17 Day Australia & New Zealand Explorer Independent Touring Nights at Destinations: Sydney (3), Alice Springs (1), Ayers Rock (2), Cairns (3), Auckland (1), Rotorua (1), Queenstown (3), Franz Josef (1), Christchurch (1) Highlights Sydney city sights & harbor cruise Blue Mountains Wildlife Park Alice Springs town tour Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) Uluru (Ayers Rock) Great Barrier Reef Kuranda Train Skyrail Cableway Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park Auckland Waitomo Caves Maori Hangi feast & concert in Rotorua Milford Sound cruise Free day in Queenstown Franz Josef Glacier The TranzAlpine Train & Christchurch Price Includes Sightseeing (as specified) Full breakfast daily Buffet lunch on the Great Barrier Reef Sydney Harbour & Milford Sound lunch cruises Barbecue dinner following sunset at the Olgas Traditional Hangi feast in Rotorua Choice of standard, first class or deluxe hotel Expert Driver/Guides 22 meals included—16 breakfasts (B), 4 lunches (L), 2 dinners (D) Note: Itinerary effective 01 April 2007. For tours departing before 01 April 2007 refer to our 2006 brochure. Day 1: Arrive Sydney, Australia 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 Harbour (superior) or Sheraton on the Park (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 Harbour luncheon cruise. Enjoy spectacular views of the city skyline this afternoon and the 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 Harbourside Hotel (standard), The 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 train 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, stage shows and dance demonstrations. 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 Sky City 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), Park Heritage (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 flight (airfare not included). (B) Australia & New Zealand Explorer 01 Apr 07–30 Jun 07 & 01 Dec 07–31 Mar 08 Twin Single Standard $4466 $6031 First Class $4807 $6528 Deluxe $5441 $7664 01 Jul 07–30 Nov 07 Standard $4422 $6000 First Class $4714 $6385 Deluxe $5385 $7627 Price is valid until 31 Mar 2008. Please inquire for details beyond this date. Airfare not included. Single travelers must pay single room tour price. Seatbelts cannot be guaranteed on this tour as a different coach is used in each location. Tour Code: AH17 |
AUSTRALIA &
NEW ZEALAND
NEW ZEALAND
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