Australia & New Zealand: The Lands Down Under

Arrive in Melbourne, where you are met and transferred to your luxurious hotel, with your room pre-registered by A&K for immediate check-in. Roam Melbourne’s fine arts and sporting precincts as well as its lush parklands, and view cultural and historic highlights, such as the State Library and the Royal Exhibition Building. Tonight, gather for a welcome dinner.

This morning, join a local expert guide as you explore the heart of Melbourne on foot, and then Ride Like a Local by tram. Take in the city’s rich and varied architectural landscape and stroll through its labyrinth of atmospheric arcades and alleyways, home to trendy cafés and eclectic boutiques, not to mention graffiti and street art. Following lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Fly to Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, one of the oldest rainforests in the world. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel, where you dine tonight while enjoying views of the Coral Sea.

Embark by boat on a full-day exploration of the Great Barrier Reef, a dazzling UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join on-board marine biologists for guided snorkeling expeditions of two different reef locations, and discover the marvelous aquatic wonders inhabiting each, viewing the teeming undersea life — including distinctive coral formations and colorful schools of fish — up close, before an exhilarating cruise back to port.

Travel overland to Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas, which you explore privately with a park ranger, enjoying access to the koala and wallaby enclosures as well as the opportunity to hold a koala in your arms, on an experience designed exclusively for A&K guests. Next, visit the Wildlife Care Center for rescued wild and injured animals. Explore the park at your leisure before making a private visit to Oaks Kitchen and Garden — nestled in four acres of the lush, natural surroundings of Oak Beach — where you are hosted by founders Ben and Rachael Wallace. Venture out into their vast gardens on a guided walk. Meet the resident chickens, taste the delicious herbs and become familiar with the native ingredients Ben will be incorporating into your lunch. Next, stroll Rachael's art gallery, where she reveals her creative process and award-winning pieces. Finally, sit down to an eight-course tasting menu with local wine, featuring ingredients grown in their beautiful organic seasonal garden. Afterward, return to Cairns for time at leisure.

Fly to Uluru (Ayers Rock) and visit a local Aboriginal art gallery that celebrates traditional and contemporary works. Transfer to your luxury tented camp — Longitude 131° — overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage-listed wilderness of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, and enjoy lunch on site. On a Scenic Sundowner, with chilled glass and canapé in hand, witness the changing light reflected on Uluru’s surface as the sun slips below the horizon. Tonight, dine among the dunes to the sounds of an ancient indigenous culture and feast on four delicious courses complemented with premium Australian wines. Later, join your camp’s resident astronomer to observe the southerly constellations.

Rise early and set out for Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), stopping to view sunrise over its majestic domes. In the company of your guide, walk through Walpa Gorge and learn how its stark landscapes were shaped. This afternoon, return to Uluru and journey along the Mala walk at its base, pausing to view cave paintings and sources of bush tucker. Later, see the walls of Kantju Gorge ablaze with the light of the setting sun. Sip sparkling wine and nibble on canapés, savoring the solitude of the gorge as the daylight fades.

Fly to Sydney and settle into your hotel near the historic Rocks District, in the heart of the city’s best shopping, dining and attractions. Sydney’s appeal is wide-ranging, from its stunning harbor and iconic skyline to its fascinating museums and famed Bondi Beach. It is a world-class city that pulses with the energy of its diverse and cosmopolitan inhabitants.

After breakfast, privately cruise Sydney Harbour, viewing the city’s inspiring highlights, including the Sydney Opera House and Harbor Bridge. Back on shore, gather for lunch at the iconic Sydney Opera House, followed by a privately guided backstage tour. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. The next day is also at your leisure to explore the city until you regroup for the final dinner of your journey in Australia.

This morning, fly to Wellington, New Zealand’s trendsetting capital, where you encounter authentic “Kiwi” life. This afternoon, take in highlights of this buzzworthy center of art and cuisine. Ascend by cable car to a scenic outlook point for incredible views over Wellington Harbour and the city to cap your inspiring day.

Set out on foot to gain an insider’s understanding of the locals and sample the city’s culinary delights, joining your guide for tastings of coffee, chocolate, gelato and cheeses in foodie hotspots only the locals know. After lunch, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities. Visit the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa to view its vast collection of cultural and indigenous treasures. e-Bike the Wellington Waterfront, learning about key historical figures that shaped the city’s heritage as you ride. Walk the Wellington Waterfront with a Guide who recounts local legends and stroll to a chic shopping district. Return to your hotel.

Fly to Queenstown, located on New Zealand’s South Island. Upon arrival, tour the city, visiting the famed bungee-jump site and the Lake Hayes area, and then enjoy lunch. Afterward, check into your luxurious hotel. Tonight, dine at a local restaurant.

This morning, fly to Milford Sound (weather permitting), taking in the stunning alpine views along the way. Upon arrival, board a spacious vessel for a tour of the sound’s majestic scenery. Cruise New Zealand’s southern fjords amid towering cliffs, viewing sparkling waterfalls while watching for wildlife, such as seals basking on the rocks or dolphins frolicking in the water. Return by air to Queenstown for an evening at leisure.

Today, privately visit the home and gallery of a world-renowned local artist to learn about the artist’s history and techniques. Stop at a local restaurant for a delicious lunch served with paired wines, and then proceed to a local winery for a tour of the caves, where its vintages are stored for aging, and a wine tasting.

Fly to Auckland, where you visit the Auckland Museum to enjoy a cultural performance and a guided walk of He Taonga Maori Gallery. This evening, gather for a special farewell dinner. The next day, transfer to the airport and depart.