Start in New Zealand with its natural beauty and spectacular scenery with highlights including a cruise along Milford Sound and a trip on board the TranzAlpine Train. Your discovery of Australia starts in Sydney before traveling to the colourful sights of the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru finishing in cosmopolitan Melbourne.
Day 1. Los Angeles
Board one of our selected evening flights to Auckland, New Zealand.
Day 2. In Flight
Cross the international dateline.
Day 3. Arrive Auckland
On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. An early check-in has been arranged before an afternoon tour of Auckland. This beautiful city sprawls over a narrow isthmus between the sparkling waters of the Waitemata and Manukau harbors. Enjoy a fascinating visit to Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World before joining your fellow travelers at a special Welcome Dinner at your hotel this evening.
Day 4. Rotorua, Maori Hangi Feast
This morning you will journey to the Waitomo Caves for a tour of the limestone caverns and glow-worm grotto. Then continue to Rotorua, a beautiful region rich in Maori heritage. Here tonight you will enjoy a traditional Hangi feast and Maori cultural performance of song and dance.
Day 5. Rotorua, Te Puia Thermal Reserve
Today visit the Agrodome to learn about the sheep farming industry. Then head to Te Puia Thermal Reserve to see the power of geothermal energy first-hand. Watch as geysers erupt, mud pools bubble and steam hisses. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure to explore or relax as you choose. A Country Homestay option is also available tonight
Day 6. Rotorua, Fly to Christchurch
Enjoy free time in Rotorua after breakfast before flying to Christchurch. On arrival, you can relax or explore in this historic city, packed with colonial architecture and fascinating landmarks.
Day 7. Southern Alps, Franz Josef
This morning after breakfast, board the TranzAlpine train for one of the top rail journeys in the world. Travel through the visually spectacular Southern Alps before disembarking to continue across rugged coastal terrain to Franz Josef, the gem of New Zealand’s West Coast glaciers.
Day 8. Franz Josef, Queenstown, Dine Around Dinner
Journey over Haast Pass and along the shores of lakes Wanaka and Hawea to Queenstown. Tonight, you may choose to cruise on the vintage steamboat TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for dinner. Or select from a range of other fantastic restaurants on our Dine Around Dinner.
Day 9. Milford Sound Cruise
Considered one of the most scenic alpine drives, absorb the majesty of Fiordland National Park on the journey to Milford Sound. On arrival, enjoy a cruise along the full length of the sound, passing beneath cliffs, tumbling waterfalls and towering mountains. Return to Queenstown by coach, or perhaps take an optional scenic flight back (own expense).
Day 10. Queenstown, Mt Cook
Enjoy free time this morning before travelling to World Heritage-listed Mt Cook National Park, home to Australasia’s highest mountain. On arrival, settle in to your room and take some time to admire the view before dinner in the hotel tonight.
Day 11. Fly to Sydney, Australia
Travel via Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo, Burkes Pass and the Canterbury Plains before arriving in Christchurch in the afternoon. Head to the airport and board your flight to Sydney. On arrival, check in to your luxurious hotel, before enjoying dinner and a glass of wine overlooking Sydney Harbour.
Day 12. Sydney Sights, Sydney Harbour Cruise, Opera House Guided Tour
This morning after breakfast, step inside the magnificent Sydney Opera House during a guided tour. Then board a cruise on Sydney Harbour, viewing the iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House from a different perspective. Enjoy a delicious lunch during your cruise, surrounded by the many sights of the famous harbor. This afternoon, discover Hyde Park and the famous Bondi Beach on a city tour.
Day 13. Sydney at Leisure
Enjoy this vibrant city at your own pace today. Perhaps take an optional sightseeing tour to the famous wine region of the Hunter Valley, or visit the Blue Mountains, where craggy mountains, deep wooded valleys, rock formations and the scent of eucalyptus serve as testament to Australia’s rugged beauty and charm. (both at own expense).
Day 14. Sydney, Fly to Cairns
Fly to Cairns today. On arrival, check in to your hotel before the rest of the day is at your leisure to explore this tropical city. Perhaps go shopping, explore the city’s markets, or spend a relaxing afternoon soaking up the tropical ambience by the pool or at the beach.
Day 15. Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Cruise out to the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef today. Board your catamaran cruise out to Moore Reef and view the colorful coral and diverse range of marine life through the glass bottom of your boat. While out on the reef you have the option to go for a snorkel or a swim. Afterwards, visit your boat’s underwater observatory before enjoying a delicious tropical lunch of local specialties.
Day 16. Skyrail, Kuranda, Wildlife, Cairns
This morning take a guided tour of Cairns before a ride on the scenic Kuranda Skyrail Rainforest Cableway over lush rain forest to Kuranda. On arrival in Kuranda, visit a wildlife park and learn about native Australian animals. Perhaps even have your photograph taken with a koala (own expense). After seeing a performance by the Pamagirri Aboriginal Dancers, take in the stunning landscapes as you travel aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway back through the rain forest to Cairns.
Day 17. Cairns, Fly to Uluru (Ayers Rock), Uluru Base Tour, Sounds of Silence Dinner
This morning, board a flight to Uluru from Cairns. Join your coach and head into Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park for a tour of Uluru’s base. Your guide will show you ancient caves and traditional Aboriginal rock art. Walk to Mutitjulu waterhole and hear Aboriginal stories and legends. See Aboriginal artists at work at the Maruku Arts and Crafts Gallery. Tonight you will be treated to the unforgettable Sounds of Silence dinner, where you’ll dine under the stars with vistas of Uluru. Later, go star gazing with an expert guide.
Day 18. Kata Tjuta (Olgas), Alice Springs
Today, after breakfast head out to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park again. Here, visit the stunning Kata Tjuta, a cluster of 36 unique domes, and learn about this sacred place from a local guide. You’ll walk through the domes to the majestic Walpa (Olga) Gorge, a tranquil place of much significance to local Aboriginal people. Later, re-board your coach and travel to Alice Springs.
Day 19. Alice Springs, Fly to Melbourne, Tramcar Dinner
On a tour of Alice Springs, visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service Base and Anzac Hill. Following this, board a flight for Melbourne, where on arrival you’ll take a brief sightseeing tour.
Tonight, indulge in a unique meal aboard the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant.
Day 20. Melbourne at Leisure
Today spend the day at leisure in Melbourne. There are many optional activities available, such as a journey along the Great Ocean Road or a tour to Philip Island to see the famous penguin parade. Or perhaps explore Melbourne at your own pace. You could visit the Queen Victoria Market, go shopping in the city or perhaps stroll through one of the many parks or gardens (all at own expense).
Day 21. Depart Melbourne
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Los Angeles.
