Highlights of Australia & New Zealand 2009
Days 1 & 2 Depart USA We fly over the international date line on our way 'Downunder' to Melbourne, Australia.
Day 3 - Arrive Melbourne (3 nights) On arrival at Melbourne Airport you are transferred to your hotel. After check-in the rest of the day is free to relax or explore before a welcome drink with our Tour Director.
Day 4 - Melbourne Sightseeing & at Leisure Morning sightseeing shows us the Royal Botanic Gardens, Parliament House, the Shrine of Remembrance and more. Later enjoy time at leisure. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 5 - Melbourne at Leisure A full day at leisure to perhaps see the magnificent rock formations of the Twelve Apostles along the Great Ocean Road or ride the Puffing Billy steam train. Or travel back in time to the gold rush days to pan for gold at Sovereign Hill. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 6 - Melbourne — Alice Springs We board our morning flight to Alice Springs. On arrival a guided tour shows us the original waterhole, The Alice Springs at the historic Telegraph Station. We also visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service and School of the Air. Later on to Anzac Hill Lookout. Tonight, why not sample crocodile or emu in one of The Alice's fine restaurants" (Buffet breakfast)
Day 7 - Alice Springs — Ayers Rock (2 nights) We depart early for Ayers Rock, stopping at a camel farm where you can try your hand riding 'a ship of the desert'. This afternoon is at leisure. This evening savor a complimentary glass of wine while watching the sunset at Uluru (Ayers Rock) from the viewing area known as the 'sunset strip'. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 8 - Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) We rise early to view sunrise at Uluru (Ayers Rock). Tour the caves at the base of Uluru and hear stories of the Aboriginal Dreamtime. Later, visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. In the afternoon we travel through the desert plains to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). Take a walk through Walpa Gorge and gaze down the central valley of Kata Tjuta. Finally after a spectacular sunset with complimentary sparkling wine at Kata Tjuta, we will enjoy a barbecue dinner. Time for stargazing too! (Buffet breakfast / Highlight dinner)
Day 9 - Ayers Rock — Cairns (3 nights) This morning is at leisure before our flight to Queensland and the holiday resort of Cairns. This afternoon spend time at the Cairns Wildlife Dome where you - ll encounter unique Australian animals. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 10 - Great Barrier Reef Today we join the high speed catamaran for the most unforgettable day on the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy an informative reef education presentation. See the fascinating coral formations and other exotic marine life from the underwater observatory and the semi-submersible craft. After an included buffet lunch, there's time to relax, snorkel some more or scuba dive (own expense). (Buffet breakfast / Buffet lunch)
Day 11 - Cairns at Leisure Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps take an excursion to the pretty village of Kuranda or visit Cape Tribulation and the Daintree National Park. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 12 - Cairns — Sydney (3 nights) Mid-morning, we transfer to the airport where we board our flight to Sydney. We arrive in the afternoon and transfer to our hotel. The rest of your day is at leisure. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 13 - Sydney Sightseeing & at Leisure After breakfast, our sightseeing tour will feature stunning views of Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Next we join a guided tour of the Opera House, see Darling Harbour and stroll along Bondi Beach. Later, we will enjoy a luxury cruise on Sydney Harbour which includes a delicious lunch on board. (Buffet breakfast / highlight lunch)
Day 14 - Sydney at Leisure Enjoy a full day at leisure. Maybe take a trip to Canberra, Australia's capital or an excursion to the Blue Mountains and Featherdale Wildlife Park. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 15 - Sydney — Auckland (2 nights) Early morning flight to Auckland, New Zealand. On arrival we transfer to our hotel. (Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 16 - Auckland Sightseeing & at Leisure Our sightseeing tour includes views from the top of Mt. Eden and the War Memorial. We stop at Viaduct Harbour, home to the 2000 America's Cup followed by a cruise on Waitemata Harbour, the best way to see the city! (Buffet breakfast)
Day 17 - Auckland — Rotorua We join a guided boat tour of the incredible Waitomo Glow Worm Grotto. From here it's on to Rotorua for a visit to Te Puia Thermal Reserve, followed by a Maori Hangi dinner. (Buffet breakfast / Highlight dinner)
Day 18 - Rotorua — Christchurch Our sightseeing tour includes a visit to Paradise Valley Springs and the Agrodome Sheep Show. Then we take an afternoon flight to Christchurch. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 19 - TranzAlpine — Franz Josef Journey through the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine Train. Continue to Franz Josef Glacier where you'll have an opportunity to enjoy an optional scenic flight (weather permitting). (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Day 20 - Franz Josef — Queenstown (2 nights) Today we enjoy a coastal drive as our journey takes us south passing Lake Wanaka, Lake Hawea and through Kawarau Gorge. Then we visit Arrowtown, before we arrive in Queenstown. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 21 - Milford Sound An early start to Fiordland. We drive through the Homer Tunnel stopping at the Chasm, before arriving at Milford Sound. We enjoy a spectacular cruise including lunch. Later, we return to Queenstown for the night. (Buffet breakfast / Highlight lunch)
Day 22 - Mount Cook — Christchurch Today we travel past Mount Cook National Park. Next we visit Lake Tekapo, stopping at the Church of Good Shepherd. We drive over the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch and enjoy a tour of the city. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 23 - Christchurch — USA This morning time to bid farewell as we transfer you to Christchurch Airport to connect with your return flight home. (Buffet breakfast)
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