Begin your incredible 22-day tour through the majesty of Australia and New Zealand in the natural areas of Australian cities Cairns, Alice Springs and Ayers Rock. Then, travel to the more populous cities in beautiful Australia and New Zealand. Your guided tour is sure to give you a whole new understanding of the cultures of Australia and New Zealand.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - Fly to Australia
Board your flight to Australia.
Day 2 - Fly to Australia
"Lose" a day as you cross the International Date Line.
Day 3 - Cairns
Arrive in Cairns. Meet your group at tonight’s included dinner. (B in flight, D)
Day 4 - Cairns
Spend the day exploring the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s biggest coral reef and the largest structure made by living organisms on earth. Your tour the reef by boat features an underwater observatory and plenty of snorkeling opportunities. (B, L)
Day 5 - Cairns
Today is free to explore Cairns and the nearby beaches on your own, or join an optional excursion into the Kuranda Village and Rainforest. (B)
$119
Kuranda Village and Rainforest
Travel deep into the heart of the tropical rainforest aboard the Cairns Scenic Railway. After lunch, you'll ride the sky rail over the treetops for an amazing view of the rainforest.
Day 6 - Alice Springs
Fly from Cairns into the rural Outback. (B)
Day 7 - Alice Springs
Learn about the Aborigines on this morning’s optional Aboriginal Dreamtime excursion. A local guide then leads a tour of colonial-influenced Alice Springs. (B)
$85
Aboriginal Dreamtime
Journey into the bush to learn about the culture, stories and history of Australia's Aboriginal tribes. Enjoy tea and "damper," play the didgeridoo and throw a boomerang!
Day 8 - Ayers Rock
After an optional early morning balloon ride over the “Red Center,” travel to the Ayers Rock area. A local guide leads a tour of the Olgas, a geologically intriguing cluster of rock domes. (B)
$215
Sunrise ballooning
Sail through the gentle morning air high above the desert surroundings of Alice Springs on this breathtaking sunrise excursion. Upon landing, enjoy breakfast accompanied by champagne.
Day 9 - Melbourne
On a guided tour, explore the red-hued monolith of Ayers Rock. Next, fly to Melbourne. (B)
Day 10 - Melbourne
View the 19th-century architecture of Melbourne on this morning’s guided tour, including views of Flinders Street Station, Southbank, Town Hall and Melbourne Park, site of the annual Australian Open. Tonight, opt for an excursion to Summerland Beach on Phillip Island to view the famous “penguin parade.” (B)
$129
Fairy Penguin Parade
Arrive on Phillip Island to bask in a sunset on Summerland Beach, where you'll see the procession of hundreds of tiny "fairy penguins" emerging from the sea.
Day 11 - Melbourne
Opt for an excursion on board a steam train to the Yarra Valley, home of celebrated Victorian wines and rare wildlife. (B)
$155
Yarra Valley Winery via steamtrain
Enjoy a delicious lunch in Melbourne’s Yarra Valley vineyards, along with a wine-tasting event to sample the region’s vintages.
Day 12 - Sydney
Fly to Sydney. Tonight, opt to take a Sydney Harbor cruise where you'll enjoy spectacular views of the city. (B)
$109
Sydney harbor cruise and dinner
Take a relaxing cruise through Sydney Harbor, offering stunning views of the surrounding city and Harbor Bridge.
Day 13 - Sydney
Today's guided sightseeing tour of Sydney includes the Opera House, the Rocks district and Darling Harbor. (B)
Day 14 - Sydney
Explore Sydney on your own, or join a full-day optional excursion to the Blue Mountains. (B)
$145
The Blue Mountains
Enjoy a visit to The Edge Cinema, the Three Sisters rock formation and the Megalong Valley Heritage Centre. Lunch is included, followed by a visit to a koala park.
Day 15 - Christchurch
Fly to Christchurch, New Zealand. (B)
Day 16 - Christchurch
Absorb Christchurch’s British flavor during today’s guided tour. This evening, experience Kiwi culture firsthand as the guest of a local family at a home-hosted dinner. (B, D)
Day 17 - Queenstown
En route to Queenstown, view beautiful countryside, including Lake Tekapo. (B)
Day 18 - Queenstown
Travel by gondola up Bob’s Peak. This evening, join an optional excursion to the Walter Peak Sheep and Cattle Station. (B)
$85
Walter Peak
Enjoy a scenic steamship cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak. This original homestead is one of New Zealand’s most famous sheep and cattle stations.
Day 19 - Queenstown
On a full-day excursion to Milford Sound, view the spectacular fjords and harbors of coastal New Zealand. (B)
Day 20 - Rotorua
Fly north to Rotorua. Upon arrival, enjoy a sumptuous Hangi feast of traditional food and expressive Maori dancing (time permitting). (B, D)
Day 21 - Auckland
Travel to Auckland, where you'll have free time to explore on your own today. (B)
Day 22 - Auckland
Take a guided tour of Auckland, the City of Sails. If you are continuing on our tour extension, board your flight to Fiji. Otherwise, fly home, regaining your "lost" day as you recross the International Date Line. (B)
Extend Your Stay
Add 3 nights,
$689 (Single room: add $260)
With over 300 islands in its archipelago, each fringed with coral reefs and warm azure waters, Fiji has an overabundance of natural beauty. There is something here for everyone - gorgeous palm-fringed beaches, uninhabited coral islands and crystal clear lagoons, truly beautiful coral reefs, lush tropical rainforest with high mountains and a traditional village-orientated culture. But its true magic lies with its people and the fascinating blend of their diverse cultures. Once you travel here, you'll finally have meaning for the phrase, "This is paradise."