Australia independent 16-day tour with optional new zealand extension

16 OR 23-DAY AUSTRALIA BOOMERANG TOUR

* * Optional 8-day New Zealand Extension available * *

For a free, customized vacation quote, send a request to: Info@YtravelC.com

An independent itinerary offering a choice of Superior and Standard hotels. Includes 6 meals, optional New Zealand extensions. For the inexpedient traveler which doesn't care to travel in large groups, 24-hours a day.

INCLUDED FEATURES:

Your choice of superior or standard accommodations

Sydney city and beaches tour

Sydney Harbour luncheon cruise

Dinner at Summit Restaurant, Sydney

Canberra sightseeing

Little Penguin parade and koalas

Adelaide sightseeing

Barossa Valley wine area, with local lunch

"Dreamtime" tour in Alice Springs

Ayers Rock and the Great Outback

Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef

Kuranda rail trip and Aboriginal show

Skyrail above the rainforest

Optional 8-day New Zealand extension

DAY TO DAY ITINERARY:

Day 1: Los Angeles/Sydney
Evening departure for Australia. En route the International Date Line is crossed and a day "lost."

AUSTRALIA

Day 3 Sydney
Early morning arrival in Sydney where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Afternoon at leisure.
ANA Harbor Grand Hotel Sydney** or
Cambridge Park Inn International*

Day 4: Sydney (L)
The highlights of Sydney in one action-packed tour: cross the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge to Milsons Point for panoramic views of the skyline. Off to Manly, a quaint seaside resort, and on to the northern beaches and some of the dramatic coastline before returning via the historic Rocks area. A lunchtime cruise on Sydney Harbour - one of the world's most stunning - follows. And in the afternoon you'll see some of Sydney's historic sites as well as the new Darling Harbour complex, colorful Kings Cross, exclusive suburbs and trendy Paddington.

Day 5 Sydney (D)
The day is yours to explore the city on your own. This evening, enjoy dinner at the home of an Australian family.

Day 6 Sydney/Canberra/Melbourne (L)
Morning flight to Canberra, to see the best of Australia's capital in a single day - from the towering heights of Mt. Ainslie Lookout to the historical Australian War Memorial. Tour the Parliamentary Triangle, viewing the High Court, the National Gallery and including lunch at the New Parliament House. Complete your visit with the display at Regatta Point and a drive by the embassies and diplomatic missions. Early evening flight to Sydney.
Sofitel Melbourne** or
All Seasons Welcome Hotel*

Day 7 Melbourne
Afternoon drive through the Victorian countryside to Phillip Island, home of the delightful Little Penguins. These comical seabirds waddle ashore, performing their daily "parade" before amused observers. You'll also meet up with everyone's favorite, the lovable koalas.

Day 8 Melbourne/Adelaide
The morning's city tour includes the lovely Fitzroy Gardens, Captain Cook's Cottage and the Botanical Gardens. Afternoon flight to Adelaide.
Hyatt Regency** or Holiday Inn Adelaide*

Day 9 Barossa Valley (L)
A delightful excursion to the wine growing areas of the Barossa Valley with its old-world influence and excellent wines. Lunch is served at a local winery.

Day 10 Adelaide/Alice Springs
By air to "A Town Like Alice."
Rydges Plaza Alice Springs or Mercure Inn Oasis*

Day 11 Alice Springs
On your "Dreamtime" tour today you will learn about the Central Australian Aboriginal people in their traditional environment - the bush. Watch Aborigines make their weapons and implements, learn about their religion, mythology, medicines, games and music, and even try your hand at throwing a boomerang!

Day 12 Alice Springs/Ayers Rock
Early morning departure by motorcoach deep into the Great Outback, to Ayers Rock. Tour the nearby Olgas and this evening, if the weather cooperates, be part of a display of spectacular colors as the sun sets behind the "Rock."
Sails In The Desert** or Outback Pioneer*

Day 13 Ayers Rock/Cairns
This morning as you tour around the base of the "Rock," the background of this sacred symbol of the Aborigines will be fully explained. By air to your next destination - Cairns in Tropical North Queensland.
Cairns International** or
Cairns Colonial Club Resort*

Day 14 Great Barrier Reef (L)
Travel up the coast road to Port Douglas for a delightful cruise to the Outer Reef. The catamaran moves through clear waters and anchors at Agincourt Reef for swimming, snorkeling or viewing the reef in the submarine viewer. A buffet lunch is included.

Day 15 Kuranda (L)
Start your day with a picturesque rail journey to Kuranda. Browse through this bustling market town before boarding the Skyrail for a spectacular ride above the rainforest. Then relive the mystical legend of "The Dreamtime" in a theatrical experience presented by the Tjapukai Dancers.

Day 16 Cairns/Los Angeles
Back to the airport for your departure flight. Cross the International Date Line and regain that "lost" day, arriving in Los Angeles in the early afternoon.

NEW ZEALAND 8-DAY EXTENSION

Day 16 Cairns/Christchurch
Morning flight across the Tasman Sea to Christchurch on New Zealand's scenic South Island.
The Heritage Christchurch** or
Rydges Christchurch*

Day 17 Christchurch (D)
Afternoon sightseeing of this "most English town outside of England." This evening you will be a guest at the home of a New Zealand family for dinner.

Day 18 Christchurch/Queenstown
Morning flight across the Southern Alps to charming Queenstown.
The Heritage Queenstown** or
Rydges Queenstown*

Day 19 Milford Sound (L)
One of your tour highlights will be today's drive to Milford Sound. Your coach journeys through spectacular mountain scenery. Take a launch excursion on Milford Sound for unforgettable views of the Stirling and Pembroke Falls which cascade from over 500 feet.

Day 20 Queenstown/Rotorua
Midmorning departure by air for Rotorua.
Royal Lakeside Novotel** or
Lake Plaza Rotorua*

Day 21 Rotorua (D)
Your day at Rotorua begins with a tour through this exciting thermal wonderland followed by a visit to Rainbow Farm. In the evening, attend a Maori concert and "Hangi."

Day 22 Rotorua/Waitomo/Auckland (L)
Your motorcoach travels over the forest-clad Mamaku Hills and through pastoral countryside to Waitomo. A stop will be made to visit the famous caves. Enjoy a subterranean boat trip on the underground river into the lofty cavern of the Glowworm Grotto, its eerie darkness illuminated by the tiny lights of millions of glowworms. After lunch, continue on through lush farmlands to Auckland.
The Ascott Metropolis** or Sky City*

Day 23 Auckland/Los Angeles
The last day is yours to enjoy in New Zealand's largest city. For your convenience, your room is held for late checkout. Evening departure by air for your flight home. Cross the International Date Line and arrive home midmorning of the same day.

PRICES 2008: From $4200 per person. Based on double occupancy rooms. Taxes extra.

HOTELS: Your choice of Standard, First Class or Deluxe

New Zealand Extension: additional $1020 per person.