16-DAY GREAT AUSTRALIA ADVENTURE TOUR - Premium Escorted

Visits: Melbourne, Sydney, Cairns, Alice Springs & the Ayers Rock & more

INCLUDED FEATURES:

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

Day 1 Sat: Arrive Melbourne: On arrival in Melbourne you will be transferred to your hotel. This afternoon is at leisure for you to explore. Tonight enjoy a welcome drink with your Tour Director and fellow travellers. Accommodation: Hotel Sofitel, Melbourne, 2 nights.

Day 2 Sun: Melbourne: Enjoy a tour of the sights of Melbourne including the Royal Botanic Gardens, Queen Victoria Market, Shrine of Remembrance, Parliament House and much more. We drive over Westgate Bridge for panoramic views over Port Phillip Bay, before returning to the city. This afternoon you may like to join an optional tour to see the famous Penguin Parade on Phillip Island. Ask your Tour Director for details. (B)

Day 3 Mon: Melbourne – Uluru (Ayers Rock): You will be transferred to Melbourne Airport for your flight to Ayers Rock. On arrival at Ayers Rock Airport you will be transferred to your hotel. This afternoon we visit Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and explore the mysterious rock domes in Walpa Gorge. Enjoy sparkling wine as you watch sunset at Kata Tjuta, followed by a delicious barbecue dinner and time for stargazing too. Accommodation: Sails in the Desert Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort. (B) (HD)

Day 4 Tue: Uluru (Ayers Rock) – Alice Springs: Rise early to view Uluru (Ayers Rock) at sunrise. There is the opportunity to climb to the top (optional). Tour the base of Uluru and visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. Later, we depart for the unique town of Alice Springs.  Accommodation: Alice Springs Resort, Alice Springs, 2 nights. (B)

Day 5 Wed: Alice Springs: Enjoy a day at leisure in Alice Springs.   Perhaps join an optional Aboriginal Cultural Tour, town tour including a visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Service and School of the Air or a Palm Valley 4WD Safari. (B)

Day 6 Thu: Alice Springs – Darwin: This morning we visit the Alice Springs Desert Park. Learn about some of Australia's unique desert animals and see the exciting 'Birds of Prey' display. You will be transferred to Alice Springs Airport for your flight to Darwin. On arrival in Darwin you will be transferred to your hotel. This afternoon is at leisure. Accommodation: Saville Park Suites, Darwin. (B)

Day 7 Fri: Darwin – Kakadu: We travel via the Adelaide River and Marrakai Plains deep into the Kakadu National Park, where we stop at Nourlangie Rock to see Aboriginal rock art. Later, join a cruise on famous Yellow Water Billabong with a local expert guide. Visit the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre, before continuing to our unique hotel. Accommodation: Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn, Jabiru. (B)

Day 8 Sat: Kakadu – Darwin; At Ubirr this morning we view the Aboriginal rock art, then inspect the Bowali Visitor Centre. See crocodiles leap out of the water on the Jumping Crocodile Cruise this afternoon, before returning to Darwin. Accommodation: Saville Park Suites, Darwin. (B)

Day 9 Sun: Darwin – Port Douglas: You will be transferred to Darwin Airport for your flight to Cairns. On arrival at Cairns Airport you will be transferred to Port Douglas. Perhaps take a stroll along beautiful Four Mile Beach this afternoon. Accommodation: Radisson Treetops Resort, Port Douglas, 3 nights. (B)

Day 10 Mon: Great Barrier Reef: This morning we join the Quicksilver catamaran for a day at the Agincourt Reef on the Great Barrier Reef. An expert marine biologist guides us through the various marine-life seen from the underwater observatory, the sub-sea viewer and glass- bottom boat. Later, after our smorgasbord lunch, there's time to relax before our cruise back to Port Douglas. (BL)

Day 11 Tue: Port Douglas : Today is at leisure to relax in Port Douglas. You may like to join an optional tour to Kuranda including a scenic rail journey on the Kuranda train, Skyrail Cableway ride above the rainforest and visit to Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. ATK  (B)

Day 12 Wed: Port Douglas – Sydney; You will be transferred to Cairns Airport for your flight to Sydney. On arrival at Sydney Airport you will be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy four fabulous nights in the beautiful harbour city of Sydney. Accommodation: Sofitel Wentworth Hotel, Sydney, 4 nights. (B)

Day 13 Thu: Sydney Sights & Cruise: Our morning sightseeing tour includes views of Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House from Mrs. Macquarie's Chair. We then join a guided tour of the Opera House, a famous Australian icon. Later, we'll enjoy a luxury cruise on Sydney Harbour, which includes a delicious lunch. This afternoon is at leisure. (BL)

Day 14 Fri: Sydney: Today is at leisure. Perhaps take an optional tour to Featherdale Wildlife Park, home to many Australian animals, and the spectacular Blue Mountains to see the famous Three Sisters. Or perhaps take a tour to the Hunter Valley for some wine tastings or Australia's capital city, Canberra. Ask your Tour Director for details. (B)

Day 15 Sat: Sydney: Explore Sydney further today. Perhaps take a walk down to the historic Rocks District and visit one of the many art galleries, time for some last minute shopping or simply relax at the hotel. This evening you can join an optional farewell dinner with your Tour Director and fellow travellers. (B)

Day 16 Sun: Depart Sydney: Your tour concludes today after breakfast. You will be transferred to Sydney Airport to connect with your onward flight. (B)

PRICES: From $5835.00 per person. Based on double occupancy.*

DEPARTURES 2008:  May 17: June 14; July 05; Aug 02; Sept 13; Oct 04; Nov 01; Dec 13 & 27;

* FLIGHTS: When traveling from the US, please add 2 additional days onto the beginning of your trip for air travel. You will return to the US on Day 18