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  Price Includes

• Fully-escorted tour in New Zealand and Australia with Tour Director and Driver/Guides
• Centrally located hotels in key locations
• Luxury motorcoaches featuring large panoramic windows, reclining seats with foot rests.
• Free travel kit including travel bag and map
• Hotel porterage and restaurant gratuities
• 37 meals: 22 hot breakfasts (B), 4 lunches (L), 11 dinners (D)


  

  HIGHLIGHTS

NEW ZEALAND
• View spectacular Franz Josef Glacier
• Cruise majestic Milford Sound
• Cross the Southern Alps by rail
• Tour the thermal region of Rotorua
• Traditional Maori feast and concert

AUSTRALIA
• Sydney Harbor luncheon cruise
• Tour of Sydney Opera House
• Wildlife Park
• Great Barrier Reef cruise
• Kuranda Scenic Railway
• Wildlife Park in Kuranda
• Cultural dinner and show at Tjapukai Aboriginal Park
• Explore Ayers Rock and the Olgas
• “Sounds of Silence” dinner
• Travel aboard the legendary Ghan Railway
• Visit National Wine Centre
• City Sights tour of Melbourne

 
Southern Explorer

23 Days • Fully Escorted ECCN

Day 1 Depart Los Angeles
This evening board a flight bound for Australia. (D)

Day 2: In Flight
Cross the International Dateline and “lose” a day.

Day 3: Arrive Sydney, Australia
Meet the Tour Director on arrival at Sydney Airport and transfer to the hotel. Enjoy a special early check-in, and spend the day relaxing or step out to explore. Tonight, join fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner. Accommodation: Sydney, Shangri-La Hotel for three nights. (B,D)

Day 4: Sydney Sights
A full day of Sydney sightseeing. See many of Sydney’s famous landmarks including Hyde Park, Kings Cross, the Royal Botanic Gardens, the historic Rocks area and Bondi Beach. On a luncheon cruise of Sydney Harbor, enjoy magnificent views of the Harbor Bridge, Opera House and Fort Denison. An afternoon guided tour of Sydney’s icon, the Sydney Opera House, completes a fantastic day experiencing Sydney. (B,L)

Day 5: Sydney at Leisure
Today is free to explore Sydney. From the hotel, it is a short walk to the historic Rocks area and Circular Quay. Perhaps take a sightseeing excursion to the wine growing region of the Hunter Valley, or to the stunning Blue Mountains (own expense). Tonight explore Sydney and its world-class restaurants. The Tour Director can help with arrangements. (B)

Day 6: Sydney / Cairns
This morning fly to Cairns, the largest city in Northern Queensland. Enjoy a tour of the city before having the unique opportunity to experience the Tjapukai Cultural Dinner and Show. Accommodation: Cairns, Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina for three nights. (B,D)

Day 7: Great Barrier Reef Cruise
This morning, board a luxury catamaran for a full day cruise to the Great Barrier Reef. At Agincourt Reef, a magnificent ribbon reef, witness the fascinating underwater coral gardens aboard the semi-sub, or swim and snorkel over the fascinating seascape. View the marine life from the underwater observatory. A delicious lunch is served on board. (B,L)

Day 8: Skyrail & Kuranda Railway
Today experience a full day of touring in the Kuranda Rainforest. Ride the Skyrail above the rainforest to Kuranda. Visit a wildlife park then enjoy time at leisure to explore. This afternoon, travel aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway through the rainforest back down the mountain to Cairns. (B)

Day 9: Cairns / Uluru (Ayers Rock)
This morning fly to Ayers Rock, Australia’s Red Center. Afternoon touring of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Visit Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). Tonight, enjoy a unique dining experience at the “Sounds of Silence” dinner. Listen to the haunting sounds of the didgeridoo and after dinner, an astronomer will explain the stars of the great southern skies. Accommodation: Ayers Rock, Sails in the Desert.(B,D)

Day 10: Uluru (Ayers Rock) / Alice Springs
Tour Uluru’s base and view ancient caves and Aboriginal art. Walk to Mutitjulu waterhole, and see Aboriginal artists at work at the Maruka Arts and Craft Gallery. Journey to Alice Springs, passing vast cattle ranches. Accommodation: Alice Springs, Crowne Plaza. (B)

Day 11: Alice Springs / The Ghan Train Journey
Begin the day with a tour of Alice Springs, including a visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Base. This afternoon board the famous “Ghan” train, for one of the world’s greatest train journeys through stunning desert landscapes to Adelaide. On board, enjoy sleeper berths, fine dining, bar facilities and inimitable Australian scenery. Accommodation: The Ghan Train (B,D)

Day 12: Adelaide
Complete the unforgettable journey aboard The Ghan on arrival in Adelaide. Visit the National Wine Center and learn about the regional wines including tastings.Accommodation: Adelaide, The Sebel Playford Hotel. (B,L)

Day 13: Adelaide / Melbourne
Board a flight to Melbourne. On arrival, take in the city sights, including Victoria Market, Parliament House and Fitzroy Gardens. This evening board the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant, a fully restored vintage tramcar. Enjoy delicious food and fine wines while touring the beautiful streets of the “Garden City.” Accommodation: Melbourne, Hotel Sofitel for two nights. (B,D)

Day 14: Melbourne at Leisure
Explore Melbourne at leisure today. Stroll down to Southgate on the Yarra River or visit the city’s exclusive shopping arcades. Perhaps take a tour to the Great Ocean Road or the famous Penguin Parade at Phillip Island (own expense). (B)

Day 15: Melbourne / Christchurch
Take a morning flight to New Zealand’s South Island and the city of Christchurch (airfare not included). Accommodation: Christchurch, Crowne Plaza for two nights. (B,D)

Day 16: Christchurch
Morning sightseeing tour of this very English city. Enjoy Christchurch’s beautiful gardens and architecture. Afternoon and evening at leisure. (B)

Day 17: Christchurch / Franz Josef
Board the TranzAlpine Train for a journey through spectacular scenery in the Southern Alps. Continue down the coast to the Franz Josef Glacier. Consider a scenic helicopter flight landing on the glacier (own expense). Accommodation: Franz Josef Glacier Hotel. (B,D)

Day 18: Franz Josef / Queenstown
Enjoy the magical alpine scenery today while traveling over Haast Pass, then along the shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea. Accommodation: Queenstown, Crowne Plaza for three nights. (B)

Day 19: Queenstown / Milford Sound
Today, discover the beauty of Fiordland National Park on a Milford Sound cruise, passing beneath spectacular tumbling waterfalls and famous Mitre Peak. The optional return flight to Queenstown provides a memorable aerial perspective of this untamed region (own expense). (B,L)

Day 20: Queenstown at Leisure
A free day to relax and enjoy this spectacular resort town at leisure. Visit the many shopping arcades; take a thrilling jet boat or helicopter ride; play a round of golf; or enjoy a winery tour—the choice is yours (own expense). (B)

Day 21: Queenstown / Rotorua
Take a morning flight to New Zealand’s North Island and the thermal region of Rotorua. Tour Te Puia Thermal Reserve—viewing its boiling mudpools and steaming geysers. Tonight, experience a traditional Maori feast and concert. Accommodation: Rotorua, Royal Lakeside Novotel. (B,D)

Day 22: Rotorua / Auckland
This morning, visit Rotorua’s Agrodome for an interactive sheep show. Then journey the Waitomo Caves for a guided tour and boat ride through the Glow Worm Grotto. Continue on to Auckland, the ‘City of Sails’. This evening enjoy a special farewell dinner. Accommodation: Auckland, Crowne Plaza. (B,D)

Day 23: Auckland / Los Angeles
Enjoy a late checkout before an evening flight (airfare not included). (B) (B,D)


Southern Explorer  ECCN
1 Apr 08–31 Mar 09

 Departure Dates
 2008:  Sept. 15; Oct. 6, 20, 27; Nov. 10, 17; Dec. 8
 2009:  Jan. 12, 19, 26; Feb. 2, 16; Mar. 9, 16, 23

 Cost per person from US$ Twin Single
 Land*  $7595  $10340
 Land with air**  $9165 $11910

 International Seasonal Air Supplement:
Add 100 for Oct-Nov 2008 & Feb-Mar 2009
Add $500 for Jan 2009

For departures after March 2009 please inquire.

Terms and conditions:

*Land price includes all New Zealand and Australian domestic flights and is based on using Qantas as the international carrier. Fare will differ for other airlines. **Land with air price includes all domestic, trans-Tasman and flights to/from Los Angeles. Special airfares are available from other US cities at an additional price. All prices, itineraries and routing are subject to change without notice. US/Foreign Taxes of approximately US$211, including September 11th Security Fee are additional. Prices are current at the time of listing; airlines frequently change their prices as a result of fare increases and/or fuel surcharges. Prices may differ when you book your travel and are not guaranteed until full payment is received. Please call for our current prices.

 
For additional information or to book please contact your local travel agent or:   Newmans Vacations
300 Continental Blvd, Suite 350
El Segundo, CA 90245
Tel: 800-342-1956
Fax: 310-215-9705
newmans@newmansvacations.com
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