Itinerary Details
Highlights Of Australia
Day 1 ARRIVE IN MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA Welcome to Australia! Hotel rooms are available for immediate check-in. A pre-night is not required for early check-in.
Day 2 MELBOURNE This morning begins with a welcome briefing to meet fellow passengers and your Tour Director. Then, enjoy a city sightseeing tour which includes landmarks such as Flinders St. Station, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the botanic gardens, and the Shrine of Remembrance. The afternoon is free to explore on your own. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for additional sightseeing, shopping, and dining. (B)
Day 3 MELBOURNE A full free day to explore more of Melbourne on your own. Consider an optional day tour to the scenic Great Ocean Road to see the soaring limestone pillars of the “Twelve Apostles,” chiseled over 10 to 20 million years above the ocean. Perhaps the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island is more your speed. (B)
Day 4 MELBOURNE–ULURU (AYERS ROCK) Today, fly to the heart of the Outback. (B)
Day 5 ULURU Enjoy a tour at the base of Uluru, the extraordinary monolith whose circumference is studded with caves decorated with Aboriginal paintings. Later, travel to a popular lookout to enjoy views of the magnificent Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), a geological splendor of some 36 brilliant domes. Tonight, visit the Sunset Strip, where you will enjoy a champagne toast while experiencing one of the world’s greatest spectacles--Uluru at sunset. (B)
Day 6 ULURU–CAIRNS Today, fly to Cairns, “Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.” (B)
NOTE: Due to this remote location and limited flights, you may be booked on a connecting flight from Uluru to Cairns. Arrival in Cairns may be late in the evening. Luggage restrictions may apply to this flight. Please speak to your Tour Director for full details.
Day 7 CAIRNS. EXCURSION TO THE OUTER GREAT BARRIER REEF The world’s largest coral reef, made up of over 3,000 individual reefs and over 1,250 miles long, is one of our planet’s most amazing natural wonders. Board a catamaran cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Experience this underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of color and brilliance. Choose to snorkel, take a glass-bottom-boat tour, view the reef from an underwater observatory, and watch a fish feeding. Return to Cairns, where your evening is at leisure. (B,L)
Day 8 CAIRNS Today is yours to relax and explore. Set amid lush rainforests, soaring peaks, and the ocean, Cairns is one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations. Explore its many attractions, including a scenic railway, which runs to the picturesque market town of Kuranda and a cable car that glides over Australia’s World-Heritage-listed tropical rainforest canopy. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for sightseeing, shopping, and dining. (B)
Day 9 CAIRNS–SYDNEY Board your flight to Sydney, Australia’s largest city. Tonight, you may wish to enjoy dinner at a waterfront restaurant. (B)
Day 10 SYDNEY Sydney boasts one of the most beautiful harbors in the world, home to the instantly recognizable Sydney Harbour Bridge and the world-famous architectural wonder--the Sydney Opera House. Go inside the Opera House, one of the most well-known buildings in the world, and learn about the history, architectural design and be awed by the acoustics. Later, your sightseeing tour will take you through the heart of Sydney. End the day with a cruise along Sydney Harbour for uninterrupted views of the city skyline. (B)
Day 11 SYDNEY Enjoy a full day at leisure for your own discoveries. You may wish to wander the cobblestone streets of the Rocks district, explore vibrant Darling Harbour, or climb to the top of Sydney’s Harbour Bridge. Your Tour Director will have suggestions to help you make the most of this exciting city. Tonight, join your Tour Director and traveling companions for a festive farewell dinner. (B,D)
Day 12 SYDNEY Your vacation ends this morning. You may also choose to extend your time in Sydney and explore more on your own. Extra nights are available for purchase. (B)
