Australia

Specials / Suggested packages / Nature Tours / 18-35 year old tours
Active Tours / "Rail Cruises" / Sydney / Cairns / Brisbane / Melbourne
Alice/Ayers Rock / Adelaide / Darwin / Hobart / Perth

Suggested Packages

These are just suggested packages, featuring the most popular tours. More days and tours can be added or tour substitutions can be made.

Sydney & Cairns

Day 1. Sydney
Welcomed on arrival in Sydney and transferred to your centrally located hotel.
Three Night Stay: Sydney - The Menzies Sydney (Standard), Sofitel Wentworth (First-Class), Shangri-La Hotel (Deluxe).

Day 2. Luncheon Cruise, City Sights, Beaches
The morning is free to explore. At midday, join a luncheon cruise on one of the world's most beautiful harbors, enjoying a delicious meal and the scenery for which Sydney is famous. See the Harbour Bridge spanning this great waterway and admire the architectural wonder that is the Sydney Opera House. After your cruise, take in the sights, including Hyde Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and bustling Kings Cross. (L)

Day 3. Blue Mountains, Koalas, Kangaroos
Travel west today to the Blue Mountains, a nature lover's paradise, home to rugged mountains, deep wooded valleys and remarkable rock formations. See the famous Three Sisters, a giant rock formation towering over the Jamison Valley. Take in the views from Echo Point and tour the charming town of Katoomba, capital of the Blue Mountains. You have an opportunity to ride the Scenic Skyway, Railway or the Sceniscender (own expense). Later, we visit an Australian wildlife park to see native animals, including kangaroos, wombats and koalas.

Day 4. Sydney, Cairns
Morning at leisure before transferring to the airport for your flight to Cairns (airfare not included). Welcomed on arrival in this tropical city. Enjoy time at leisure.
Four Night Stay: Cairns - Mercure Harbourside (Standard), Tradewinds Esplanade Hotel (First-Class), Shangri-La, The Marina (Deluxe).

Day 5. Great Barrier Reef Quicksilver Cruise
Enjoy your full day cruise to the Great Barrier Reef, charting these magnificent waters aboard the luxury Quicksilver catamaran. From Cairns, cruise north to Port Douglas then head out to Agincourt Reef, on the Outer Reef. A tropical buffet lunch is served on board. This afternoon, swim and snorkel with the marine life, or board the semi-sub for an underwater adventure through coral gardens. Perhaps watch the fish feeding from the underwater observatory. Return cruise to Port Douglas before a short drive back to Cairns. (L)

Day 6. Skyrail, Rainforestation, Pamagirri Aboriginal Dancers, Kuranda Scenic Railway, Cairns
Join the acclaimed Skyrail Cableway, a world first in environmental tourism, for a unique journey above the tropical rain forest canopy. You can also admire the breathtaking Coral Sea to the east. Later, we visit Rainforestation and see a traditional cultural performance by the Pamagirri Aboriginal Dancers. Be escorted on a Dreamtime Walk and ride in the unique Army Duck, heading deep into the rain forest on both land and water. At the wildlife enclosure, there is the opportunity to have your photo taken with a koala (own expense). Enjoy time to browse the eclectic markets of Kuranda village before joining the Kuranda Scenic Railway, traveling through rain forest down the Macalister Range to Cairns.

Day 7. Cape Tribulation, Daintree River Cruise
Today we journey deep into the lush wilderness of Cape Tribulation, a World Heritage region rich in pristine rain forest and beautiful coastal scenery. Follow the coastal road to the exclusive resort town of Port Douglas. Cruise through the lush rain forest of the Daintree River, this is real saltwater crocodile territory. Look carefully and you may spot one of these fearsome but fascinating creatures lurking in the river. Arrive at Cape Tribulation Beach early in the afternoon, with time to stroll the sandy beaches or experience the rain forest. (L)

Day 8. Cairns
Enjoy the morning at leisure in Cairns. Perhaps do some last minute shopping or take a stroll along the Esplanade, enjoying the city's parks and gardens. Transfer to Cairns Airport for your flight home.

Land Prices per person in US$ for adults (childrens rates available)

Sydney, Melbourne and Cairns

Day 1 - arrive Sydney in the morning. After getting your luggage and going through customs, walk out the exit door and look for a person holding a sign with your name on it. He will transfer you to your hotel. By 1215pm, make your way to Jetty 4 at Circular Quay for a Sydney Harbour Luncheon Cruise. Then enjoy a city tour. See the Rocks, Sydney's birthplace, then on to Sydney Town Hall, Chinatown, Sydney Aquarium and the Monorail at spectacular Darling Harbour. On to the Sydney Entertainment Centre, Sydney Tower, Conservatorium of Music, Parliament House, Hyde Park, St James Cathedral, St Marys Cathedral, Art Gallery and Domain. Highlights will include seeing the Sydney Opera House, visiting Mrs Macquaries Chair (superb views of the harbour and city skyline), passing through historic and trendy Paddington and the Royal Australian Naval Base at Garden Island. Visit Bondi Beach, Australia's most famous surf beach, and The Gap, for stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Heads. Also see exclusive Double Bay and Vaucluse, Rushcutters Bay and Kings Cross - Sydney's 'hot spot.' You will be returned to your hotel at the end.

Day 2 - This morning you will be picked up for a Blue Mountains tour. Cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge, then tour historic Windsor, heart of the Hawkesbury district. On to Richmond Air Force Base and spectacular views of the Cumberland Plains. Visit the Bilpin Fruit Bowl and perhaps enjoy the local specialty - tea or coffee with apple pie and cream. What a treat! Wonder at the ruggedness of the Blue Mountains from Bells Line of Road and tour through mountain towns of Mt Victoria and Medlow Bath. You'll have breathtaking views over the Grose Valley from Govetts Leap and then will follow the scenic Cliff Drive with magnificent views over Megalong Valley. You'll have an opportunity to ride the world's steepest Scenic Railway, Sceniscender Cable Car and the Skyway Cable Car (own expense). Walk on the valley floor boardwalk under a canopy of tall tree ferns. At Echo Point, see the Three Sisters rock formation towering over Jamison Valley. Tour Katoomba, resort capital of the Blue Mountains and the quaint mountain village of Leura. Visit an Australian Wildlife Park to hand feed Kangaroos, experience an Emu encounter, walk through rainforest aviaries, giant Crocodiles and more. Walk through Koala enclosures and see Koalas in trees and close-up. Finally we'll pass Homebush Bay, the 2000 Olympic Games site and see the Stadiums and facilities of the millennium Olympics.

Day 3 - Today you have your choice of tours - Hunter Valley Wineries, Port Stephens Dolphin Cruise and Reptile Park or South Coast Dolphin Explorer. See details at Sydney Day Tours.

Day 4 - Free day till you are transfered to the airport for your flight to Melbourne, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon you will be picked up to go see the famous Fairy Penguin Parade. On the way you will see the National Tennis Centre, theYarra River (dividing line between the contrasting suburbs of Richmond and South Yarra, Western Port Bay, panoramic views of French Island and San Remo fishing village before you arrive at Phillip Island -- home for one of the
largest colonies of Little Penguins. Here you will witness the natural phenomenon
of the Penguin Parade. Every evening at dusk the Little Penguins come home from the sea at Phillip Island. From the waves, across the beach , to the sand dunes. The Little Penguins can almost be touched as they waddle to their burrows. It is the nightly ritual of these little flightless birds which will enthrall you as you observe from the beach and the elevated boardwalk. During your evening return to Melbourne a panoramic Victorian video feature will be screened.

Day 5 - You will be picked up to do a city tour. On this tour we will see Bourke Street Mall, Federation Square development, St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne Town Hall, Law Courts & Flagstaff Gardens, Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne University, Royal Exhibition Buildings, Chinatown, Parliament House and Princess Theatre, St Patricks Cathedral. Visit Fitzroy Gardens and see Captain Cook's Cottage (opportunity to inspect), then Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne Park and the National Tennis Centre. HIGHLIGHTS are Trendy Southbank on the river, Arts and Cultural Centre, Gracious tree lined St Kilda Road, Albert Park Lake - Grand Prix site, Ornate Victorian terraced homes, Revitalised South Melbourne, Port Melbourne by the Sea, Views of historic Williamstown, West Gate Bridge (spectacular City Overview), Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens, perhaps enjoy a Devonshire Tea or walk by the lake, The Shrine of Remembrance. Free time this afternoon to explore on your own before making your way back to your hotel.

Day 6 - You will be picked up to ride on Puffing Billy, Australia's most notable narrow gauge railway through the spectacular Blue Dandenong Ranges, with Bellbirds and Kookaburras echoing the steam train's whistle. Travel through the richness of the Yarra Valley - a pastoral experience of farms and vineyards, haystacks and wine grapes. Taste Yarra Valley wines at Fergusson's Winery and Restaurant and enjoy a sumptuous lunch. Continue on to Healesville Sanctuary - a truly Australian experience where you can surround yourself with Australian wildlife - the curious Platypus, Koalas, Kangaroos, Wombats, Emus and more.
Option includes two additional wineries in place of the wildlife sanctuary. Enjoy tastings at Oakridge Estate and a guided tour and tasting at Domaine Chandon.Fare Includes: Historic steam train ride, entrance to Healesville Sanctuary, Aussie style Bush Billy tea, wine tasting and lunch at Fergusson's Winery.

Day 7 - Free day till you are transfered to the airport for your flight to Cairns. Here you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 8 - Enjoy a breathtaking journey on one of the world's most scenic train routes will take you through hand-hewn tunnels and across bridges with amazing views. Stop at Barron Gorge to view the Falls before arriving at beautiful Kuranda Station. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore the "Village in the Rainforest". Explore the markets or visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary and colourful Birdworld. At the scheduled time, board Skyrail for the world's most beautiful rainforest experience. Glide over the Rainforest canopy and take advantage of the two stops enroute to enjoy a walk through the rainforest or visit the CSIRO Interpretive Centre.After enjoying the "world's most beautiful Rainforest Experience", take a short walk to the fascinating Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. Discover this ancient culture through theatres, stage shows and demonstrations before boarding your coach for the return to your accommodation.

Day 9 - You will be transferred to the wharf to take a catamaran to Upolu Cay - a naturally formed sand island situated 16 nautical miles from Cairns on the Great Barrier Reef. Oyster Reef, which is located only a short distance from Upolu Cay, also provides divers & snorkellers with clear, shallow waters & an abundance of marine life. The Upolu Cay Cruise offers the perfect destination with protected, shallow waters to enjoy snorkelling & swimming. Be as active or relaxed as you like - try your first ever scuba dive, or for the certified diver, enjoy being guided by our qualified instructors on some of the best dive sites on the reef.

Day 10 - transfer to the airport today.

Land Prices per person in US$ for adults (childrens rates available)

Prices include airport transfers, 9 nights hotel, tours mentioned.
More nights and tours can be added or substitutions can be made.

Australian Spectacular

Day 1. Sydney
Welcomed on arrival in Sydney for your hotel transfer. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to settle in or explore this picturesque city.
Three Night Stay: Sydney - The Menzies Sydney (Standard), Sofitel Wentworth (First-Class), Shangri-La Hotel (Deluxe).

Day 2. Luncheon Harbor Cruise, City Sights and Southern Beaches Tour
Enjoy a relaxing morning before your luncheon cruise on Sydney Harbour. See the landmarks that make Sydney so recognizable, including the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. This afternoon, tour the city and its southern surf beaches. See Hyde Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens, famous Bondi Beach and the notorious former red light district of Kings Cross. This evening enjoy time to yourself to sample the delights of the Sydney restaurant scene. (L)

Day 3. Blue Mountains, Three Sisters, Koalas
Travel west today to the World Heritage-listed
Blue Mountains. See the Three Sisters, a giant rock formation towering over the Jamison Valley. Take in the views from Echo Point and tour the charming town of Katoomba. You have an opportunity to ride the Scenic Skyway, Railway or the sensational Sceniscender (own expense). Later this afternoon, visit an Australian wildlife park to see native wildlife, including wombats and koalas. Enjoy the opportunity to have your photo taken with a koala (own expense) or hand-feed kangaroos.

Day 4. Sydney, Alice Springs Town Tour
This morning an APT representative will drive you to Sydney Airport for a flight to Alice Springs (airfare not included). Arriving by 12.00 p.m, you will be greeted on arrival. Alice Springs is Australia's best known Outback town and is situated very close to the center of this vast continent. On a tour of 'The Alice', visit the School of the Air and the Royal Flying Doctor Service base, two unique organizations that provide education and medical care to those in the most remote areas of Central Australia. See the generally dry Todd River 'running' through town and take in panoramic views from atop Anzac Hill.
Stay: Alice Springs - Alice Springs Resort (Standard), Crowne Plaza Alice Springs (First-Class), Alice Springs Resort Rivergum Room (Deluxe).

Day 5. Camel Farm, Kata Tjuta (Olgas), Sunset Drinks at Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Driving south, visit the Outback Camel Farm for a ride on a camel (own expense). Known as 'ships of the desert', camels played an important role in the development of Central Australia. Turning west, view the flat-topped Mt Conner en route to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. This afternoon, stroll amid the rocky domes of Kata Tjuta (Olgas), thought to have once been a single mass several times the size of Uluru (Ayers Rock). Later, we take a drive to Sunset Strip to see Australia's most famous icon at sunset. Enjoy a glass of wine and admire the ever changing colors of Uluru as the sun sinks below the horizon.
Two Night Stay: Ayers Rock Resort - Outback Pioneer Hotel (Standard), Desert Gardens (First-Class), Sails in the Desert (Deluxe).

Day 6. Sunrise, Uluru (Ayers Rock), Cultural Centre, Local Arts and Crafts
This morning watch the first light of day set Uluru (Ayers Rock) ablaze in color. After admiring this spectacular display, you have the option to climb Uluru - a difficult though exhilarating experience. Alternatively, you can take a gentle stroll to Mutitjulu, a permanent waterhole and sacred site at the base of Uluru. Later, join a guided base tour, viewing rock art, caves and sites of great cultural significance to the Anangu owners. Rejoining those who decided to climb the mighty monolith, visit the Cultural Centre to discover more about the fascinating local culture and call into the Maruku Arts and Craft Cooperative to see Aboriginal artists at work.

Day 7. Uluru (Ayers Rock), Cairns
Enjoy the morning at leisure. Perhaps take a stroll around the resort or shop for souvenirs before transferring to Ayers Rock Airport for your flight to Cairns (airfare not included). You will be welcomed on arrival in this colorful, tropical city.
Three Night Stay: Cairns - Mercure Harbourside (Standard), Tradewinds Esplanade Hotel (First-Class), Shangri-La, The Marina (Deluxe).

Day 8. Great Barrier Reef Quicksilver Cruise
Today, enjoy a full day cruise to the Great Barrier Reef aboard a luxury Quicksilver catamaran. Cruise to magnificent Agincourt Reef, on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Savor a delicious buffet lunch on board, including seafood. The afternoon offers you a host of exciting reef options. Swim or snorkel in the clear blue water to see a wide variety of vibrant marine creatures. View this beautiful underwater world on the semi-sub. See colorful fish and delicate coral up close, without even getting wet. Check out the underwater observatory, where you can observe a fish feeding. Cruising back to Port Douglas, we drive back to Cairns where you can explore the local nightlife. (L)

Day 9. Skyrail, Aboriginal Performance, Koalas, Crocodiles, Kuranda Railway
Board the Skyrail Cableway and glide above majestic rain forest to Kuranda. An Aboriginal term meaning 'Village in the Rain forest', Kuranda is a pretty township with many quirky shops and markets that offer a full range of local handicrafts, gifts and souvenirs. Visit Rainforestation to see the Pamagirri Aboriginal Dancers perform a traditional corroboree then join a guided Dreamtime Walk. Witness spearthrowing, didgeridoo playing and try your hand at throwing a boomerang. Visit the wildlife enclosure and see kangaroos, crocodiles, snakes and wombats. Perhaps take up the opportunity to have your photo taken with a cuddly koala (own expense). Wander through Kuranda before boarding the Kuranda Train for a scenic journey back to Cairns. This historic railway winds its way along the Kuranda Range, a magnificent mountain range covered with lush rain forest and majestic, tumbling waterfalls.

Day 10. Cairns
Enjoy the morning at your leisure. Perhaps do some last minute shopping or wander around the tropical town before transferring to the airport for your flight.

Land Prices per person in US$ for adults (childrens rates available)