15-DAY AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND WONDERS TOUR

Visits: Cairns, Sydney, Christchurch, Milford Sound, Queenstown

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This vacation offers the essential sights and unique culture of the land "Down Under," Australia, and the spectacular natural beauty of New Zealand's South Island all at an enjoyable pace.

INCLUDED FEATURES:

DAY TO DAY ITINERARY:

Day 1 and 2: Depart From Home : Today you board your flight and begin the adventure of a lifetime. Crossing the International Dateline, you lose a full day

Day 3: Arrive Cairns, Australia : Your tour begins today in Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Don’t forget to look up at the Southern Hemisphere's stars this evening after you join your mates for a welcome dinner.Today dinner is included.

Day 4: Great Barrier Reef : Board a high speed catamaran for an exciting excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. This is an immense series of 2,800 coral reefs which are home to amazingly diverse marine life. 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 rain forest, relax on the beaches, or just watch the fish and sea turtles swim past from the pier. For a more adventurous encounter with the reef, optional scuba diving, snorkeling and an outer reef tour are also available*. Whichever way you choose, you’ll see some of the world’s most fascinating marine and plant life.Today breakfast and lunch are included.

Day 5: Cairns: Today visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Center. You’ll see traditional Aboriginal dances, learn about the Aboriginal lifestyle, and even 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 a great experience awaits as you search for crocodiles in their natural habitat during a visit to Hartley's Croc Farm! While visiting you also have the chance to meet some of the local koalas and kangaroos! Your evening is at leisure. Today breakfast is included.

Day 6: Cairns - Sydney: Fly today to the bustling city of Sydney. This evening, dine atop the city at Sydney's Revolving Restaurant enjoying the spectacular views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House at night! Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 7: Sydney : Enjoy a city tour of Sydney where the English explorer James Cook first weighed anchor in 1770. Highlights of your exploration include Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks, Circular Quay, the Botanic Gardens and the fashionable Paddington suburb. Discover one of the world’s most fascinating architectural wonders during a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House. Later, enjoy a unique opportunity to learn first-hand how raw opals are transformed from the dark mine shafts to beautiful works of art. This evening you may enjoy Sydney at leisure or take an optional excursion. Today breakfast is included.

Day 8: Sydney : Tonight, experience the best of Sydney. Chat with new friends and take in the sights during a delightful dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour during which you’ll pass by two of Australia’s most famous icons: the renowned Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. After the dinner cruise, return to the Opera House, acclaimed for its architecture and acoustics, to enjoy a spectacular performance! Today breakfast and dinner are included

Day 9: Sydney - Christchurch, NZ - Queenstown : You leave Australia behind and fly to New Zealand en route to beautiful Queenstown. Enjoy a gondola ride to dinner at the Skyline Restaurant which overlooks Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the mountains. Today dinner is included.

Day 10: Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown : En route to Milford Sound, enjoy the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley. You’ll travel through beech forest via the Homer Tunnel. During a cruise of the breathtakingly beautiful Milford Sound you’ll see why this fjord is one of the most visited sites on the South Island. With rock faces that rise nearly 4,000 feet on either side, the scenery will take your breath away. Following your cruise, you return to Queenstown. You may choose to return via a short optional flight (weather permitting) for spectacular views of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Today breakfast and lunch are included.

Day 11: Queenstown : A leisurely day in Queenstown offers several options to enhance your vacation. Shop or people watch in the village or perhaps take the optional "Safari of the Rings" which takes you through the majestic Remarkable Mountains and the breathtaking Queenstown countryside where the Lord of the Rings movies were filmed.Today breakfast is included

Day 12: Queenstown - Mt. Cook - Christchurch : 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. This evening arrive in the historic city of Christchurch. Today breakfast is included.

Day 13: Christchurch : This morning enjoy a short sightseeing tour of "the most English city outside of England", Christchurch. Highlights include 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.  Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 14: Christchurch : Visit a Canterbury farmyard to see the workings of the farm including a sheep shearing demonstration, herding, and learn first hand how this New Zealand family farm operates. This afternoon, you may choose to participate in an optional tour of the International Antarctic Center, the gateway for both American and New Zealand Antarctic expeditions. Tonight, dine inside the restored Riccarton House mansion and learn the history of the first family of Christchurch. Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 15: Christchurch - Tour Ends : Explore the city of Christchurch this morning. Your tour ends today. Breakfast is included.

PRICES: From $4225.00 per person, based on double occupancy. Taxes extra.

DEPARTURES 2008: Apr., 15, 22; May 07, 09. 21; June 04; Aug. 06, 20; Sept 11,18,  Oct. 02, 16, 21, 30; Nov. 06; 2009: Jan 13; Feb. 17, Mar. 10; Apr. 16, 28

HOTELS:  Pacific International or Oasis, Cairns, Novotel Rockford Darling Harbour, Sydney, Mercure Resort, Queenstown, Rydges or Chateau on the Park, Christchurch