DISCOVER TASMANIA TOUR. 9-DAY
This escorted Tasmania tour travels to spectacular sites such as Launceston, Richmond village, Mt. Field National Park, Sheffield, Port Arthur and Hobart

For a free Australia escorted tour quote, send a request to: Info@YtravelC.com

INCLUDED FEATURES:

DAY TO DAY ITINERARY;
This itinerary can be added to your Australia vacation package or you can tour Tasmania alone. International airfare is NOT included in the package price.

Day 1 Sat. Launceston, Seahorse World, Beaconsfield, Welcome Drinks and Dinner: This afternoon, take a tour of vibrant Launceston and discover the charm of Tasmania’s second largest city, nestled where the North Esk, Tamar and South Esk rivers meet. Travel to Beauty Point and visit Seahorse World with its fascinating aquatic displays, then stop at the interactive Grubb Shaft Mine and Heritage Museum at Beaconsfield. This afternoon, take in the city sights of Launceston and this evening, enjoy pre-dinner Welcome Drinks followed by Dinner. Travelmarvel Welcome Drinks and Dinner. Meet your Tour Director, Driver and fellow travellers at a Welcome Function tonight hosted by your Tour Director.  Stay: Launceston, Launceston, Sandors on the Park. Stay in guaranteed City Park View rooms. Dx1

Day 2 Sun. Weldborough Pass, Freycinet National Park, East Coast Natureworld, Crayfish Dinner, Swansea: This morning, travel through the pretty winegrowing area of northern Tasmania. During flowering season, visit the Bridestowe Lavender Farm (Dec.-Jan.). Proceed through the beautiful forested Weldborough Pass which is home to some of the oldest myrtles in Australia. Next, stop at East Coast Natureworld and meet APT’s very own Tasmanian Devil, Delilah. Later, enter beautiful Freycinet National Park. With its granite mountains, azure bays and white sandy beaches, the Freycinet Peninsula is simply breathtaking. On arrival we are joined by a Naturalist Guide for a walking tour along the shores of Richardsons Beach, Coles Bay. Tonight enjoy a delicious crayfish dinner on the east coast. NEW! Crayfish Feast in Swansea. Tonight indulge on fresh Tasmanian Crayfish at this special Feature Dinner hosted by your Tour Director. Stay: Swansea, Waterloo Inn. Bx1 Dx1

Day 3 Mon. Ross, Richmond, Port Arthur : This morning, we journey inland to the township of Ross, with beautiful 19th century architecture. Head south to historic Richmond village and see the famous Richmond Bridge. Visit the Catholic church, the oldest of its kind still performing ceremonies in Australia. Later browse the craft and gift shops or perhaps enjoy a Devonshire tea. We then journey along the Tasman Peninsula, viewing the Tessellated Pavement, Devils Kitchen and Tasman’s Arch. Along the way see Doo Village and then continue on to Port Arthur.  Stay: Port Arthur, Fox and Hounds Inn.  Bx1 Dx1

Day 4 Tue. Port Arthur Historic Site, Harbour Cruise, Hobart, Mt Nelson : At Port Arthur Historic Site, call into the Visitor Centre and play the ‘Lottery of Life’, a unique way to trace the life of a former convict. Join a guided tour through the chapel and penitentiary ruins and learn about the harsh realities of convict life in the 19th century. Later, take a cruise around the Isle of the Dead, resting place for some 2,000 convicts, guards and citizens who died during the early settlement of Port Arthur. We then travel to Hobart, home to a charming profusion of Georgian buildings, waterfront vistas and maritime heritage. Tasmania’s capital city possesses a truly rich and fascinating history. Enjoy views across the city and harbour from Mt Nelson. Tonight, enjoy a performance from Lady Jane Franklin, a famous colonial figure during her husband’s governorship between 1837-43. NEW! An Evening with Lady Jane Franklin. Gain an insight into the colourful life of Lady Jane Franklin, who was the wife of the Governor in the 1800s.  Two Night Stay: Hobart, Grand Mercure Hadleys Hotel. Bx1 Dx1

Day 5 Wed. Cadbury Chocolate Factory Tour, Salamanca Place, Royal Botanical Gardens : Today tour Hobart, including a visit to the Cadbury Chocolate Factory where you can sample some delicious chocolates (seasonal closures occur, please Contact Us for details). See Salamanca Place, a historic row of Georgian warehouses which are now home to art and craft galleries, cafés and restaurants. Visit the beautiful Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore the sights and experiences of Tasmania’s capital. You might like to visit the Cascade Brewery (own expense) or take the time to see many of Hobart’s other attractions. Bruny Island Adventure Cruise touring alternative available, additonal A$135 per person, please enquire for more information. Free Cadbury Chocolates. Treat your taste buds and sample Cadbury’s finest chocolate.  Bx1

Day 6 Thur. Mt Field National Park, Russell Falls, Lake St Clair : This morning follow the beautiful Derwent River through the Derwent Valley, passing through surrounding hop fields to New Norfolk. Featuring a significant colonial heritage, New Norfolk has been classified by the National Trust for its surviving Georgian buildings and cultural significance. Here, see Australia’s oldest pub and Tasmania’s oldest church. Enter Mt Field National Park and take a short walk to view famous cascading Russell Falls. Leaving this idyllic park, travel deep into World Heritage wilderness to Lake St Clair. Travel to the mining town of Queenstown. The hills around Queenstown provide the opportunity for some stunning photography. Stripped of timber to fuel copper smelters, rain has eroded the soil on the hills leaving purple and gold rock exposed. Continue on to the charming port town of Strahan on Macquarie Harbour. Tonight, choose to see a local play, ‘The Ship That Never Was’ on the area’s fascinating convict history (own expense)AP. Stay: Strahan Village Hilltop.  Bx1 Dx1

Day 7 Fri. Strahan, Gordon River Cruise with Lunch, Heritage Landing, Sarah Island : This morning board the luxury cruise vessel, the Lady Jane Franklin II, and cruise Macquarie Harbour and along the World Heritage-listed Gordon River. During the cruise, guides will provide informative commentary on the area’s native flora and fauna. Cruise to Sarah Island, a former penal settlement. Enter Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park and at Heritage Landing walk through one of the world’s oldest rainforests. See Hell’s Gate, the entrance to the Great Southern Ocean and enjoy lunch on board. This afternoon we depart Strahan for the World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Stay: Cradle Mountain Chateau - luxury in the wilderness.  Bx1 Lx1 Dx1

Day 8 Sat. Cradle Mountain, Dove Lake, Sheffield, Stanley and The Nut : Today drop into the Visitor Information Centre and gain an insight into this part of the country. See Waldheim Chalet, built by an Austrian migrant in 1912. Continue to Dove Lake, with the rugged peaks of Cradle Mountain as its backdrop. Travel to Sheffield, the Town of Murals, where over 30 of the town’s buildings have become part of an outdoor art gallery with murals painted on their walls. Journey to Stanley, a former whaling port that lies underneath The Nut, a striking rocky formation soaring more than 150 metres from the sea. Continue to the town of Smithton.  Stay: Smithton, Tall Timbers Hotel.  Bx1 Dx1

Day 9 Sun. Ashgrove Cheese Factory, Great Lake, Launceston, Home: Visit the Ashgrove Cheese Factory, makers of delicious handmade cheeses, for a tour and tasting. Journey through Deloraine and travel along the shores of the Great Lake, continuing to Launceston where we will transfer you to the airport for your onward journey.  Bx1

PRICES: From USD$3385 per person. Based on double occupancy.
Alternate 9-night Tasmania small group tour available: USD$2995

DEPARTURES 2010:  Jan. 10: Feb 07, 14, 21, 28: Mar 07, 14, 21, 28: Apr 04, 11, 18: May 02, Jun 06: Jul 07:
Single supplement: USD$765

HOTELS: Hotels are listed in the itinerary above