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 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 Uluru (Ayers Rock), where upon arrival you are transferred to your luxury tented camp — Longitude 131° — overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage-listed wilderness of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Enjoy lunch on site, and later, savor a Scenic Sundowner, with chilled glass and canapé in hand, witnessing 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 indigenous culture and feast on four delicious courses complemented with Australian wines. Later, join your camp’s resident astronomer to search the southerly skies.

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. 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 Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Upon arrival transfer up the coast to your hotel in Palm Cove, a charming, cosmopolitan beach-side village. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

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 A&K-exclusive experience. Also, visit the Wildlife Care Center for rescued wild and injured animals and explore the park at your leisure. Next, journey to a private estate in the Daintree Rainforest, where you are welcomed by the family that has owned it for over 30 years. Set out on an interpretive walk through the rainforest, led by a longtime resident intimately familiar with this UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s an immersive experience that blends local cultural and natural heritage with ecological values and biodiversity to reveal the fascinating interrelationships of a deeply complex ecosystem.

Fly to Sydney, enjoying a city tour on arrival. Sink your toes in the sand at the surfer’s paradise of Bondi Beach and stroll the boutique shops of Paddington, a neighborhood filled with Victorian and Georgian architecture. Transfer to your luxury hotel, perfectly set near Sydney Harbour.

After breakfast, privately cruise Sydney Harbour, viewing the city’s highlights, such as the Harbor Bridge. Back on shore, enjoy lunch at a restaurant near the iconic Sydney Opera House, followed by a privately guided backstage experience at the celebrated venue.

Finish your journey in Australia with a day at your leisure. Tonight, gather for a Chef’s Table experience at a local restaurant with grand views of the city.

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 New Zealand’s culinary capital, joining your guide for tastings of gourmet products in foodie hotspots only the locals know. Then, 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, explore the city, visiting the famed bungee-jump site and Arrowtown, and then enjoy lunch. Afterward, check in to your luxurious hotel.

This morning, fly to Milford Sound (weather permitting), taking in the stunning alpine views along the way. Upon arrival, board your 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 dinner at a local restaurant.

Today, privately visit the home and gallery of a noted 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 private tour and a wine tasting.

Fly to Auckland, where you visit the Auckland Museum to take in a cultural performance and go on a guided walk of He Taonga Maori Gallery. This evening, gather for a special farewell dinner.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departing flight.