18 Day Classic Australia Fully Escorted in Australia Nights at Destinations: Sydney (3), Cairns (3), Darwin (1), Kakadu (1), Alice Springs (2), Ayers Rock (1), Melbourne (2), Hobart (2) Highlights Cruise on Sydney Harbour, viewing the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge See Australian wildlife Cruise the stunning Great Barrier Reef Tour World Heritage Kakadu National Park Join the Jumping Crocodile cruise Join a town tour of Alice Springs, including the base of the Royal Flying Doctor Service Explore Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) on a guided walk Tour Uluru (Ayers Rock), viewing caves, sacred sites and ancient rock paintings City sights tours of Melbourne and Hobart Visit Port Arthur Historic Site, Tasmania Price Includes All domestic flights within Australia Fully escorted with Tour Director and Driver/Guides Free travel kit including stylish travel bag and map Centrally located hotels in key locations 27 meals included—17 hot breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), and 7 dinners (D) Hotel porterage and restaurant gratuities Note: Itinerary effective 01 Apr 2007. For tours departing before 01 Apr 07 refer to our 2006 brochure. Day 1: Los Angeles Board your evening flight to Sydney, Australia (airfare not included). (D) Day 2: In Flight Cross the International Dateline and “lose” a day. Day 3: Sydney Arrive in Sydney and meet your Tour Director for a superb welcome dinner. Overnight: Sydney, Shangri-La Hotel for 3 nights (B,D) Day 4: Sydney Harbour Cruise Take a morning sightseeing tour, then enjoy a luncheon cruise on Sydney Harbour. See the Harbour Bridge and Fort Denison. Later, enjoy a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House. (B,L) Day 5: Sydney at Leisure Enjoy the many delights of Sydney at leisure. The historic Rocks area is just a short stroll away, as is the shopping district—you can visit the opal traders in the area. Perhaps take a sightseeing tour to the Hunter Valley or the Blue Mountains (own expense). (B) Day 6: Tropical Cairns A morning flight takes us to Cairns. Enjoy a guided tour of this tropical city on arrival, and watch the sun setting over the Coral Sea. Overnight: Cairns, Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina for 3 nights (B) Day 7: Great Barrier Reef Cruise Enjoy an unforgettable experience as we spend the day on the Great Barrier Reef. At Agincourt Reef, you can swim or snorkel amid the tropical fish, or ride aboard a glass-bottom boat over the colorful coral. (B,L) Day 8: Cairns, Kuranda, Skyrail Take the Skyrail Cableway, gliding over the lush World Heritage-listed rainforest to Kuranda. Visit Rainforestation, where the Pamagirri Aboriginal Dancers perform a traditional Aboriginal corroboree. Wander through the markets before heading down the mountain to Cairns on the Kuranda Scenic Railway. (B) Day 9: Cairns—Darwin Enjoy time to explore Cairns and stroll along the Esplanade. Later, fly to the Top End city of Darwin. Overnight: Darwin, Holiday Inn Esplanade (B) Day 10: Darwin Town Tour, Kakadu National Park, Jumping Crocodile Cruise Today, we take a fascinating tour of Darwin before traveling into World Heritage Kakadu National Park– a wildlife wonderland that will leave you in awe. See a huge variety of birdlife, spectacular scenery and fearsome saltwater crocodiles leaping from the water on our guided Jumping Crocodile cruise. Travel to view ancient Aboriginal art at Nourlangie Rock. Overnight: Kakadu National Park, Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn (B,D) Day 11: Darwin—Alice Springs Wander through Bowali Visitor Centre, Kakadu, for a greater appreciation of this remarkable area. Then it’s on to Darwin for our flight to Alice Springs. Overnight: Alice Springs, Crowne Plaza Hotel for 2 nights (B) Day 12: Alice Springs Town Tour This morning, take a tour of Alice Springs. See the School of the Air, the organization that provides schooling to children in remote Outback towns. Visit the base of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the historic Telegraph Station. Enjoy panoramic views from atop Anzac Hill. This afternoon is at leisure before our special Camp Oven Outback dinner. (B,D) Day 13: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), Ayers Rock Resort Travel southwest to World Heritage Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, home of famed Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). Explore the giant red domes of Kata Tjuta and stroll through Olga Gorge. Tonight dine at one of the many superb resort restaurants or enjoy the unique experience of dining in the desert at the “Sounds of Silence,” a silver service gourmet dining experience under the Outback stars. (Additional US$70). Overnight: Ayers Rock Resort, Sails in the Desert (B,D) Day 14: Uluru (Ayers Rock) This morning, choose to climb Uluru (Ayers Rock) or take a leisurely walk around its base. View ancient rock art, caves, permanent waterholes and learn about Aboriginal culture and traditions. This afternoon, fly to the cosmopolitan city of Melbourne. Overnight: Melbourne, Hotel Sofitel for 2 nights (B) Day 15: Melbourne Sightseeing, Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Take a sightseeing tour of Melbourne, including Victoria Market, Parliament House and Fitzroy Gardens. This evening dine at the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant, enjoying fine Australian cuisine and wines traveling through Melbourne’s suburbs and tree-lined streets. (B,D) Day 16: Tasmania, Port Arthur Fly this morning to Hobart, the capital of Australia’s island state of Tasmania. Journey along the Tasman Peninsula to see magnificent natural rock formations. At Port Arthur Historic Site, join a fascinating guided tour, learning of its tragic convict past and what it was like in those harsh times. Return to Hobart. Overnight: Hobart, Wrest Point Hotel Casino for 2 nights (B) Day 17: Hobart, Richmond This morning we tour this charming city, including colorful Salamanca Place and the Botanic Gardens. Take in panoramic views over the city from Mt Nelson. Head to the quaint Georgian village of Richmond. (B,D) Day 18: Depart for Los Angeles Join your flight bound for Los Angeles today. (B) (B,L) Departure Dates 2007: Jan 23; Feb 13; Mar 6, 20; Apr 3; Oct 16; Nov 13, 27; Dec 18 2008: Jan 22; Feb 26; Mar 4, 18; Apr 1 Classic Australia Departure Dates 18-Day Land/Domestic Air Twin Single Jan – Mar 07 $6348 $8397 Apr 07 – Mar 08 $6199 $8248 Note: Many dates are guaranteed departures – ask when booking. Fare includes all land arrangements as indicated and flights within Australia flying Qantas Airways. International airfares are not included. Call for the lowest priced Qantas International airfare to suit your tour. Air taxes, security and departure fees are additional, and will be confirmed at time of final payment. Airport transfers are included at no extra charge when your Qantas international air reservation is booked through Qantas Vacations. Persons flying an airline different from Qantas Airways may incur additional charges for transfers and flights within Australia. Tour Code: E55 |
AUSTRALIA
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