12-DAY MELBOURNE, REEF CRUISE, SYDNEY TOUR

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INCLUSIONS:

DAY TO DAY ITINERARY:

Day 1 Fly USA to Melbourne (Via Sydney)

Please note international air from the USA has not been included in the package price.

Day 2 You cross the International Date Line
The International Date Line is an imaginary line on the earth’s surface that approximately coincides with the 180th meridian (LONGITUDE), and separates the calendar date. Traveling east across the line takes the traveler back one day; traveling west, takes the traveler forward one day.                                                                               

Day 3 Welcome to Melbourne, Australia
On arrival into Melbourne you will need to clear customs and make your way through the main arrivals hall from where you will be transferred to your accommodation.

At first glance, Melbourne may resemble any other modern city with its skyline full of concrete & glass. However, if you look a little closer, you'll find the real Melbourne, a city of unique charm.

There are the clanging trams (street cars), swanky boutiques, friendly taxi drivers, Australian Rules Football, fickle weather and 'BYO's', by the hundred (restaurants to which you bring your own liquor or wine). Add to this, Melbourne's traditional virtues of tree lined boulevards, glorious parks, elegant buildings & imposing Victorian Banks & Churches, and of course the giant Melbourne Cricket Ground and you'll have some idea of the city.

Melbourne has become a polyglot society with a huge diversity of cultures, Italian, Greek, East European, Middle Eastern & Asian. This diversity is reflected in the food styles, the lifestyle, & even the language spoken in the street.

Day 4 Tour - Melbourne half day city tour
Melbourne is famous for its magnificent parks and gardens which surround the city. See the famous Floral Clock, Botanic Gardens, Flagstaff Gardens and inspect Captain Cook's Cottage in the beautiful Fitzroy Gardens.  See the colorful Victoria Market, Old Melbourne Gaol, Shrine of Remembrance and travel over the Westgate Bridge for panoramic views over Port Phillip Bay.

The afternoon is at leisure to explore the very cosmopolitan city of Melbourne. The many attractions of the city vary from the spectacular parklands and gardens that surround the city, to the museums and festivals that are a continuing part of the city life. Excellent restaurants are on every corner and cater for every taste in the world.

Day 5 At leisure, Melbourne
At your leisure to explore the very cosmopolitan city of Melbourne. The many attractions of the city vary from the spectacular parklands and gardens that surround the city, to the museums and festivals that are a continuing part of the city life. Excellent restaurants are on every corner and cater to every taste in the world.

Day 6 Fly Melbourne to Cairns
You will be transferred to the airport for your flight north to Cairns. Upon arrival into Cairns you will be transferred to Cairns Wharf for your Reef Endeavour cruise.

Explore the Great Barrier Reef’s remote reefs, exclusive islands and shallow bays aboard Captain Cook Cruises’ award-winning MV Reef Endeavour cruise. Discover the unique advantages of small ship cruising on a voyage that highlights the extraordinary. Stroll along fringes of white sand and snorkel amongst a kaleidoscope of fish on the outer Ribbon and Hedley Reefs. Discover Lizard Island’s giant clam gardens only meters from the shore. Hear native birds call from the towering rainforest canopy on Dunk and Fitzroy Islands and climb the same lookouts as the first explorers.

Day 6 Reef Endeavour Cruise - Cairns
Reef Endeavour sets sail for Fitzroy Island amidst a fanfare of streamers. Time to relax and be carried away on your Barrier Reef adventure.

Day 7 Reef Endeavour Cruise - Cooktown
Captain Cook sought refuge here to repair his ship during his epic voyage of discovery. The town itself was later carved out of the Cape York wilderness during the gold rush. Today Cooktown is a living museum of pioneer Australia.

Two Isles
Imagine an island so tiny you can circumnavigate its shell strewn beach in less than an hour. Two isles is your own uninhabited coral cay where the only sounds are the local bird life and the waves on the coral reef.

Day 8 Reef Endeavour Cruise - Lizard Island
A blue lagoon yachters dream about long white sandy beaches. Lizard Island is the jewel of the reef. For those who know the beauty of sunrise at sea, an early morning climb to the island peak is rewarded with panoramic views. Snorkel over coral gardens only meters from the beach. Hand feed fish from the glass bottom boat - then slip away for a romantic stroll along a balmy bay. The Pacific Island Night will complete a perfect day in paradise.

Day 9 Reef Endeavour Cruise - Ribbon Reef No.5
Ribbon Reef No.5 is one of the Marine Park's most spectacular and remote destinations lying on the edge on the continental shelf. It's a true `barrier' reef and home to a profusion of unbelievable sea creatures. For arm-chair coral viewing, join the Marine Naturalist on the glass bottom boat. Tonight celebrate at the Captain's Dinner - a gala night to remember.

Day 10 Fly Cairns to Sydney
Disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight to Sydney. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Sydney - Australia's premier city is the oldest settlement in Australia, the economic powerhouse of the nation and the country's capital in everything but name. Built on the shores of the stunning Port Jackson, you would have to die and go to heaven before you see a more spectacular setting for a city. It's a vital, self-regarding metropolis, exuding both a devil-may-care urbanity and a slavish obsession with global fads.  The Sydney area was the ancestral home of the Daruk tribe, whose territory extended from Botany Bay to Pittwater.

There are some 2000 Aboriginal rock engraving sites in the Sydney area, and many of Sydney's suburbs have Aboriginal names. The city of Sydney began life as a penal colony in 1788 and for the next 60 years received the unwanted, persecuted and criminal elements of British society. Despite its brutal beginnings, the city's mixture of pragmatic egalitarianism and plain indifference has transformed it into a thriving multicultural society. Sydney now attracts the majority of Australia's immigrants and the city's predominantly Anglo-Irish heritage has been revitalized by large influxes of Italian, Lebanese, Turkish, Greek, Chinese and Vietnamese.

Day 11 Tour - Sydney Harbour coffee cruise
The Sydney Harbor Bridge, the world renowned Opera House, Mrs. Macquaries Chair… Just some of the sights you will see on when cruising on Sydney’s famous harbor.  A Coffee Cruise includes comprehensive commentary, complimentary tea, coffee and cookies – with departures from Darling Harbour or Circular Quay.   A unique way to see the highlights of this fabulous city.

Day 12 At leisure, Sydney
At your leisure to explore Sydney. Most of the major attractions of the city are within easy walking distance from your accommodation – Sydney Opera House, Darling Harbour, Centrepoint Tower, Circular Quay, The Rocks, etc.  During your stay ideally you should take a harbor cruise around one of the most beautiful harbors in the world, maybe take a short trip to one of the wildlife parks to see the unique animals (koalas and kangaroos) Australia has. Climb to the top of the Harbour Bridge for some awesome views, and after all that, enjoy the great restaurants that Sydney has to offer. The local chefs take full advantage of the fresh seafood and produce.

Day 13 Fly Sydney to USA
You will be transferred to the airport for international

DEPARTURE: Departs on Wednesdays from the USA

PRICES 2008: From $3985.00. Based on double occupancy. Taxes extra.

HOTELS : Choose from Standard, Superior or Deluxe hotels