Day 1-2
FLIGHT TO CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA:
Today we join our fellow travelers as we are transported to the Charlotte airport for our transpacific overnight flight to Cairns, Australia, crossing the International Date Line
en-route.Day 3
CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA:
Upon our arrival at the Cairns International Airport, we enjoy the sights as we are transported to our hotel. We have the remainder of the day to acquaint ourselves with the hotel, our home for the next three nights, and explore the area at leisure.Day 4
CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA:
Today, we immerse ourselves in the ‘Aussie’ culture with a visit to the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. Here we see demonstrations on hunting, local medicines, spear and boomerang throwing, traditional dances and other aspects of local life. Upon returning to the hotel, which is conveniently located to explore the area, we have the afternoon and evening at leisure. (B)Day 5
CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA:
After breakfast, we discover the amazing underwater world of marine life on a full day excursion to the Outer Barrier Reef. We see colorful fish and coral through the glass bottom boat, watch a fish-feeding demonstration, snorkel, relax on the Sun Deck and enjoy a presentation about the Great Barrier Reef by the onboard Marine Biologist. (B, L)Day 6
CAIRNS • SYDNEY:
After a morning flight to Sydney, we depart on a tour of this remarkable city built around one of the most spectacular harbors in the world. We witness the famous Bondi Beach with the sparkling ocean, white sand and casual café’s in the surrounding area. We visit Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, a well-known landmark, and perfect location to photograph the Opera House and Harbor Bridge. After our tour, we check-in to the hotel for our three night stay in Sydney. Our hotel is conveniently located to spend the rest of the day exploring this beautiful city on our own. (B)Day 7
SYDNEY • WORLD-FAMOUS OPERA HOUSE:
Our day begins with a guided visit of the world-famous Opera House, Sydney’s most recognizable landmark. Learn about the inspiration behind the masterful architecture and see private areas inside this UNESCO World Heritage Site. After our visit, you may choose to stay and enjoy the lively atmosphere in the harbor area, or return to the hotel by coach. This evening enjoy a relaxing sunset dinner cruise of the magnificent harbor. (B, D)Day 8
SYDNEY • EXCURSION TO BLUE MOUNTAINS AND FEATHERDALE WILDLIFE PARK:
Today, enjoy the scenic beauty of the Blue Mountains National Park. At Featherdale Wildlife Park, we have an up-close encounter with the abundant native wildlife; having the opportunity to hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, talk with the naturalist guides throughout the park, and see the native koalas. (B)Day 9
SYDNEY • MELBOURNE:
Today, we fly to Melbourne, Australia, a cosmopolitan yet historic city. Enroute to the hotel, we begin our orientation of Melbourne with a scenic tour. This afternoon you may relax or explore this amazing city, an optional excursion to Philip Island to see the “penguin parade” will be offered. (B)Day 10
MELBOURNE:
The day is left free of planned activities for your independent exploration of Melbourne, home to a variety of activities and sights. Our hotel is conveniently located, so you may choose to visit a museum or the beautiful parks and gardens; see Captain Cook’s Cottage; wander through the historic Queen Victoria Market – the largest open air market in the southern hemisphere – with plenty of opportunity for souvenir shopping! Or stop by Federation Square, a lively cultural district with art, museums and restaurants. This evening enjoy an included ride on the “Melbourne Star”, a giant ferris wheel, offering amazing views of the city. Dinner is included at a local restaurant. (B, D)Day 11
MELBOURNE • QUEENSTOWN, NEW ZEALAND:
This morning we leave Australia and fly to New Zealand. After arrival in Queenstown, we enjoy an orientation tour of the city, situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by majestic mountains. Later we check-in to our hotel for the next three nights, enjoying the remainder of the day at leisure. (B)Day 12
QUEENSTOWN:
Today’s adventure
is a narrated cruise through
the beautiful Milford Sound. As we
traverse this awe-inspiring fjord, see
the breathtaking drama of sheer cliffs,
massive waterfalls, glaciers and rainforest
as we keep an eye out for local wildlife…
seals basking in the sun on the rocks or
dolphins frolicking in the water. Lunch is
included during our excursion. (B, L)Day 13
QUEENSTOWN:
What better way
to see the snow-capped mountains,
picturesque bays and scenic splendor
than on a cruise aboard the historic
TSS Earnslaw. We witness nature’s
majesty while cruising along Lake
Wakatipu on this coal-fired vintage
steamship. Having crossed the lake, we
visit Walter Peak Farm to explore the
grounds, see the gardens, and watch a
farm demonstration by our host. We
enjoy a delicious lunch at the Colonel’s
Homestead before returning to our
hotel. (B, L)Day 14
QUEENSTOWN • CHRISTCHURCH:
After breakfast, we depart
Queenstown by coach to Christchurch.
En-route, we stop in the town of Twizel
for views of Mt. Cook – the highest
mountain in New Zealand. We’ll continue
our journey to scenic Lake Tekapo with its
amazing turquoise color and surrounding
stunning landscapes. During free time
stop to take photos at the Church of the
Good Shepherd in its’ beautiful setting,
see the town’s ‘sheepdog statue’, and
enjoy lunch in one of the café’s. We travel
through the Canterbury Plains as we
make our way to Christchurch, and upon
arrival, we check-in to our hotel for the
next two nights. (B, D)Day 15
CHRISTCHURCH:
Our final day in
New Zealand begins with a scenic
orientation tour. Once we are familiar
with the surroundings, our hotel is
conveniently located for an afternoon
at leisure exploring this vibrant city. This
evening enjoy a lively Maori cultural
performance and Hangi Feast as we
join our fellow travelers for our farewell
dinner. (B, D)Day 16
CHRISTCHURCH • USA:
It’s time
to bid ‘g’day’ to the lands ‘down
under’ as we depart for the Christchurch
Airport. Memories of the sites and
experiences we encountered along with
the hospitable ‘Aussies’ and ‘Kiwis’ we met
along the way will be cherished
for a lifetime. (B)