Fully Escorted Touring in Australia

Essential Australia encompassed in 2 weeks. City sightseeing, outback wonders and Great Barrier Reef magic; your expert Tour Director will guide you all the way to discover the highlights of this diverse nation. Sit back and enjoy, the rest is taken care of for you. We highly recommend upgrading at Ayers Rock to a rock view room.

Highlights

Melbourne city sights

Alice Springs town tour

Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas)

Great Barrier Reef

Sydney city sights & Harbor luncheon cruise

Price Includes

Sightseeing as specified

Fully escorted by professional Tour Driver and Tour Director

Luxury motorcoach with air-conditioning, reclining seats, restroom and tinted panoramic windows

Accommodation in first class, centrally-located hotels with private facilities

15 meals: 12 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L), 1 dinner (D)
Note: Itinerary effective 1 Apr 2009

For tours departing before this date, refer to our 2008 brochure.

Day 1: Arrive Melbourne

On arrival at Melbourne airport you will be transferred to your hotel (flights to arrive prior to 4:00pm, airfare not included). This evening meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome drink. Overnight: Melbourne, Mantra on Russell for 3 nights

Day 2: Melbourne City Sights

Enjoy a morning tour of Melbourne including the Royal Botanic Gardens, St. Paul's Cathedral, Parliament House, the Melbourne Cricket Ground and the Shrine of Remembrance. Drive along the tree-lined boulevard in St. Kilda, see iconic Flinders Street Station, modern Federation Square and the Victorian Arts Center Precinct. Travel over the Westgate Bridge for panoramic views of Melbourne. This afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps take an optional tour to Phillip Island to see the famous Penguin Parade (own expense). (B)

Day 3: Melbourne at Leisure

Enjoy a day at leisure in cosmopolitan Melbourne. Perhaps join an optional tour and ride on Puffing Billy, followed by wine tastings in the Yarra Valley, or tour along the famous Great Ocean Road to see the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. (B)

Day 4: Melbourne-Alice Springs

You will be transferred to Melbourne airport for your early morning flight to Alice Springs (flights to arrive prior to 1:00pm, airfare not included). On arrival in Alice Springs, enjoy a tour of this famous outback town. Stop at the School of the Air then visit the historical Old Telegraph Station and Royal Flying Doctor Service. Enjoy panoramic views of Alice Springs from the top of Anzac Hill. Overnight: Alice Springs, Alice Springs Resort (B)

Day 5: Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Depart early for Uluru (Ayers Rock) traveling south through the MacDonnell and James Ranges, stopping at a camel farm where you have a chance to try your hand at riding a "ship of the desert" (own expense). Pause to view Atila (Mt Conner) before arriving at the resort. This afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the facilities at Ayers Rock Resort. Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine this evening while watching the sun set at Uluru from the spec}ial viewing area known as the "sunset strip." Overnight: Ayers Rock Resort, Desert Gardens Hotel for 2 nights (B)

Day 6: Ayers Rock-the Olgas

Rise early to view Uluru (Ayers Rock) at sunrise. The fit and energetic may choose to climb to the summit (optional). Tour the caves at the base of Uluru and hear stories of the Aboriginal Dreamtime. Later, visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Center. This afternoon travel through the desert plains to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). The size and grandeur of these 36 massive domes of red conglomerate rock will amaze you. Take a walk through Walpa Gorge following the natural creek bed between two of the domes. After sunset with complimentary sparkling wine, enjoy a delicious Australian barbecue dinner and stargazing. (B,D)

Day 7: Ayers Rock-Cairns

This morning enjoy free time at Ayers Rock Resort before being transferred to Ayers Rock airport for your flight to Cairns (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, Sebel Cairns for 3 nights (B)

Day 8: Great Barrier Reef Cruise

Board a high-speed catamaran to the Great Barrier Reef. View the coral and tropical fish from a semi-submersible craft and snorkel along the reef. Snorkeling gear is included (extra charge for scuba diving). A marine biologist will give an informative presentation on this natural living wonder. Enjoy a buffet lunch on-board the pontoon. You may also want to consider a scenic helicopter flight to view the Reef from a birds-eye perspective. (B,L)

Day 9: Cairns at Leisure

Today is at leisure to relax by the hotel pool or go shopping. You may like to join an optional tour to Kuranda including a scenic rail journey, on the Kuranda Railway, Skyrail Cableway ride above the canopy of the rainforest, and a visit to Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. Alternatively spend the day exploring the scenic coastline up to Cape Tribulation, traveling through the World Heritage listed Daintree National Park and returning via idyllic Mossman Gorge. (B)

Day 10: Cairns-Sydney

You will be transferred to Cairns airport for your flight to Sydney (airfare not included). On arrival at Sydney airport you will be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight: Sydney, Old Sydney Holiday Inn for 3 nights (B)

Day 11: Sydney City Sights & Harbor Cruise

This morning tour Sydney and see the distinctive Sydney Opera House, Royal Botanic Gardens, Mrs. Macquarie's Chair and Kings Cross. Visit famous Bondi Beach, with time to stroll along the beach, then return to the city for a Sydney Harbor luncheon cruise. This afternoon you have the opportunity to learn about Australia's national gemstone-the opal. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Perhaps visit the historic Rocks area at Circular Quay, which dates back to the time of early settlers. (B,L)

Day 12: Sydney at Leisure

Explore the beautiful harbor city of Sydney further today. Perhaps take an optional tour to the Blue Mountains to see the spectacular Three Sisters, or enjoy wine tasting in the Hunter Valley. (B)

Day 13: Depart Sydney

Your tour concludes this morning. You will be transferred to Sydney airport for your onward flight. (B)

Departure Dates:

2009: Apr 12, 26; Jun 14; Jul 12; Aug 30; Sep 27; Oct 11, 25; Nov 22; Dec 6, 27
2010: Jan 10, 24; Feb 7, 14, 21; Mar 7, 14;