Las Vegas, a city of bright lights and dazzling architecture, surrounded by some of the world’s greatest natural landscapes, is arguably best experienced from the skies. To celebrate World Helicopter Day on 20^th August, here are some of the most unique and unusual helicopter experiences from the city from Las Vegas.  

Fine dining and flights with Maverick Helicopters

Maverick Helicopters and Las Vegas’ top rated culinary tour company, Lip Smacking Foodie Tours have partnered to offer the ultimate dining and helicopter experience. Savoury Bites and Neon Lights features an exclusive tasting at five prominent restaurants, followed by a night flight over the famous Las Vegas Strip. The five hour experience begins at Aria Resort & Casino and includes a guided tour to each dining venue, reserved seating and up to four signature dishes at each restaurant. After the dining experience, guests will be transported to Maverick helicopters’ private Las Vegas terminal, where passengers will be greeted with a champagne toast before their 12 to 15 minute Vegas night flight. Each helicopter offers panoramic views of the Strip, with a narration about the surrounding attractions.

BOOK IT: Packages start from $299pp (approximately £230). flymaverick.com

Surf the skies and ride the rapids with Grand Canyon Helicopters

New for 2017, Grand Canyon Helicopters has announced the launch of its newest tour out of Las Vegas: Heli & White-water Rafting Adventure, offering a dose of adrenalin for visitors to Las Vegas. Offered in partnership with Hualapai River Runners, the adventure begins by taking a flight from the Grand Canyon Helicopters terminal to the airport in Peach Springs, Arizona. There, Hualapai River Runners will transport guests to the Hualapai Lodge, where guests will experience a 4-hour white-water adventure consisting of rapids ranging from four to seven, depending upon water levels. Along the way, a stop is also made to experience a moderate hike to Travertine Cavern Falls and a relaxing lunch next to the river bank. 

BOOK IT: Packages start from $855 (£658) per adult and $835 (£643) per child (must be eight years or older). www.grandcanyonhelicopter.com/tours/las-vegas/helicopter-and-whitewater-rafting-adventure

History at new heights with Papillion

Starting with a complimentary pick-up from your Las Vegas hotel to the Papillion’s terminal, guests will be transported by helicopter to the Grand Canyon’s West Rim, with views of the Mojave Desert, Hoover Dam and Lake Mead on route. Upon arriving at the Grand Canyon, guests will be greeted with a champagne picnic before travelling onto the Eldorado Canyon for a fully guided tour of the Techatticup Mine where they will learn about the miners who descended upon the area during Nevada’s biggest mining boom. The experience is rounded off by a jeep tour of the desert landscape followed by a lunch and champagne toast before heading back to The Strip.

BOOK IT: Packages start from $599pp (approximately £461). www.papillon.com/las-vegas-tours/helicopter-landing-tours/grand-celebration-and-eldorado-canyon

Wine down with Sundance

Wine tasting has a whole different meaning with Sundance’s wine tasting experience. The experience kicks off with a helicopter flight over the Red Rock conservation area and Mount Charleston Peak towards Pahrump before landing at the award-winning Pahrump Valley Winery for a wine tasting session. Guests can experience Nevada wines tailored to each of their specific tastes before sitting down for a 4-course dinner at Symphony’s Restaurant. Guests will then fly back over the Spring Mountains and into the Las Vegas, with a personalised bottle of wine in tow, before the lights of the Strip turn on. 

BOOK IT: Packages start from $499pp (approximately £384). www.sundancehelicopters.com/products/heli_wine