NEW ZEALAND

Price Includes

Day 1: Los Angeles

This evening board your flight bound for Australia. (D)

Day 2: In Flight

Cross the International Dateline and "lose" a day.

Day 3: Arrive Sydney, Australia

Your Tour director will meet you on arrival of one of our selected flights in Sydney. After an early check-in at your hotel, relax or step out to explore. Tonight meet your fellow travellers at our Welcome dinner. Overnight Sydney: Shangri-La Hotel for 3 nights (B,D)

Day 4: Sydney Sights

Enjoy a full day of Sydney sightseeing. See many of Sydney's famous landmarks including Hyde Park, Kings Cross, the Royal Botanic Gardens, the historic Rocks area and Bondi Beach. On our luncheon cruise of Sydney Harbor, you will have magnificent views of the Harbor Bridge, Opera House and Fort Denison. An afternoon guided tour of Sydney's icon, the Sydney Opera House, completes a wonderful day experiencing Sydney. (B,L)

Day 5: Sydney at Leisure

Today is free for you to explore Sydney. From your hotel, it's a short walk to the historic Rocks area and Circular Quay. Perhaps take a sightseeing excursion to the wine growing region of the Hunter Valley, or the stunning Blue Mountains (own expense). Tonight is yours to explore Sydney and its worldclass restaurants. Your Tour Director can help with arrangements. (B)

Day 6: Sydney-Cairns

Today fly to Cairns, the gateway to Far North Queensland. Enjoy a tour of the city before you have the unique opportunity to experience the Tjapukai Cultural Dinner and Show. Overnight: Cairns, Shangri-La The Marina for 3 nights (B,D)

Day 7: Great Barrier Reef Cruise

This morning, board a luxury catamaran for a full day guided cruise to the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef. At Agincourt Reef, a magnificent ribbon reef, glide through the coral gardens aboard the semi-sub, or swim and snorkel over an enchanting seascape. You can also view the marine life from the underwater observatory. A delicious lunch is served on board. (B,L)

Day 8: Skyrail & Kuranda Railway

Today ride the Skyrail Cableway over World Heritagelisted rainforest to Kuranda. Visit a wildlife park and perhaps have your photo taken with a koala (own expense). Later, travel aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway back down the mountain range to Cairns. (B)

Day 9: Cairns - Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Take a morning flight to Ayers Rock, Australia's Red Center. Afternoon touring of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Visit Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). Tonight, enjoy the "Sounds of Silence" dinner, a unique dining experience. Listen to the haunting sounds of the didgeridoo and after dinner, an astronomer will tell you about the stars of the great southern skies. Overnight: Ayers Rock, Sails in the Desert Hotel (B,D)

Day 10: Uluru Base Tour - Alice Springs

Tour Uluru's base, viewing ancient caves and Aboriginal art. Walk to Mutitjulu waterhole and visit the Maruka Arts and Craft Gallery. Pass vast cattle ranches en route to Alice Springs. Overnight: Alice Springs, Crowne Plaza (B)

Day 11: Alice Springs-The Ghan Train Journey

Start the day with a tour of Alice Springs, including a visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Base. Then join the famous "Ghan" train for one of the world's greatest train journeys through the stunning desert landscapes to Adelaide. On board, enjoy sleeper berths, fine dining, bar facilities and inimitable Australian scenery. Overnight: The Ghan Train (B,D)

Day 12: Adelaide

Complete your unforgettable journey aboard The Ghan on arrival in Adelaide. Visit the National Wine Centre and learn about the regional wines including tastings. Overnight: Adelaide, The Sebel Playford Hotel (B,L)

Day 13: Adelaide-Melbourne

Join a flight to Melbourne. On arrival, take in the city sights, including Victoria Market, Parliament House and Fitzroy Gardens. This evening board the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant, a fully restored vintage tramcar. Enjoy delicious food and fine wines while touring the beautiful streets of the "Garden City." Overnight: Melbourne, Hotel Sofitel for 2 nights (B,D)

Day 14: Melbourne at Leisure

Step out and explore Melbourne at your own pace today. Stroll down to Southgate on the Yarra River or visit the city's exclusive shopping arcades. Perhaps take a tour to the Great Ocean Road or the famous Penguin Parade at Phillip Island (own expense). (B)

Day 15: Melbourne-Christchurch

A morning flight takes you from Melbourne to New Zealand's South Island and the city of Christchurch. Overnight: Christchurch, Crowne Plaza for 2 nights (B,D)
A unique and exciting vacation!

Day 16: Christchurch

Morning sightseeing tour of this very English city. Enjoy Christchurch's beautiful gardens and architecture. Afternoon and evening at leisure. (B)

Day 17: Christchurch-Franz Josef

Board the TranzAlpine Train for a journey through spectacular alpine scenery in the Southern Alps. Continue down the coast to the Franz Josef Glacier. Consider the scenic helicopter flight landing on the glacier (own expense). Overnight: Franz Josef Glacier Hotel (B,D)

Day 18: Franz Josef-Queenstown

Magical alpine scenery is on offer today as you travel over Haast Pass, then along the shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea. Overnight: Queenstown, Novotel Gardens for 3 nights (B)

Day 19: Queenstown-Milford Sound

Discover the beauty of Fiordland National Park on your Milford Sound cruise, passing beneath spectacular tumbling waterfalls and famous Mitre Peak. The optional return flight to Queenstown will give you a memorable aerial perspective of this amazing region (own expense). (B,L)

Day 20: Queenstown at Leisure

A free day to relax and enjoy this spectacular resort town at your own pace. Visit the many shopping arcades; take a thrilling jet boat or helicopter ride; play a round of golf; or enjoy a winery tour- the choice is yours (own expense). (B)

Day 21: Queenstown-Rotorua

A morning flight takes you to New Zealand's North Island and the thermal region of Rotorua. Tour Te Puia Thermal Reserve-viewing its boiling mudpools and steaming geysers. Tonight you are invited to a traditional Maori feast and concert. Overnight: Rotorua, Lakeside Novotel (B,D)

Day 22: Rotorua-Auckland

This morning, travel to the Agrodome for an interactive sheep show before taking a guided boat tour of the Glow Worm grotto at Waitomo Caves. Continue to the city of Auckland. This evening enjoy a special farewell dinner. Overnight: Auckland, Crowne Plaza (B,D)

Day 23: Auckland-Los Angeles

Enjoy a late checkout before an evening flight. (B) (B,D)

Departure Dates
2008: Sep 15; Oct 6, 20, 27; Nov 10, 17; Dec 8
2009: Jan 12, 19, 26; Feb 2, 16; Mar 9, 16, 23