Nights at Destinations:

Melbourne (3), Alice Springs (1), Ayers Rock (2), Cairns (3), Sydney (3)

Highlights

Domestic and International airfare not included.

Note: Itinerary effective 1 Apr 2008.

Day 1: Arrive Melbourne

On arrival at Melbourne Airport you will be transferred to your hotel (flights to arrive prior to 4:00pm, airfare not included). This evening meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome drink. Overnight: Melbourne, Saville on Russell for 3 nights

Day 2: Melbourne City Sights

Enjoy a morning tour of Melbourne including the Royal Botanic Gardens, St. Paul's Cathedral, Parliament House and the Shrine of Remembrance. This afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps take a tour to Phillip Island to see the famous Penguin Parade (optional). (B)

Day 3: Melbourne at Leisure

Enjoy a day at leisure in cosmopolitan Melbourne. Perhaps join an optional tour and ride on Puffing Billy, followed by wine tastings in the Yarra Valley, or tour along the famous Great Ocean Road. (B)

Day 4: Melbourne-Alice Springs

You will be transferred to Melbourne Airport for your early morning flight to Alice Springs (flights to arrive prior to 1:00pm, airfare not included). On arrival in Alice Springs, enjoy a tour of this famous Outback town. See the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station, Royal Flying Doctor Service, School of the Air and Anzac Hill Lookout. Overnight: Alice Springs, Alice Springs Resort

Day 5: Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Depart early for Uluru (Ayers Rock), stopping at a camel farm, where you can try your hand at riding a "ship of the desert." Enjoy a glass of wine this evening while watching the sun set over Uluru from the special viewing area known as the "sunset strip." Overnight: Ayers Rock Resort, Desert Gardens Hotel for 2 nights (B)

Day 6: Ayers Rock-the Olgas

Rise early to view Uluru at sunrise. The fit and energetic may choose to climb to the summit (optional). Tour the caves at the base of Uluru and hear stories of the Aboriginal Dreamtime. This afternoon travel through the desert plains to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). Take a walk to the Valley of the Winds Lookout. After sunset with complimentary sparkling wine, enjoy a delicious Australian barbecue dinner and stargazing. (B,D)

Day 7: Ayers Rock-Cairns

You will be transferred to Ayers Rock Airport for your flight to Cairns (airfare not included). On arrival at Cairns Airport you will be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight: Cairns, Cairns International Hotel for 3 nights (B)

Day 8: Great Barrier Reef Cruise

Board a high-speed catamaran to the Great Barrier Reef. View the coral and fish from a semi-submersible craft and snorkel along the reef. A marine biologist will give an informative presentation on this natural living wonder. Enjoy a buffet lunch on-board the pontoon. (B,L)

Day 9: Cairns at Leisure

Today is at leisure to relax by the hotel pool or go shopping. You may like to join an optional tour to Kuranda including a scenic rail journey on the Kuranda Railway, Skyrail Cableway ride above the canopy of the rainforest, and a visit to Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. (B)

Day 10: Cairns-Sydney

You will be transferred to Cairns Airport for your flight to Sydney (airfare not included). On arrival at Sydney Airport you will be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight: Sydney, Four Points by Sheraton for 3 nights (B)

Day 11: Sydney City Sights-Harbor Cruise

This morning tour Sydney and see the distinctive Sydney Opera House, Royal Botanic Gardens, Mrs. Macquarie's Chair and Kings Cross. Visit famous Bondi Beach, with time to stroll along the beach, then return to the city for a Sydney Harbor luncheon cruise. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Perhaps visit the historic Rocks area at Circular Quay, which dates back to the time of early settlers. (B,L)

Day 12: Sydney at Leisure

Explore the beautiful harbor city of Sydney further today. Perhaps take an optional tour to the Blue Mountains to see the spectacular Three Sisters, or enjoy wine tasting in the Hunter Valley. (B)

Day 13: Depart Sydney

Your tour concludes this morning. You will be transferred to Sydney Airport for your onward flight. (B)

Departure Dates
2008: Apr 13, 27; Jun 15; Jul 13; Aug 31; Sep 28; Oct 12, 26; Nov 23; Dec 7, 28
2009:Jan 11, 25; Feb 8, 15, 22; Mar 8, 15; Apr 12, 26;