Welcome to Australia! Hotel rooms are available for immediate check-in. A pre-night is not required for early check-in
This morning begins with a welcome briefing to meet your fellow passengers and your Tour Director. Sydney boasts one of the most beautiful harbors in the world, home to the instantly recognizable Sydney Harbour Bridge and the world-famous architectural wonder--the Sydney Opera House. Go inside the Opera House, one of the most well-known buildings in the world, and learn about the history, architectural design and be awed by the acoustics. Later, your sightseeing tour will take you through the heart of Sydney. End the day with a cruise along Sydney Harbour for uninterrupted views of the city skyline. (B,L)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch
Enjoy a full day at leisure for your own discoveries. You may wish to wander the cobblestone streets of the Rocks district, explore vibrant Darling Harbour, or climb to the top of Sydney’s Harbour Bridge. Your Tour Director will have suggestions to help you make the most of this exciting city. (B)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Today, fly to Cairns, “Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.” Set amid lush rainforests, soaring peaks, and the ocean, Cairns is one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations. (B)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Board a catamaran cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef. The world’s largest coral reef, made up of over 3,000 individual reefs and over 1,250 miles long, is one of our planet’s most amazing natural wonders. Experience this underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of color and brilliance. Choose to snorkel, take a glass-bottom-boat tour, view the reef from an underwater observatory, and watch a fish feeding. Return to Cairns, where your evening is at leisure. (B,L)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch
Today is yours to relax and explore the many attractions of Cairns. Join an optional scenic railway ride, which runs to the picturesque market town of Kuranda, or a cable car that glides over Australia’s World-Heritage-listed tropical rainforest canopy. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for sightseeing, shopping, and dining. (B)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Today, fly to Melbourne. Often referred to as Australia’s cultural capital, Melbourne is a blend of world-class restaurants, museums, shopping, and interesting hidden laneways. Tonight is yours to explore this trendy city. (B)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Enjoy a city sightseeing tour which includes landmarks such as Flinders St. Station, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the botanic gardens, and the Shrine of Remembrance. The afternoon is free to explore on your own. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for additional sightseeing, shopping, and dining. Tonight, join your Tour Director and traveling companions for a festive farewell dinner. (B,D)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
A full free day to explore more of Melbourne on your own. Consider an optional day tour to the scenic Great Ocean Road to see the soaring limestone pillars of the “Twelve Apostles,” chiseled over 10 to 20 million years above the ocean. Perhaps the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island is more your speed. (B)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Today, fly to the heart of the Outback. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B)
Please note: Your Tour Director does not accompany you to the Outback
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Rise early for an inspiring sunrise over Uluru and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). Witness incredible views over the dunes and stunning desert landscape. Continue to Walpa Gorge for a guided walk through Kata Tjuta.
This afternoon, visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, which houses an amazing collection of ceramics, paintings, and punu (woodwork) from the Anangu people, the traditional custodians of Uluru. Finish the day at “Sunset Strip” for a drink and canapés, and to witness the changing colors of the rock. (B)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Fly to Sydney and prepare for your journey home tomorrow. (B)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Your vacation ends this morning. (B)
