14-DAY AUSTRALIAN ESCAPE TOUR

Visits: Sydney, Melbourne, Ayers Rock, Alice springs, and Cairns

Optional: Tasmania 3-day extension (extra cost)

For a free, escorted or custom vacation quote, send a request to: Info@YtravelC.com

INCLUDED FEATURES:

DAY TO DAY ITINERARY:

Day 3, Thu. ARRIVE MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA.
Upon arrival, you are transferred to your hotel which has been pre-registered so you can check-in right away. The balance of the day is free.

Day 4, Fri. MELBOURNE.
See the Victorian architecture on a ­sightseeing tour that includes Melbourne University, Parliament House, Queen Victoria Market and Captain Cook’s Cottage in Fitzroy Gardens. After­noon at leisure. Tonight, enjoy dinner aboard the 1927 Colonial Tramcar Restaurant, an authentic tramcar that has been converted into an elegant restaurant, travel­ing the scenic streets of Melbourne. (B,D)

Day 5, Sat. MELBOURNE.
A full free day to do as you please. This attractive city boasts some of the world’s finest museums, and shopping is some of the country’s best. You may wish to take the optional outing to the picturesque Yarra Valley, whose roll­ing vineyards produce some of Australia’s finest wines. Other ideas include a trip on Puffing B illy, Australia’s best known narrow gauge railroad, a day outing to historic gold rush country or a drive along the Great Ocean Road. Another popular trip is the ­optional drive out to see the Fairy Penguin parade. (B)

Day 6, Sun. ­MELBOURNE / ALICE SPRINGS.
Head to the airport for the flight to the vast red land of the Outback. This afternoon, sightseeing includes a visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Overland Telegraph Station and the School of the Air. Tonight, perhaps join the optional outing for a Bush Dinner in a traditional ­outback setting and listen to classic Australian music while you dine under the stars. (B)

Day 7, Mon. ALICE?SPRINGS / AYERS?ROCK.
A leisurely ride to Ayers Rock where you will drive around the Olgas, 36 giant red rock domes which dominate the Western sky. Later, enjoy a short walk to the base of Olga Gorge. This evening, visit the "Sunset Strip" for a glass of champagne while watching the sun set over Ayers Rock. (B)

Day 8, Tue. AYERS?ROCK / CAIRNS.
Rise early this morning to view the gran­deur of Ayers Rock. Hikers may have the opportunity to climb to the top of the Rock, or tour the caves at its base and hear an explanation of the Aboriginal Dreamtime Legends. This afternoon, fly to Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Dinner tonight is at a favorite "locals" restaurant. (B,D)

Day 9, Wed. GREAT?BARRIER?REEF?EXCURSION.
Board a high-speed catamaran and cruise to the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy coral viewing from the Underwater Observatory, cruise through the coral on a sub-sea viewer, and snorkel in the clear blue water. A marine biologist on board enhance s the experience, and a smorgasbord lunch will be served. Late this afternoon, return to Cairns for a relaxing evening on your own. (B,L)

Day 10, Thu. CAIRNS.
A free day. Your Tour Director can arrange an ­optional excursion on the Kuranda ­Railroad to the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. Other activities include river rafting, a rainforest walk, a hike or cruise through the Daintree Rainforest, or perhaps an outing to spot crocodiles. Tonight, there is an optional dinner ­outing in the midst of the rainforest, with flame-lit torches (B)

Day 11, Fri. CAIRNS / SYDNEY.
Board your flight to Sydney this morning. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your harborside hotel, with the balance of the day at leisure. (B)

Day 12, Sat. SYDNEY.
Visit a wildlife park to see some of Australia’s unusual fauna – koalas, kangaroos, wombat and emus. Next, board a luncheon cruise on Sydney Harbour for offshore views of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Fort Deni­son and beautiful waterfront homes. Afterwards, take a guided tour of the world famous Sydney Opera House. (B,L)

Day 13, Sun. SYDNEY.
A free day to relax, shop or sightsee. Perhaps join an optional tour to the Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley, or one of the many other choices. Tonight, reminisce with your fellow travelers at a Farewell Dinner at the Sydney Tower revolving restaurant, affording unforgettable views. (B,D)

Day 14, Mon. SYDNEY / LOS ANGELES.
The morning is at leisure before your transfer for your flight. Cross the International ­Dateline and arrive in Los Angeles the same day.

PRICES: From $4950 per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement fees apply. Taxes extra

LAND ONLY WITH INTRA AUSTRALIA FLIGHTS: From $3925

DEPARTURES 2008: May 20, Jun 24, July 29, Oct 14  & 28, Nov 04, 18, Dec 02, 23 2009 Jan 27, Feb 17 Mar 05, 18,