Day 1
Arrive in Melbourne
Today you’ll arrive in Melbourne where you’ll meet with your tour guide and group. You’ll enjoy a reception dinner on board the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant.
Overnight: Crowne Plaza Melbourne (dinner included)
Day 2-3
Melbourne
Across days two and three you’ll explore Melbourne firstly taking a walking tour around the main sights of the city before enjoying some free leisure time where you can take it in at your own pace. You can go on optional excursions including a trip to a winery in the Yarra Valley or take a trip along the Great Ocean Road to see the famous Twelve Apostles monoliths.
Overnight: Crowne Plaza Melbourne (two breakfasts included)
Day 4
Alice Springs
Today you’ll fly to Alice Springs in the morning. Something of an outpost city for a long time, The Alice (as it’s known to locals) has blossomed into vibrant modern town. When you arrive you’ll visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service where you’ll learn about medical care is given to people living in the outback. Later you’ll visit the historic Telegraph Station. In the evening enjoy a special barbeque dinner.
Overnight: Chifley Alice Springs Resort (breakfast and dinner included)
Day 5-6
Uluru/Kata Tjuta
On day five you’ll travel through the Red Center to reach Ayers Rock Resort. Once you’ve arrive you can enjoy canapés and wine while you watch the sunset over Uluru – a truly magical sight.
In the morning rise early for the equally beautiful sunrise, you’ll then take a tour of the caves near the base of the rock. In the afternoon of day six you’ll travel across the desert plains to Kata Tjuta (known as The Olgas). Here you’ll enjoy another breathtaking sunset with sparkling wine and nibbles.
Overnight: Desert Gardens Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort (two breakfasts included)
Day 7-9
Cairns/Great Barrier Reef
On the morning of day seven you’ll learn about indigenous Australian culture as you interact with Aboriginal artists. You’ll then fly to Cairns where you’ll spend the next three nights.
On day eight you’ll take a visit to a local gallery and learn about the history Aboriginal art before heading out on a high-speed catamaran to one of Australia’s most stunning natural attractions, the Great Barrier Reef. Here you can go snorkeling and take in the beauty of the reef.
Day nine is a full free day in Cairns where you can choose from a number of different activities including a train ride into the beautiful nearby countryside. You could also take a day trip to Cape Tribulation.
Overnight: Hilton Hotel Cairns (three breakfasts and one lunch included)
Day 10-12
Sydney
On day ten you’ll spend some time in the Cairns Wildlife Dome before taking a flight south to Sydney – arguably the country’s most famous city. Here you’ll settle into your hotel with an evening at leisure.
Over the next two days you’ll explore the city and surrounds, first with a walk to enjoy the sights of the city, followed by a city sightseeing tour and a cruise on the iconic Sydney Harbor. You’ll also enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Sydney on your own terms.
Overnight: Four Points by Sheraton Darling Harbor (three breakfasts and one dinner included)
Day 13-14
Auckland
On day 13 you’ll transfer to Sydney Airport for your trip to Auckland. On arrival you’ll be transferred to your hotel and then enjoy a dinner with your tour guide for New Zealand. The next day you’ll explore the sights of the city taking in Bastion Point, the War Memorial and Viaduct Harbor.
Overnight: The Langham Auckland (two breakfasts and one dinner included)
Day 15
Rotorua
Today you’ll continue on from Auckland towards Rotorua stopping off for a boat tour through the Waitomo Glow Worm Grotto. You’ll then arrive in Rotorua where you’ll have the chance to enjoy a traditional Maori Hangi feast.
Overnight: Millennium Hotel Rotorua (breakfast and dinner included)
Day 16
Christchurch
Today you’ll visit the beautiful Rainbow Springs National Park with a local guide then visit the fantastic Agrodome Sheep Show for some insight into farming life in New Zealand. Later on you’ll fly to Christchurch and check in to your hotel.
Overnight: Novotel Christchurch (breakfast included)
Day 17
Franz Josef
Today is one of the most scenic days of the train. You’ll board the world famous TranzAlpine train and take a rail journey across the Southern Alps to Arthur’s Pass. You’ll the head onwards along the coastal road to reach Franz Josef Glacier where you’ll have the opportunity to take a jaw-dropping scenic flight (weather permitting).
Overnight: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (breakfast and dinner included)
Day 18-20
Queenstown/Milford Sound
On day 18 you’ll travel through the rainforest to the stunning Lake Wanaka before arriving into Queenstown. Here you’ll spend three nights with plenty of time to take in the sights and enjoy the best of the adventure capital of the world.
On day 19 you’ll travel from your base in Queenstown to Milford Sound where you’ll take an afternoon cruise and enjoy the true natural wonder – this is definitely one of the highlights of the whole trip.
On day 20 you can choose from a range of including activities including a Shotover Jet ride, golf, a wine tour or a minibus tour through Skippers Canyon, among others.
Overnight: Millennium Hotel Queenstown (three breakfasts and one lunch included)
Day 21
Christchurch
Today you’ll head back to Christchurch stopping off at Lake Tekapo and visiting Morelea Farm for lunch. In the evening you’ll reach Christchurch and have a final celebratory dinner with your tour group.
Overnight: Novotel (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Day 22
Depart Christchurch
Today you’ll have breakfast and then be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
(Breakfast included)
What’s Included:
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Internal transport: air-conditioned coach, cruise
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Hotel accommodation throughout
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21 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 7 dinners included
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Tour guide throughout