Day 1: Friday - Depart Los Angeles

En Route

Depart Los Angeles this evening on your flight to Sydney, Australia.

Day 2: Saturday - International Date Line

En Route

Today is lost crossing the International Date Line.

Day 3: Sunday - Arrive Sydney

The Observatory Hotel

On arrival and after clearing customs & immigration formalities you are met by a driver and transferred to your hotel
 
Sydney, capital city of New South Wales, is the major gateway to Australia. A maritime city, Sydney's natural harbor is unsurpassed in beauty. Houses crowd to the land's edge interrupted by sheer rocky cliffs and preserved bushland. The striking forms of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House stand sentry to the city. Sydney has an international flavour. The numerous nationalities that have settled here contribute to a varied and fascinating blend of restaurants, shops and nightlife. Your accommodation has been reserved for immediate check-in at:
 
After freshening-up (A Welcome Arrival Massage is included to relax and revitalise you!), this afternoon is an introduction orientation to the wonderful city of Sydney starting with an unforgettable seaplane tour. Visit the historic Rocks area and hear all about the early convict history of the area. Enjoy magnificent views of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Continue on to the shopping heart of the city and see the Queen Victoria Building and Centrepoint Tower.
 
Depart the city and see Sydney's newest, most exciting restaurant and nightclub district, Oxford Street. Travel through elegant Paddington with its renowned ÔTerrace Style' housing before arriving at the Pacific Ocean coastline and Tamarama Beach, one of Sydney's prettiest beaches. Take the time to stroll down onto the sand and see a few Aussie lifesavers. Enjoy wonderful views of the famous "Short Walk" known only to local Sydneysiders stretching from Tamarama to Bondi Beach. On your return visit Double Bay and see Kings Cross, Sydney's well known nightlife district.

Day 4: Monday - Sydney

The Observatory Hotel

Today is a day in the mountains. Travel west of the city to Featherdale Wildlife Park. Spend time enjoying the park at your leisure. Visit the Koala Sanctuary that has successfully bred six generations of healthy koalas. You can actually touch both the koalas and kangaroos. There are many other types of native wildlife as well including wombats, goannas, kookaburras, and fairy penguins and crocodiles. Continue through far western Sydney up the foothills to Blue Mountains National Park. The Blue Mountains are so named because of the blue haze caused by light rays striking dust particles and small droplets of moisture and eucalyptus oil in the atmosphere. They are part of the Great Dividing Range running runs parallel to the East Coast of Australia for more than 4,000 kilometres from North Queensland to Victoria. See the "The Three Sisters", a world famous rock formation, and enjoy distant views of Jamieson Valley, Mount Solitary and Katoomba Falls. Visit Leura and shop in the curio and antique shops of Katoomba.
 
There is free time for lunch before you start the return journey down the mountains towards Sydney, first stopping at the Norma Lindsay Gallery. Famous artist, craftsman and writer, Norman Lindsay (1879-1969) lived in this stone cottage for most of his long life. The cottage is presented as the showplace of a major collection of Lindsay's work including watercolours, sculptures, ship models, novels and an exhibition of marionettes from his classic children's book 'The Magic Pudding'. (B)

Day 5: Tuesday - Sydney

The Observatory Hotel

Today is at leisure for independent exploration. (B)

Day 6: Wednesday - Sydney/Melbourne

The Sebel Melbourne

Morning flight to Melbourne. Upon arrival you are met and transferred to your hotel. Melbourne is the capital of the state of Victoria and Australia's second largest city. It is the country's fashion and cultural centre and is often referred to as the 'Garden State' due to the magnificent parks and gardens. Melbourne's wonderfully preserved Victorian architecture gives the city a special charm, reminiscent of the great cities of Europe.
 
This afternoon's tour provides an introduction to the lush gardens, architectural brilliance and history of this thriving metropolis. Highlights include Flagstaff Gardens, Royal Botanic Gardens and the Shrine of Remembrance. View Melbourne's architectural heritage at Flinders Street Cathedral Station, St. Paul's Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral. See famous landmarks such as Parliament House, Princess Theatre and the State Library. Cross the Westgate Bridge for panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay.
 
This evening you are collected from your hotel and transferred to Tramstop #125 Normanby Road where you join the elegant Colonial Tramcar. Travel through the city & fashionable suburbs as you savor a delicious dinner. The 1927 tram has been converted to a cosy, colonial period restaurant with wood & burgundy furnishings reminiscent of a bygone era. Enjoy the white linen and silver service, fine wines and food before returning to your hotel. (B,D)

Day 7: Thursday - Melbourne

The Sebel Melbourne

Today you explore the Yarra Valley, since the late 1800's one of Australia's most important wine-producing regions. The region now has grown to more than 80 vineyards, including properties owned by the renowned Mo‘t et Chandon. Lunch and wine tasting is at the De Bortoli Winery. Vittorio De Bortoli arrived in Australia in 1924 from Northern Italy and soon established one of the country's largest wine companies. By 1936 the winery had grown to 20 vats holding a more than half a million quarts.
 
Continue to the beautiful Yarra Valley, nestled at the base of the Dandenong Ranges. The Yarra offers a range of short walks where the air is crisp and fresh.
 
This evening you are free to experience the delightful cuisine of sophisticated Melbourne. (B,L)

Day 8: Friday - Melbourne/Ayers Rock

Sails in the Desert Hotel

Morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Ayers Rock. Upon arrival you are met and transferred to your hotel.
 
Uluru national park, 450 kilometres south-west of Alice Springs, encompasses just a small portion of the vastness of central Australia. Spectacular Ayers Rock (Uluru) and the Olgas dominate the open, barren landscape of sand plains and mulga woodland rising out of what is now a buried mountain range. These magnificent peaks are of great significance to the region's tribal Aborigines and visitors are able to see the many sights and cave paintings that form an integral part of central Australian Aboriginal mythology.
 
This afternoon travel west to experience the harsh outback on a visit to the massive conglomerate domes known as the Olgas. Spend time at the awesome Olga Gorge exploring the area and return to the resort in the late afternoon.
 
This evening attend the Sounds of Silence Dinner in the true Australian outback. At a desert dune sip champagne and listen to the haunting sounds of didgeridoo while watching a magnificent sunset over Katatjuta. When the sun has finally set, lanterns are lit and a gourmet BBQ is served. In the stark darkness of the Australian night, the star-filled sky is clearer and brighter than most urbanites will ever see. The resident astronomer will introduce you to the magnificent constellations, stars, and planets that make up the skies of the Southern Hemisphere. (B,D)

Day 9: Saturday - Ayers Rock/Cairns/Palm Cove (Great Barrier Reef)

Sebel Reef House

This morning, if you have the inclination and strength, climb to the summit of Ayers Rock, standing 1100 feet high. Alternatively, you may tour around the base and visit a few important waterholes of the traditional Aboriginal landowners and unique art sites -- or perhaps you may choose to rise early and watch an incredible sunrise.
 
Afterwards, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairns. Upon arrival you are met and transferred to your hotel. Queensland's most northerly city, Cairns is the gateway to the far North - to the Barrier Reef and the vast wilderness of the Cape York Peninsula. It is a tropical city with tree-lined streets, excellent shopping and fine restaurants. The city is surrounded by lush sub-tropical rainforests and to the north and south are miles of white sandy beaches and turquoise oceans.
 
The Northern Beaches of Cairns stretch for 26 kms along a beautiful coastline beginning just north of Cairns. At Palm Cove, a 20-minute drive north of Cairns, you find all the elements of an idyllic tropical holiday -- warm seas, water sports and miles of uncrowded sand with a sweeping backdrop of rainforest mountains. (B,L)

Day 10: Sunday - Palm Cove (Great Barrier Reef)

Sebel Reef House

After breakfast, your Ocean Spirit Cruise commences with a transfer from your hotel to Cairns to board your catamaran 'Ocean Spirit I' or 'II' to Michaelmas Cay at the edge of the Outer Barrier Reef. There is time to swim, snorkel or just relax. From the semi-submersible or glass bottom boat, your guide reveals the magic of the tropical waters and its inhabitants. A sumptuous buffet lunch is served on board. Satisfied you have really experienced the Great Barrier Reef and all its glorious beauty, sail back to Cairns and return to Palm Cove. (B,L)

Day 11: Monday - Palm Cove/Cape Tribulation/Palm Cove

Sebel Reef House

Morning drive in 4X4 vehicle along one of Australia's most spectacular coastal lines to the resort village of Port Douglas. After visiting some of the highlights of Port Douglas, your guide will explain the unique geographic and historic features of the area on route to Mossman Gorge, part of the Daintree Rainforest. At Mossman Gorge, take a swim in the cool pristine waters or join your driver for a guided rainforest walk. Continue to the Daintree River where morning tea is provided before embarking on a one-hour river cruise. The Daintree River is home to a diverse ecosystem and the cruise guide will help you spot some of the wildlife including birds, snakes, frogs, flying fox and in the cooler months, crocodiles can be seen lazing on the muddy banks. After the river cruise, travel to spectacular Alexander Range Lookout before arriving at your private lunch location at a tropical fruit orchard. On offer is a splendid barbecue lunch of fresh fish, sumptuous steak and tropical salads and fruits. Enjoy a refreshing swim at the secluded swimming hole while lunch is cooking or wander amongst the many exotic tropical fruit trees.
 
After lunch, travel further north to isolated Cape Tribulation where the beach beckons you for a stroll along the coral sands. There is time to visit the Lookout before departing for the Marrdja Boardwalk for a relaxing and informative guided walk through the Cape Tribulation National Park. It is by visiting this area that you can appreciate the importance of this rainforest and why it has recently been given World Heritage status. Using your imagination, you could easily picture dinosaurs trudging through these ancient forest paths. There is time for afternoon tea before travelling on to the majestic Valley of the Palms, a unique coastal tropical rainforest. Traverse the Alexander Range where you see the rare and primitive King Ferns growing in abundance. Cross the Daintree River by Cable Barge and enjoy a leisurely drive back to with spectacular views of the Coral Sea.
 
Naturalist David Attenborough best described his time spent in the Daintree Rainforest as "One of the most magical experiences of my life". (B,L)

Day 12: Tuesday - Palm Cove (Great Barrier Reef)

Sebel Reef House

Today is at leisure to savor the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. (B)

Day 13: Wednesday - Palm Cove/Cairns/Sydney/Depart

En Route

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flights to Cairns and on to Sydney, connecting with your international flight home. Arrive Los Angeles early this morning. Welcome Home! (B)

INCLUDED IN YOUR PROGRAM

• 3 nights in Sydney at the The Observatory Hotel (Deluxe Room) including immediate check-in and buffet breakfast.
• 2 nights in Melbourne at the The Sebel of Melbourne (Studio Room) including buffet breakfast.
• 1 night in Ayers Rock at the Sails in the Desert Hotel (Standard room) including buffet breakfast.
• 4 nights in Cairns/Palm Cove at the The Sebel Reef House (Brigadier Room) including buffet breakfast.
• Touring by private vehicle except on Day 6/Sounds of Silence Dinner & Day 10/Reef Cruise.
• All entrance and park fees for included sightseeing.
• Meals as indicated by (B), (B,L), (B,L,D).
• All required transfers by private vehicles.
• Meet & Greet services at all airports.
• Gratuities for luggage handling.

SORRY, NOT INCLUDED IN YOUR PROGRAM

• Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, drinks, incidental expenses at hotel, etc.
• Travel cancellation insurance.
• International or internal domestic airfares.
• Gratuities for accompanying guides.