Day 4 Tue. Rotorua,
Traditional Feast
This morning, take a guided boat tour of the glow-worm grotto at Waitomo
Caves, then continue to the dynamic thermal region of Rotorua, where we
are guests at a traditional Hangi (feast) and Maori cultural performance.
Two Night Stay: Rotorua, Royal Lakeside Novotel. (BD)
Day 5 Wed. Country
Homestay Option
We tour Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, viewing its boiling mudpools, hot
springs and steaming geysers. See an agricultural show and sheep shearing
display at the Agrodome, then continue to Rainbow Springs to view the rare
flightless Kiwi bird. Later, you can choose to experience the charms of
rural living with a genuine New Zealand country family. After sharing
stories over a hearty home-cooked dinner, you can enjoy their hospitality
for the night. Or, choose to stay and dine at the hotel. (BD)
Day 6 Thur. Rotorua,
Christchurch
Enjoy free time to relax before joining a flight to Christchurch on New
Zealand's scenic South Island. The friendly city of Christchurch is renowned
for its elegant gardens, grand architecture and charming English heritage.
Accommodation: Christchurch, Crowne Plaza. (BD)
Day 7 Fri. Southern Alps,
Franz Josef
Board the TranzAlpine Train for a journey through spectacular alpine scenery
in the Southern Alps. We continue down the rugged west coast, where there's
the opportunity to take a scenic helicopter flight, landing on Franz Josef
Glacier (own expense).Accommodation: Franz Josef Glacier Hotel, in a
spectacular alpine setting. (BD)
Day 8 Sat. Queenstown,
DINE AROUND
Witness truly magical alpine scenery as we drive over Haast Pass, then along
the picturesque shores of lakes Wanaka and Hawea, to the stunning lakeside
resort town of Queenstown. This evening, experience the dining freedom of
APT's unique Dine Around Dinner, where you choose from a selection of
Queenstown's finest restaurants.
Two Night Stay: Queenstown, Queenstown Gardens Hotel, right on the
lakefront. (BD)
Day 9 Sun. Milford Sound
Cruise
Absorb the beauty of Fiordland National Park today on our journey through
beech forests surrounded by snow-capped mountains to beautiful Milford
Sound. On arrival, enjoy a guided cruise along the full length of the sound,
passing beneath sheer cliffs and tumbling waterfalls, and viewing the
dominant grandeur of the famous mile-high Mitre Peak. The optional return
flight to Queenstown provides a truly unforgettable aerial perspective of
this untamed region (own expense). (BL)
Day 10 Mon. Queenstown, Mt
Cook
This morning is at leisure before our afternoon journey to Mt Cook, New
Zealand's highest peak. To one side is the mighty Tasman Glacier. Weather
permitting, you can take in this spectacular sight during a ski-plane flight
(own expense).
Accommodation: Mt Cook National Park, The Hermitage. (BD)
Day 11 Tue. Fly to Sydney,
Australia
We travel via Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo and Burkes Pass, then through the
picturesque plains of Canterbury to Christchurch, where we board our
international flight bound for Sydney, Australia.
Three Night Stay: Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney. From your room, you have
guaranteed views over Sydney Harbour and the Opera House. (BL)
Day 12 Wed. Sydney Sights,
Sydney Harbour Cruise, Opera House Guided Tour
See Hyde Park, Kings Cross and Bondi Beach as we tour the city and its
southern beaches. At midday, board a luncheon cruise on stunning Sydney
Harbour, viewing the famous Harbour Bridge and Opera House. The rest of the
day is free before another special treat this evening, a guided tour of the
Sydney Opera House followed by dinner in a fine restaurant. (BLD)
Day 13 Thur. At Leisure in
Sydney
Relax and enjoy cosmopolitan Sydney at your own pace today. Perhaps take an
optional sightseeing tour to Canberra or the Blue Mountains (own expense).
Stroll the famous Rocks area or visit the exclusive Queen Victoria Shopping
Complex. Dinner tonight has been left free for you to further explore
Sydney. (B)
Day 14 Fri. Melbourne,
Fitzroy Gardens, Colonial Tramcar Dinner
A short flight brings us to Melbourne, the 'Garden City'. On arrival, we
take in the attractions, including Victoria Market, Parliament House and the
beautiful Fitzroy Gardens. Experience the sights and tastes of Melbourne
this evening as we dine aboard the 1927 Colonial Tramcar Restaurant.
Two Night Stay: Melbourne, Sheraton Towers Southgate, luxury on the vibrant
riverfront. (BD)
Day 15 Sat. At Leisure in
Melbourne
You may choose a leisurely breakfast before stepping out to explore
Melbourne. Stroll down to Southgate on the Yarra River, visit the city's
shopping arcades or take a tour to the Great Ocean Road or the famous
Penguin Parade at Phillip Island (own expense). (B)
Day 16 Sun. Alice Springs,
Royal Flying Doctor Service, Telegraph Station
Join your morning flight to Alice Springs. On arrival, take a tour of this
famous Outback town, located close to the very center of the vast Australian
continent. Visit the base of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, see the old
Telegraph Station and enjoy views of the town from Anzac Hill. Dine as you
please this evening in one of the many restaurants close to the hotel.
Accommodation: Alice Springs Resort. (B)
Day 17 Mon. Camel Farm,
Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta (Olgas), 'Sounds of Silence' Dinner
Try riding a camel this morning at a camel farm (own expense). Continue to
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, where we visit Kata Tjuta (Olgas), 36 giant
rocky domes dominating the western skyline. As the sun sets on Uluru (Ayers
Rock), listen to the haunting sounds of the didgeridoo during the 'Sounds of
Silence' dinner - an unforgettable desert experience dining on gourmet
Australian delicacies. After dinner, an astronomer guides you through the
stars of the great southern skies using powerful telescopes.
Accommodation: Ayers Rock Resort, Sails in the Desert. Absolute luxury in
the heart of Australia. (BD)
Day 18 Tue. Base Tour of
Uluru (Ayers Rock), Aboriginal Art, Tropical Cairns
Tour the base of Uluru (Ayers Rock), viewing the many caves and fascinating
Aboriginal rock art. Visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre and Maruku
Arts and Crafts Gallery, where you can purchase Aboriginal artifacts. This
afternoon, we board a flight to the tropical city of Cairns.
Accommodation: Cairns, the superb Radisson Plaza Hotel at the Pier, situated
right on the beautiful waterfront at Trinity Bay. (B)
Day 19 Wed. Dunk Island
We take a short drive south passing lush rain forest and pristine sandy
beaches to Mission Beach, where we join a cruise to Dunk Island. Located in
the clear blue waters of the Coral Sea, tropical Dunk Island is our home for
the next two nights. This afternoon is free for you to relax and enjoy the
facilities of the resort. Enjoy time to explore the island's palm-fringed
beaches and lush rain forests, which teem with exotic flowers and birdlife.
Two Night Stay: Dunk Island, Garden Cabanas, on this idyllic tropical
island. (BD)
Day 20 Thus. Great Barrier
Reef Cruise
The beauty of the Great Barrier Reef is a sight to behold as we spend the
whole day at beautiful Beaver Cay. You have the opportunity to swim and
snorkel in the crystal waters or perhaps join the semi-submersible vessel to
view colorful coral, giant clams and schools of tropical fish. (BLD)
Day 21 Fri. Pamagirri
Aboriginal Dancers, Kuranda Railway, Cairns
Back on the mainland, we travel north along the scenic coastline and join
the Skyrail Cableway, gliding over the canopy of the World Heritage-listed
rain forest to Kuranda. See a performance by the renowned Pamagirri
Aboriginal Dancers, cuddle a koala at the wildlife enclosure and browse the
Kuranda Markets. In the afternoon, step aboard the Scenic Kuranda Railway
for a train ride down the range, enjoying Royale Service all the way. Take
in views of waterfalls and rain forest back to Cairns.
Accommodation: Cairns, Radisson Plaza Hotel. (BD)
Day 22 Sat. Los Angeles
Transfer this morning to the airport to board your morning flight to the
United States, arriving in Los Angeles on Saturday afternoon. (B and BL)
Travel Packages
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