form the backdrop for another couple choosing to let Viator plan their 11/11/11 nuptials.

Get married at the Valley of Fire!

9. 5-Day Morocco Tour: Casablanca, Marrakech, Meknes, Fez and Rabat – Some travelers are setting off on the 11th for a multi-day escape across Morocco’s top cities with the choice of three- or four-star hotel accommodations.

10. Private Tour: Manhattan Helicopter Tour – Like the wedding couples, this romantic excursion could very well be the backdrop for a romantic proposal soaring over the Big Apple.

See NYC from above on a private Manhattan helicopter tour

11. Granada – The Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens – Travelers on 11/11 will be experiencing two of the best-known UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the gardens of the Generalife and the exquisite Moorish architecture of the Alhambra Palace.

 - Viator Travel Team

Top 11 Most Popular Things to Do Around the World on 11/11/11 by Viator Travel Team from Viator Travel Blog

Editor’s Note: This contest is currently closed. Congratulations to Mellissa Williams for the winning comment!

To kick off Viator’s 2011 Ultimate Holiday Giveaway, we’re giving away tickets to one of our most popular Las Vegas tours!

To enter to win two free tickets to a Las Vegas Night Strip Helicopter Tour:

1. Go to YouTube
2.  Comment on this video telling us, “Why you want to go on this tour” (Note: you must have a YouTube account to comment on a video. If you don’t have one, you can create a YouTube account here for free.)

The Las Vegas Night Strip Helicopter Tour contest will close on October 17, 2011 and a new Holiday Giveaway Video will be posted on October 18, 2011.

Week #1: Win a Las Vegas Night Helicopter Tour

- The Viator Travel Team

Terms & Conditions: This contest is part of Viator’s Ultimate Holiday Giveaway and is subject to the same terms and conditions. Our staff will pick the entry that we think best answers the question above. We are giving away 2 free tickets for the Las Vegas Night Strip Helicopter Tour for use before October 2013. Airfare, taxes and any other expenses not specifically listed above are not included. Prizes are non-transferable and cannot be sold or redeemed for any cash value.

Week 1: Win Tickets to a Las Vegas Night Helicopter Tour by Viator Travel Team from Viator Travel Blog

Talk about juxtaposition – the journey by plane from the staggering artificiality of the Las Vegas Strip to the jaw-dropping spectacle of the Grand Canyon is one transition that underlines the vivid allure that each has to offer in its own unique way.
Air tours of the Canyon’s West Rim make it possible to take in the astonishing vistas like a true VIP. The flight alone is worth the ticket price, allowing passengers to gape at country that has been sacred to the Hualapai Indian tribe for time out of mind.

Grand Canyon West Rim Airplane Tour: Video

As you can see from this brief video sampling of the tour, upon arrival, those untroubled by a fear of heights (as it happens, very little of this itinerary is likely to be appealing to those thusly afflicted) can venture out onto the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a glass-bottomed, horseshoe shaped cantilever bridge that extends out more than 4,000 feet above the canyon floor. Before returning, you’ll visit a Native American village and examine traditional dwellings, goods, and ceremonial practices before proceeding to Guano Point overlooking the canyon for a delicious Haulipai BBQ lunch.

The highlight of the trip comes in the form of the flight aboard a premier ECO-Star helicopter that whisks the willing below the canyon rim and down to an exclusive landing site on a remote bluff, just 300 feet above the Colorado River (note: those prone to motion sickness should consider thinking twice about this last option, though it’s perfectly safe).

Morning and afternoon departure flights are available, with a variety of pricing options depending on your interest in the available activities. The tour takes approximately six hours from start to finish and is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that’s worth every minute!

- Viator Travel Team

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Grand Canyon tours and activities, Grand Canyon attractions and Grand Canyon travel recommendations.

[VIDEO] Deluxe Grand Canyon West Rim Airplane Tour from Las Vegas by Viator Travel Team from Viator Travel Blog

Summer in Niagara! It’s the thunder of the falls, one of the most spectacular sites in the world. No matter how many times you watch 100,000 cubic feet of water per second rush over the edge of the falls, it’s an awe-inspiring sight – with a power that continues to astound. And summer is the best time to experience this geographical wonder.

The sheer enormity and power of Niagara Falls never ceases to amaze!

Away from the falls, Niagara comes to life in summer with festivals and fantastic seasonal activities. Tour Niagara’s wine country, boutique shop in Niagara-on-The-Lake, wander the parks and gardens, or see the amazing topography of the region from a helicopter. There is lots to do, for sure. Here’s our Top 6 to get you started.

Take a Ride on the Maid of the Mist

One of the most talked about must-do events when visiting Niagara Falls, a ride on the Maid of the Mist steamboat lives up to its hype and expectations. From the rails of the Maid, you can see and feel the falls up close. You’ll be given a large blue rain poncho, which will keep you dry from the relentless spray of the falls. Once you’re out on the water, grab a position on the starboard side for the best views of the Horseshoe Falls on the way there and for the American Falls on the way back. Try to get their early to avoid the long lines; the first boat leaves at 9am.

Great vantage point at Niagara Falls from Maid of the Mist - requisite blue poncho and all!

Taste Your Way through Niagara’s Wine Country

Once you’ve had your fill of the falls, take a tasting tour of Niagara’s wine country. More than 80 different wineries are spread throughout the region, and you can taste Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Reisling. The specialty of the region, though, is Icewine. Take the Niagara Peninsula wine route tour, and try to visit at least five or six wineries. Some wineries may charge a small fee for a sample, but may wave the fee if you buy a bottle; other wineries are free.

Icewine vineyard in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada – grapes on the vine, ready to be picked!

Several of the small wineries have terraces, where you can enjoy a casual lunch accompanied by a chilled glass of Reisling. Come September for the Niagara Wine Festival, which hosts tours and tastings, Niagara cuisine, wine seminars, a large street parade, and live entertainment.

Experience Illuminaqua

From June to September, head to the Welland Recreational Waterway for IlluminAqua, an exciting blend of fire, music and water. All summer long, award-winning artists perform concerts from a floating stage on the old canal illuminated by pods of fire; audiences cluster canal-side on a stone-stepped amphitheatre to view the spectacle. When not enjoying the sounds, street performers and vendors entertain the crowds.

Trips & Tours

Travelers coming from the East Coast can get the full Niagara Falls experience from one of the many tours that take you from your hotel to Niagara and back. From New York, you can take a 2-day bus tour or a day trip by air for a stunning scenic trip, including a close-up view of the falls and the hills and lakes en route. You can even take a 4-day tour, which includes a visit to Washington D.C. For something more romantic, take a private helicopter flight for two. You can sip champagne while gazing down at Niagara Falls, flying over historical landmarks and Niagara’s wine country along the way.

Flying over Niagara Falls on our private helicopter flight: what an experience!

Shopping & Strolling Niagara-on-the-Lake

Only 30 minutes from Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake is often called one of the prettiest towns in Canada. And with tree-lined streets, fronted by meticulously preserved 19th-century homes, the town provides a perfect way to spend a leisurely summer day. Queen Street is the main corridor, on which you’ll find a preponderance of affluent boutiques – including fine scented soaps, chocolates, Irish linen and wine – art galleries, niche museums and quiet cafes. The scent of summer flowers fills the air on the side streets and gentlemen sit quietly on park benches. Treat yourself to a romantic carriage ride for a view of it all.

An old hotel and horse-drawn carriage in charming Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada

Garden Excursions

Parks and gardens are in full bloom during summer in Niagara. Enjoy a peaceful, reflective moment among the beautiful plants in Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens; the arboretum filled with shrubs and trees is one of the finest in Canada. History buffs, families, and outdoor enthusiasts come together in Queenston Heights Park, a magnificent green retreat with grassy areas, shade trees, picnic pavilions, and meandering footpaths.

Wandering the Bruce Trail along moss-covered glacial rocks, Niagara Escarpment, Canada

Garden lovers should head to nearby St. Catharines, Ontario’s Garden City. Here you can explore a number of different parks including Ontario Jaycee Gardens, Montebello Park, and Happy Rolph’s Bird Sanctuary. Hikers can head to the Bruce Trail on the Niagara Escarpment, where stunning views unfold with lush greenery, waterfalls, orchards and wineries.

- William Travis

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Niagara tours and activities, Niagara attractions and Niagara traveler recommendations.

Top 6 Summer Activities & Events in Niagara by William Travis from Viator Travel Blog

Is there any better place in the world to take a helicopter flight than New York City? If there is I want to go there, now!

But some recent changes in flight regulations for helicopter operations in the New York City airspace made me wonder how much the tours had been affected. To find out, I booked our New York Manhattan Scenic Helicopter Tour, an 18-minute ride that leaves from the downtown helicopter port.

Lower Manhattan & Battery Park, taken on the tour

Well, the tour is different nowadays, that’s for sure. But I think it’s a vast improvement overall, one of those situations where the cloud definitely had a silver lining. Let me explain…

The change in flight regulations concerned the ability of tour operators to fly directly over the city, including key spots like Times Square and Central Park. The FAA, in their wisdom, decided there was no real need for a joyride to fly directly over the city at all, because the views from the Hudson (on the west side) and the East River were just as good. Having done the tours before and after the regulations, I have to say I agree.

I suspect the tour operators were a little worried that the new rules would cause a drop in numbers, so they responded by introducing new aircraft (in this case the fabulous Bell 407, with its glass bubble construction for amazing photo opportunities) and developing excellent audio tour narration. Available in a variety of languages, the audio is incredibly good. I had always thought it was quite a burden on the pilots to remember everything that you are flying over; this way the pilot can point out things that are “today” and leave the rest to the tape, a much better approach.

As for the views, you really don’t lose anything by staying over the river. In fact you do fly over the city itself, way up at 155th Street, for a close up look at the new Yankee Stadium. But this part of the tour pales against flying down the Hudson, looking across at what New Yorkers will tell you is the greatest city in the world. Now I’m not a great one for statements like that, but from up there, let me tell you… it’s hard to argue!

- Rod Cuthbert

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s New York City tours & things to do, New York City attractions, and New York City travel recommendations.

New York City Helicopter Tours: An Update by Rod from Viator Travel Blog