Price Includes

Note: Itinerary effective 1 Apr 2008.

Day 1: Arrive Sydney, Australi

On arrival at Sydney Airport you will be transferred to your hotel (flights any time, airfare not included). The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight: Sydney, Metro Hotel on Pitt (standard), Four Points by Sheraton, Darling Harbor (superior) or Sofitel Wentworth (first class) for 3 nights

Day 2: Sydney City Sights-Cruise

This morning, tour Sydney and see the Sydney Opera House, Royal Botanic Gardens, Mrs. Macquarie's Chair and Kings Cross. Visit famous Bondi Beach before a Sydney Harbor luncheon cruise. Enjoy spectacular views of the city skyline this afternoon and Manly surf beach before returning to the city. (B,L)

Day 3: Blue Mountains

Visit a wildlife park that is home to koalas, kangaroos and wombats, before continuing to the spectacular Blue Mountains. Stop at the Skyway and Scenic Railway. Enjoy views of the Three Sisters from Echo Point. Pass Homebush Bay, site of the 2000 Olympic Games, on return to Sydney. (B)

Day 4: Sydney-Alice Springs

This morning you will be transferred to Sydney Airport for your flight to Alice Springs (flights to arrive prior to 1:00pm, airfare not included). On arrival in Alice Springs you will be transferred to your hotel. This afternoon enjoy a tour of the Telegraph Station, Royal Flying Doctor Service, School of the Air, Alice Springs Reptile Center and views from Anzac Hill. Overnight: Alice Springs, Aurora Alice Springs (standard), Crowne Plaza (superior) or Alice Springs Resort, River Gum Rooms (first class) (B)

Day 5: Uluru (Ayers Rock)- Kata Tjuta (the Olgas)

Depart early for Ayers Rock Resort, stopping at a camel farm for an optional ride. This afternoon journey to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and walk to the Valley of the Winds Lookout. This evening view sunset over the Olgas, followed by a delicious barbecue dinner and stargazing talk. Overnight: Ayers Rock Resort, Outback Pioneer Hotel (standard), Desert Gardens Hotel (superior) or Sails in the Desert Hotel (first class) for 2 nights (B,D)

Day 6: Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Rise early to view Uluru (Ayers Rock) at sunrise. There is the opportunity to climb to the summit for spectacular views of the Red Center (optional). Tour the caves at the base of Ayers Rock and hear stories of the Aboriginal Dreamtime. Visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Center. This evening enjoy a complimentary glass of wine while you watch the subtle color changes as the sun sets over Ayers Rock. (B)

Day 7: Uluru (Ayers Rock)-Cairns

You will be transferred to Ayers Rock Airport for your flight to Cairns (flights anytime, airfare not included). On arrival at Cairns Airport you will be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight: Cairns, Mercure Harborside Hotel (standard), Novotel Oasis Resort (superior) or Cairns International (first class) for 3 nights (B)

Day 8: Great Barrier Reef

Cruise on a high-speed catamaran to the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel along the reef and view the colorful fish and coral gardens. Snorkeling gear is included (extra charge for scuba). A marine biologist will provide an informative presentation on this natural living wonder. You will also enjoy a tropical buffet lunch on-board the pontoon today. (B,L)

Day 9: Kuranda-Skyrail-Tjapukai

Join the famous Kuranda Railway for a breathtaking journey to the village of Kuranda. There is time to explore the Kuranda Markets, before the return journey to the lowlands over the rainforest on the Skyrail Cableway. Visit the award-winning Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park and learn about this ancient culture through theaters, dance demonstrations and stage shows. This afternoon transfer to your hotel. (B)

Day 10: Cairns-Auckland

This morning you'll be transferred to Cairns Airport for your flight to New Zealand (flights anytime, airfare not included). You'll be met on arrival at Auckland Airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore Auckland. Overnight: Auckland, Scenic Circle Airedale (standard), City Life Hotel (superior) or SKYCITY Grand Hotel (first class) (B)

Day 11: Auckland-Rotorua

Travel south to Rotorua via the province of Waikato. After a barbecue lunch, travel on to the fascinating Waitomo Caves for a guided tour of the famous Glow Worm grotto, featuring an underground boat ride. Continue on to Rotorua. This evening enjoy a unique Maori "Hangi" and concert on a local marae. Overnight: Rotorua, Kingsgate Hotel (standard), Heritage Hotel (superior) or Millennium Hotel (first class) (B,L,D)

Day 12: Rotorua-Queenstown

This morning visit the wildlife at Rainbow Springs, enjoy a sheep-shearing demonstration at the Agrodome Sheep Show and see the thermal activity the region is renowned for at Te Puia Thermal Reserve. Early afternoon you will be transferred to the Rotorua Airport for your flight to Queenstown (flights to depart after 1:00pm, airfare not included). On arrival in Queenstown you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight: Queenstown, Kingsgate Hotel Terraces (standard), Rydges Lakeland (superior) or Millennium Hotel (first class) for 3 nights (B)

Day 13: Milford Sound

Travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, gateway to the Fiordland National Park. Join your Milford Sound cruise for an unforgettable experience and explore the wonder of this majestic fiord. Return to Queenstown by coach, or enjoy an optional scenic flight (flight, own expense, conditions permitting). (B,L)

Day 14: Queenstown at Leisure

Today is at leisure. Perhaps take a jetboat ride or go white-water rafting. Or, for a more sedate adventure you may choose to take the Skyline Gondola to Bob's Peak. There are many options available. (B)

Day 15: Queenstown-Franz Josef

Travel north today via Lakes Wanaka and Hawea. Enjoy the rugged West Coast scenery through the Haast Pass and continue on to the spectacular Franz Josef Glacier. You may have the opportunity to take an optional scenic flight (flight, own expense, conditions permitting) to enjoy the stunning scenery this region has to offer. Overnight: Franz Josef, Franz Josef Glacier Hotel (standard and superior) or Te Weheka Inn (first class) (B)

Day 16: TranzAlpine-Christchurch

Travel to Greymouth and board the TranzAlpine Train. See spectacular scenery as you traverse the Southern Alps and the Canterbury Plains. Arrive Christchurch early evening. Overnight: Christchurch, The Elms Hotel (standard), Rydges Hotel (superior) or Heritage Hotel (first class) (B)

Day 17: Depart Christchurch

After breakfast, transfer to Christchurch Airport to connect with your onward light (airfare not included). (B)

Departs Daily