Day 1: Saturday, October 30, 2010
Depart from Home
Today you board your Qantas flight and begin the adventure of a lifetime to Australia and New Zealand, two countries known for their friendly and welcoming nature. Crossing the International Dateline, you skip a day ahead.
Day 2: Sunday, October 31, 2010
Cairns (Northern Beaches), Australia - Tour Begins
Your tour begins today in Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, renowned for tropical rainforests, warm weather, friendly people and beautiful beaches. Tonight, enjoy a special welcome dinner with your new mates.
Today Dinner is included.
Day 3: Monday, November 01, 2010
Great Barrier Reef
Board a high speed catamaran for an exciting exploration of the Great Barrier Reef. 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 rainforest, relax on the beaches, snorkel or just watch the fish and sea turtles swim past from the pier. Optional scuba diving and an outer reef tour* are also available. You can do as much or as little as you like to explore the magnificent coral gardens of the reef.
Today
Breakfast and Lunch
are included.
Day 4: Tuesday, November 02, 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’ll also have the chance to meet some local koalas.
Today Breakfast is included.
Day 5: Wednesday, November 03, 2010
Cairns - Melbourne
This morning you are at leisure to explore Cairns. Later, fly to Melbourne - Australia's most stylish city!
Today
Breakfast and Dinner
are included.
Day 6: Thursday, November 04, 2010
Melbourne
Today you embark on a tour of Melbourne featuring Fitzroy Gardens, the Shrine of Remembrance and the Parliament House. Later, travel to Phillip Island, a nature reserve and home of the world’s largest colony of Little Penguins. The Little Penguin is protected on Phillip Island and a staff of rangers works diligently to study and protect them. A highlight is sure to be the adorable Little Penguin Parade during which hundreds of lovable birds waddle out of the sea and cross the beach to their burrows in the dunes. You will also visit the interpretation center where you will learn about the life of the Little Penguins and their significance to the area. Dinner is included on Phillip Island.
Today
Breakfast and Dinner
are included.
Day 7: Friday, November 05, 2010
Melbourne - Canberra
This morning fly to Australia's capital city, Canberra. Upon arrival, enjoy a panoramic city tour visiting the Old Parliament House as well as the National Museum of Australia which interactively celebrates the land, nation and people of the country. The evening is yours to explore the city's shopping district and great eateries.
Today Breakfast is included.
Day 8: Saturday, November 06, 2010
Canberra - Blue Mountains - Sydney
Journey this morning into the majestic Blue Mountains which reside just outside of Sydney. Revel in the beauty of this World Heritage Site as you visit the famous Three Sister rock formation and Govett's Leap. Later, arrive into the bustling city of Sydney where the evening is yours to explore.
Today Breakfast is included.
Day 9: Sunday, November 07, 2010
Sydney
This morning you will see Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks, Circular Quay, the Botanic Gardens, and the fashionable suburb of Paddington on a sightseeing tour of Sydney. You will also feel the power of one of the world’s most acoustically perfect architectural designs, the Sydney Opera House, during a guided tour. This evening you’ll enjoy a dinner cruise on beautiful Sydney Harbour during which you will be treated to spectacular views of Sydney’s greatest icons - the Harbour Bridge and world-famous Opera House.
Today
Breakfast and Dinner
are included.
Day 10: Monday, November 08, 2010
Sydney
This morning visit Sydney Wildlife World - located on the shores of Darling Harbour - which showcases Australia's fascinating flora and fauna with three floors of exhibits. Within its walls, over 6,000 native animals are protected. Walk amongst the wallabies and birds when you experience Sydney Wildlife World's new interactive walk-through. Visit the koala sanctuary where you can see Australia's most famous animal species in its natural habitat. If you want to, you can even pet one! Later, enjoy an educational presentation on opals - learn how raw opals are processed from the dark mine shafts to artistic creations found in your favorite jewelry store. This evening, enjoy the friendly city at your leisure or join us for an optional tour.
Today Breakfast is included.
Day 11: Tuesday, November 09, 2010
Sydney - Christchurch, New Zealand - Queenstown
You leave Australia behind and travel to New Zealand, arriving in the picturesque resort village of Queenstown. Become acquainted with your surroundings during a spectacular dinner at the Skyline Restaurant, which overlooks the appropriately named ‘Remarkable Mountains.’
Today
Breakfast and Dinner
are included.
Day 12: Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown
Today you will travel through beech forest into the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley via the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. Enjoy a cruise on the spectacular fjord of Milford Sound, experiencing breathtaking vistas at every turn. Following your cruise you will return to Queenstown. You may opt to return via a short optional flight (weather permitting) for spectacular views of the Southern Alps.
Today
Breakfast and Lunch
are included.
Day 13: Thursday, November 11, 2010
Queenstown
Your day is at leisure. You may choose from several options to enhance your vacation. Shop in the charming village, relax and visit with new friends, or enjoy an optional ‘Safari of the Rings’ tour that takes you deep into the majestic landscape of the Lord of the Rings movies.
Today Breakfast is included.
Day 14: Friday, November 12, 2010
Queenstown - Mt. Cook
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.
Today
Breakfast and Dinner
are included.
Day 15: Saturday, November 13, 2010
Mt. Cook - Christchurch
Today you will journey through the rolling Canterbury hillside en route to Christchurch. Located on the Avon River, this charming city is considered “the most English city outside of England.” A sightseeing tour highlights magnificent gardens, the Neo-Gothic Cathedral and the downtown park district.
Today Breakfast is included.
Day 16: Sunday, November 14, 2010
Christchurch
Today you are on your own to explore this charming city. This evening you are invited to dine and make friends with a New Zealand family in their home. This is sure to be an unforgettable evening during which you will learn about the customs of the “Kiwi’s” and enjoy a home-cooked meal.
Today
Breakfast and Dinner
are included.
Day 17: Monday, November 15, 2010
Christchurch - Picton - Wellington
Travel up the winding eastern coast to Picton where you will board the famous Interislander Ferry for one of the most scenic trips the world has to offer. Enjoy the spectacular scenery as you cruise through the Marlborough Sounds and cross the Cook Strait, arriving this evening in the capital city of Wellington. Nestled between a sparkling harbour and the rolling hills of the North Island, Wellington was first settled by Polynesians in the 10th century.
Today Breakfast is included.
Day 18: Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Wellington
Today you will enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour of Wellington viewing the Beehive, New Zealand’s Parliament, historic St. Paul’s Church, and the government building, the largest wooden building in the Southern Hemisphere. Following the tour, you will visit the national museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongawera Museum.
Today Breakfast is included.
Day 19: Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Wellington - Napier
Journey into the region of Hawke's Bay today, arriving in the city of Napier. Rebuilt in the 1930s after a devastating earthquake, Napier boasts some of the greatest art deco architecture in the world. This evening, a fantastic winery visit and dinner will help you to discover the flavors of the region.
Today
Breakfast and Dinner
are included.
Day 20: Thursday, November 18, 2010
Napier - Rotorua
This morning, enjoy an art deco tour of this great city. You then travel to Rotorua, known as the geothermal wonderland and cultural capital of New Zealand. The evening is yours to explore this great city.
Today Breakfast is included.
Day 21: Friday, November 19, 2010
Rotorua
This morning visit Te Puia, New Zealand's premier Maori cultural and geothermal experience. You'll be truly amazed by the landscape of erupting geysers, bubbling mud pools and other geothermal wonders! Here, the Maori keep their customs alive by teaching the tribal youth the skills of traditional carving, weaving and dancing. Take part in an interactive demonstration on the art of weaving and the importance of the Maori dress. You will also view the Kiwi bird and learn what New Zealanders are doing to try to remove the Kiwi from the endangered species list. Next, a visit to the Agrodome will give you insight into how wool, one of New Zealand’s premier products, is produced. You will see a sheep shearing demonstration here. This afternoon, visit a jade factory to see how the raw product is transformed into a fabulous gemstone. This evening you will receive a traditional Maori welcome at a Hangi meal followed by a traditional performance of songs, dances and other cultural festivities.
Today
Breakfast and Dinner
are included.
Day 22: Saturday, November 20, 2010
Rotorua - Auckland - Tour Ends
Drive to Auckland where your tour ends.
Today Breakfast is included.
EXTEND YOUR VACATION WITH...
optional 2-Night Fiji Post Tour Extension
Rate: $499 USD per person, double, land and air included
3 Meals 2 Breakfasts, 1 Dinners
Day 22 Rotorua - Auckland - Nadi, Fiji
Today you will arrive in the beautiful paradise island of Fiji. Fiji retains all the primitive cultural fascination of the South Pacific and boasts expansive sandy beaches and clear ocean waters.
Day 23 Fiji
Your day is free to relax and enjoy your surroundings. An optional island tour is offered. Enjoy a lovely dinner this evening.
Today
Breakfast and Dinner
is included.
Day 24 Fiji - Tour Ends
Today your tour ends in Fiji.
Today Breakfast is included.
Please Note:
• Subject to change pending air schedule. For all passengers visiting Fiji, there is an approx. additional $65 USD per person in taxes and fees to be paid with final payment.
• Extensions not purchased at time of deposit are subject to availability and applicable charges at time of request.
• This extension will be hosted by a local representative.
