20-nights accommodation in Standard class hotels

11-meals in Australia

Cruise on Sydney Harbor

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

Day 3 ~ Sydney: Early morning arrival in Sydney, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Hotel Inter· Continental.  Holiday Inn Darling Harbour

Day 4 ~ Sydney:  The highlights of Sydney in one action-packed tour: cross the famous Sydney Harbor 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. In the afternoon, you’ll see some of Sydney’s historic sites as well as the Darling Harbour complex, colorful Kings Cross, exclusive suburbs and trendy Paddington.

Day 5 ~ Sydney: The day is yours to explore the city on your own. This evening, enjoy dinner at the Summit Restaurant high above Sydney

Day 6 ~ Sydney/Canberra/Melbourne: 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 and the National Gallery, with lunch at the Parliament House. Complete your visit with the display at Regatta Point and a drive by the embassies and diplomatic missions. Early evening flight to Melbourne. Sofitel Melbourne, Mercure Hotel Welcome

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, Rydges South Park

Day 9 ~ Barossa Valley: 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.” Crowne Plaza Alice Springs,  All Seasons 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,  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,  Cairns Colonial Club Resort

Day 14 ~ Great Barrier Reef : 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: 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 mid-morning of the same day.

Day 16 ~ Cairns/Christchurch: Morning flight across the Tasman Sea to Christchurch on New Zealand’s scenic South Island. The Heritage Christchurch,  Copthorne Durham Street

Day 17 ~ Christchurch:  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. Millennium Queenstown, Copthorne Resort Lakefront

Day 19 ~ Milford Sound: One of your vacation highlights will be today’s drive to Milford Sound. Your coach journeys through spectacular mountain scenery. Take a cruise on Milford Sound for unforgettable views of the Stirling and Pembroke Falls, which cascade from over 500 feet.

Day 20 ~ Queenstown/Rotorua: Morning departure by air for Rotorua. Millennium Hotel , Hotel Ibis Rotorua

Day 21 ~ Rotorua: Your day at Rotorua begins with a tour through this exciting thermal wonderland, followed by a visit to the Agrodome, where you’ll see trained sheep and sheep dogs put on a delightful show. In the evening, attend a Maori concert Hangi dinner

Day 22 ~ Rotorua/Waitomo/Auckland: 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. Stamford Plaza, Sky City Hotel

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 mid-morning of the same day. AS