South Pacific Wonders
Presented by Caracalas Travel

Day 1: Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Depart From Home

Today you board your flight and begin the adventure of a lifetime. Crossing the International Dateline, you skip a day ahead.

Day 2: Thursday, March 04, 2010
Travel Day

Traveling you lose a full day.

Day 3: Friday, March 05, 2010
Arrive Cairns, Australia

Your tour begins today in Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Don’t forget to look up at the Southern Hemisphere's stars this evening after you join your mates for a welcome dinner.
Today Dinner is included.

Day 4: Saturday, March 06, 2010
Great Barrier Reef

Board a high speed catamaran for an exciting excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. This is an immense series of 2,800 coral reefs which are home to amazingly diverse marine life. From your base on Green Island, you are able to explore the reef in many ways. Enjoy a glass bottom boat ride*, a stroll on the walking trail to take in the rain forest, relax on the beaches, or just watch the fish and sea turtles swim past from the pier. For a more adventurous encounter with the reef, optional scuba diving, snorkeling and an outer reef tour are also available*. Whichever way you choose, you’ll see some of the world’s most fascinating marine and plant life.
Today Breakfast and Lunch are included.

Day 5: Sunday, March 07, 2010
Cairns

Today visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Center. You’ll see traditional Aboriginal dances, learn about the Aboriginal lifestyle, and even throw a boomerang or play a didgeridoo, a traditional instrument. Browse the renowned art gallery and visit the interpretation center, which houses a collection of interesting artifacts. This afternoon a great experience awaits as you search for crocodiles in their natural habitat during a visit to Hartley's Croc Farm! While visiting you also have the chance to meet some of the local koalas. Your evening is at leisure.
Today Breakfast is included.

Day 6: Monday, March 08, 2010
Cairns - Sydney

Fly to the bustling city of Sydney this morning. This evening, dine atop the city at Sydney's Revolving Restaurant enjoying the spectacular views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House at night!
Today Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 7: Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Sydney

Enjoy a city tour of Sydney where the English explorer James Cook first weighed anchor in 1770. Highlights of your exploration include Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks, Circular Quay, the Botanic Gardens and the fashionable Paddington suburb. Discover one of the world’s most fascinating architectural wonders during a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House. Later, enjoy a unique opportunity to learn first-hand how raw opals are transformed from the dark mine shafts to beautiful works of art. This evening you may enjoy Sydney at leisure or take an optional excursion.
Today Breakfast is included.

Day 8: Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Sydney

Tonight, experience the best of Sydney. Chat with new friends and take in the sights during a delightful dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour during which you’ll pass by two of Australia’s most famous icons: the renowned Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.
Today Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 9: Thursday, March 11, 2010
Sydney - Christchurch, NZ - Queenstown

You leave Australia behind and fly to New Zealand en route to beautiful Queenstown. Enjoy a gondola ride to dinner at the Skyline Restaurant which overlooks Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the mountains.
Today Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 10: Friday, March 12, 2010
Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown

En route to Milford Sound, enjoy the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley. You’ll travel through beech forest via the Homer Tunnel. During a cruise of the breathtakingly beautiful Milford Sound you’ll see why this fjord is one of the most visited sites on the South Island. With rock faces that rise nearly 4,000 feet on either side, the scenery will take your breath away. Following your cruise, you return to Queenstown. You may choose to return via a short optional flight (weather permitting) for spectacular views of New Zealand’s Southern Alps.
Today Breakfast and Lunch are included.

Day 11: Saturday, March 13, 2010
Queenstown

A leisurely day in Queenstown offers several options to enhance your vacation. Shop or people watch in the village or perhaps take the optional "Safari of the Rings" which takes you through the majestic Remarkable Mountains and the breathtaking Queenstown countryside where the Lord of the Rings movies were filmed.
Today Breakfast is included.

Day 12: Sunday, March 14, 2010
Queenstown - Mt. Cook - Christchurch

Traverse the spectacular countryside to New Zealand’s most famous national park, Mt. Cook. En route, enjoy a stop at a local fruit stand to gain an inside look at the produce of New Zealand. Mt. Cook is one of the most impressive mountains in the world. You may choose to view the massive glaciers and extensive snow-covered mountain top terrain on an optional glacier flightseeing tour (weather permitting), or perhaps enjoy the park during a nature walk. This evening arrive in the historic city of Christchurch.
Today Breakfast is included.

Day 13: Monday, March 15, 2010
Christchurch

This morning enjoy a short sightseeing tour of "the most English city outside of England", Christchurch. Highlights include magnificent gardens, the Neo-Gothic Cathedral and the downtown park district. Later, visit a Canterbury farmyard where you’ll enjoy a sheep shearing demonstration and see the herding of the farm’s animals! It’s a great opportunity to learn how a New Zealand family farm operates. This afternoon, you are invited to participate in an optional tour of the International Antarctic Center for an interactive experience and unique glimpse into the world of Antarctic expeditions. Make yourself right at home this evening when a New Zealand family welcomes you into their home for dinner! This is sure to be an unforgettable evening during which you will make new friends, learn about the customs of the “Kiwi’s” and enjoy a home-cooked meal.
Today Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 14: Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Christchurch

Today, enjoy a day of exploration on your own in beautiful Christchurch. This English city – the charming international gateway to New Zealand’s South Island – boasts countless cafes and boutiques. Stroll its cobblestone streets and enjoy the many sights that “the Garden City” has to offer. Tonight, dine inside the restored Riccarton House mansion and learn the history of the first family of Christchurch.
Today Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 15: Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Christchurch - Tour Ends

Explore the city of Christchurch this morning. Your tour ends today.
Today Breakfast is included.

EXTEND YOUR VACATION WITH...
optional 3-Night Fiji Post Tour Extension

Rate: $649 USD per person, double, land and air included
4 Meals 3 Breakfasts, 1 Dinners

Day 15 Christchurch - Nadi, Fiji
Today you will arrive in the beautiful paradise island of Fiji. Fiji retains all the primitive cultural fascination of the South Pacific. The expansive sandy beaches and clear ocean waters are world-famous.

Day 16 Fiji
Your day is free to relax and enjoy your surroundings. An optional island tour is offered. Tonight, enjoy a lovely dinner.
Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 17 Fiji
Today will be at your leisure to enjoy the many optional activities available.
Today Breakfast is included.

Day 18 Fiji - Tour Ends
Your tour ends in Fiji.
Today Breakfast is included.

Please Note:
• For all passengers visiting Fiji, there is an additional $65 USD per person in taxes and fees to be paid with final payment. This extension will be hosted by a local representative. Extensions not purchased at time of deposit are subject to availability and applicable charges at time of request.

Collette Logo

March 01 - March 15, 2010

Highlights...
Cairns • Great Barrier Reef • Queenstown • Milford Sound • Mount Cook National Park • Christchurch •

13 Days • 20 Meals:
12 Breakfasts • 2 Lunches • 6 Dinners

Per Person Rates*:
Double $4999
Single $6199

Triple $4949

*Included in Price: Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $535 (subject to increase until paid in full), Hotel Transfers, Round Trip Air from Hartsfield Intl Airport, Round Trip Air from Los Angeles Intl Airport, Round Trip Air from San Francisco Intl Airport.
Click Here for Details
*Not Included in Price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $225 per person.


YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
DAY 1 - 2
  Overnight Flight
DAY 3 - 5
  Novotel Oasis, Cairns
DAY 6 - 8
  Rydges World Square, Sydney
DAY 9 - 11
  Rydges Christchurch, Christchurch
DAY 12 - 14
  Mercure Resort Queenstown, Queenstown
DAY 15 - 16
  Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa, Nadi

On some dates alternate hotels may be used.


Experience It!
Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park


Born of the need to portray Aboriginal culture with dignity and pride, the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park is a stunning theatrical and symbolic interpretation of a 50,000-year-old society. Five theatres, a museum, an art gallery and a traditional Aboriginal camp combine to give you a complete and meaningful glimpse into this rich and ancient culture. The Fine Art Gallery features paintings and works by local Aboriginal artists available for purchase. In the tribal encampment area, the most interactive area of the park, you can interact with Tjapukai people as they teach you the art of throwing a boomerang or playing a didgeridoo. After watching a short demonstration on bush food and medicine, you can even taste their edible samples!

Click here for: Important Reservation Information.

For more information call
Marlene Caracalas
Caracalas Travel
(209) 785-8449
marlene@caracalastravel.com


Please Note:
• Visa is required.
• Passport is required.
• To complete your vacation, we include roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers when purchasing Collette airfare with your tour. If you have arranged for your own air, we are pleased to provide you the option of purchasing these transfers. Please note that all transfers will leave at pre-scheduled times.
• Due to changes in air schedules while on tour, the order of days in the itinerary may change. The internal flights on this program are not included in the land price of your vacation. These flights need to be arranged and purchased separately if you arrange your own air. Internal flights are included with the air portion of your vacation if you purchase air through Collette Vacations. Previous clients have indicated that a small gift from your area is appropriate and appreciated the night of your home hosted dinner in New Zealand. Due to early arrival times in some cities, rooms may not always be ready for immediate check-in. *If you purchase the outer reef option in the Great Barrier Reef, the glass bottom boat ride will be replaced by a semi-submersible boat on the outer reef pontoon. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed with the exception of visits to wildlife parks.
• This tour requires average physical activity. You should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven grounds and cobblestone streets.
• Taxes/fees to be paid in local currencies upon exiting New Zealand are approximately 25 NZD (approx. $15 USD).