Enjoy a fantastic 27 day tour that will take you through Australia and New Zealand on a cultural excursion! Wine, famous sites, natural wonders, cultural traditions, and more are all yours to experience during this extensive journey. For a detailed look at all you can look forward to during your vacation, see the itinerary below.
Air 1: Overnight Flight
Start your tour off with an overnight flight* to Cairns, Australia.
Day 2: Arrive Cairns, Australia
Arrive in Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. In the evening, you'll join your fellow travelers for a reception and welcome dinner.
Day 3: Great Barrier Reef
Hop aboard a high-speed catamaran for a tour of the outer Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy an up-close look at marine life with either snorkeling or sitting in a semi-submersible.
Day 4: Cairns
Take a ride aboard the Kuranda Rail where a scenic journey will give you a look at the Atherton Tablelands. In the afternoon, a crocodile cruise on Hartley's Lagoon for a look at the saltwater crocodile in its natural habitat as well as the exotic avian life of Queensland. Afterwards, you'll savor a delicious barbecue, Aussie-style.
Day 5: Cairns - Ayers Rock
A flight* to the Outback will take you to Ayers Rock for a tour of the domes of the Olgas and surrounding base. Later on, watch sunset on "The Rock," a stunning display of color.
Day 6: Ayers Rock - Alice Springs
Leave Alice Springs in Central Australia. Upon arrival, you'll take a sightseeing tour that will include Anzac Hill and the Old Telegraph Station. Take a visit to the School of the Air for a look at the school system in the Outback. This evening, you'll enjoy a unique dining experience featuring traditional entertainment in the bush.
Day 7: Alice Springs - The Ghan
Enjoy the option of rising early this morning for a look at the Australian Outback from a hot air balloon. Afterwards, you'll be taken on an exploration journey of Aboriginal culture with visits to significant sites and samples of native cuisine. Later on, hop aboard the Ghan train for a journey through the mountains, hills, and valleys of the Outback.
Day 8: The Ghan - Barossa Valley
Debark from the Ghan in Adelaide. Enjoy a tour of this southern Australian capital. Stop in Barossa Valley for a visit to the Whispering Wall, a quarter-mile path that naturally amplifies voices. Then, head to a local winery for a tasting that will open your eyes to the natural flavors of the region. You'll then head to Barossa Valley where you'll check into your hotel for a dinner overlooking vineyards such as Jacobs Creek.
Day 9: Barossa Valley
Enjoy a tour of tasting of two of Barossa Valley's finest wineries today. You can spend the rest of the evening exploring the region on your own.
Day 10: Barossa Valley - Coonawarra
You'll be traveling through the scenic countryside of Australia with a stop at Naracoorte Caves National Park along the way. You'll learn about the extensive fossil deposit on a tour of the fossil center as well as the 'megafauna' that once grew in the area. You'll then be continuing on to the wine-making region of Coonawarra.
Day 11: Coonawarra - Melbourne
Take one of the world's most scenic drives along the Great Ocean Road. Wind through Port Campbell for a look at the row of stone pillars rising from the ocean known as the "12 Apostles" as well as the stone arch known as the "London Bridge." Stop at Loch Ard Gorge before you arrive in Melbourne this evening.
Day 12: Melbourne
Tour Melbourne with sights and stops such as the Shrine of Remembrance, Fitzroy Royal Botanical Gardens, and the Parliament House today. Later on, you'll be heading to Phillip Island, the home of the world's largest colony of "Little Penguins." Delight in the Little Penguin Parade where you can see hundreds of Little Penguins rising from the sea and walking across the beach to their dune burrows. Then head over to the Interpretation Centre for a lesson in the life of the penguin and their significance.
Day 13: Melbourne - Sydney
Spend the morning traveling to the cultural capital of Australia, Sydney. A panoramic tour of the city will take you to the world famous landmark of the city, the Sydney Opera House.
Day 14: Sydney
Enjoy a visit to Sydney Wildlife World that will show you the amazing fauna and flora of Australia with exhibits spanning 3 floors. Over 6,000 native animals are protected within the walls of this center. Take the interactive walk-through tour for an up-close look at wallabies and birds. The koala sanctuary will introduce you to the famous species in its natural habitat. Your evening will end with a cruise along Sydney Harbour for dinner with views of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.
Day 15: Sydney
Today is a day you can spend as you please exploring the fine city of Sydney.
Day 16: Sydney - Queenstown, New Zealand
You'll be flying* to New Zealand today, arriving in Queenstown. Visit one of Otago's best wineries for a tour and tasting as well as dinner.
Day 17: Queenstown - Milford Sound
An excursion through the beech forest will take you to the Hollyford Valley and Milford Sound. Cruise along the fjord before returning to Queenstown either the way you came or by a flight that will take you over the Southern Alps.
Day 18: Queenstown
Spend the day exploring Queenstown on your own. Enjoy a variety of activities such as a jet boat ride on the Shotover River.
Day 19: Queenstown - Mt. Cook
En route to Mt. Cook, stop in Arrowtown. Once in Mt. Cook National Park, you'll take a nature walk or enjoy a flightseeing tour. Dinner in the evening will include a sampling of fine local wines.
Day 20: Mt Cook - Christchurch
Arrive in Christchurch for a tour that will highlight the cathedral, gardens, and downtown park district. Dinner will be on the Christchurch Tramway, the only tram car restaurant in New Zealand. Enjoy delicious New Zealand cuisine while taking in the sites of the city.
Day 21: Christchurch
An optional tour aboard the Tranz-Alpine Express through the Southern Alps is available today. In the evening, visit a restored mansion, the former home of the first residents in Christchurch for dinner.
Day 22: Christchurch
Relax and unwind this morning. You can choose to spend the afternoon at the International Antarctic Centre. In the evening, enjoy a home cooked-meal with a New Zealand Family and learn about the customs and traditions of the "Kiwis."
Day 23: Christchurch - Picton - Wellington
The Tranz Coastal train will take you along the coast of the South Island of New Zealand. Enjoy being surrounded by the Kaikour Mountain Range as you travel to Picton. Once in Picton, board a ferry and sail through Marlborough Sound and across Cook Strait before arriving in Wellington on New Zealand's South Island.
Day 24: Wellington
Take a sightseeing tour of Wellington today that will include the St. Paul Church, Government Building, and the Beehive.
Day 25: Wellington - Rotorua
Tour the Te Papa Tongarewa Museum this morning for a discussion and look at Maori culture. You'll then travel to Rotorua. This evening, enjoy being immersed in New Zealand's indigenous culture with a Hangi and concert.
Day 26: Rotorua
Visit Te Puia this morning. A landscape alight with geothermal activity such as bubbling mud pools and erupting geysers will make you realize why this area is a geothermal wonder. Learn about the customs and crafts of the Maori such as weaving, carving, and dancing. Experience an interactive demonstration on the importance of Maori clothing. You'll also see the rare Kiwi bird and learn what the natives are doing to keep this endangered bird from becoming extinct. Your next stop will be at the Agrodome for a look at how wool is produced as well as a sheep shearing demonstration. Then you'll be going to the jade factory to see how this precious stone is transformed from a raw rock to a gem. A farewell dinner with your fellow travelers will be savored this evening.
Day 27: Rotorua - Auckland - Tour Concludes
The last stop on your tour will be at the Waitomo Caves, lit by the thousands of glow worms on its walls. Afterwards, you'll be driving back to Auckland for the end of your tour. Don't forget all the amazing sights and delicious cuisine you've experienced on this fantastic trip.
*Airfare not included in total price
