Price Includes

Domestic and International airfare not included.

Note: Itinerary effective 1 Apr 2008.

Day 1: Arrive Melbourne

On arrival at Melbourne Airport you will be transferred to your hotel (flights to arrive prior to 4:00pm, airfare not included). This evening meet your Tour Director and fellow traveling companions for a welcome drink. Overnight: Melbourne, Saville on Russell for 3 nights

Day 2: Melbourne City Sights

Enjoy a morning tour of Melbourne including the Royal Botanic Gardens, St. Paul's Cathedral, Parliament House and the Shrine of Remembrance. This afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps take an optional tour to Phillip Island to see the famous Penguin Parade. (B)

Day 3: Melbourne at Leisure

Enjoy a day at leisure in cosmopolitan Melbourne. Perhaps join an optional tour and ride on Puffing Billy, followed by wine tastings in the Yarra Valley, or tour along the famous Great Ocean Road (own expense). (B)

Day 4: Melbourne-Alice Springs

You will be transferred to Melbourne Airport for your early morning flight to Alice Springs (flights to arrive prior to 1:00pm, airfare not included). Enjoy a tour of this unique Outback town. Visit the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station, Royal Flying Doctor Service, School of the Air and enjoy the panoramic views from Anzac Hill, before returning to your hotel. Overnight: Alice Springs, Alice Springs Resort

Day 5: Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Depart early for Ayers Rock Resort, stopping at a camel farm where you can try your hand at riding "a ship of the desert." This afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the facilities at Ayers Rock Resort. Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine this evening while watching the sunset over Uluru (Ayers Rock) from the special viewing area known as the "sunset strip." The subtle color changes are truly amazing. Overnight: Ayers Rock Resort, Desert Gardens for 2 nights (B)

Day 6: Uluru (Ayers Rock)-The Olgas

Rise early to view Ayers Rock at sunrise. You will have the opportunity to climb to the summit (optional). Tour the caves at the base of Ayers Rock and hear stories of the Aboriginal Dreamtime. Later, visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Center. This afternoon travel to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). The size and grandeur of these 36 massive domes of conglomerate red rock will amaze you. Take a walk to the Valley of the Winds Lookout. After sunset with sparkling wine, enjoy a delicious Australian barbecue dinner and stargazing. (B,D)

Day 7: Uluru (Ayers Rock)-Cairns

You will be transferred to Ayers Rock Airport for your flight to Cairns (airfare not included). On arrival at Cairns Airport you will be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy time at leisure to explore this tropical city. Overnight: Cairns, Cairns International for 3 nights (B)

Day 8: Great Barrier Reef

Cruise on a high-speed catamaran to the Great Barrier Reef. View the coral and fish from a semi-submersible vessel. Snorkeling gear is included (extra charge for diving). A marine biologist will provide an informative presentation on this living wonder. Enjoy a buffet lunch on-board the pontoon. (B,L)

Day 9: Cairns at Leisure

Today is at leisure to relax by the hotel pool or go shopping. Perhaps join an optional tour to Kuranda including a scenic rail journey on the Kuranda Railway, Skyrail Cableway ride above the canopy of the rainforest, and a visit to Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. (B)

Day 10: Cairns-Sydney

You will be transferred to Cairns Airport for your flight to Sydney (airfare not included). On arrival at Sydney Airport you will be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight: Sydney, Four Points by Sheraton for 3 nights (B)

Day 11: City Sights-Harbor Cruise

This morning tour Sydney and see the iconic Opera House, Royal Botanic Gardens, Mrs. Macquarie's Chair and Kings Cross. Visit famous Bondi Beach, with time to stroll along the beach, then return to the city for a Sydney Harbor luncheon cruise. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Perhaps visit the historic Rocks area at Circular Quay, which dates back to the time of early settlers. (B,L)

Day 12: Sydney at Leisure

Explore the beautiful harbor city of Sydney further today. Perhaps take an optional tour to the Blue Mountains to see the spectacular Three Sisters or enjoy some wine tasting in the Hunter Valley. (B)

Day 13: Sydney-Auckland

You will be transferred to Sydney Airport to connect with your flight to Auckland (flights prior to 1:00pm, airfare not included). On arrival in Auckland you will be transferred to your hotel. This afternoon travel to the top of Mount Eden for panoramic views of Auckland and explore the War Memorial. Overnight: Auckland, Stamford Plaza for 2 nights (B,D)

Day 14: Auckland

This morning visit Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World and Antarctic Encounter. Later, visit the America's Cup Village. Time at leisure this afternoon to explore Auckland further. You may like to visit Sky Tower for spectacular views of Auckland. (B)

Day 15: Auckland-Rotorua

Travel into the Waikato District today and visit the Waitomo Glow Worm grotto for a guided boat tour. Continue to Rotorua. Visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve and see boiling pools of mud and geysers of all sizes, followed by a Hangi dinner and concert. Overnight: Rotorua, Millennium Hotel (B,D)

Day 16: Rotorua-Christchurch

This morning visit Paradise Valley Springs to view the unique New Zealand animals, followed by an entertaining look at life on the farm at the Agrodome's Sheep Show. This afternoon fly to Christchurch on the South Island (flights after 1:00pm, airfare not included). Overnight: Christchurch, Millennium Hotel (B)

Day 17: Christchurch-Franz Josef

Board the famous TranzAlpine Train this morning and travel over the Southern Alps to Arthur's Pass. Continue to Greymouth, then follow the coastal road south to Franz Josef, home of the Franz Josef Glacier where you will have the opportunity to take an optional scenic flight (weather permitting, own expense). Overnight: Franz Josef, Franz Josef Glacier Hotel (B,D)

Day 18: Franz Josef-Queenstown

Continue along the coastal road, climb over the Haast Pass winding through Mount Aspiring National Park. Visit Arrowtown, a colorful township steeped in local history, before traveling to Queenstown. Overnight: Queenstown, Millennium Hotel for 2 nights (B)

Day 19: Milford Sound

Journey into Fiordland National Park and through the Homer Tunnel. Stop briefly at the Chasm, before arriving at Milford Sound. Cruise on the waters of this natural wonder with Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls high above you. (B,L)

Day 20: Queenstown-Mt Cook-Christchurch

Travel past Mt Cook National Park, home to New Zealand's highest mountain. Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo and continue over the colorful, patchwork plains of Canterbury to Christchurch. Overnight: Christchurch, Millennium Hotel (B)

Day 21: Depart Christchurch

Transfer to Christchurch Airport to connect with your onward flight (flights anytime, airfare not included). (B)

Departure Dates
2008: Apr 27; Jun 15; Jul 13; Aug 31; Sep 28; Oct 12, 26; Nov 23; Dec 7, 28
2009: Jan 11, 25; Feb 8, 15, 22; Mar 8, 29 Apr 26