Australia and New Zealand Escorted Tours

24 Days: Start on the tropical island of Fiji before exploring New Zealand with its natural beauty and spectacular scenery with highlights including a cruise along Milford Sound and a trip on board the TranzAlpine Train. Your discovery of Australia starts in Sydney before traveling to the colourful sights of the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru finishing in cosmopolitan Melbourne.

Highlights

• Cultural Touring Experiences
• Dine Around Dinner
• Enjoy the services of the same experienced Tour Director for New Zealand and Australia
• Tour the geothermal sites of Rotorua
• Cross New Zealand's Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine train
• View spectacular Franz Josef Glacier
• Cruise majestic Milford Sound
• Enjoy a cruise on Sydney Harbour, taking in the Opera House & Harbour Bridge
• Take a cruise over the Great Barrier Reef
• From Cairns, ride the Kuranda Skyrail and the Kuranda Scenic Railway
• Tour Uluru (Ayers Rock), viewing sacred sites and ancient rock paintings
• Explore the cosmopolitan city of Melbourne
• Stay at the Outrigger on the Lagoon in Fiji
• Guaranteed Mt Cook view rooms at The Hermitage, Mt Cook National Park
• Three nights at the Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina, in tropical Cairns
• Stay at Desert Gardens Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort
• Two nights at the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins
• 21 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch and 14 Dinners including:
• Traditional Maori Hangi feast
• Sydney Harbour Luncheon Cruise
• Wine and dine overlooking majestic Sydney Harbour
• 13 Day Australia Escorted, refer tour code E13
• 16 Day Downunder Explorer, refer tour code E16
• 21 Day Royal Escorted without Fiji, refer tour code E21
• 24 Day Southern Explorer, refer tour code E24
• Contact Us for more details
• Land with air price includes all flights to/from Los Angeles including US/foreign taxes, September 11 Security Fee and Fuel Surcharges totalling US$860 /CD$877
• Days 3-5 are independent and single travellers to pay a surcharge
• Prices and itineraries are current at the time of printing and are subject to change without notice and will be confirmed at time of final payment.
• Airlines frequently change their prices as a result of fare increases and/or fuel surcharges so prices may differ when you book your travel and are not guaranteed until full payment is received.
• Contact us for prices with domestic air only and further details.

Day 1. Los Angeles

Board one of our selected evening flights to Fiji.

Day 2. In Flight

Cross the international dateline.

Day 3. Arrive Nadi, Fiji

Transfer to the Outrigger on the Lagoon, surrounded by 40 acres of tropical gardens. The rest of day is at leisure

Day 4. Day at Leisure, Fiji

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Fiji today. Perhaps visit Fiji's capital, Suva, and explore or go shopping in the city centre. You may like to experience the heritage of the region at the Fiji Museum, see Parliament House or historic Albert Park (touring at own expense).

Day 5. Coral Coast, Fiji

After breakfast, relax on the beach or explore the island on a day tour.

Day 6. Fiji, Arrive Auckland

This morning transfer to the airport for your onward flight. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. An early check-in has been arranged before an afternoon tour of Auckland. This beautiful city sprawls over a narrow isthmus between the sparkling waters of the Waitemata and Manukau harbors. Enjoy a fascinating visit to Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World before joining your fellow travelers at a special Welcome Dinner at your hotel this evening.

Day 7. Rotorua, Maori Hangi Feast

This morning you will journey to the Waitomo Caves for a tour of the limestone caverns and glow-worm grotto. Then continue to Rotorua, a beautiful region rich in Maori heritage. Here tonight you will enjoy a traditional Hangi feast and Maori cultural performance of song and dance.

Day 8. Rotorua, Te Puia Thermal Reserve

Today visit the Agrodome to learn about the sheep farming industry. Then head to Te Puia Thermal Reserve to see the power of geothermal energy first-hand. Watch as geysers erupt, mud pools bubble and steam hisses. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure to explore or relax as you choose. A Country Homestay option is also available tonight

Day 9. Rotorua, Fly to Christchurch

Enjoy free time in Rotorua after breakfast before flying to Christchurch. On arrival, you can relax or explore in this historic city, packed with colonial architecture and fascinating landmarks.

Day 10. Southern Alps, Franz Josef

This morning after breakfast, board the TranzAlpine train for one of the top rail journeys in the world. Travel through the visually spectacular Southern Alps before disembarking to continue across rugged coastal terrain to Franz Josef, the gem of New Zealand's West Coast glaciers.

Day 11. Franz Josef, Queenstown, Dine Around Dinner

Journey over Haast Pass and along the shores of lakes Wanaka and Hawea to Queenstown. Tonight, you may choose to cruise on the vintage steamboat TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for dinner. Or select from a range of other fantastic restaurants on our Dine Around Dinner.

Day 12. Milford Sound Cruise

Considered one of the most scenic alpine drives, absorb the majesty of Fiordland National Park on the journey to Milford Sound. On arrival, enjoy a cruise along the full length of the sound, passing beneath cliffs, tumbling waterfalls and towering mountains. Return to Queenstown by coach, or perhaps take an optional scenic flight back (own expense).

Day 13. Queenstown, Mt Cook

Enjoy free time this morning before travelling to World Heritage-listed Mt Cook National Park, home to Australasia's highest mountain. On arrival, settle in to your room and take some time to admire the view before dinner in the hotel tonight.

Day 14. Fly to Sydney, Australia

Travel via Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo, Burkes Pass and the Canterbury Plains before arriving in Christchurch in the afternoon. Head to the airport and board your flight to Sydney. On arrival, check in to your luxurious hotel, before enjoying dinner and a glass of wine overlooking Sydney Harbour.

Day 15. Sydney Sights, Sydney Harbour Cruise, Opera House Guided Tour

This morning after breakfast, step inside the magnificent Sydney Opera House during a guided tour. Then board a cruise on Sydney Harbour, viewing the iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House from a different perspective. Enjoy a delicious lunch during your cruise, surrounded by the many sights of the famous harbor. This afternoon, discover Hyde Park and the famous Bondi Beach on a city tour.

Day 16. Sydney at Leisure

Enjoy this vibrant city at your own pace today. Perhaps take an optional sightseeing tour to the famous wine region of the Hunter Valley, or visit the Blue Mountains, where craggy mountains, deep wooded valleys, rock formations and the scent of eucalyptus serve as testament to Australia's rugged beauty and charm. (both at own expense).

Day 17. Sydney, Fly to Cairns

Fly to Cairns today. On arrival, check in to your hotel before the rest of the day is at your leisure to explore this tropical city. Perhaps go shopping, explore the city's markets, or spend a relaxing afternoon soaking up the tropical ambience by the pool or at the beach.

Day 18. Great Barrier Reef Cruise

Cruise out to the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef today. Board your catamaran cruise out to Moore Reef and view the colorful coral and diverse range of marine life through the glass bottom of your boat. While out on the reef you have the option to go for a snorkel or a swim. Afterwards, visit your boat's underwater observatory before enjoying a delicious tropical lunch of local specialties.

Day 19. Skyrail, Kuranda, Wildlife, Cairns

This morning take a guided tour of Cairns before a ride on the scenic Kuranda Skyrail Rainforest Cableway over lush rain forest to Kuranda. On arrival in Kuranda, visit a wildlife park and learn about native Australian animals. Perhaps even have your photograph taken with a koala (own expense). After seeing a performance by the Pamagirri Aboriginal Dancers, take in the stunning landscapes as you travel aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway back through the rain forest to Cairns.

Day 20. Cairns, Fly to Uluru (Ayers Rock), Uluru Base Tour, Sounds of Silence Dinner

This morning, board a flight to Uluru from Cairns. Join your coach and head into Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park for a tour of Uluru's base. Your guide will show you ancient caves and traditional Aboriginal rock art. Walk to Mutitjulu waterhole and hear Aboriginal stories and legends. See Aboriginal artists at work at the Maruku Arts and Crafts Gallery. Tonight you will be treated to the unforgettable Sounds of Silence dinner, where you'll dine under the stars with vistas of Uluru. Later, go star gazing with an expert guide.

Day 21. Kata Tjuta (Olgas), Alice Springs

Today, after breakfast head out to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park again. Here, visit the stunning Kata Tjuta, a cluster of 36 unique domes, and learn about this sacred place from a local guide. You'll walk through the domes to the majestic Walpa (Olga) Gorge, a tranquil place of much significance to local Aboriginal people. Later, re-board your coach and travel to Alice Springs.

Day 22. Alice Springs, Fly to Melbourne, Tramcar Dinner

On a tour of Alice Springs, visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service Base and Anzac Hill. Following this, board a flight for Melbourne, where on arrival you'll take a brief sightseeing tour.
Tonight, indulge in a unique meal aboard the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant.

Day 23. Melbourne at Leisure

Today spend the day at leisure in Melbourne. There are many optional activities available, such as a journey along the Great Ocean Road or a tour to Philip Island to see the famous penguin parade. Or perhaps explore Melbourne at your own pace. You could visit the Queen Victoria Market, go shopping in the city or perhaps stroll through one of the many parks or gardens (all at own expense).

Day 24. Depart Melbourne

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Los Angeles.