Itinerary

Day 1:
Fly to New Zealand. Board your transpacific flight and skip a day as you cross the International Date Line.

Day 2:
Fly to New Zealand. Board your transpacific flight and skip a day as you cross the International Date Line.

Day 3:
Arrival in Auckland, New Zealand. Haere Mai—welcome to New Zealand! Hotel rooms are available for immediate check-in. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special WELCOME DINNER. (D)

Day 4:
Auckland. Today, sightsee in this attractive city known as the “City of Sails,” situated on an isthmus between two magnificent harbors. From the top of Mount Eden you have a stunning view of Auckland as well as Rangitoto Island, the volcanic cone which dominates the inner harbor. Today’s highlight is a visit to KELLY TARLTON’S ANTARCTIC ENCOUNTER, where you will see colonies of penguins playing in real ice and snow. Then, travel beneath the ocean to see giant stingrays, moray eels, and come face-to-face with the awesome predators of the deep—sharks! The afternoon is free for you to enjoy this unique harbor city. Your Tour Director has suggestions for other activities. (B)

Day 5:
Auckland–Waitomo–Rotorua. Leave Auckland and travel through the green pastoral region of Waikato to the famous WAITOMO GLOWWORM CAVES. Experience a guided tour through the limestone chambers and passages of the cavern. Enjoy a silent boat trip through Glowworm Grotto as you glide quietly beneath the lights of thousands of glowworms suspended from the cave ceiling. In the afternoon, continue over the Mamaku Ranges to Rotorua. On arrival, experience TE PUIA, Rotorua’s most prominent thermal area with New Zealand’s largest geyser, boiling mud pools, and silica terraces. Enjoy a traditional HANGI DINNER this evening, followed by an authentic MAORI CONCERT. (B,D)

Day 6:
Rotorua–Queenstown. This morning, visit the AGRODOME to learn more about one of the country’s
major industries—sheep! Then on to RAINBOW SPRINGS, home to rainbow trout and the flightless kiwi bird in
its nocturnal “Kiwi House.” A flight takes you to Queenstown on the South Island, home base for discovering every type of adventure sport imaginable. See the sights of this popular resort town, nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Southern Alps. This evening, enjoy breathtaking scenery in every direction as you CRUISE Lake Wakatipu on board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw. On arrival at Walter Peak you will be served dinner at Colonel’s Homestead. (B,D)

Day 7:
Queenstown. Cruise on Milford Sound. More beautiful scenery today as you travel into FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK through the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. Boasting some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, this region of New Zealand has the elite status of belonging to UNESCO’s World Heritage Parks. CRUISE on the fiord with sheer rock walls rising thousands of feet from the water’s great depths. (B,L)

Day 8:
Queenstown. A full day at leisure for your own discovery. Consider an optional visit to a local vineyard and sample some of the prize vintages, or maybe a thrilling jetboat ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers. Your Tour Director will have suggestions to help you plan your day to explore, shop, and enjoy optional activities. (B)

Day 9:
Queenstown–Mount Cook–Christchurch. Motor north to magnificent MOUNT COOK NATIONAL PARK, named after New Zealand’s highest peak. Weather permitting, choose to take an optional ski-plane flight that actually lands on the 18-mile-long Tasman Glacier or a thrilling helicopter ride. Later in the day, leave this alpine wonderland and drive to Lake Tekapo to view the Church of the Good Shepherd. Cross the patchwork Canterbury Plains to Christchurch, the “Garden City.” (B)

Day 10:
Christchurch–Melbourne, Australia. Sightseeing starts with a drive up the winding Summit Road for views of Lyttleton Harbor, then past Christchurch’s old stone buildings, the charming Avon River, and acres of green parks. On the way to the airport you have the option to visit the International Antarctic Centre, designed to give a “firsthand” experience of Antarctica, before your flight across the Tasman Sea to Melbourne, Australia. (B)

Day 11:
Melbourne. G’day and welcome to Australia! Today’s sightseeing includes landmarks such as Parliament House and the Shrine of Remembrance, a tribute to Australia’s war heroes. Visit beautiful FITZROY GARDENS, then drive past the lush Royal Botanical Gardens. You’ll soon discover the different architectural influences of this city as you see the Victorian Arts Centre and other buildings of significance. We also stop at one of the country’s leading OPAL COMPANIES to discover how the beautiful gems are mined. Then, enjoy a unique lunch experience on board a HISTORIC TRAMCAR restaurant as it winds its way through the streets of Melbourne. Tonight’s optional excursion to see the world-famous penguin parade is highly recommended. (B,L)

Day 12:
Melbourne. Enjoy a full day for you to explore on your own. Perhaps join our optional tour on the Great Ocean Road. (B)

Day 13:
Melbourne–Alice Springs. Today we fly to the Outback. Here, visit the historic OLD TELEGRAPH STATION to discover how the locals live in this remote area and the history of how the early settlers developed communications. On to Anzac Hill, a tribute to Australia and New Zealand’s war heroes. Then, visit the ROYAL FLYING DOCTOR SERVICE to appreciate how medical service is provided to those living in remote regions. A highlight of your day is the opportunity to ride a camel, the transport of the desert, at the CAMEL FARM. This evening, enjoy a truly unique Aussie experience, an OUTBACK BARBEQUE that features a meal of typical campfire fare, fascinating tales of the Outback, and Aboriginal folklore. (B,D)

Day 14:
Alice Springs–Ayers Rock. Today, experience an ABORIGINAL DREAMTIME TOUR and learn more about this important native culture from your Local Guide. Later, fly to “The Center of Australia.” Travel past Uluru (Ayers Rock) to the magnificent KATA TJUTA (THE OLGAS), some 30 brilliant monoliths. There is time for a walk to the Olga Gorge before returning to “Sunset Strip” for a drink and the changing colors of the Rock. (B)

Day 15:
Ayers Rock–Cairns. This morning your Outback adventure continues as you enjoy a TOUR around the base of Uluru, learning of its significance in Aboriginal “Dreamtime” mythology. For an even more amazing view of Ayers Rock, perhaps take an optional aircraft ride. Later, fly to Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Tonight, a unique dinner event at TJAPUKAI ABORIGINAL CULTURAL PARK for an interactive, entertaining portrayal of the culture, dance, and folklore of this indigenous tribe. (B,D)

Day 16:
Cairns. Great Barrier Reef Excursion. Board a fast catamaran for a CRUISE to Green Island, one of the many tropical islands on Australia’s famous Great Barrier Reef. Here you can choose to snorkel, take a GLASS BOTTOM BOAT TOUR, or walk through the island’s cool rainforest. This afternoon, your Tour Director can assist you with a variety of optional activities, including crocodile spotting. (B)

Day 17:
Cairns. A full day at leisure in this tropical paradise. For a truly amazing experience, consider our optional trip to Kuranda via the old scenic rail route. See magnificent scenery from the comfort of a restored, historic mountain train. For the return journey, you may choose to take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. (B)

Day 18:
Cairns–Sydney. Fly to Australia’s largest city, Sydney. (B)

Day 19:
Sydney. Explore one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Visit the OPERA HOUSE for a guided tour of its interior and theaters. A highlight is a stop at the world famous TARONGA ZOO, where a Local Guide will introduce you to Australia’s unique fauna, including kangaroos, koalas, wombats, dingoes, and the famous Tasmanian Devil. Travel to Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, located in the city’s BOTANICAL GARDENS, for a great photo opportunity offering sweeping views of the harbor, Opera House, and Harbour Bridge. Feel like a local while touring the world-famous BONDI SURF BATHERS’ LIFE SAVING CLUB and enjoy a lifesaving demonstration! See some of the city’s original suburbs and the historic Rocks area, home to Sydney’s original convicts. For a truly memorable experience, enjoy a scenic CRUISE on Sydney Harbour. (B)

Day 20:
Sydney. Enjoy a full day at leisure for your own discoveries. Perhaps join our optional excursion to the Blue Mountains for a wilderness experience, or an excursion to the Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s leading wine-growing regions. You can even climb to the top of Sydney’s Harbour Bridge! The choice is yours, and your Tour Director will have suggestions to help you make the most of this exciting city. This evening your Tour Director hosts a special FAREWELL DINNER at a waterfront restaurant overlooking Sydney Harbour, Opera House, and Harbour Bridge. (B,D)

Day 21:
Homebound Flight. Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)

Dates & Prices

AUCKLAND:
Sightseeing tour; visit Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter; Welcome Dinner

WAITOMO:
Visit Waitomo Glowworm Cave

ROTORUA:
Visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve; enjoy a Hangi dinner and Maori concert; visit the Agrodome and Rainbow Springs

QUEENSTOWN:
Cruise Lake Wakatipu, visit Fiordland National Park, and cruise on Milford Sound

MOUNT COOK:
Sightseeing in Mount Cook National Park

CHRISTCHURCH:
Sightseeing tour

MELBOURNE:
Sightseeing tour; visit Fitzroy Gardens and an opal company; tramcar lunch

ALICE SPRINGS:
Sightseeing tour; visit the Old Telegraph Station, the Royal Flying Doctor Service, and a camel farm; Outback barbeque; Aboriginal Dreamtime Tour

AYERS ROCK:
Sightseeing tour around the base of the rock; Olgas tour; a sunset toast

CAIRNS:
Great Barrier Reef cruise with choice of activities

SYDNEY:
Sightseeing tour; Sydney Harbour cruise; visit Taronga Zoo, the Opera House, botanical gardens, and Bondi Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club; Farewell Dinner

ALL INTRA-TOUR FLIGHTS
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
Fly to Australia. (Sun. & Mon.) Board your transpacific flight and skip a day as you cross the International Date Line on your way Down Under for the adventure of a lifetime.

Day 2:
Fly to Australia. (Sun. & Mon.) Board your transpacific flight and skip a day as you cross the International Date Line on your way Down Under for the adventure of a lifetime.

Day 3:
Brisbane–Sunshine Coast, Australia. (Tue.) G’day and welcome to Australia! Upon arrival, take a 1-hour drive through forests and past the picturesque Glassshouse Mountains before arriving at the Sunshine Coast. The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to relax at your resort hotel. This evening your Tour Director hosts a special WELCOME DINNER. (D)

Day 4:
Sunshine Coast. Excursion to Australia Zoo. (Wed.) Come face-to-face with many of Australia’s native animals at the AUSTRALIA ZOO. You’ll see a crocodile demonstration by one of the zookeepers, as well as witness the feeding of the koalas. (B)

Day 5:
Sunshine Coast–Brisbane–Cairns. (Thu.) Fly north to Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Enjoy dinner at your hotel. (B,D)

Day 6:
Cairns. Great Barrier Reef Excursion. (Fri.) After a spectacular drive along the coast, reach Port Douglas to board a fast catamaran for a CRUISE to Australia’s famous Great Barrier Reef, where you will disembark onto a luxurious 3-level pontoon. Enjoy coral viewing from the UNDERWATER OBSERVATORY or cruise among the coral gardens in a modern SUB-SEA VIEWER. Snorkeling gear is available and an informative talk by a marine biologist enhances your experience. A buffet lunch is also included. This evening, join the optional outing to the home of a local Aussie family for a delicious meal. (B,L)

Day 7:
Cairns–Darwin. (Sat.) Morning at leisure in this tropical paradise. For a truly amazing rainforest experience, consider our optional trip to Kuranda via the old scenic rail route. See magnificent scenery, lush rainforests, and twisting waterfalls from the comfort of a restored, historic mountain train. For the return journey, you may choose to take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Or, take a tour to Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park—a fascinating portrayal of Aboriginal culture, dance, and folklore. Then, fly to the top end of Australia to Darwin, famous for its strategic importance during WWII. (B)

Day 8:
Darwin–Kakadu National Park. (Sun.) Today you will see giant termite nests on the way to KAKADU NATIONAL PARK. Explore parts of nearly 7,300 square miles of unspoiled waterways with a rich heritage of Aboriginal culture and stop at the Bowali Visitor Centre to gain an understanding of Kakadu’s habitats. CRUISE waterways where you may view crocodiles and walk ancient trails to see Aboriginal rock petroglyphs. An optional lightaircraft flight over the park should not be missed. Dinner tonight is at your hotel. (B,D) NOTE: During the wet season (December through April) it can be difficult to see crocodiles in the wild.

Day 9:
Kakadu National Park–Darwin. (Mon.) Depart your hotel this morning and stop at WINDOWS ON THE WETLANDS Visitor Centre, an interactive display of the Kakadu fauna. Return to Darwin for sightseeing of this important tropical northern capital. See the elegant colonial architecture of the city’s historic buildings that survived the devastation of Cyclone Tracy in 1974. Visit the splendid BOTANIC GARDENS and beautiful East Point, an area rich in WWII memorabilia. Also visit the ART GALLERY to view fine collections of Aboriginal art. (B)

Day 10:
Darwin–Alice Springs–Ayers Rock. (Tue.) During a brief stop in Alice Springs, enjoy the opportunity to ride a camel, the transport of the desert, at the CAMEL FARM. Afterwards, fly to Ayers Rock. Your sightseeing travels past Uluru (Ayers Rock) to the magnificent Kata Tjuta (the Olgas ), a geological splendor of some 30 brilliant monoliths. There is time for a walk to the Olga Gorge before returning for a TOUR around the base of Ayers Rock and to “Sunset Strip” for a drink and to witness the changing colors of the Rock. (B)

Day 11:
Ayers Rock–Alice Springs. (Wed.) Fly to Alice Springs in the Outback where you’ll visit the OLD TELEGRAPH STATION to discover how the locals live in this remote area and to learn the history of how the early settlers developed communication. On to Anzac Hill, a tribute to Australia and New Zealand’s war heroes. Then, visit the ROYAL FLYING DOCTOR SERVICE to appreciate how medical service is provided to those living in remote regions. This evening, enjoy a truly unique Aussie experience, an OUTBACK BARBEQUE that features a meal of typical campfire fare, fascinating tales of the Outback, and Aboriginal folklore. (B,D)

Day 12:
Alice Springs–The Ghan Train. (Thu.) A morning visit to experience an ABORIGINAL “DREAMTIME” TOUR and learn more about this important native culture from your Local Guide. Next, a highlight of your vacation begins with a train journey on THE GHAN TRAIN, offering a fascinating perspective of the Outback. (B,L,D)

Day 13:
Adelaide. (Fri.) Arrive in Adelaide for a city tour along the wide tree-lined streets and well-manicured gardens. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure. (B)

Day 14:
Adelaide. (Sat.) The day is at leisure. You may choose a full-day trip to Kangaroo Island, one of the world’s last unspoiled habitats. (B)

Day 15:
Adelaide, Barossa Valley–Melbourne. (Sun.) Today, drive to the BAROSSA VALLEY with its Bavarian villages, baroque Italianate chateaux, and stunning vineyard scenery. Breathe in the beauty of the Adelaide Hills in the leafy greenness of the quaint yet charming villages. Enjoy a sumptuous lunch and sample some of Australia’s premium wines at a LOCAL WINERY. Later this afternoon, fly to Melbourne, Australia’s second-largest city. (B,L)

Day 16:
Melbourne. (Mon.) Today’s tour includes landmarks such as Parliament House and the Shrine of Remembrance, a tribute to Australia’s war heroes. Visit beautiful FITZROY GARDENS and then drive past the lush Royal Botanical Gardens. You’ll soon discover the differing architectural influences of this city as you see the Victorian Arts Centre and other buildings of significance. For a unique dining experience, join an optional outing on board a historic tramcar restaurant as it winds its way through the streets of Melbourne. Later this afternoon, drive to Phillip Island to see a PENGUIN PARADE from an exclusive viewing platform. (B,D)

Day 17:
Melbourne–Hobart. (Tue.) Fly to Hobart, Tasmania, home of the infamous Tasmanian Devil. (B)

Day 18:
Hobart. Excursion to Port Arthur. (Wed.) Today’s tour of the scenic Tasman Peninsula features the blowhole, the Devil’s Kitchen, and the Tasman Arch coastal formations. Visit PORT ARTHUR, where the first convicts arrived in the 1830s. A guided tour of the Penal Settlement shows you the ruins of the 4-story penitentiary and the model prison—grim reminders of Australia’s days as a penal colony. Also included is a short stop at a nearby WILDLIFE SANCTUARY to see the famous Tasmanian Devil, a rare marsupial wolf. (B)

Day 19:
Hobart–Sydney. (Thu.) Today, fly to Sydney, the largest city in Australia. The afternoon is at leisure for you to discover this exciting and beautiful city on your own. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for optional activities. (B)

Day 20:
Sydney. (Fri.) Today, explore one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Your tour includes exploring Sydney Harbour on a CRUISE that highlights this bustling waterway and visiting the SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE for a guided tour of its interior. Travel to Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, located in the city’s BOTANICAL GARDENS, for a great photo opportunity of the harbor, Opera House, and Harbour Bridge. Feel like a local while touring the world-famous BONDI SURF BATHERS’ LIFE SAVING CLUB and enjoy a lifesaving demonstration! See some of the city’s original suburbs, followed by the historic Rocks area, home to Sydney’s original convicts. Also visit one of the country’s leading OPAL COMPANIES to discover how the beautiful gems are mined. The balance of the day is free. (B)

Day 21:
Sydney. (Sat.) Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps join our optional excursion to the Blue Mountains, or an excursion to the Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s leading wine-growing regions. You can even climb to the top of Sydney’s Harbour Bridge! Your Tour Director will help you make the most of this exciting city. Tonight, enjoy a special dinner at a waterfront restaurant with fantastic views of the highlights of Sydney. (B,D)

Day 22:
Sydney–Christchurch, New Zealand. (Sun.) Today, fly across the Tasman Sea to Christchurch, New Zealand. (B,D)

Day 23:
Christchurch. (Mon.) Sightseeing starts with a drive up the winding Summit Road for views of Lyttleton Harbor, then past Christchurch’s old stone buildings, the charming Avon River, and acres of green parks. The remainder of the day is free to explore this beautiful English “Garden City.” (B)

Day 24:
Christchurch–Mount Cook. (Tue.) Today, journey through the alpine scenery of MOUNT COOK NATIONAL PARK, named after the highest peak in New Zealand. Weather permitting, don’t miss the chance to take an optional ski-plane flight that actually lands on the 18-mile-long Tasman Glacier. It is an unforgettable experience. Dinner tonight is at your hotel. (B,D)

Day 25:
Mount Cook–Queenstown. (Wed.) Today, enjoy fantastic views as you journey through the snowcapped peaks, waterfalls, and rugged mountain scenery of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Later, arrive in Queenstown, nicknamed the “Adventure Capital of the World.” (B)

Day 26:
Queenstown. Cruise on Milford Sound. (Thu.) More beautiful scenery today as you travel into FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK through the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. Boasting some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, this region of New Zealand has the elite status of belonging to UNESCO’s World Heritage Parks. CRUISE on the fiord with sheer rock walls rising thousands of feet from the water’s great depths. (B,L)

Day 27:
Queenstown. (Fri.) A full day at leisure for your own discovery. Consider an optional visit to a local vineyard and sample some of the prize vintages, or maybe a thrilling jetboat ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers. Your Tour Director will have suggestions to help you plan your day to explore, shop, and enjoy optional activities. This evening, enjoy breathtaking scenery in every direction as you cruise Lake Wakatipu on board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw. On arrival at WALTER PEAK you will be served dinner at Colonel’s Homestead. (B,D)

Day 28:
Queenstown–Rotorua. (Sat.) A short flight brings you to Rotorua, the center of the Maori culture in the heart of New Zealand’s geothermal wonderland. Tonight, enjoy a traditional HANGI DINNER followed by an authentic MAORI CONCERT. (B,D)

Day 29:
Rotorua. (Sun.) This morning, sightseeing begins with a visit to TE PUIA, Rotorua’s most prominent thermal area with New Zealand’s largest geyser, boiling mud pools, and silica terraces. Continue on to the AGRODOME to learn more about one of the country’s major industries—sheep! Then on to RAINBOW SPRINGS, home to rainbow trout and the flightless kiwi bird in its nocturnal “Kiwi House.” This evening, you may wish to enjoy the hospitality of a New Zealand family at dinner in their home. (B)

Day 30:
Rotorua–Waitomo–Auckland. (Mon.) This morning, travel north through Waikato to the famous WAITOMO GLOWWORM CAVES. Experience a guided tour through the limestone chambers and passages of the caverns. Enjoy a silent boat trip through Glowworm Grotto as you glide quietly beneath the lights of thousands of glowworms suspended from the cave ceiling. Later, arrive in the “City of Sails,” situated on an isthmus between two magnificent harbors. During your sightseeing, ascend Mt. Eden for magnificent views of the city and Ragitoto Island, the volcanic cone which dominates the inner harbor. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a FAREWELL DINNER. (B,D)

Day 31:
Homebound Flight. (Tue.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)

Dates & Prices

SUNSHINE COAST:
Visit the Australia Zoo; Welcome Dinner

CAIRNS:
Full-day excursion to the Outer Barrier Reef by catamaran with underwater observatory and sub-sea coral viewing

DARWIN:
Orientation tour and visit to the Botanic Gardens and Art Gallery

KAKADU NATIONAL PARK:
Sightseeing tour; Yellow water cruise; Windows on the Wetlands Visitor Centre

AYERS ROCK:
Sightseeing tour around the base of the rock, Olgas tour, and a sunset toast

ALICE SPRINGS:
Sightseeing tour; visit the Old Telegraph Station, the Royal Flying Doctor Service, and a camel farm; Outback barbeque; enjoy an Aboriginal Dreamtime Tour; board the Ghan train

ADELAIDE:
Orientation tour; visit Barossa Valley; winery lunch and wine tasting

MELBOURNE:
Sightseeing tour; visit Fitzroy Gardens; witness the Penguin Parade

HOBART:
Excursion to Port Arthur; visit a wildlife sanctuary

SYDNEY:
Sightseeing tour; Sydney Harbour cruise; visit the Opera House, botanical gardens, Bondi Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club, and an opal company

CHRISTCHURCH:
Sightseeing tour

MOUNT COOK:
Sightseeing in Mount Cook National Park

QUEENSTOWN:
Visit Fiordland National Park; cruise on Milford Sound; Walter Peak dinner and cruise

ROTORUA:
Enjoy a Maori concert and Hangi dinner; visit the Agrodome, Rainbow Springs, and Te Puia Thermal Reserve

WAITOMO:
Visit the Waitomo Glowworm Caves

AUCKLAND:
Sightseeing tour; Farewell Dinner

ALL INTRA-TOUR FLIGHTS
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
Fly to Australia. (Fri. & Sat.) Board your transpacific flight and skip a day as you cross the International Date Line.

Day 2:
Fly to Australia. (Fri. & Sat.) Board your transpacific flight and skip a day as you cross the International Date Line.

Day 3:
Arrival in Cairns, Australia. (Sun.) G’day and welcome to Australia! Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special WELCOME DINNER at your hotel. (B,D)

Day 4:
Cairns. Great Barrier Reef Cruise. (Mon.) Board a fast catamaran for a CRUISE to Green Island, one of the many tropical islands on Australia’s famous Great Barrier Reef. Here you can choose to snorkel, take a GLASS BOTTOM BOAT TOUR, or walk through the island’s cool rainforest. This afternoon, your Tour Director can assist you with a variety of optional activities, including crocodile spotting. Tonight, dinner will be held at TJAPUKAI ABORIGINAL CULTURAL PARK—an interactive and entertaining portrayal of the culture, dance, and folklore of this indigenous tribe. (B,D)

Day 5:
Cairns–Melbourne. (Tue.) Morning at leisure in this tropical paradise. For a truly amazing rainforest experience, consider our optional trip to Kuranda via the old scenic rail route. See magnificent scenery, lush rainforests, and twisting waterfalls from the comfort of a restored, historic mountain train. Later today, fly to Melbourne, Australia’s second-largest city. (B)

Day 6:
Melbourne. (Wed.) Today’s tour includes landmarks such as Parliament House and the Shrine of Remembrance, a tribute to Australia’s war heroes. Visit beautiful FITZROY GARDENS and then drive past the lush Royal Botanical Gardens. You’ll soon discover the differing architectural influences of this city as you see the Victorian Arts Centre and other buildings of significance. Also stop at one of the country’s leading OPAL COMPANIES to discover how the beautiful gems are mined. For a unique dining experience, join an optional outing on board a historic tramcar restaurant as it winds its way through the streets of Melbourne. Later this afternoon, visit a local WILDLIFE PARK to see koalas and kangaroos. Then, continue on to Phillip Island to see the world-famous PENGUIN PARADE from an exclusive viewing platform. (B,D)

Day 7:
Melbourne–Sydney. (Thu.) Fly to Sydney, one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Your sightseeing this afternoon includes a visit to the SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE and its amazing interior and theaters, as well as a great photo stop at Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, located in the city’s BOTANICAL GARDENS and offering sweeping views of the harbor, Opera House, and Harbour Bridge. Feel like a local while touring the world-famous BONDI SURF BATHERS’ LIFE SAVING CLUB and enjoy a lifesaving demonstration! Today’s highlight is a special dinner at a waterfront restaurant with fantastic views of Sydney. (B,D)

Day 8:
Sydney. (Fri.) A full day at leisure for your own discoveries. Perhaps join one of our optional excursions, including an adventure to the Blue Mountains for a wilderness experience or an excursion to the Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s leading wine growing regions. You can even climb to the top of Sydney’s Harbour Bridge! (B)

Day 9:
Sydney. (Sat.) Another day at leisure for your own discoveries. The choice is yours and your Tour Director will have suggestions to help you make the most of this exciting city. Tonight, enjoy a sumptuous sunset DINNER CRUISE on one of Sydney’s most prestigious cruise ships. (B,D)

Day 10:
Sydney–Christchurch, New Zealand. (Sun.) Haere Mai—welcome to New Zealand! The remainder of the day is at leisure in this internationally famed “Garden City.” (B)

Day 11:
Christchurch. (Mon.) Enjoy sightseeing with a drive up the winding Summit Road for views of Lyttleton Harbour, then past Christchurch’s old stone buildings, the charming Avon River, and acres of green parks. (B)

Day 12:
Christchurch–Queenstown. (Tue.) Today, enjoy fantastic views as you journey through the snowcapped peaks, waterfalls, and rugged mountain scenery of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Later, arrive in Queenstown, nicknamed the “Adventure Capital of the World.” (B)

Day 13:
Queenstown. Cruise on Milford Sound. (Wed.) More beautiful scenery today as you travel into FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK through the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. Boasting some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, this region of New Zealand has the elite status of belonging to UNESCO’s World Heritage Parks. CRUISE on the fiord with sheer rock walls rising thousands of feet from the water’s great depths. (B,L)

Day 14:
Queenstown. (Thu.) A full day at leisure for your own discovery. Consider an optional visit to a local vineyard and sample some of the prize vintages or maybe a thrilling jetboat ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers. Your Tour Director will have suggestions to help you plan your day to explore, shop, and enjoy optional activities. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a FAREWELL DINNER at Walter Peak, including a cruise aboard a vintage steamship on stunning Lake Wakatipu. (B,D)

Day 15:
Homebound Flight. (Fri.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)

Dates & Prices

CAIRNS:
Aboriginal dinner and show; Great Barrier Reef cruise with choice of activities; Welcome Dinner

MELBOURNE:
Sightseeing tour; visit Fitzroy Gardens, an opal company, and wildife park; witness the Penguin Parade

SYDNEY:
Sightseeing tour; visit the Opera House, botanical gardens, and Bondi Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club; dinner cruise

CHRISTCHURCH:
Sightseeing tour

QUEENSTOWN:
Visit Fiordland National Park and cruise on Milford Sound; Farewell Dinner

ALL INTRA-TOUR FLIGHTS
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
Fly to Australia. (Sun. & Mon.) Board your transpacific flight and skip a day as you cross the International Date Line on your way Down Under for the adventure of a lifetime.

Day 2:
Fly to Australia. (Sun. & Mon.) Board your transpacific flight and skip a day as you cross the International Date Line on your way Down Under for the adventure of a lifetime.

Day 3:
Cairns, Australia. (Tue.) G’day and welcome to Australia! Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special WELCOME DINNER. (D)

Day 4:
Cairns. (Wed.) Today offers a special treat as we visit a local WILDLIFE PARK for your chance to meet Australia’s native animals, including kangaroos, wombats, and crocodiles. You can even have your photo taken with a koala! Tonight, dinner will be held at TJAPUKAI ABORIGINAL CULTURE PARK—an interactive and entertaining portrayal of the culture, dance, and folklore of this indigenous tribe. (B,D)

Day 5:
Cairns. Great Barrier Reef Excursion. (Thu.) Board a fast catamaran for a CRUISE to Green Island, one of the many tropical islands on Australia’s famous Great Barrier Reef. Here you can choose to snorkel or take a GLASS BOTTOM BOAT TOUR, or walk through the island’s cool rainforest. The afternoon is at your leisure. (B,L)

Day 6:
Cairns–Ayers Rock. (Fri.) Today we fly to the Outback. In the afternoon, travel out past Uluru (Ayers Rock) to the magnificent KATA TJUTA (THE OLGAS), a geological splendor of some 30 brilliant monoliths. There is time for a walk to Olga Gorge before returning to “Sunset Strip” to stop for champagne in the Outback as you witness the changing colors of the Rock. (B)

D