13-DAY CITIES AND ISLAND RESORT TOUR

Visits: Melbourne, Hamilton Island or Hayman Island, Sydney

INCLUDED FEATURES:

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

Day 1 Fly USA to Melbourne (Via Sydney): Please note international air from the USA has not been included in the package price.

Day 2 You cross the International Date Line: The International Date Line is an imaginary line on the earth’s surface that approximately coincides with the 180^th meridian line (LONGITUDE), and separates the calendar date. Traveling east across the line takes the traveler back one day, traveling west takes the traveler forward.                                

Day 3 Welcome to Melbourne, Australia: On arrival into Melbourne you will need to clear customs and make your way through the main arrivals hall where you will be transferred to your accommodation. At first glance, Melbourne may resemble any other modern city with its skyline full of concrete & glass. However, if you look a little closer, you'll find the real Melbourne, a city of unique charm. There are the clanging trams (street cars), swanky boutiques, friendly taxi drivers, Australian Rules Football, fickle weather and 'BYO's', by the hundred (restaurants to which you bring your own liquor or wine). Add to this, Melbourne's traditional virtues of tree lined boulevards, glorious parks, elegant buildings & imposing Victorian Banks & Churches, and of course the giant Melbourne Cricket Ground and you'll have some idea of the city. Melbourne has become a polyglot society with a huge diversity of cultures, Italian, Greek, East European, Middle Eastern & Asian. This diversity is reflected in the food styles, the lifestyle, & even the language spoken in the street.

Day 4 Tour - Melbourne half day city tour: Melbourne is famous for its magnificent parks and gardens which surround the city. See the famous Floral Clock, Botanic Gardens, Flagstaff Gardens and inspect Captain Cook's Cottage in the beautiful Fitzroy Gardens.  See the colorful Victoria Market, Old Melbourne Gaol, Shrine of Remembrance and travel over the Westgate Bridge for panoramic views over Port Phillip Bay.

Day 5 At Leisure, Melbourne: Melbourne, the capital of Victoria and a cultural hub, is known for the good things in life - fashion, food, entertainment and sport. This is a city of style, architecture, trams, theatres and art. The influence of decades of immigration from all over the world has made Melbourne a paradise for those who love food and wine. Whole streets are dedicated to food, whether it be Indian, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Greek, or a host of other styles. You can't miss the world-class wines either. You’ll barely meet a visitor who hasn’t fallen in love with Melbourne. Rattling trams, parklands singing with blackbirds, stately architecture and palm trees - it’s like northern Europe on the Mediterranean.

Day 6 Fly Melbourne to Hamilton Island or Hayman Island: You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Hamilton Island. (Standard, Superior & Deluxe)  Upon arrival you will board a luxury cruiser for your launch service to Hayman. (Deluxe)

Hamilton Island (Standard & Superior)
Hamilton Island is nestled amongst the Whitsunday Islands, a group of 74 islands just off the Queensland Coast and at the edge of the world famous Great Barrier Reef.  Hamilton Island offers the promise of a tropical getaway where you’ll be spoiled for choice with plenty of opportunities to try something new. With over 40 different activities to choose from you can experience sea-kayaking, game fishing, scenic helicopter flights, or even have breakfast with the Koalas at our Koala Gallery. Of course, you might simply want to concentrate on doing nothing at all, like laying around one of six pools or simply relaxing on the beach.

Hayman (Deluxe)

Award-winning Hayman in Australia's magnificent Great Barrier Reef, is one of the world's most acclaimed resort destinations and a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. Hayman presents a unique private island experience of natural beauty, tranquility and adventure. Hayman is Australia's most celebrated private island destination, beautifully situated and presenting an array of unique and memorable resort and Reef experiences.

Days 7-9 At leisure: Hamilton Island (Standard & Superior)
Located in the magnificent Whitsunday’s and close to the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island is a place to experience everything or enjoy doing absolutely nothing. The weather is pleasant all year round with temperatures perfect for sun and swimming. As the Hamilton slogan says, it's the island that is spoiling Australia, and the world.

Hayman (Deluxe)

Hayman offers something for everyone. For the more energetic guests, there is tennis [with a pro] and scuba learn-to-dive courses. The Island has an interesting network of hiking trails ranging from easy to more difficult. Hayman has its own charter sailing and motor yachts, and a fully equipped game fishing boat. For a little seclusion, rent your own outboard equipped dingy and motor over to nearby, uninhabited Hook Island. Pack a picnic lunch, find a deserted beach and live it up! Hayman can arrange day trips by catamaran, seaplane or helicopter to the Outer Reef. If you don't wish to get wet, there are glass bottom boat excursions available over the reef. Highly recommended is a heli or plane flight over the islands of the Whitsunday Group. Let your pilot take you to see the stunningly beautiful Whitehaven Beach with its brilliant silicon sands. Then of course there's Hayman Resort itself. You may just wish to sit by one of the pools with a book, enjoy a cocktail at the pool bar or fall asleep under a palm tree.

Day 10 Fly Hamilton Island to Sydney: Launch from Hayman to Hamilton Island. (Deluxe)
Sunny, sexy, sophisticated - Sydney basks as the shining star of the southern hemisphere. The stunning Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge are the pride and joy, but there's much more to offer. Sydney's sparkling harbor is the jewel in the city's crown. It's flanked by golden beaches and bush land, and is bisected by one of the most famous bridges in the world. Islands sprinkle its waters, and it's crisscrossed by all manner of craft, from water taxis and yachts to tour boats and ferries.

Day 11 Tour - Sydney half day city tour: Enjoy a morning touring Sydney's glorious city, harbor and famous beaches.  We pass through the historic Rocks area and circular en route to Bondi Beach where we stop for morning tea (own expense).  The tour will travel through Chinatown, Darling Harbour, Kings Cross and Double Bay, and you will view the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and visit Mrs. Macquarie's Chair.

Days 12-13 At leisure, Sydney: At your leisure to explore Sydney. Most of the major attractions of the city are within easy walking distance from your accommodation – Sydney Opera House, Darling Harbour, Centrepoint Tower, Circular Quay, The Rocks, etc.  During your stay ideally you should take a harbour cruise around one of the most beautiful harbors in the world, maybe take a short trip to one of the wildlife parks to see the unique animals (koalas and kangaroos) Australia has. Climb to the top of the Harbour Bridge for some awesome views, and after all that, enjoy the great restaurants that Sydney has to offer. The local chefs take full advantage of the fresh seafood and produce.

Day 14 Fly Sydney to USA: You will be transferred to the airport for your departure

PRICE 2008: From $2995 based on double occupancy. Single supplement fee applies. Taxes extra.

DEPARTURES: Daily from USA

HOTELS: Standard, Superior or Deluxe accommodations choices