Day 1 Fly USA to Sydney:
Please note international air from the USA has not been included in the package price.
Day 2 You cross the International Date Line
Day 3 Welcome to Sydney, Australia
On arrival into S ydneyyou will need to clear customs and make your way through the main arrivals hall from where you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. 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 4 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 5 Drive Sydney to the Hunter Valley
Collect your vehicle from the city depot for your drive to the Hunter Valley. Allow at least two hours for this drive. The Hunter Valley conjures up images of lazy days, wine-tasting at the cellar door, and romantic retreats set in quaint farming country. With national parks and historic settlements, you can’t go wrong.
Day 6 At leisure, Hunter Valley
Its not only fine wines that are produced in Hunter; it also offers a visual feast for lovers of contemporary and traditional art and craft. Browse through galleries full of antiques, art and beautifully crafted pieces to help you remember your Hunter Valley liaison. Pick up a piece of distinctive jewelry, sculpture, fine glasswork, an oil painting depicting a local scene or a tasteful knick-knack as a gift. The taste buds are not neglected with gourmet eateries offering specialty cheeses, chocolates, breads, pastries, jams, mustards and chutneys – and plenty of wine to wash it down!
Day 7 Fly Sydney to Adelaide
Head back to Sydney from the Hunter Valley and return your vehicle to Sydney airport before boarding your flight to Adelaide. Transfer to your hotel upon arrival. The capital of South Australia, Adelaide is nestled between the sea and hills. It is a graceful city of wide streets, elegant buildings and parkland. Adelaide is compact and easy to walk around. It is known for its refinement and has a charm and grace that shows in sophisticated wining and dining, and beautiful architecture that has been well-preserved. The state of South Australia is home to some of the freshest food and finest wines in Australia. Adelaide has a reputation for innovative, affordable cuisine which, when combined with local wines, is a memorable experience.
Regardless of the season, the Adelaide Hills offer a welcome respite in country air. Investigate historic townships and enjoy heritage accommodation properties with stunning gardens. Adelaide has a great reputation for its art and culture. The Adelaide Festival of Arts and associated Fringe Festival generate a constant energy in the city. The Festival Centre on King William Road is the hub of opera, theatre and orchestra. For visual arts, the Art Gallery of South Australia is a must for its collection of Aboriginal works, Australian 19th century paintings and a collection of Rodins. Several galleries specialize in indigenous art and Melbourne Street is the place for antiques.
Day 8 Tour - Kangaroo Island Sealink full day tour
Today you will take the brief flight to Kangaroo Island for a full day of touring. Highlights will include a visit to Seal Bay, where you can walk with a Park Ranger amongst a colony of rare Australian Sea Lions resting on the beach after their long fishing expeditions. Discover the Island's most renowned park, Flinders Chase National Park, a sanctuary for numerous native Australian animals including kangaroos, wallabies, koalas and Cape Barren Geese. On the southern tip of Flinders Chase National Park are Remarkable Rocks and Admiral's Arch, both providing great photographic opportunities.
Return to Kingscote for your return fight to Adelaide. Today’s excursion includes round trip air, full day touring, National Park fees and lunch.
Day 9 Tour - Barossa Valley full day tour
Savor the Barossa Valley, a wonderful mix of German wine growers in a watered Australian Valley, with villages dotting the countryside! Travel in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle on a tour that provides the unique flavors of premium wineries, a sumptuous lunch and an insight into the rich history and current lifestyle of this world renowned region.
Day 10 Fly Adelaide to Launceston (Via Melbourne)
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Launceston. Upon arrival pick up your rental vehicle at the airport depot and commence your scenic drive to Cradle Mountain.
This is a two hour drive, although if you have time to spare there are some interesting places to see and scenery to enjoy all along the way.
Day 11 At leisure, Cradle Mountain
Cradle Mountain National Park has two main focal points: the northern one is Cradle Mountain (about 37 miles south of Burnie) and the southern one is Australia's deepest lake, Lake St Clair (about 31 miles southeast of Cradle Mountain). The park's total size is about 161,000 hectares (397,840 acres) and it covers some of Tasmania's highest country. It is famous for its lakes, peaks, rainforest and moorland. Tasmania's highest mountain is here - Mount Ossa (5,305 feet) - and the island's best known walking track - the Overland Track (53 miles), which takes about five days to walk.
To venture into the wilderness is a personal adventure, an experience that lasts beyond the 'here and now'. Cradle Mountain is one of those experiences - walk the many trails that make up the Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park, feed the tame wallabies, take a scenic flight, or a guided walk or maybe just sit back and contemplate.
Day 12 Fly Launceston to Melbourne
Depart Cradle Mountain and drive to Launceston. Return your rental car at the airport depot before boarding your flight to Melbourne. On arrival, you will transfer to your hotel.
Melbourne, the capital of Victoria and a cultural hub, is known for the good things in life - fashion, food, entertainment and sport. This is a city of style, architecture, trams, theatres and art. The influence of decades of immigration from all over the world has made Melbourne a paradise for those who love food and wine. Whole streets are dedicated to food, whether it be Indian, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Greek, or a host of other styles. You can't miss the world-class wines either. You’ll barely meet a visitor who hasn’t fallen in love with Melbourne. Rattling trams, parklands singing with blackbirds, stately architecture and palm trees - its like northern Europe on the Mediterranean.
Tour - Colonial Tramcar restaurant
Tonight, dine in style aboard the unique Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. Enjoy fine
Australian cuisine and wines as you travel around the city aboard this specially renovated Tramcar. The tracks take you all over the Melbourne area past the city center and into the more exclusive suburbs Melbourne is known for.
Day 13 Tour - Penguin Parade & Wildlife Tour
Phillip Island is home to an astounding array of wildlife, including Australia’s largest fur seal colony, the Little Penguins and cuddly koalas. Only 90 minutes from Melbourne, the island features spectacular coastal scenery, charming heritage and an abundance of wildlife. Enjoy getting close to koalas and kangaroos in their natural habitats before joining the Little Penguins at dusk as they emerge from the surf and waddle to their burrows. Each night at sunset the world’s smallest penguins come ashore after a day’s fishing at sea and it is truly a memorable natural wildlife experience. The elevated boardwalks and viewing stands allow you to enjoy all the action without disturbing them or their burrow homes. The Phillip Island Nature Park also offers three up-close ways to witness the Penguin spectacle. • Visit Warrook, a working cattle farm in the prosperous Gippsland region • Enjoy the opportunity to pat and feed kangaroos, wallabies and a host of farm animals • Journey along the coastal highway with French Island and Churchill Island in the distance • Cross the bridge at San Remo to enter Phillip Island – natural habitat for koalas, fur seals, Short-tailed shearwater, Little Penguins and more • Encounter koalas in their natural habitat at the Koala Conservation Centre • View the powerful southern coastline with its clean, sandy beaches and rocky shores • Stroll along elevated boardwalks and spot koalas in the trees • Browse through the educational Phillip Island Visitors Information Centre • Enjoy interactive and educational displays in the Visitors Information Centre • Learn about the Little Penguins and life on this stunning island • Take your place in special viewing stands to watch the daily evening ritual • Watch the Little Penguins as they battle the surf and make their way to their dune burrows • Learn of the environmental and conservation methods that are initiated to ensure the remarkable wildlife and vulnerable geology of Phillip Island remains protected • See the Little Penguins up-close as they return to their nests to greet their young families • See the Little Penguin rockeries • Return to Melbourne having a night you will never forget with the smallest species of penguins in the world
Day 14 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 for every taste in the world.
Day 15 Fly Melbourne to USA
You will be transferred to the airport for your departure |
