| 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.
|