The Ideal Holiday Season Itinerary for Las Vegas

How long should the ideal Las Vegas holiday be? If you have the time and the budget then you can easily spend a leisurely week. Not everyone can afford that. We have planned the perfect itinerary for three days, which includes exciting sightseeing around Vegas as well.

You have to stay on The Strip because all the evening action is there. The following hotel-casinos have a wide range of prices.

• Caesar’s Palace
• Bellagio
• The Venetian
• Mirage

Get offers from all four and book at the one most suited to your requirements. The earlier you book, the better prices you will get.

If you are a slots player it is best to do some research before landing in Sin City. Try and identify the highest paying slots. If you have the blessings of Lady Luck, the slot machine could finance your Vegas holiday.

Day One

Gambling in Vegas did not start on The Strip. The first casinos were established in what is now referred to as Downtown Vegas. There are some interesting museums and casinos that you must visit.

The Mob Museum

• Las Vegas has an early association with organised crime. Mafia bosses provided gambling activities for workers constructing the Hoover Dam. They also supplied alcohol and risqué entertainment.
• So Las Vegas is the ideal location for the National Museum of Organised Crime and Law Enforcement, also known as the Mob Museum.
• The museum displays American history of organised crime with exhibits on notorious legends like Al Capone and Lucky Luciano.

The Neon Museum

• Las Vegas is also known for its neon signs.
• The Neon Museum displays more than 200 neon signs, including those of the Hacienda Horse and Rider and Binion’s Horseshoe.

Binion’s Gambling Hall

• Binion’s Horseshoe Casino, on Fremont Street, was among the first licensed casinos in Vegas.
• The blackjack tables are conducted by dealers dressed like cow girls. You are transported back in time to the saloon of a Wild West town.
• Binion’s Steakhouse serves the best steaks in town.

Evening One

Sin City serves entertainment for all appetites, but the most popular is gambling. Start from the casinos and then savour the other attractions.

Caesars Palace

• The Caesars Palace slot arcade is awe inspiring. Try Golden Goddess and The Best Things in Life. The bet amounts range from 1¢ to $500 so you have plenty of leeway.
• Even if you are not a roulette fan, place a few bets on the wheel and soak in the glitz.
• Relive history at the Cleopatra’s Barge bar with live music, concert or a revue.

Day Two

If you can get up early enough then head for the Acoustic Breakfast at the Hard Rock Café. Nick will entertain you with his own powerful fusion songs based on blasts from the past while you get energised with eggs and Bloody Mary. If you are a late riser then hit the tourist trail.

Vegas Tourist Attractions

• The Las Vegas monorail takes you for a quick overview of The Strip.
• The Pinball Hall of Fame is more than a museum. You can actually try out the machines from the 1960s.
• If you are travelling with your spouse or a special friend then visit the Chapel of the Flowers on The Strip. It has witnessed some celebrity weddings.
• Ride to the top of the 1,100 feet Stratosphere Tower and look down on Las Vegas. If you have vertigo issues then settle for the view from the observation deck half-way up.

Evening Two

The Strip by night is something else. Check out the main casinos before taking in a show.

Vegas Casinos

• The shopping arcade of the Venetian is a miniature Venice complete with gondola rides.
• Madame Tussaud’s is in the Venetian. Rub shoulders with Tiger Woods, Khloe Kardashian and Britney Spears. Do not miss out on Elvis, who had Vegas swinging to his tune.
• The famous volcano, white lions and trained dolphins are the attractions at the Mirage.
• Rest your feet in front of the dancing fountains at the Bellagio. The movement of water in consonance with the music will rejuvenate your tired mind as well.

Cirque du Soleil

• You just cannot visit Sin City and not experience a Cirque du Soleil show.
• The company plays different shows in many of the leading Las Vegas hotels.
• You have to book in advance. This can be done online from their website.
• Recommended shows include The Beatles Love, Michael Jackson ONE and Mystere.

Day Three

The extra day has been reserved for the Grand Canyon and the Hoover Dam. If you are not on a tight schedule then take this half-day trip. You will not regret it.

Grand Canyon

• It is best to sign up for a conducted tour.
• You travel by road to Boulder City. The trip is through picturesque countryside and takes about half an hour.
• The helicopter ride is from there and is an hour of exhilarating joy.
• You start with an aerial view of Hoover Dam.
• Then you traverse 30 miles along the Grand Canyon. This rugged but hued landscape displays a beauty that no verdant environment can surpass.

Evening Three

This will be your last evening in Sin City so play your favourite casino games. We suggest you check out the Rio All Suites for a special reason. It is the home to the infamous Chippendales show.

Chippendales

• From the gambling tables, move to the Chippendales show.
• It is a male strip extravaganza.
• The energy of the participants and audience alike is something unmatched anywhere in the world.
• Add to this a dazzling multimedia experience.

The High Roller Ferris Wheel

• Some people say that The Strip looks best when you are in it. Others say a night aerial view is the best.
• Ride the 550 feet High Roller Ferris Wheel and decide for yourself.

If you want to take back souvenirs for friends and family, then fit in the Bonanza Gift Shop at some suitable point in the perfect Vegas itinerary. You get everything from Las Vegas t-shirts and key chains to poker chips in an exquisite leather carrying case.