The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.
Free Time Opportunities |
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| Las Vegas, NV |
A Chamber of Commerce, Las Vegas
**PLEASE NOTE: There is very little free time during this program. The free time options noted here are helpful if you plan to spend additional time before or after the program.
This is a great resource for accurate information about Las Vegas. You will find details about activities and a calendar of events. There are so many options and variety of things to do in Las Vegas that we could not list all of the items here under free time so please use the Chamber of Commerce as an additional resource. Thanks! :-)
The items we have listed below indicate where they are located. We have also made a note telling you which monorail stops to get off on. Hopefully this will make it easier for you to get there on your own. For additional information, visit www.lvchamber.com
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Adventuredome Theme Park (Circus Circus Hotel, Casino and Theme Park)
America’s largest indoor theme park features 21 rides and attractions.
Easily accessed by using the Monorail and getting off at the Sahara Station. You can access the following from this stop.
Sahara Resort Casino with 95,000-square-foot casino, four restaurants and the NASCAR Cafe, which includes the Las Vegas Cyber Speedway and state-of-the-art roller-coaster SPEED-The Ride.
Accessible Hotels
Stratosphere
Circus Circus
Accessible Attractions
Adventuredome Theme Park
Circus Acts
Guinness World Records Museum
High Roller Coaster and Big Shot
Stratosphere Observation Decks
Wet ‘n Wild Water Park For additional information, visit www.adventuredome.com
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Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
If you have time to sightsee, this is an extraordinary place to go! A 13,573 square foot, indoor, glass-domed garden abounding in fragrance just beyond Bellagio's lobby. Exotic plants and flowers highlight every season and holiday. Do not miss the evening outdoor Bellagio Foutains and light show all set to music. Be sure to stroll into the lobby to see the stunning display of hanging blown glass flowers!
Accessible via the Monorail use the Bally’s & Paris Las Vegas Station For additional information, visit www.bellagio.com
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Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art
Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art located in the Bellagio.
Home to touring exhibitions of fine art from around the world. Currently on display "Claude Monet: Masterworks from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston"
The displays change frequently, so check prior to arrival for current display. For additional information, visit www.bellagio.com
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Museums in Las Vegas
***The Wynn Collection of Fine Art
The private art collection of Steve and Elaine Wynn. The Wynn Collection consists of 19th and 20th century European and American masterpieces. Displayed are more than a dozen works from eight legendary masters, including Paul Gauguin, Édouard Manet, and Pablo Picasso
It is accessible via the monorail then get off at Harrah’s / Imperial Palace Station
***The Tomb and Museum of King Tut (Luxor Hotel and Casino)
View an exact replication of the tomb of Egypt's most famous king.
This is accessible by taking the monorail and get off at the MGM Grand Station. Continue to Excalibur Hotel and take tram, exit at Luxor.
***Imperial Palace Auto Collection (Imperial Palace Hotel & Casino)
Home of the world-famous Imperial Palace Auto Collection which has over
150 antique, classic and special-interest automobiles on diplay and for sale daily. You can get there by taking the monorail to Harrah’s / Imperial Palace Station.
***Guinness World Records Museum
The wacky, weird and wonderful museum brings the Guinness Book of Records to life with color videos, hands-on displays and assorted oddities. Open daily. You can get there by taking the monorail to the Sahara Station.
***Casino Legends Hall of Fame (Tropicana Resort and Casino)
Offers the largest collection of Nevada casino and entertainment memorabilia ever assembled. You can get there by taking the monorail and get off at the MGM Grand Station.
***Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art (Bellagio)
Home to touring exhibitions of fine art from around the world. One example of works they have displayed is "Claude Monet: Masterworks from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston." Check to see what is currently on display. You can get there by taking the monorail and get off at the Bally’s & Paris Las Vegas Station.
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NEW! Las Vegas Monorail
A monorail system launched operations in July 2004. Linking seven stations over four miles to eight resorts and the Las Vegas Convention Center, the sleek monorail provides a quick and comfortable ride through the heart of the resort corridor and offers a great way to explore Las Vegas! Access their web site for a route map and all of the exciting options available at each monorail stop. One ride is $3 or you can purchase multiple ride passes. This is the fast and easy way to see Las Vegas highlights without the walking or the traffic. For additional information, visit www.lvmonorail.com
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Paris, Las Vegas
Paris Las Vegas immerses visitors in a complete Parisian experience in this 2,916-room resort. Take an elevator ride to the top of the Eiffel Tower replica which soars 50 stories into the sky. Its observation deck offers a spectacular view of the Las Vegas Valley. For additional information, visit www.paris-lv.com
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Recreation and Tours
(This information is from the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce.)
The Las Vegas area is a paradise for all kinds of recreational and sightseeing activities. Dozens of verdant and challenging golf courses beckon the golfer twelve months a year. Lake Mead's deep blue waters and 550 miles of shorelines are enjoyed by boaters, water skiers, swimmers, and people hoping to hook a trophy fish. The Colorado River offers unforgettable white water rafting. For hiking, rock climbing and outdoor photography there's Red Rock Canyon and Mt. Charleston. Skiers love Mt. Charleston and the many other ski slopes within a short drive of Las Vegas for their winter fun. Day tours to the Grand Canyon, Valley of Fire and Death Valley are what memories are made of. And Hoover Dam isn't called the "Eighth Wonder of the World" for nothing.
***Las Vegas is home to Nellis Air Force Base and the mighty Thunderbirds precision flying team. Just north of Las Vegas near Nellis Air Force Base is the finest motor sports facility in the world: Las Vegas Motor Speedway, home to NASCAR's "Las Vegas 400" and a host of other world class motor racing events. For sports fans, there's AAA baseball with the Las Vegas Stars, PGA and LPGA tournaments, and the always-popular UNLV Rebels!"
***Scenic Airlines
Since 1967, air and ground tours from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Yosemite and Bryce Canyon. Call 800-634-6801.
*** A Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours
Grand Canyon Tours, Helicopters, Las Vegas Shows, Rafting, Weddings, 2 for 1 night flights, Canyon Landings and more information at www.papillon.com
*** A Rebel Adventure Tours
Hummer off Road Adventures, Jet Skiing, White Water Rafting, Goldmine Adventures, Grand Canyon Hummer Tours - 1-800-817-6789.
More resources availbale by calling the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce at (702) 735-1616.
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Sightseeing Attractions
***Sirens of TI (Treasure Island at The Mirage)
Sirens lure a band of pirates in this 20 minute musical with swordplay, pyrotechnics and high-diving acrobatics at the hotel’s front entrance.
Monorail accessible via: Harrah’s / Imperial Palace Station
***Cinema Ride (Forum Shops at Caesars, Caesars Palace)
3-D Motion Simulator Adventures, including - Atlantis Submarine Race, Galactic Flight, Haunted Graveyard Run, Runaway Coasters and the new "Ski Ride" by Warren Miller. Monorail accessible via: Flamingo / Caesars Palace Station
***Circus Acts (Circus Circus Hotel, Casino and Theme Park)
World-renowned live circus acts free daily. Monorail accessible via: Sahara Station
***Eiffel Tower replica (Paris Las Vegas)
Take an elevator ride to the top of the Eiffel Tower replica which soars 50
stories into the sky. Its observation deck offers a spectacular view of the Las
Vegas Valley. Monorail accessible via: Bally’s & Paris Las Vegas Station
***Festival Fountain Show (Forum Shops at Caesars, Caesars Palace)
A free animatronics show where the statues come to life in a seven minute show featuring fire, steam, lasers, sound effects around a 50,000-gallon aquarium. Monorail accessible via: Flamingo / Caesars Palace Station
***Flamingo Wildlife Habitat (Flamingo Las Vegas)
The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat features Chilean flamingos, African penguins, ducks, swans, pheasants, quail, turtles, Koi and goldfish.
Monorail accessible via: Flamingo / Caesars Palace Station
***Flyaway Indoor Skydiving
Experience body flight in an indoor wind tunnel. The fee includes training, equipment rental and simulated skydive. 200 Convention Center Drive
Monorail accessible via: Las Vegas Convention Center Station
***Fountains of Bellagio (Bellagio)
More than a thousand fountains dance in front of the hotel to music ranging from Pavarotti to Sinatra. Water soars as high as 245 feet in the air.
Monorail accessible via: Bally’s & Paris Las Vegas Station
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Sightseeing Attractions #2
~~~Stratosphere Observation Decks (Stratosphere Casino Hotel & Tower)
From ground level you’ll arrive at the observation decks in less than 30 seconds. Double-decker elevators travel at speeds of 1,800 feet per minute. Indoor and outdoor decks. Also includes High Roller Coaster and Big Shot.
The High Roller Coaster, the highest coaster in the world, wraps itself around the crown of the Stratosphere the tallest building west of the Mississippi. The Big Shot takes off at the base of the Stratosphere needle and shoots 160 feet in the air and freefalls back down. Monorail accessible via: Sahara Station
~~~IMAX Theatre (Luxor Hotel and Casino)
Watch movies shown on a 68 foot tall screen - NASCAR 3D, Ocean Wonderland 3D, Adrenaline Rush, Haunted Castle 3D.
Monorail accessible via: MGM Grand Station. Continue to Excalibur Hotel and take tram, exit at Luxor.
~~~In Search of the Obelisk (Luxor Hotel and Casino)
A motion simulator ride through an ancient, newly discovered pyramid. Discover the mysteries and powers of the ancient world in a motion film made exclusively for Luxor.
Accessible via: MGM Grand Station. Continue to Excalibur Hotel and take tram, exit at Luxor.
~~~Lion Habitat (MGM Grand Hotel and Casino)
This one-of-a-kind lion habitat is home to several African lions and cubs. 35-
foot glass walls offer guests maximum viewing capabilities.
Accessible via: MGM Grand Station
~~~Shark Reef (Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino)
Takes visitors on a journey to an undersea ocean. Features more than 2,000 dangerous and unusual animals representing 100 different species from the world’s most tropical waters.
Accessible via: MGM Grand Station. Continue to Excalibur Hotel and take tram, exit at Mandalay Bay.
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Sightseeing Attractions #3
~~~The Siegfried & Roy Secret Garden & Dolphin Habitat (The Mirage)
The Secret Garden is home to six rare animal breeds including the royal white tigers, white lions and a four-ton elephant. The Dolphin Habitat adjacent to the garden offers an educational tour of Atlantic bottle-nosed dolphins.
Monorail accessible via: Harrah’s / Imperial Palace Station
~~~Star Trek: The Experience (Las Vegas Hilton Hotel and Casino)
Interact with live actors on U.S.S. Enterprise re-creation, battling aliens in space in a motion simulator.
Accessible via: Las Vegas Hilton Station
~~~The Volcano at the Mirage (The Mirage)
In the center of a lagoon filled with waterfalls and palm trees, the 54-foot volcano at the resort’s entrance erupts every few minutes after dusk, spewing smoke and fire 100 feet above the water.
Accessible via: Harrah’s / Imperial Palace Station
~~~Wet 'N Wild Water Park
Over 16 acres with more than a dozen rides, including flumes, slides and floats for all ages. Open daily May through September.
Accessible via: Sahara Station
~~~White Tiger Habitat (The Mirage)
Siegfried & Roy's rare and exotic white tigers can be viewed free of charge.
Accessible via: Harrah’s / Imperial Palace Station
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Various Places to Shop
~~~Desert Passage located behind the Aladin Hotel Casino
Here, you can visit 140 unigue and specialty shops and 14 restaurants including Commander's Palace. The Monorail takes you there and is accessible via: MGM Grand Station.
~~~Fashion Show Mall
Over 200 stores including a new Nordstrom and a new Bloomingdale’s Home, as well as expanded stores from Neiman Marcus, Macy’s and Robinsons-May, Saks Fifth Avenue and Dillard’s. Located across from Treasure Island on the Strip at Spring Mountain Rd. The Monorail takes you there and is accessible via: Harrah’s / Imperial Palace Station
~~~Forum Shops at Caesars (Caesars Palace)
More than 100 specialty shops and restaurants including Versace, Gucci, Escada, Valentino, FAO Schwarz, The Palm, Wolfgang Puck's Spago, and The Cheesecake Factory. The Monorail takes you there and is accessible via: Flamingo / Caesars Palace Station
~~~M&M'S Academy (Showcase Mall)
M&M's World is a four story interactive shopping and retail complex that features thousands of original M&M's Brand merchandise.
The Monorail takes you there and is accessible via: MGM Grand Station
~~~Showcase Mall
A specialty retail and entertainment center with a movie theater, M&M’s World/Ethel M’s Chocolates store, and Everything Coca-Cola store.
The Monorail takes you there and is accessible via: MGM Grand Station
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Suggested Reading List
A Trip Through Death Valley's Geologic Past
Author: Kenneth E. Lengner
Description: This is a chronological trip through the geological history of the Death Valley region. It departs from the typical geological history by anchoring the text to a series of rock samples, dating from an estimated 2.5 billion years old to the present. Numerous photographs of rock samples and historical photos are used to delve into the past. An enlightening and entertaining trip through Death Valley's geological past for geology enthusiasts.
An Introduction to the Geology of Death Valley
Author: Michael Collier
Description: Captures the drama of the processes that are constantly changing Death Valley's landscape. Michael Collier creatively weaves an account of Death Valley's one-hundred-and-fifty-year mining history into the one-and-a-half-billion-year geologic history of the valley. Through his writing and his perceptive observations of a slowly evolving landscape, there emerges a fresh perspective on Death Valley.
Death Valley A Scenic Wonderland
Author: Steven L. Walker, Dorothy K. Hilburn
Description: A brief history of early inhabitants, fourty-niners, geography, geology, flora, fauna, miners, Scotty's Castle and the National Park. Beautiful photographs highlight the geological, geographical and historical history of Death Valley.
Death Valley: Images of America
Author: Robert P. Palazzo
Description: Robert P. Palazzo, Death Valley scholar, evokes here in vintage imagery a stark, barren, desolate wasteland that gradually became one of the West's most iconic destinations. This book includes an extensive collection of rare photographs that shows Death Valley's geological features, notable personalities, industries, mysteries and tourism. This book is a rare visual record of Death Valley.
Deserts, National Audubon Society Nature Guide
Author: James A. MacMahon
Description: A comprehensive field guide, fully illustrated with color photographs, to the wildflowers, birds, reptiles, insects and other natural wonders of North America's deserts.
Mojave Desert Wildflowers
Author: Jon Mark Stewart
Description: Field guide to 80 of the most common flowers of the Chihuahuan, Mojave and Sonoran deserts.
Wildflowers of the Desert Southwest
Author: Meg Quinn
Description: A field guide to common desert wildflowers. $9.95
The Practical Geologist
Author: Dougal Dixon, Raymond Bernor
Description: This book is a great introductory guide to the basics of geology. Great diagrams, pictures and is well written. $16.00
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