Designed by a Certified Aussie Specialist

DAY 1 ­- DEPART USA
Depart your home city for Los Angeles where you'll board a non-stop wide-bodied jet bound for Melbourne, Australia.

DAY 2 ­ EN ROUTE
Enjoy the amenities on board as you travel across the Pacific and cross the International Dateline, skipping a day ahead of your friends back home. (Meals)

DAY 3 ­ MELBOURNE ­ COLONIAL TRAMCAR DINNER
After completing land formalities on arrival at Melbourne, you'll be transferred to your hotel in the center of the city. Late afternoon, make your way by taxi to Normanby Tram stop where you'll board the 1927 Tramcar, which cruises the streets of Melbourne while diners enjoy fine cuisine, Australian wines and spirits. B, D

DAY 4 ­ GREAT OCEAN ROAD TOUR
Travel west to Geelong and along Australia's shipwreck coast, the beautiful southern coastline, where nature reigns supreme. Encounter the Twelve Apostles stone monoliths, Island Arch, Razorback and the rugged coastline with spectacular views. B

DAY 5 ­ MELBOURNE SIGHTSEEING
In the afternoon you'll begin your sightseeing tour in the heart of this cultural capital of Australia. You'll explore the Botanical Gardens and Fitzroy Gardens, with a visit to famous Cook's Cottage, along with other highlights of this charming city. B

DAY 6 ­ MELBOURNE TO ADELAIDE
Take a your short flight to Adelaide in the state of South Australia Enjoy an afternoon sightseeing tour of the highlights of Adelaide, and travel to the Adelaide Hills with its' quaint villages and stunning distant land and seascapes. B

DAY 7 ­ KANGAROO ISLAND
Travel by coach along the Fleurieu Peninsula and then by Sealink ferry to Kangaroo Island.
You'll visit Flinders Chase national Park to view wildlife, visit the Remarkable Rocks and Admiral's Arch, the turbulent waters around Causarein Islets where fur seals play. Late afternoon, take a short flight back to Adelaide and transfer back to your hotel. B, L

DAY 8 ­ ADELAIDE TO AYERS ROCK ­ "ULURU" ­ NORTHERN TERRITORY
Early departure to Ayers Rock in the Northern Territory. Later you'll dine under the stars to the sounds of the haunting didgeridoo, watching a magnificent sunset over Kata Tjuta. Lanterns are lit and dinner is served under the stars of the Southern Hemisphere. A resident astronomer will introduce the constellations, stars and planets of the Southern Hemisphere. B, D

DAY 9 ­ AYERS ROCK TO CAIRNS, QUEENSLAND
You'll enjoy breakfast and watch the sun rise over Uluru, as the aboriginals call what we know as Ayers Rock. Tour the base of the rock, with a walk to Mutitjulu waterhole, where generations of aboriginal have drunk from the waters. Learn about the aboriginal legends from cave paintings. Later you'll depart Ayers Rock Resort on your flight to Cairns in the tropical northeastern state of Queensland. B

DAY 10 ­ CRUISE THE GREAT BARRIER REEF - CAIRNS
Your luxury sailing catamaran 'Ocean Spirit' takes you to the outer reef and the pristine sands of Michaelmas Cay, which is sanctuary to many species of birds. View the underwater world of colorful fish and coral by snorkeling or from a semi-submersible boat. A seafood smorgasbord is included. Returning to Cairns late afternoon enjoying onboard entertainment. B, L

DAY 11 ­ KURANDA ­ SKYRAIL ­ TJAPUKAI CULTURAL CENTRE
Board the commentary car of the historic narrow gauge Kuranda Railway that takes you past sugar cane fields up into the higher tropical elevation of the interior, through rock hewn tunnels into Baron Gorge and past picturesque waterfalls. In Kuranda, enjoy the markets, aviaries, butterfly sanctuary and arts and crafts shops. Descend from Kuranda on the famous skyrail over the World Heritage Rainforest, with magnificent views of the Cairns harbour and tropical coastline from your gondola. Enjoy a buffet lunch at the Tjapukai Cultural Centre before taking in the award winning exhibits here. B, L

DAY 12 ­ CAIRNS TO SYDNEY ­ HARBOUR CRUISE
Transfer to the Cairns domestic airport for your flight to Sydney. Upon arrival at the Sydney International Airport you will be transferred to your hotel by airport bus. After settling into your hotel, you'll enjoy your evening with a Captain Cook Cruise and Dinner around the beautiful Sydney harbour. B, D

DAY 13 ­ SYDNEY
Get acquainted with Sydney with an Afternoon Sightseeing Tour, traveling past the famous Opera House, the Botanical Gardens, Mrs. Macquaries Chair, to Kings Cross area and back across the city through Paddington with its wrought iron terraces, to Darling Harbour. For late afternoon and evening entertainment, It is possible enjoy a tour of the Opera House, followed by dinner at Aria, the premier restaurant of the Opera House and later, enjoy an opera performance (optional extra ­ opera schedule permitting, not included.) B

DAY 14 ­ SYDNEY TO CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND
Depart Sydney today by transferring to the International Airport for your flight to Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand. After proceeding through land formalities, you'll be transferred to your hotel in Christchurch. The evening is at leisure. B

DAY 15 ­ CHRISTCHURCH TO DUNEDIN
Depart Christchurch by coach to travel 363 kilometres across the Canterbury plains to Timaru, Oamaru and on to Dunedin with its Scottish heritage, and then to Larnach Castle, outside Dunedin. The Castle is the only one in New Zealand, and took 12 years to build, using the finest materials, and it overlooks the Otago Peninsula. You'll be staying at Larnach Castle Lodge tonight and you can book a fine dinner in the castle. Tour the castle during your stay. B

DAY 16 ­ DUNEDIN TO QUEENSTOWN
The morning is at leisure to enjoy your breakfast at Larnach. Later, you'll be transferred into Dunedin to catch your coach to Queenstown. The trip is approximately 283 kilometres and you'll enjoy the rugged and unspoiled landscape along the way. Upon arrival in Queenstown, you'll be transferred to your hotel. Take the gondola to the peak this evening for dinner on your with a view at the Skyline Restaurant. B, D

DAY 17 ­ MILFORD SOUND WITH CRUISE
Have an early start as your motorcoach takes you alongside Lake Wakatipu to Kingston, then to Mossburn and Lake Te Anau. Soon you plunge into the beech forests of the beautiful Eglington Valley then it's on through the Homer Tunnel to the awesome Cleddau Canyon and the steep descent to Milford Sound where you will cruise the Sound to Bowen Falls and Mitre Peak. Your lunch on board is included today. Later retrace your route to Queenstown. B, L

DAY 18 ­ QUEENSTOWN TO ROTORUA - HOMESTAY WITH A NEW ZEALAND FAMILY
Upon arrival you'll be met by your hosts and taken to their home where you'll stay for the next two nights. Your hosts will provide dinner tonight and you'll enjoy time with them, a highlight of any trip to New Zealand. B, D

DAY 19 ­ ROTORUA SIGHTSEEING
Experience the varied sights that Rotorua has to offer on a half-day sightseeing tour of the area, including the Whakerewareaw Thermal Reserve. Learn about traditional Maori crafts at the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. This evening you'll enjoy the traditional Maori Hangi (feast) and concert. B, D

DAY 20 ­ ROTORUA ­ WAITOMO CAVES ­ AUCKLAND
You'll depart Rotorua this morning by coach to the fascinating Waitomo Caves. Enjoy a guided tour of the famous Glowworm Grotto on a subterranean cruise. Continue on to Auckland, through the Bombay Hills, arriving at your hotel late afternoon. B

DAY 21 ­ AUCKLAND TO USA
This morning you'll be picked up for a sightseeing tour of Auckland. Later in the day, transfer to the airport for your flight homeward bound. Arrive in Los Angeles earlier the same day, having re-crossed the International Dateline. Continue with onward connections and

HIGHLIGHTS:

· Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Dinner
· Half Day Melbourne Sightseeing
· Great Ocean Road Tour
· Ayers Rock ­ Sounds of Silence Dinner
· Breakfast and Ayers Rock "Uluru" Base Tour
· Cruise to Barrier Reef, including Lunch
· Historic Kuranda Rail, Rainforest Skyrail and Tjapukai Aboriginal Centre, Lunch
· Sydney Harbour Cruise with Dinner
· Christchurch
· Dunedin ­ Larnach Castle Stay
· Queenstown
· Milford Sound/Coach/Cruise including lunch
· Napier - Home/Country Stay with New Zealand Family, Dinner
· Rotorua Sightseeing
· Maori Hangi (feast) and Concert
· Waitomo Caves
· Half Day Auckland Sightseeing
· All Transfers, for airport and tours, except to Colonial Tramcar Restaurant
· Motorcoach in New Zealand
· RT International Air and Domestic Flights
· Meals, 18 Breakfasts, 4 lunches, 6 dinners
· Electronic Travel Authority for Australia
· Travel Protection/Trip Cancellation/Interruption (optional)
· Choice of level of accommodation

THIS IS AN ABBREVIATED ITINERARY TO GIVE YOU AN IDEA OF THE FUN YOU CAN HAVE. YOUR ACTUAL ITINERARY WILL INCLUDE MUCH MORE INFORMATION ABOUT FLIGHTS, TELEPHONE AND FAX NUMBERS, ADDRESSES, ETC.