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Australia

22 Day Royal Escorted

Day 1 Mon. Los Angeles. Board your evening flight to Auckland, New Zealand.

Day 2 Tue. In Flight.
Cross the international dateline and ‘lose’ a day.

Day 3 Wed. Auckland. (B,D)
Meet your Tour Director on arrival in the North Island city of Auckland. Make an early morning check-in at your hotel before an afternoon sightseeing tour. Gather with fellow travelers this evening for a special Welcome Dinner hosted by your Tour Director.
Auckland, Crowne Plaza.

Day 4 Thur. Rotorua, Traditional Feast. (B,D)
This morning we travel south to Waitomo Caves for a guided tour of the fascinating glow-worm grotto. Glide silently by boat through these world renowned limestone caves which were carved by an underground river over thousands of years and are lit by thousands of tiny glow-worms. Then continue to the Rotorua thermal region, an area rich in Maori culture. Tonight immerse yourself in culture when we are special guests at a traditional Maori Hangi (feast) and cultural performance.
Two Night Stay: Rotorua, Millennium Hotel Rotorua.

Day 5 Fri. Country Homestay.
Today we tour Te Puia Thermal Reserve, viewing its boiling mudpools, hot springs and steaming geysers. See an agricultural show and sheep shearing display before viewing the flightless Kiwi bird. Later, you can choose to experience the charms of rural living with a friendly New Zealand country family. After sharing stories over a hearty home-cooked dinner, you can enjoy their hospitality for the night. Alternatively you may choose to dine and stay at the hotel.

Day 6 Sat. Rotorua, Christchurch. (B,D)
This morning there’s time to relax and explore Rotorua before flying to the charming city of Christchurch on New Zealand’s scenic South Island. The friendly city of Christchurch is renowned for its elegant gardens, grand architecture and charming English heritage.
Christchurch, Crowne Plaza.

Day 7 Sun. Southern Alps, Franz Josef. (B,D)
Step aboard the TranzAlpine Train for a journey renowned as New Zealand’s ‘Great Rail Adventure’ through the spectacular alpine scenery of the mighty Southern Alps. Enjoy stunning scenery as we journey through spectacular gorges, river valleys and across the magnificent Southern Alps. We continue down the rugged west coast to the remarkable sight of the Franz Josef Glacier. Approximately 7000 years old and measuring over seven miles, Franz Josef Glacier cuts through dramatic glacial valleys to flow into temperate rain forest.
Franz Josef, Franz Josef Glacier Hotel.

Day 8 Mon. Queenstown. (B,D)
Enjoy magical scenery as we drive over spectacular Haast Pass which was the traditional pathway for Maori en route to the west coast in search of pounamu (greenstone or jade). We journey along the shores of lakes Wanaka and Hawea. This evening take a gondola ride high above Queenstown for dinner at the Skyline Restaurant.
Two Night Stay: Queenstown, Novotel Gardens Hotel Queenstown.

Day 9 Tue. Milford Sound Cruise. (B,L)
Enjoy the beauty of Fiordland National Park today as we cruise stunning Milford Sound beneath tumbling waterfalls and famous Mitre Peak. The optional return flight to Queenstown provides a memorable aerial perspective of this untamed region (own expense).

Day 10 Wed. Queenstown, Mt Cook. (B,D)
The morning is free before traveling to New Zealand’s highest peak, Mt Cook, where the Tasman Glacier flows down its eastern slopes. Weather permitting, take a ski-plane flight over this spectacular region, including landing on the glacier (own expense).
Mt Cook National Park, The Hermitage.

Day 11 Thur. Fly to Sydney, Australia. (B,L)
Travel via Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo and Burkes Pass, through the plains of Canterbury to Christchurch, where we board our flight to the harbor city of Sydney, Australia.
Three Night Stay: Sydney, Shangri-La Hotel.

Day 12 Fri. Sydney Sights, Harbor Cruise, Sydney Opera House Tour. (B,L)
Today see Sydney’s famous sights as we tour the city. Discover beautiful Hyde Park, the bohemian suburb of Kings Cross and the famous Bondi Beach as we tour the city and its southern beaches. Experience a luncheon cruise on Sydney’s beautiful harbor, viewing the famous Harbour Bridge and Opera House, passing some of Sydney’s wealthy water-side residences. Enjoy a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this vibrant city further or simply relax.

Day 13 Sat. At Leisure in Sydney. (B)
Relax and enjoy cosmopolitan Sydney at your own pace today. Perhaps join an optional sightseeing tour to the Hunter Valley, internationally known for its wines, or visit the stunning Blue Mountains to see the Three Sisters rock formation (all optional sightseeing at own expense). Or you might like to stroll the famous Rocks area, or discover this city’s fabulous shopping.

Day 14 Sun. Melbourne, Tramcar Dinner. (B,D)
A short flight takes us to the ‘Garden City’ of Melbourne. On arrival, we take an in-depth tour of the city. Explore the many stalls and fresh food outlets of Victoria Market, see Parliament House and stroll through the beautiful Fitzroy Gardens. Early this evening, step aboard the Colonial Tramcar for a three-course gourmet dinner while traveling the stunning streets of Melbourne.
Two Night Stay: Melbourne, Langham Hotel, luxury on the vibrant riverfront.

Day 15 Mon. At Leisure in Melbourne. (B)
A free day to enjoy the many delights of Melbourne. You may choose to enjoy a leisurely breakfast before stepping out to explore this beautiful capital city. Stroll down to Southbank on the Yarra River to enjoy the many cafes, shops and Crown Casino complex; visit the city’s elegant shopping arcades tucked away off the main streets; catch a tram to St Kilda and enjoy a walk along the beach; take an optional tour to see the famous Penguin Parade on Phillip Island; or take an optional tour of the famous Great Ocean Road to see the magnificent Twelve Apostles (all optional activities at own expense).

Day 16 Tue. Alice Springs, Royal Flying Doctor Service, Telegraph Station. (B,D)
Join your morning flight to Alice Springs. On arrival, take a tour of this famous Outback town, located close to the very centre of the vast Australian continent. Visit the base of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, a unique and vital Australian organization for the Outback. See the old Telegraph Station which marks the original site of the first European settlement in Alice Springs and enjoy views of the town from Anzac Hill. Tonight enjoy our special Camp Oven Outback Dinner.
Alice Springs, Alice Springs Resort.

Day 17 Wed. Camel Farm, Kata Tjuta (Olgas). (B)
Try riding a camel this morning when we make a stop at a camel farm (own expense). Continue to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Visit ancient Kata Tjuta, a cluster of 36 rocky domes that dominate the western skyline. Learn of the ancient Aboriginal legends surrounding this sacred place. Dinner tonight is not included. You may wish to dine at the resort, or for a truly unforgettable experience dine in the desert under the stars at the ‘Sounds of Silence’ dinner (additional US$105, Cdn$135).
Ayers Rock Resort in the premier hotel, Sails in the Desert, offering absolute luxury in the arid heart of Australia.

Day 18 Thur. Uluru (Ayers Rock), Cairns. (B)
Tour the base of Uluru this morning, viewing rock art, caves and sacred sites. Take a guided walk to Mutitjulu waterhole and hear of the ancient Aboriginal legends of the region. Visit Maruku Arts and Crafts Gallery, where there’s the opportunity to purchase original artifacts from local Aboriginal artists. Later in the day, we board a flight bound for the tropical city of Cairns in Far North Queensland, taking in the local sights on arrival.
Cairns, Tradewinds Esplanade Hotel, Ocean Front Rooms, situated right on this tropical city’s waterfront.

Day 19 Fri. Dunk Island. (B,D)
We take a short drive south passing lush rain forest and pristine sandy beaches to Mission Beach where we join a cruise to stunning Dunk Island. Located in the clear waters of the coral sea and regarded as Australia’s most beautiful rain forest island, tropical Dunk Island is our home for the next two nights. The afternoon is free for you to relax. Enjoy the palm-fringed beaches, warm tropical sun and lush rain forests, filled with exotic flowers and birdlife.
Two Night Stay: Dunk Island, Garden Cabanas, your luxury island home.

Day 20 Sat. Great Barrier Reef Cruise. (B,L,D)
Witness the beauty of the world-famous Great Barrier Reef as we spend an unforgettable day at Beaver Cay. Cruise on the turquoise waters before mooring at Beaver Cay. Swim, snorkel and join the glass-bottom boat to view brilliantly colored coral, giant clams and tropical fish. Or just relax on the white sandy beach and soak up the tropical atmosphere.

Day 21 Sun. Kuranda Train, Cairns. (B,D)
We depart Dunk Island and follow the coastline north to Cairns. At Kuranda see a performance by the Pamagirri Aboriginal Dancers and cuddle a koala at the wildlife enclosure. Return to Cairns aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway, past tumbling waterfalls and through rain forest.
Cairns, Tradewinds Esplanade Hotel, Ocean Front Rooms.

Day 22 Mon. (B,L)
Return to the USA. Board your flight to Los Angeles.

Dates: 2007 - 5 Feb Guaranteed Dept., 12 Feb Guaranteed Dept., 12 Mar, 26 Mar Guaranteed Dept, May 7, July 30, Aug. 20, Sept. 10, Oct. 8,15,29, Nov. 5,19,26, Dec. 17 2008 - Jan. 14,28, Feb. 4,18,25, March 10,17,24

Price per person in US$:
till March 2007 - $6405 per person double. $2275 single supplement
April 2007 till March 2008 - $6060 per person double. $2275 single supplement
(Price is based on using Qantas as international carrier and will differ for other airlines. Price does not include international air)

What's Included:
Tour the mighty Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Relax in tropical surrounds on Dunk Island
Cuddle a koala and view other Australian wildlife
Visit the giant domes of Kata Tjuta (Olgas)
Sydney Harbour luncheon cruise
Sydney sights and southern surf beaches
Enjoy a guided tour of Sydney Opera House
City sights tour of Melbourne
Ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway through the rain forest
See the Pamagirri Aboriginal Dancers
Cross the Southern Alps by rail
Cruise spectacular Milford Sound
Visit Mt Cook National Park
Tour Rotorua, famous geothermal region
Enjoy the year-round resort of Queenstown
Enjoy the Auckland city sights tour
Boat cruise through Waitomo Caves
Finest Dining - 21 hot breakfasts (B); 5 lunches (L) 13 dinners, Freedom of Choice Dining– multi-choice menus or buffets. Restaurant tipping included
Fully Escorted in New Zealand and Australia
Tour prices include all touring as listed plus all air within Australia, New Zealand and Fiji
Friendly and professional Tour Director and Driver/Guide at your service
Luxury motorcoaches feature large windows, reclining seats and restroom
Cultural Touring Experiences
All hotel porterage and tipping included

Land Only tour prices available upon request
Air taxes and departure taxes not included
*Special events in Melbourne, surcharge may apply