This delightful introduction to the South Pacific is a great escorted vacation. In 2 weeks, you will meet new people, experience new cultures and discover new places. Your touring is fully escorted with an expert guide every step of the way, and includes transport, sightseeing and accommodation, breakfast daily plus other special meals. For those looking for the ease, convenience and expertise of a group tour combined with excellent value, look no further!
23 meals: 14 hot breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L), 7 dinners (D)Note: Itinerary effective 1 Apr 2009.
For tours departing before this date, refer to our 2008 brochure.
Day 1: Los Angeles
This evening board your flight bound for Australia. (D)
Day 2: In Flight
Cross the International Dateline and "lose" a day.
Day 3: Arrive Cairns, Welcome Dinner
Today arrive in Australia and the tropical city of Cairns. You will be met at the airport on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy time at leisure to explore or relax before tonight's welcome dinner with your Tour Director and fellow travelers. Overnight: Cairns, The Hotel Cairns for 3 nights (B,D)
Day 4: Upolu Cay, Great Barrier Reef
Discover the beauty of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. Stretching for more than 1,250 miles, the Great Barrier Reef is visible from outer space and is composed of more than 2,800 individual reefs. Spend an unforgettable day at the magnificent Upolu Cay and reef edge. Swim, snorkel or join the glass-bottom boat to view the brilliantly colored coral, giant clams, tropical fish and other marine life. Enjoy a delicious tropical lunch on board. (B,L)
Day 5: Cairns at Leisure
Today is free for you to explore Queensland's tropical north as you choose. Perhaps take an optional tour to Kuranda, a village deep in the heart of the rainforest. Here you have the opportunity to ride the Skyrail Cableway over the rainforest, visit the local markets or embark on a journey aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway - passing more than 40 bridges, tropical rainforest, rushing waterfalls and traveling through 15 tunnels (own expense). (B)
Day 6: Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, Sydney
Spend the morning at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. Meet and interact with the Tjapukai people as they demonstrate their ancient skills and knowledge of the natural world. This afternoon board your flight for Sydney, Australia's largest city. Overnight: Sydney, Travelodge Wynyard for 3 nights (B)
Day 7: Sydney Sights & Opera House Tour
Today tour Sydney. Cruise Sydney Harbor and visit the Opera House before exploring Sydney Wildlife World, getting up close to koalas, kangaroos and other native animals. Visit an opal display and learn about Australian gemstones, then tonight enjoy 360° views of the city over dinner at the Sydney Tower Restaurant. (B,D)
Day 8: Sydney at Leisure
Today enjoy Sydney at leisure. Perhaps join an optional sightseeing tour to the Hunter Valley, famous for its wines. Maybe visit the Blue Mountains to see the Three Sisters rock formation (own expense). If you decide to stay in the city, there's plenty to see and do. Head to Oxford Street or Pitt Street Mall to discover the city's fabulous shopping precincts; wander around the historic Rocks region; or spend an afternoon soaking up the atmosphere of Darling Harbor - the choice is yours and Sydney has something to cater to every taste. (B)
Day 9: Sydney-Queenstown, New Zealand
Today, transfer to the airport and fly to New Zealand and the city of Queenstown. Be met on arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Choose this time to relax at the hotel or take advantage of the countless activities available in the "adventure capital" of New Zealand. Overnight: Queenstown, Copthorne Lakefront Resort for 3 nights (B)
Day 10: Milford Sound Cruise
Today enjoy an alpine drive. Travel through rugged mountain ranges to the World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park. Upon arrival into Milford Sound board a vessel to cruise the full length of the Sound. Marvel at the wonderful towering Mitre Peak as it rises vertically from the glassy waters. Pass numerous cascading waterfalls and enjoy lunch on board. Consider an optional scenic flight back to Queenstown. (weather permitting, own expense) (B,L)
Day 11: Queenstown at Leisure & Walter Peak Dinner
Today is free to explore Queenstown. Perhaps take a jetboat or helicopter ride, play golf or enjoy a winery tour (own expense). This evening board a 100-year-old steamboat, the TSS Earnslaw, and cruise on Lake Wakatipu to the Colonel's Homestead at Walter Peak for an authentic New Zealand farm experience after a buffet dinner. (B,D)
Day 12: Mt Cook-Christchurch
View spectacular scenery as we journey to Mt Cook National Park, home to Australasia's highest peak, Mt Cook. Weather permitting, we highly suggest you take a ski plane flight for an incredible birds-eye view of this breathtaking region. The flight also includes a landing on the glacier (own expense). After plenty of time to discover this stunning region for yourself, we will continue north to Christchurch. Overnight: Christchurch, Copthorne Central Hotel (B)
Day 13: Christchurch-Rotorua
This morning take a tour of Christchurch, New Zealand's "Garden City." Afterward, transfer to the airport for your flight to geothermal Rotorua. This afternoon you will visit the Agrodome and learn about the country's farming history before enjoying a Maori Hangi (feast) and cultural performance in the evening. Overnight: Rotorua, Heritage Hotel (B,D)
Day 14: Te Puia Thermal Reserve-Auckland
This morning tour Te Puia Thermal Reserve and witness the power of geothermal energy, see boiling mud pools and watch exploding geysers. Continue to Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, with its beautiful harbors, dormant volcanoes and unique visitor attractions. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner at The Observatory Restaurant with spectacular views of Auckland. Overnight: Auckland, SkyCity Hotel (B,D)
Day 15: Auckland-Los Angeles
Tour Auckland then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure before your evening flight home. (B) (B,D)
