25-DAY SOUTHERN EXPLORER TOUR

INCLUDED FEATURES:

DAY TO DAY ITINERARY

Day 1 Sat. Los Angeles: This evening board your overnight flight to Nadi, Fiji.

Day 2 Sun. In Flight. : Cross the international dateline and ‘lose’ a day.

Day 3. Mon. Arrive Nadi, Fiji. : After an early morning arrival, transfer to the Outrigger Reef Hotel where your room is ready for early check-in. The rest of the day is yours to begin exploring this untouched paradise of sea and sun. Stay: Outrigger on the Lagoon - Nadi

Day 4. Tue. Coral Coast, Fiji : Whether you wish to explore the island or simply relax, your local island host will be on hand to give advice and offer recommendations.  Stay: Outrigger on the Lagoon - Nadi  Bx1

Day 5. Wed. Depart Nadi, Fiji. To Sydney: A morning departure to the airport for your flight to join the tour. Your Tour Director will meet you on arrival, of our selected flights, in Sydney. After an early check - in, relax or step out to explore. Join fellow travellers this evening for our Welcome Dinner.  Stay: Sydney Harbour Marriott - Sydney  Bx1 Dx1

Day 6 Thur. City Sights Tour, Sydney Harbour Cruise, Opera House Tour : Today join a Sydney sightseeing tour including a visit to a wildlife park. Join a luncheon cruise on Sydney Harbour before touring Kings Cross, the historic Rocks area and famous Bondi Beach. Join a guided tour of the famous Sydney Opera House.  Stay: Sydney Harbour Marriott - Sydney  Bx1 Lx1

Day 7 Fri. At Leisure in Sydney:  Relax and enjoy cosmopolitan Sydney at your own pace today. Perhaps join an optional sightseeing tour of the Hunter Valley, internationally known for its wines, or visit the stunning Blue Mountains to see the Three Sisters rock formation (own expense). You might like to stroll the Rocks area, which features a variety of souvenir and craft shops. Head to Oxford Street, Pitt Street Mall and discover the city’s fabulous shopping precincts.  Stay: Sydney Harbour Marriott - Sydney  Bx1

Day 8 Sat. Sydney, Cairns, Tjapukai Aboriginal Dinner and Show: Fly to Cairns. Enjoy a tour of this tropical city. Tonight experience the Tjapukai Dinner and Show. Showcasing the culture of the rain forest people, the show is a theatrical interpretation of Aboriginal culture from the beginning of time into the future and is followed by a sumptuous buffet dinner that features local produce and Australian wine.  Three Night Stay: Cairns, Shangri La, The Marina.  Bx1 Dx1

Day 9 Sun. Barrier Reef Cruise:  Enjoy a guided cruise to the Great Barrier Reef. At Agincourt Reef, a magnificent ribbon reef, see coral aboard the semi sub., or swim and snorkel. It's up to you how you choose to explore these clear waters with their tropical fish, colorful coral and other marine life. Visit the underwater observatory. Enjoy a tropical lunch. Stay: Cairns, Shangri La, The Marina.  Bx1 Lx1

Day 10 Mon. Skyrail, Kuranda, Cairns: Today ride the Skyrail Cableway, gliding over the lush World Heritage listed rain forest canopy to Kuranda. Later, take in the spectacular scenery as you travel aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway back down the mountain range, past cascading waterfalls to Cairns.  Stay: Cairns, Shangri La, The Marina.  Bx1

Day 11 Tue. Cairns, Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park, Sounds of Silence Dinner: This morning explore Cairns for yourself, perhaps wander down to the Marlin Marina or explore the shops. Join a flight to Uluru (Ayers Rock), visit Kata Tjuta (Olgas) and walk to Walpa (Olga) Gorge. Tonight enjoy the unique experience of dining in the desert at the ‘Sounds of Silence’ dinner. Savor this gourmet dining experience under the stars, followed by a guided tour of the Outback night sky.  Stay: Ayers Rock Resort's premier hotel, Sails in the Desert.  Bx1 Dx1

Day 12 Wed. Uluru Base Tour, Alice Springs:  Tour the base of Uluru, viewing ancient caves and Aboriginal rock art. Walk to Mutitjulu waterhole and hear of the ancient Aboriginal legends of the region. At the Maruku Arts and Crafts Gallery, see Aboriginal artists at work. There is also the chance to purchase original artworks from the artists. En route to Alice Springs, pass vast cattle stations. Stay: Alice Springs, Alice Springs Resort.  Bx1

Day 13 Thur. Alice Springs Tour, The Ghan Train: Tour Alice Springs, visiting the famous Royal Flying Doctor Base and Anzac Hill. This afternoon we board the Ghan Railway and begin one of the world's great train journeys through stunning desert landscapes to Adelaide. On board, enjoy first - class sleeper berths, fine dining, bar facilities and inimitable Australian scenery. Stay: The Ghan Alice Springs to Adelaide - Alice Springs  Bx1 Dx1

Day 14 Fri. Adelaide: Arrive in Adelaide this afternoon aboard The Ghan. Visit the National Wine Centre. This tour and educational tasting will give an insight into the Barossa wine region and the Australian wine industry.
Stay: Adelaide, Sebel Playford.  Bx1 Lx1

Day 15 Sat. Melbourne Tour, Colonial Tramcar Dinner: Fly to Melbourne. On a sightseeing tour of the city, visit Victoria Market, Parliament House and take a stroll through the Fitzroy Gardens. This evening enjoy dinner aboard the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. Dine as the tramcar winds its way through the streets of Melbourne.  Two Night Stay: Melbourne, Hotel Sofitel.  Bx1 Dx1

Day 16 Sun. At Leisure in Melbourne: A free day to enjoy the many delights of Melbourne ,one of the world's most liveable cities. You may choose to enjoy a leisurely breakfast before stepping out to explore this beautiful city. Stroll down to Southbank on the Yarra River to enjoy the many cafés, shops and Crown Casino complex; visit the city's elegant shopping arcades; or choose an optional tour to see the renowned Penguin Parade on Phillip Island, or the famous Great Ocean Road to see the magnificent Twelve Apostles (own expense).  Stay: Melbourne, Hotel Sofitel.  Bx1

Day 17 Mon. New Zealand, Christchurch City Sights Tour:  This morning board your flight for Christchurch on New Zealand's South Island. On arrival at Christchurch International airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. See elegant gardens and grand architecture. Two Night Stay: Christchurch, Crowne Plaza.  Bx1 Dx1

Day 18 Tue. Christchurch: Join a morning sightseeing tour of Christchurch. The remainder of your day is at leisure to enjoy the English heritage of this city.  Stay: Crowne Plaza, Christchurch  Bx1

Day 19 Wed. TranzAlpine Train, Franz Josef: Board the TranzAlpine Train for a journey through spectacular Southern Alps scenery. Sit back and relax as the TranzAlpine climbs over the Southern Alps to the West Coast. On arrival in Greymouth enter the stunning World Heritage listed area of south west New Zealand to view magnificent glaciers. View the mighty Franz Josef Glacier, which is over seven miles long.  Stay: Franz Josef Glacier Hotel.  Bx1 Dx1

Day 20 Thur. Queenstown: Drive over spectacular Haast Pass and journey along the shores of lakes Wanaka and Hawea to Queenstown.  Three Night Stay: Queenstown, Crowne Plaza.  Bx1

Day 21 Fri. Milford Sound Cruise: Today travel to World Heritage Fiordland National Park. Take an unforgettable cruise though the full length of spectacular Milford Sound, sailing below towering Mitre Peak, past cascading waterfalls, dense rain forest and rugged mountains.  Stay: Crowne Plaza, Queenstown  Bx1 Lx1

Day 22 Sat. At Leisure in Queenstown: Explore the alpine resort town of Queenstown for yourself today. Perhaps go shopping, take a jet boat or helicopter ride, play a round of golf or enjoy a winery tour (own expense).  Stay: Crowne Plaza, Queenstown  Bx1

Day 23 Sun. Rotorua. Fly to Rotorua: Tour Te Puia Thermal Reserve and witness the power of geothermal energy ,see boiling mud pools and exploding geysers. This evening enjoy a traditional Maori Hangi (feast) and cultural performance.  Stay: Rotorua, Royal Lakeside Novotel.  Bx1 Dx1

Day 24 Mon. Waitomo Caves, Auckland: Enjoy a guided tour of Waitomo Caves, lit by tiny glow worms. Continue to Auckland, the 'City of Sails'.  Stay: Auckland, Crowne Plaza.  Bx1 Dx1

Day 25 Tue. Auckland, Los Angeles: Auckland is New Zealand's largest city and one of the most impressive with its beautiful harbors, dormant volcanoes and unique visitor attractions. A morning tour is the perfect way to view the city highlights, and to see first hand why Auckland is known as the 'City of Sails'. Journey to the volcanic crater of Mt Eden for a spectacular panoramic view over Auckland. We pass through charming historic Parnell Village then drive along Auckland's waterfront. The remainder of today is at leisure, before being transferred from your hotel to the airport. Flight back to Los Angeles. Bx1 Dx1

DEPARTURES 2008: Jan 12, Feb 09, Mar 15 and more

PRICE: From $9460.00 per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement fee applies. Taxes extra.

HOTELS: First class hotels listed above