Days 1 & 2 - Arrive Nadi, Fiji
Fly to Nadi, Fiji, crossing the International Date Line to arrive on
Saturday.
Day 3 - Fiji free time
Early morning arrival into exotic Nadi, Fiji. Your hotel has been
pre-registered for immediate check-in upon arrival. Time to relax and rest
before you join your fellow tour members for a get-acquainted reception
and dinner at the hotel.
Day 4 - Sightseeing/Free time
This morning depart on a sightseeing tour to include Viti Levu, the
village of Viseisei and the Gardens of the Sleeping Giant and Lautoka. The
remainder of your day is free.
Day 5 - To Auckland
After breakfast, take an early morning flight to Auckland, known as the
"City of Sails." Upon arrival, sightseeing starts with views from the
summit of Mount Eden, an extinct volcano, followed by a visit to the
Auckland Museum, which tells the story of New Zealand and features
priceless collections of Maori and South Pacific treasures.
Day 6 - To Rotorua
This morning after breakfast enjoy your drive to Rotorua, through farming
and sheep country. This afternoon visit Whakarewarewa (pronounced
Faka-rewa-rewa) Thermal Reserve, with bubbling mud pools and spouting
geysers. Later see the famous kiwis and other native animals and birds at
Rainbow Springs. This evening you will get a glimpse into Maori tradition
at a Hangi feast, with meat and vegetables cooked underground in thermal
steam, followed by traditional Maori song and dance.
Day 7 - To Queenstown/Walter Peak
Station
Relax this morning and have a leisurely breakfast before your midday
flight to Queenstown, on the south island, situated on Lake Wakatipu. This
evening take the T.S.S. Earnslaw to Walter Peak station for a local dinner
experience. Here you can observe how a sheep ranch operates, watch sheep
dogs work or see sheep shearing and wool spinning.
Day 8 - Milford Sound
Depart early for your drive through native forests, steep chasms, ravines
and man-made Homer Tunnel on the way to Miford Sound. As you enjoy lunch,
cruise the sound near Bowen Falls, Stirling Falls and majestic Mitre Peak.
This fjordland area is New Zealand's largest national park. Pass The
Remarkables mountains on your return to Queenstown.
Day 9 - Sightseeing/Arrowtown/Wine
Tasting
This morning's sightseeing commences with a gondola ride with magnificent
views of the town and mountains reflected in the crystal clear lake below.
Afterwards, depart for Arrowtown, a former gold rush town. Continue to the
Gibbston Winery, located in the central Otago region for lunch, tasting
and tour. Return to the hotel with the rest of the afternoon and evening
on your own.
Day 10 - To Sydney
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before transferring to the airport for your
flight to Sydney with a brief tour en route to the hotel. Dinner is
included this evening at the Waterfront Restaurant, with fantastic views
of the harbor and the Opera House.
Day 11 - Koala Park/Opera
House/Harbor Cruise
You're off to the Koala Park early this morning, where you will also see
kangaroos, wallabies and other native mammals and birds. Return to the
city for a guided tour of Sydney Opera House. After your tour, join the
Mathilda sailing lunch cruise. This catamaran has an outdoor deck for
viewing or it is very comfortable downstairs where the buffet lunch is
served. The rest of the afternoon and evening are free. Your hotel is just
a few blocks away.
Day 12 - Sydney free day
You have the full day free to explore Sydney on your own. You may want to
take a tour of the Olympic Park, site of the 2000 Summer Games, take a 4WD
excursion to the Blue Mountains, a wine tour to the Hunter Valley or an
exciting Sydney Bridge Climb.
Day 13 - To Adelaide/Home Hosting
This morning depart for the airport and your short flight to Adelaide and
immediately transfer to the hotel. This afternoon enjoy a guided walking
tour of the Adelaide Central Market followed by a walk along the Northern
Terraces. The rest of the afternoon is free. This evening a Home Hosting
dinner is included. MP
Day 14 - Barossa Valley
Today enjoy a full-day excursion to the Barossa Valley, Australia's finest
wine country. En route, visit the Whispering Wall to experience the
acoustic phenomena. The winery stop is at the Chateau Barossa, where
you'll enjoy morning tea, followed by a guided tour of their antique
museum and a wine tasting. Continue to Kaesler Winery for lunch. Visit
Jacob's Creek Visitor's Centre for a guided tour and wine tasting and
finally stop at Mengler's Hill lookout before returning to Adelaide and
your free evening.Day 15 - Melbourne/Yarra
Valley/Phillip Island
Fly to Melbourne this morning. Upon arrival, go directly to the Yarra
Valley for lunch at De Bortoli Winery. Continue to Phillip Island, home of
koalas, mutton birds and fairy penguins. Under special lighting, watch the
penguins emerge from the water at dusk, parade to their burrows and then
from a special area you will experience a close encounter with these small
creatures. Enjoy dinner on the island before your return to Melbourne.
Day 16 - City Sightseeing/Farewell
Dinner
Depart this morning for a sightseeing tour of Melbourne. The afternoon is
free. Gather this evening to celebrate a farewell dinner with your fellow
travelers.
Day 17 - Return home
Depart Melbourne and return to the US.
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