Day 1 - Arrive Melbourne, Australia
Arrive in Melbourne, capital of the state of Victoria, where you are met and transferred to your sophisticated luxury hotel in the heart of the city. Your room has been pre-registered to allow for immediate check-in. Settle in and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. Tucked into Port Phillip Bay on Australia’s southeastern coast, Melbourne is known for its lively music, art, festival, restaurant and spectator-sports scenes. Once a gold rush boom town, today Melbourne’s beautiful tree-lined boulevards, parks, gardens and beautiful Victorian terrace houses help make it an elegant, livable city.
Day 2 - Melbourne
Today, join a local guide on an excursion through marvelous Melbourne, starting with an insider’s look at the city's fascinating labyrinth of atmospheric arcades and alleyways. Discover lanes filled with trendy cafés and eclectic boutiques, and adorned with edgy graffiti and street art. Also, admire the architecture of landmark buildings along the way, such as the Block Arcade with its dazzlingly high Victorian interior decor or some grand 19th-century buildings like the old General Post Office. Savor the opportunity to hop on one of Melbourne's beloved trams (trolley cars) for a ride with locals before returning to your hotel.
Day 5 - Hayman Island
Board a scenic flight to Hamilton Island, northernmost of the 74-island Whitsundays chain, located off the coast of Queensland in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. After landing, transfer to Hayman Island via deluxe catamaran and continue to your luxurious, five-star resort, a secluded paradise of serenity and breathtaking beauty surrounded by verdant cliffs, a crescent-shaped white beach and the celestial-blue Coral Sea. For the next three days, experience this idyllic destination as you wish, choosing from a variety of included activities available, such as sea kayaking, paddle boarding and wind surfing. For those certified, scuba diving is available at an additional cost. Indulge in culinary artistry and personalized spa treatments, play tennis, cool off in the pool or bask on Hayman’s white sandy beach. Retire each evening to your luxuriously appointed private cabana and let the gentle ocean waves lull you to sleep. Arise each morning to once more explore the reef — home to some 1,600 species of fish, 600 types of coral and over 30 kinds of cetaceans, including whales and dolphins — or simply relax in the tranquil ambiance of this tropical paradise.
Day 6 - Sydney
Today, fly to bustling, cosmopolitan Sydney, where you are met and transferred to your luxurious hotel, nestled in the historic Rocks District. Settle in and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
Day 7 - Sydney
Embark on a morning tea cruise from Circular Quay. Sit back as your captain and host share the rich history of Sydney Harbour and its shoreline, and view iconic sights such as Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. Also explore quiet bays and coves of the harbor as you enjoy morning tea on this unique guided cruise. Back on land, explore the magnificent Sydney Opera House, viewing the theaters of this amazing performance venue and learn how architect Jorn Utzon's UNESCO-listed masterpiece came to life. Stop by the Opera Kitchen before or after your visit to savor a gourmet tasting plate lunch, while soaking in the sparkling views of Sydney Harbour. Afterward, return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
Day 8 - Sydney
Venture out from Sydney today to Blue Mountains National Park, where you set out with your local guide to discover its wondrous natural landscapes. Enter a little-known, hidden clearing to enjoy some homestyle morning tea. Then, roam the area to seek out the wild kangaroos and birdlife that frequent this part of the park. Heading deeper into the wild, take in expansive views of the rugged mountains. Continue your adventure, stopping to witness the beautiful cascades of Wentworth Falls. Experience the local flora and fauna up close, as your guide reveals the incredible geology of the Blue Mountains and how they were formed. Eat lunch at a local restaurant, sampling regional produce and wine in a relaxed atmosphere. Afterward, proceed through mountain landscapes to the township of Katoomba. Here, visit Eagle Hawk Lookout to view the impressive Three Sisters rock formation and marvel at the stunning views of the Jamison Valley. Learn about the formation’s significance to Australia’s indigenous peoples, as your guide reveals their magical story. Next, stop at Leura Cascades to walk among tall eucalyptus trees, before toasting your outdoor adventure with Champagne and cheese. Later, return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
Day 9 - Sydney
Today, enjoy time at your leisure, free to take advantage of the amenities of your luxurious accommodations, explore Sydney on your own or simply relax and reflect on your grand Australian adventure.
Day 10 - Depart Sydney
This morning, after breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departing flight.