Using my rewards points from myVegas.com, I was able to get a free buffet at the Excalibur.
After lunch, we started by walking north on the Strip towards the Aria. Our first free attraction was the Aria Express, which is a free tram that travels from Aria/Monte Carlo to Crystals to the Bellagio. Hindsight being 20/20, as it always is, we should have walked thru the Monte Carlo, which would have saved our a legs a little bit more for the evening.
The tram arrives in the back of the Bellagio, which was our destination hotel. This allowed us to walk thru the Bellagio enjoying the luxurious decor. As we made our way thru, we followed signs for the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. The Gardens are free to see, and change daily....I've never seen the same thing twice.
As we headed out the front door, toward the Fountains of Bellagio, we timed it perfect. We were able to see the show of water, music, and lights just as we stepped up to the fountain. The complimentary show starts every 15 minutes nightly.
The next hotel on the Las Vegas Strip, is The Mirage. We were too early for the Volcano, which erupts every half hour until midnight. So, we hopped the free tram from The Mirage to Treasure Island, with plans to see the Sirens of TI, which is a pirate show with four free performances nightly. Unfortunately, the area was under construction (most likely preparing for the 4th of July holiday).
The folks I was with, were ready to rest their legs for the evening, so we hopped a cab back to the Excalibur. The cost was only $11.90, and well worth it.
The next day, we decided on a little less walking. So, once again, we put our rewards points to work from myVegas.com. We were able to get free round trip tickets for the Las Vegas Monorail.
A trip to Las Vegas would not be complete without seeing The Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo hotel and casino, our first stop of the day. This free attraction is "Touted as one of the most unique and beloved attractions in Las Vegas."
While at Flamingo, we did a little gambling in the race & sports book. Although I lost both of my bets, I did get a free drink. So, it wasn't too painful.
Just a walk across the street, we headed to Caesars Palace. There we saw the Fountain of the Gods, the Atlantis Aquarium, and the Fall of Atlantis. The Fall of Atlantis is a free show happening on the hour every hour, starting at 11 am daily.
On our final day, we were ready to head downtown to Fremont Street and the old Las Vegas. After evaluating all of our transportation options, we decided to ride the Deuce. The Deuce is a double decker bus that runs 24 hours a day, with stops on the Strip and downtown. We were able to purchase a 24 hour pass for only $8.
On the way downtown, we stopped to check out the Stratosphere. Some of our group signed up for their Players Club, and were given a number of coupons to add to the other coupons we had already collected. We used a 25 percent off coupon to ride to the top of the tower, $15 after the discount. What a view!
After some pizza, beer and a little gambling, we headed downtown. First stop, The D Hotel and Casino (used to be Fitzgerald's). I had heard that they had loose slots, and we were ready to do a little gambling. Sure enough, we all did quite well at this casino!
Before leaving downtown, we wanted to get our picture taken with the $1,000,000 dollars at Binion's. So, off we went.
On our way back to the Strip, we stopped and used our buffet coupons at the Stratosphere. Even without the coupons, their buffet was less expensive than the other hotels on the strip. And the food, just as good!
The next day, we had to say goodbye to Las Vegas and head back home. There is so much to see and do, we'll definitely be back!
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