22 -DAY AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND JOURNEY ESCORTED TOUR

Visits: Cairns, Sydney, Auckland, Melbourne, Christchurch, Queenstown, Mt. Cook Picton, Wellington, Napier, Rotoru.

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INCLUDED FEATURES:

DAY TO DAY ITINERARY:

Day 1 and 2: Depart from Home
Today you board your Qantas flight and begin the adventure of a lifetime to Australia and New Zealand, two countries known for their friendly and welcoming nature. Crossing the International Dateline, you lose a full day.

Day 3: Cairns (Northern Beaches), Australia - Tour Begins
Your tour begins today in Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, renowned for tropical rainforests, warm weather, friendly people and beautiful beaches. Tonight, enjoy a special welcome dinner with your new mates. cl (D)

Day 4: Great Barrier Reef
Board a high speed catamaran for an exciting exploration of the Great Barrier Reef. From your base on Green Island, you are able to explore the reef in many ways. Enjoy a glass bottom boat ride*, a stroll on the walking trail to take in the rainforest, relax on the beaches, or just watch the fish and sea turtles swim past from the pier. Optional scuba diving, snorkeling and an outer reef tour* are also available. You can do as much or as little as you like to explore the magnificent coral gardens of the reef. (B,L)

Day 5: Cairns - Sydney
Learn about the unique history and lifestyle of the Aboriginal people during a visit to the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Center. It is believed the Aboriginal people first arrived on the continent more than 30,000 years ago and their rich culture has been passed down generations through stories, dances, music and art. See an Aboriginal dance show, throw a boomerang or play a didgeridoo - a traditional instrument. Browse the renowned art gallery and visit the interpretation center which houses a collection of interesting artifacts. This afternoon you fly to the bustling city of Sydney, where the evening is yours to explore. (B)

Day 6: Sydney
This morning you will see Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks, Circular Quay, the Botanic Gardens, and the fashionable suburb of Paddington on a sightseeing tour of Sydney. You will also feel the power of one of the world’s most acoustically perfect architectural designs, the Sydney Opera House. In the evening you’ll enjoy a dinner cruise on beautiful Sydney Harbour during which you will be treated to spectacular views of Sydney’s greatest icons - the Harbour Bridge and world-famous Opera House. Following the cruise, you return to the Opera House to enjoy a captivating and unforgettable performance! (B,D)

Day 7: Sydney
Today you visit one of Australia's greatest wildlife parks. Not only will you see koalas in their natural habitat, but you might also have the unique opportunity to pose for a photo with one of these adorable creatures while exploring this well-known sanctuary for Australia's wildlife. You will also have the chance to feed the kangaroos and pet a wombat. Later, enjoy an educational presentation on opals - learn how raw opals are processed from the dark mine shafts to artistic creations found in your favorite jewelry store. This evening, enjoy the friendly city at your leisure or join us for an optional tour. (B)

Day 8: Sydney - Blue Mountains - Canberra
Journey this morning into the majestic Blue Mountains which reside just outside Sydney. Revel in the beauty of this World Heritage Site as you visit the famous Three Sister rock formation and Govett's Leap. Continue on to Australia's capital city, Canberra. Upon arrival, enjoy a panoramic city tour visiting Canberra's war memorial as well as the National Museum of Australia which interactively celebrates the land, nation and people of thecountry. The evening is yours to explore the city's shopping district and great eateries. (B)

Day 9: Canberra - Melbourne
Depart this morning across southern Victoria. Travel past the snowy mountains and through the countryside, taking in the winelands and quaint villages. Arrive this evening in Melbourne - Australia's most stylish city. (B,D)

Day 10: Melbourne
Today you embark on a tour of Melbourne featuring Fitzroy Gardens, the Shrine of Remembrance and the Parliament House. Later, travel to Phillip Island, a nature reserve and home of the world’s largest colony of Little Penguins. The Little Penguin is protected on Phillip Island and a staff of rangers works diligently to study and protect them. A highlight is sure to be the adorable Little Penguin Parade during which hundreds of lovable birds waddle out of the sea and cross the beach to their burrows in the dunes. You will also visit the interpretation center where you will learn about the life of the Little Penguins and their significance to the area. Dinner is included on Phillip Island. (B,D)

Day 11: Melbourne - Christchurch, NZ - Queenstown
You leave Australia behind and travel to New Zealand, arriving in the picturesque resort village of Queenstown. Become acquainted with your surroundings during a spectacular dinner at the Skyline Restaurant, which overlooks the appropriately named ‘Remarkable Mountains.’(B,D)

Day 12: Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown
Today you will travel through beech forest into the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley via the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. Enjoy a cruise on the spectacular fjord of Milford Sound, experiencing breathtaking vistas at every turn. Following your cruise you will return to Queenstown. You may opt to return via a short optional flight (weather permitting) for spectacular views of the Southern Alps. (B,L)

Day 13: Queenstown
Your day is at leisure. You may choose from several options to enhance your vacation. Shop in the charming village, relax and visit with new friends, or enjoy an optional ‘Safari of the Rings’ tour that takes you deep into the majestic landscape of the Lord of the Rings movies. (B)

Day 14: Queenstown - Mt. Cook
Traverse the spectacular countryside to New Zealand’s most famous national park, Mt. Cook. En route, enjoy a stop at a local fruit stand to gain an inside look at the produce of New Zealand. Mt. Cook is one of the most impressive mountains in the world. You may choose to view the massive glaciers and extensive snow-covered mountain top terrain on an optional glacier flightseeing tour (weather permitting), or perhaps enjoy the park during a nature walk. (B,D)

Day 15: Mt. Cook - Christchurch
Today you will journey through the rolling Canterbury hillside en route to Christchurch. Located on the Avon River, this charming city is considered “the most English city outside of England.” (B)

Day 16: Christchurch
A sightseeing tour highlights magnificent gardens, the Neo-Gothic Cathedral and the downtown park district. The remainder of your afternoon is at leisure. This evening you are invited to dine and make friends with a New Zealand family in their home. This is sure to be an unforgettable evening during which you will learn about the customs of the “Kiwi’s” and enjoy a home cooked meal. (B,D)

Day 17: Christchurch - Picton - Wellington
Travel up the winding eastern coast to Picton where you will board the famous Interislander Ferry for one of the most scenic trips the world has to offer. Enjoy the spectacular scenery as you cruise through the Marlborough Sounds and cross the Cook Strait, arriving this evening in the capital city of Wellington. Nestled between a sparkling harbour and the rolling hills of the North Island, Wellington was first settled by Polynesians in the 10th century. (B)

Day 18: Wellington
Today you will enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour of Wellington viewing the Beehive, New Zealand’s Parliament, historic St. Paul’s Church, and the government building, the largest wooden building in the Southern Hemisphere. Following the tour, you will visit the national museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongawera Museum. (B)

Day 19: Wellington - Napier
Journey into the region of Hawke's Bay today, arriving in the city of Napier. Rebuilt in the 1930s after a devastating earthquake, Napier boasts some of the greatest art deco architecture in the world. Enjoy an art deco tour of this great city upon arrival. This evening, a fantastic winery visit and dinner will help you to discover the flavors of the region. (B,D)

Day 20: Napier - Rotorua
Rotorua, known as the geothermal wonderland and cultural capital of New Zealand, is your destination today. The evening is yours to explore this great city. (B)

Day 21: Rotorua
This morning visit Te Puia, New Zealand's premier Maori cultural and geothermal experience. You'll be truly amazed by the landscape of erupting geysers, bubbling mud pools and other geothermal wonders! Here, the Maori keep their customs alive by teaching the tribal youth the skills of traditional carving, weaving and dancing. Take part in an interactive demonstration on the art of weaving and the importance of the Maori dress. You will also view the Kiwi bird and learn what New Zealanders are doing to try to remove the Kiwi from the endangered species list. Next, a visit to the Agrodome will give you insight into how wool, one of New Zealand’s premier products, is produced. You will see a sheep shearing demonstration here. This afternoon, visit a jade factory to see how the raw product is transformed into a fabulous gemstone. This evening you will receive a traditional Maori welcome at a Hangi meal followed by a traditional performance of songs, dances and other cultural festivities. (B,D)

Day 22: Rotorua - Auckland - Tour Ends
Drive to Auckland where your tour ends. (B)

PRICES: From $$5850 per person. Based on double occupancy.

DEPARTURES 2008: Sept.. 10, 17, 24; Oct 08; Nov. 05; 2009: Jan. 07; Feb 18; Mar 11; Apr 15

HOTELS:

PALM COVE - Novotel
MELBOURNE - Grand Mercure on Swanston or Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne
SYDNEY - The Menzies
AUCKLAND - Duxton
ROTORUA - Rydges
WELLINGTON - Duxton
CHRISTCHURCH - Rydges or Chateau on the Park
MT COOK - Hermitage Hotel
QUEENSTOWN - Mercure Resort