Itinerary
- Day 1
Melbourne
You'll arrive in Melbourne with your hotel room ready for check-in. Aim to get there by 3pm so you can join the welcome briefing and dinner this evening. It's a good chance to meet your fellow travelers and get oriented before exploring the city.
- Meals
- Dinner (Welcome dinner)
- Day 2
Melbourne
Start the day checking out Melbourne's iconic landmarks, including Parliament House and the Shrine of Remembrance. You'll walk through the beautiful Fitzroy Gardens and drive past the Botanic Gardens while taking in Victorian and contemporary architecture. The day wraps up with high tea featuring specialty teas, coffee, and champagne.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Sightseeing tour of Melbourne landmarks
- Visit Parliament House
- Visit Shrine of Remembrance
- Visit Fitzroy Gardens
- Drive past Botanic Gardens
- View Victorian Arts Centre and significant buildings
- High tea with specialty teas, coffee, and champagne
Optional Activities
- Optional evening excursion to Penguin Parade on Phillip Island to see little penguins returning home at sunset
Landmarks Parliament House Shrine of Remembrance Fitzroy Gardens Royal Botanic Gardens Victorian Arts Centre Phillip Island Penguin Parade - Day 3
Melbourne
You have the full day to yourself here. Walk around Chapel and Brunswick Streets for shopping, try some of the local restaurants, or take advantage of optional excursions if something interests you. Melbourne's multicultural food and wine scene gives you plenty to explore on your own schedule.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Optional excursion to Yarra Valley to sample award-winning wines
- Optional drive along Great Ocean Road to see the Twelve Apostles
Landmarks Twelve Apostles - Day 4
Melbourne to Hobart
You'll fly to Hobart, Tasmania, home of the Tasmanian devil and Australia's second oldest state capital. Your Tour Director takes you on a waterfront walk to see beautifully restored Georgian buildings and colonial cottages. Later, head to a historic local pub for dinner featuring fresh seafood and local memorabilia.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Historic local pub featuring local seafood and produce)
Included Activities
- Flight to Hobart
- Guided walk in Hobart's waterfront district
- Dinner at a historic local pub with local seafood and produce
Landmarks Hobart Waterfront - Day 5
Hobart
Travel out to the remote Tasman Peninsula to see dramatic coastal formations like Devil's Kitchen and Tasman Arch. Port Arthur Historic Site shows you 30 historic buildings and ruins connected to convict history. After that, you'll meet Tasmanian devils at the Unzoo and watch a feeding presentation. You'll return to Hobart for a relaxed evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Travel to Tasman Peninsula
- Visit scenic blowhole
- Visit Devil's Kitchen
- Visit Tasman Arch coastal formations
- Private guided tour of Port Arthur Historic Site
- Visit Tasmanian Devil Unzoo with feeding presentation
- Bushland trail walk at Unzoo to see kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, and birds
Landmarks Port Arthur Historic Site Devil's Kitchen Tasman Arch - Day 6
Hobart to Adelaide
Fly to Adelaide via Melbourne, South Australia's capital city. You'll get a brief orientation tour along tree-lined streets and manicured gardens, then the rest of the day is yours. This art, music, and culinary destination has plenty to explore at your own pace.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Flight via Melbourne to Adelaide
- Brief orientation tour of Adelaide
- Day 7
Adelaide
A motorcoach and ferry take you to Kangaroo Island, one of the world's last unspoiled habitats. You'll visit Seal Bay Conservation Park where a Park Ranger shows you Australian sea lions up close. In Flinders Chase National Park, you can walk around Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch to see New Zealand fur seal colonies. You'll head back to Adelaide late in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Motorcoach and ferry travel to Kangaroo Island
- Private tour of Seal Bay Conservation Park with Park Ranger
- Visit Flinders Chase National Park
- Walk on Remarkable Rocks
- Visit Admirals Arch
- Ferry return to Adelaide
Landmarks Seal Bay Conservation Park Flinders Chase National Park Remarkable Rocks Admirals Arch - Day 8
Adelaide to Uluru
Mid-day you'll board The Ghan train for an overnight journey through the Outback. Relax in the restaurant car while meals are served, and take in the changing scenery from the lounge car as you travel through Australia's heart.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Mid-day departure on The Ghan train
- Overnight train journey through the Outback
- Meals in the restaurant car
- Day 9
Outback to Alice Springs
Early morning you'll stop in the remote outback town of Marla to stretch your legs and grab coffee with a breakfast sandwich. Head back to the train or rest in your cabin afterward. Brunch is served onboard before you arrive in Alice Springs by midday. Later, check out the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the Old Telegraph Station, with your evening free.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast sandwich at Marla)
Included Activities
- Stop at Marla in the Outback
- Visit Royal Flying Doctor Service
- Visit Old Telegraph Station
Landmarks Royal Flying Doctor Service Old Telegraph Station - Day 10
Alice Springs to Uluru
You'll travel through the heart of the Outback watching for wildlife like red kangaroos, dingoes, camels, and Brumbies. Visit Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), a geological spectacle with 36 brilliant domes. After sunset, dinner is served under the sparkling Outback sky on a dune top with canapés, sparkling wine, didgeridoo music, and bush tucker. You'll do some stargazing to locate the Southern Cross and other celestial features.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Bush tucker inspired menu with Australian wines and beers, served under the stars with didgeridoo music and star-gazing)
Included Activities
- Travel through the Outback with wildlife viewing opportunities
- Visit Kata Tjuta (the Olgas)
- Canapés and sparkling wine reception on dune top at sunset
- Dinner with bush tucker inspired menu
- Didgeridoo performance
- Star-gazing presentation
Landmarks Kata Tjuta Uluru 
- Day 11
Uluru to Darwin
If you choose the optional early morning helicopter ride, you'll watch sunrise paint different shades of light across Uluru. Later, travel back to Alice Springs for your flight to Darwin. If you skip the helicopter, you have more time to relax before heading to the airport.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Travel to Alice Springs
- Flight to Darwin
Optional Activities
- Optional sunrise helicopter ride at Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Landmarks Uluru - Day 12
Darwin
An orientation tour shows you Darwin, Northern Territory's capital. You'll see elegant colonial architecture that survived Cyclone Tracey in 1974, visit the splendid Botanic Gardens and beautiful East Point. The Darwin Museum fills in the history of WWII and the 1942 attack on Darwin Harbour.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Orientation tour of Darwin
- Visit Botanic Gardens
- Visit East Point
- Visit Darwin Museum
Optional Activities
- Optional dinner cruise in Darwin Harbour this evening
Landmarks Darwin Botanic Gardens East Point Darwin Museum - Day 13
Darwin
Head out to Kakadu National Park, Australia's largest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A scenic cruise on Yellow Water Billabong gives you chances to spot water buffalo, various bird species, and possibly crocodiles. You'll see ancient Aboriginal rock petroglyphs at Nourlangie Rock and learn about the area's history at the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre. You'll return to Darwin late in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Travel to Kakadu National Park
- Scenic cruise on Yellow Water Billabong
- Explore Nourlangie Rock with ancient Aboriginal rock petroglyphs
- Visit Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre
Landmarks Kakadu National Park Yellow Water Billabong Nourlangie Rock Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre 
- Day 14
Darwin to Cairns
Fly to Cairns, the Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. You'll check out the Cairns Night Markets at your leisure, where vendors sell souvenirs, local artisan work, and delicious foods.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Flight to Cairns
Optional Activities
- Optional exploration of Cairns Night Markets
Landmarks Cairns Night Markets - Day 15
Cairns
Board a catamaran and cruise out to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. You can snorkel the brilliant underwater world, take a semi-submersible watercraft tour, attend a marine biologist presentation, or simply relax. The boat returns to Cairns late afternoon and you have your evening free.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Catamaran cruise to Outer Great Barrier Reef
- Scenic cruise experience
Optional Activities
- Snorkeling among coral and fish
- Semi-submersible watercraft tour
- Marine biologist presentation
Landmarks Great Barrier Reef 
- Day 16
Cairns
The day is yours in this tropical setting. Relax by your resort's pool or take a dip in the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon. If you want more activity, optional excursions include the scenic rail to Kuranda, exploring the Daintree Rainforest by 4WD, or strolling the Cairns Esplanade.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Optional trip to Kuranda via old scenic rail route
- Optional 4WD excursion into the Daintree Rainforest
- Optional walk along Cairns famous Esplanade for shops and art galleries
- Optional swim at Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
- Optional evening swim at the man-made Cairns Esplanade Lagoon with underwater lights
Landmarks Cairns Esplanade Daintree Rainforest Kuranda - Day 17
Cairns to Sydney
Fly to Sydney, Australia's largest city. You'll have free time to explore and dine at first-class restaurants or browse shopping arcades. The iconic Sydney Opera House and famous Taronga Zoo are here if you want to venture out.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Flight to Sydney
Landmarks Sydney Opera House Taronga Zoo 
- Day 18
Sydney
Take a private guided tour of the Sydney Opera House and travel to Mrs Macquarie's Chair for harbor views and photo opportunities. Spend time at world-famous Bondi Beach with hours to explore, then take a scenic cruise on Sydney Harbour to see the city from the water.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Private guided tour of Sydney Opera House
- Visit Mrs Macquarie's Chair in the Botanic Gardens
- Visit Bondi Beach
- Sydney Harbour cruise
Landmarks Sydney Opera House Mrs Macquarie's Chair Bondi Beach Sydney Harbour - Day 19
Sydney
You have the full day in Sydney with optional excursions like visiting the Hunter Valley wine region, climbing Sydney Harbour Bridge, or the Rocks District Pub tour. Join your Tour Director this evening for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant where you can spend time with your travel companions.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Local restaurant dinner with Tour Director and travel companions)
Included Activities
- Dinner at a local restaurant with Tour Director and travel companions
Optional Activities
- Optional excursion to Hunter Valley wine-growing region
- Optional climb to top of Sydney Harbour Bridge for city and harbor views
- Optional Rocks District Pub tour exploring early convict and local history
Landmarks Hunter Valley Sydney Harbour Bridge The Rocks District - Day 20
Sydney to Christchurch
Fly across the Tasman Sea to Christchurch, New Zealand's Garden City known for beautiful parks and gardens. You'll have time to explore this cosmopolitan destination with its theatres, art galleries, shopping, and festivals.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Flight to Christchurch
Landmarks Christchurch - Day 21
Christchurch to Mount Cook
After an orientation tour of Christchurch, travel south to magnificent Mount Cook National Park, named after New Zealand's highest peak. Weather permitting, you'll join a stargazing program this evening to view the southern night sky in one of the world's darkest locations.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Orientation tour of Christchurch
- Travel to Mount Cook National Park
Optional Activities
- Optional stargazing program this evening
Landmarks Mount Cook Mount Cook National Park 
- Day 22
Mount Cook to Queenstown
Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre to learn about the region's history and culture. You'll have time to explore the area on your own before continuing to Queenstown, the Adventure Capital of the World. There, you can enjoy one of Queenstown's 150 bars, restaurants, or cafes serving award-winning cuisine.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
Optional Activities
- Optional scenic walks in Mount Cook National Park
- Optional scenic flight landing on Tasman Glacier
Landmarks Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre Tasman Glacier 
- Day 23
Queenstown
Travel into scenic Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with dramatic scenery. You'll cruise on the fiord past sheer rock walls, dense rainforest, mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls. Watch for marine life like dolphins, seals, and penguins. Late evening you'll return to Queenstown. Weather and road conditions may affect timing.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Travel to Fiordland National Park
- Cruise on the fiord
- View waterfalls, glaciers, mountains, and rainforest
Landmarks Fiordland National Park Milford Sound 
- Day 24
Queenstown
The day is open for your own discoveries. This evening, take a scenic gondola ride to the top of Bob's Peak where you'll enjoy a delicious dinner with views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the Remarkable Mountains.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Dinner at Bob's Peak with views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and Remarkable Mountains)
Included Activities
- Scenic gondola ride to top of Bob's Peak
- Dinner at Bob's Peak with views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the Remarkable Mountains
Optional Activities
- Optional visit to a local vineyard to sample wines
- Optional thrilling jetboat ride on Kawarau and Dart Rivers
Landmarks Bob's Peak Lake Wakatipu Remarkable Mountains Kawarau River Dart River - Day 25
Queenstown to Rotorua
Fly north to Rotorua, known for geothermal activity and Māori culture. Visit Tamaki Māori Village to learn about traditions and customs, then head to a Hangi dinner with roasted meats and vegetables cooked underground using hot stones. You'll experience traditional entertainment including storytelling, singing, and a Haka performance.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Hangi dinner with roasted meats and vegetables cooked underground with hot stones)
Included Activities
- Flight to Rotorua
- Visit Tamaki Māori Village
- Hangi dinner with roasted meats and vegetables
- Traditional Māori storytelling and singing entertainment
- Optional participation in Haka (traditional war dance)
Landmarks Tamaki Māori Village 
- Day 26
Rotorua
Visit the National Kiwi Hatchery to see conservation in action and observe kiwi chicks at different stages before release into national parks. At the Agrodome, you'll learn about sheep farming, a major New Zealand industry. Continue to Te Puia to explore Rotorua's thermal area. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit National Kiwi Hatchery
- Visit Agrodome
- Visit Te Puia thermal area
Optional Activities
- Optional floatplane flightseeing excursion
- Optional dinner with a New Zealand family in their home
- Optional relaxation at Polynesian Spa with hot springs, spa treatments, and massage therapies
Landmarks National Kiwi Hatchery Agrodome Te Puia Polynesian Spa - Day 27
Rotorua to Auckland
Leave Rotorua and cross the Mamakue ranges to the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. You'll explore limestone chambers and passages, then glide silently through the starry wonderland of the Glowworm Grotto. Travel through the green pastoral Waikato region to Auckland. A festive farewell dinner atop Sky Tower offers 360-degree rotating views of the city.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Farewell dinner atop Sky Tower with 360-degree views as the dining room rotates once per hour)
Included Activities
- Visit Waitomo Glowworm Caves
- Guided tour through limestone chambers and passages
- Boat cruise through the Glowworm Grotto
- Travel through Waikato region to Auckland
- Farewell dinner atop Auckland Sky Tower with 360-degree rotating views
Landmarks Waitomo Glowworm Caves Sky Tower 
- Day 28
Auckland
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. You can choose to extend your stay in Auckland and explore more at your own pace, or head to the airport for your departure.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Optional extension of extra nights in Auckland for additional exploration
