Dream Big Down Under

Explore two great countries of the Southern Hemisphere – Australia and New Zealand. From the tropical splendor of the Great Barrier Reef on Australia’s northeast coast, to the ethereal beauty of glacial fjords on New Zealand’s South Island, this 15-day journey to the lands "Down Under" brings you the best of both countries at an enjoyable pace. Cruise Sydney Harbour and Milford Sound. Meet Australia’s wildlife up close. Discover the wonders of Aboriginal culture. Indulge in regional flavors at a wine tasting and experience Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world.

Day: 1

Depart from Home

Cross the International Dateline (skipping a day ahead) for an adventure discovering the treasures of Australia and New Zealand, including their unparalleled beauty and captivating culture.

Day: 2 – Sydney, Australia

Meals: Dinner Sofitel Sydney Wentworth

Arrive today in Sydney, perhaps one of the friendliest metropolises in the world. Tonight join your fellow travelers and toast to the start of your adventure down under during dinner in lively Darling Harbour.

Day: 3 – Sydney

Meals: Breakfast Sofitel Sydney Wentworth

See where English colonists first settled during a city tour of Sydney, starting with an Aboriginal-guided walking tour of The Rocks district. Then, head to Circular Quay, famed for two of Sydney’s most recognizable landmarks - the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. Take an expert-led tour of the Sydney Opera House, poised majestically on Sydney Harbour, to discover its remarkable architecture and history. Continue your city discovery with a visit to the Botanic Gardens and its historic surroundings. Then, have the chance to join a special presentation at the National Opal Collection.

Day: 4 – Sydney

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Sofitel Sydney Wentworth

Deepen your exploration of Sydney’s many wonders with a day at leisure. Tonight, enjoy scenic vistas of Sydney during a delightful dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour. Marvel at the magnificent skyline and iconic attractions: the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

Day: 5 – Sydney - Cairns

Meals: Breakfast Bailey Hotel by Crystalbrook

Fly to Cairns, the tropical gateway to one of the world’s most spectacular natural attractions – the Great Barrier Reef (UNESCO). Established as a marine park in 1975, the reef is a haven for thousands of species of sea life, as well as turtles and birds.

Day: 6 – Cairns

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Bailey Hotel by Crystalbrook

Board a high-speed catamaran for an exciting excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. Explore the reef from your base on Green Island. Enjoy a glass-bottom boat ride, stroll the island’s walking trails, relax on the beach, snorkel or just watch the fish and sea turtles swim past from the pier. For a more adventurous encounter with the reef, an optional outer reef tour is also available.

Day: 7 – Cairns

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Bailey Hotel by Crystalbrook

Soak up the tropical atmosphere – the morning is yours. Perhaps you will take an optional tour on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, taking you above the rainforest canopy for a bird’s-eye view of unspoiled nature. This afternoon, visit Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures to see crocodiles on a nature cruise. Head through rainforests on boardwalks to see animals such as wild birds, reptiles, and wallabies. Visit with a koala and chat with a wildlife naturalist to learn more about these furry creatures.

Day: 8 – Cairns - Alice Springs

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters

Experience the vast landscapes and tranquility of the Outback. Your flight takes you to Alice Springs, the perfect place to begin exploring this unique land. Tonight, continue your cultural immersion with a memorable bush dinner set against the backdrop of this unique desert environment.

Day: 9 – Alice Springs

Meals: Breakfast Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters

Access the history and culture of the Arrernte Aboriginal people by enjoying a guided walk on their sacred land, followed by a talk with an Aboriginal guide. Gain insight into their cultural history and discover what makes this place so special. This afternoon, discover a more modern side to Outback living when you visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service, a lifeline to thousands across the vast terrain of Central Australia. Later, tour the Old Telegraph Station and Anzac Hill with its excellent views of Alice Springs and the surrounding area.

Day: 10 – Alice Springs - Uluru

Meals: Breakfast Desert Gardens

Traverse the “Red Centre” and head to Uluru (the Aboriginal name for Ayers Rock) in the heart of the Australian Outback. This huge monolith and the sandstone domes known as Kata Tjuta were created through upheaval and erosion. Tour the base of "the Rock," learning about its geology and significance to Aboriginal culture. Witness the changing colors of Uluru at sunset accompanied by a champagne toast.

Day: 11 – Uluru - Melbourne

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Crown Promenade Melbourne

Fly to the beautiful Victorian city of Melbourne. Set upon the shores of Port Phillip Bay and the Yarra River, the city exudes a lively and cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Day: 12 – Melbourne

Meals: Breakfast Crown Promenade Melbourne

Set out on a city tour and see Fitzroy Gardens and Melbourne’s bustling “laneways.” Then, it’s your choice! Enjoy free time to explore on your own -OR- visit the Melbourne Botanical Gardens and Shrine of Remembrance. With an afternoon to yourself, perhaps you will ride a free city tram, try the amazing array of cuisines on offer in this multicultural city or enjoy the Victorian-era architecture.

Day: 13 – Melbourne - Queenstown, New Zealand

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Novotel Queenstown Lakeside

Leave Australia behind and fly to Queenstown, New Zealand. One of New Zealand’s most popular towns, Queenstown is nestled against a picturesque bay and snowcapped mountains. Home to ski resorts, hiking trails and an abundance of natural beauty, the city is known as the “Adventure Capital of the World.” Settle into your new home for the next three nights.

Day: 14 – Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown

Breakfast & Lunch Novotel Queenstown Lakeside

Soak in the rugged grandeur of Hollyford Valley as you travel through an ancient beech forest via the Homer Tunnel. Cruise the Milford Sound and see why this fjord is one of the most visited sights on the South Island. Following the cruise, consider returning to Queenstown via a short optional flight (weather permitting) for spectacular views of New Zealand’s Southern Alps.

Day: 15 – Queenstown

Meals: Breakfast Novotel Queenstown Lakeside

Your day is free to experience Queenstown your way. Shop or people-watch in the village, find a unique eatery for lunch, sample some New Zealand wine – the day is yours to enjoy this stunning city.

Day: 16 – Queenstown - Mt. Cook National Park

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner The Hermitage

Set off for the 19th-century settlement of Arrowtown, founded in the gold fever. Follow the Kawarau River and cross Lindis Pass before arriving in New Zealand’s most famous national park – Mt. Cook. Savor some free time in this Alpine paradise. You may choose to take a nature walk or simply meditate on the beauty of the Southern Alps.

Day: 17 – Mt. Cook National Park - Christchurch

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Distinction Christchurch Hotel

Depart for Christchurch this morning and pay a visit to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. A leader in the conservation of New Zealand species, Willowbank offers the chance to view New Zealand’s “Big 5” up close and personal. Learn about the local indigenous culture of the Maori, with a paddle on the Avon River in a traditional canoe or ‘waka’. Later, join a local Kiwi family for a home hosted dinner.

Day: 18 – Christchurch

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Distinction Christchurch Hotel

Devastated by an earthquake in early 2011, see firsthand how the “Garden City” is recreating itself during a sightseeing tour that highlights the city’s magnificent gardens and elegant park district. As the day draws to a close, toast to your adventure down under at a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers.

Day: 19 – Christchurch - Tour Ends

Meals: Breakfast

Your tour comes to a close, leaving you with unforgettable memories of the South Pacific.

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