18 Days /17 Nights
For the Independent Traveler
Departures: Daily
from $10,745 per person, double occupancy

Nights at Destination: Sydney (3), Alice Springs (1), Kings Canyon (1), Ayers Rock (2), Cairns (2), Lizard Island (3), Auckland (1), Huka Lodge (2), Queenstown (2)

Experience all that the land down under has to offer on this exciting visit to Australia and New Zealand. See the sights of cosmopolitan Sydney. Enjoy paradise on the Great Barrier Reef. Travel to the rugged outback and see magnificent Ayers Rock. Admire the stunning beauty of New Zealand's countryside and stay in luxurious lodge estates. This 'Ultimate Australia & New Zealand' vacation includes accommodations in some of Australia's most hospitable and luxu rious hotels, resorts and lodges. The charming nature of these elegant accommodations rivals that of the beautiful landscapes in which they are set.

A perfect blend of planned activity and relaxing days at leisure ensures this itinerary will suit all tastes. Enjoy activities like hiking around Uluru and swimming in the waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Spend a leisurely day as you snorkel or dive at Voyages Lizard Island Resort, located right in the waters of the Great Barrier Reef. In New Zealand, at the Langham Hotel in Auckland will delight you. Huka Lodge's international reputation for fishing and gourmet dining will surpass your expectations. Matakauri Lodge is ideally situated overlooking beautiful Lake Wakatipu, in the alpine wonderland of Queenstown.

Included

17 nights accommodation

Private car transfers

3 days deluxe Red Center touring

Sydney city highlights

Full day Air Safari from Sydney

Roundtrip scenic charter flights Cairns - Lizard Island

16 breakfasts, 5 lunches,8 dinners

Not Included:
International and domestic airfare not included (unless stated otherwise).

Baggage restriction on Lizard Island-Cairns flight. All prices, itineraries and routings are subject to change. Please call your Travel Agent for our current prices.

Day 1: Welcome to Sydney
Start your vacation in Australia's most spectacular harbor city. Travel by private car to the Shangri-La Hotel Sydney where you'll have a breathtaking view overlooking Sydney Harbor. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight: Shangri-La Hotel Sydney, Deluxe Opera House View Room for 3 nights

Day 2: Sydney City Sights
You'll see the historic Rocks area, Macquarie Street, Kings Cross, Sydney Harbor National Park and the southern beaches. The tour ends at Circular Quay at noon. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B)

Day 3: Full-day Air Safari
Depart this morning for your full-day flightseeing adventure! Starting with a scenic flight over the Blue Mountains (weather permitting), you will land at an 11,000 acre working sheep and cattle station; enjoy a tour of the property, followed by morning tea and lunch. In the afternoon, fly to the Hunter Valley wine country for a private ground tour of the vineyards and a wine tasting. On the way back to Sydney, enjoy views of the coast as well as Sydney Harbor and Opera House. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included. (B,L)

Day 4: Sydney - Alice Springs
Transfer by private car to the airport to connect with your flight to Alice Springs (airfare not included). Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs, Mountain View Room for 1 night (B)

Day 5: Palm Valley and Kings Canyon
This morning you will be met by your guide to visit Albert Namatjira's famous watercolor art display. Travel by 4WD tracks along the earth's oldest riverbed to Palm Valley, containing botanical relicts. Journey onwards towards Watarrka National Park, featuring the spectacular Kings Canyon. Overnight: Voyages Kings Canyon Resort, Deluxe Spa Room for 1 night (B,L)

Day 6: Kings Canyon and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Experience the magical sandstone formation of Kings Canyon on the Rim Walk. Arrive at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park for an afternoon tour to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), a very sacred place to the Aboriginal people. Enjoy sparkling wine and canapes while viewing a spectacular Red Center sunset. Overnight: Voyages Sails in the Desert Ayers Rock, Standard Room for 2 nights (L)

Day 7: Uluru (Ayers Rock)
This morning, explore areas of special significance around Uluru with short guided walks. View rock art and waterholes, and discover the fascinating relationship the Anangu people have with Uluru. Visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Center. Tonight, experience the romance of the outback sunset with a glass of champagne and canapes. After the sun goes down, dine on under the stars on sumptuous outback fare while enjoying the haunting sounds of the didgeridoo. (B,D)

Day 8: Ayers Rock - Cairns
Transfer to the airport today and board your flight to Cairns (airfare not included). Upon arrival, travel by private car to the Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the seaside city of Cairns. Overnight: Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina, Cairns, Horizon Club King Room for 1 night (B)

Day 9: Arrive Lizard Island
Travel via private car to the airport and fly to Lizard Island (included), one of the few islands located on the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy a gourmet dinner at Osprey's Restaurant. Overnight: Voyages Lizard Island, Anchor Bay Suite for 3 nights (B,D)

Day 10: Lizard Island
Take advantage of all the activities Lizard Island offers. From water sports like snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing and fishing to land-based activities such as tennis and hiking, Lizard Island has it all (some activities own expense). (B,L,D)

Day 11: Lizard Island
Relax and rejuvenate at the Azure Spa, a serene health spa overlooking the pool, take a gourmet picnic in your very own dinghy to one of the 24 white sand beaches or engage in any activity that strikes your fancy. (B,L,D)

Day 12: Lizard Island - Cairns
Depart Lizard and fly to Cairns. Transfer to your hotel on arrival. Overnight: Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina, Cairns, Horizon Club King Room for 1 night (B)

Day 13: Cairns - Auckland, New Zealand
Fly to Brisbane or Sydney and connect with your flight to Auckland, New Zealand (airfare not included). Transfer by private car from the airport to your hotel and spend the evening at leisure. Overnight: Langham Hotel Auckland, Langham Club for 1 night (B)

Day 14: Travel to Huka Lodge
Arrive via private car at Auckland Airport for your short flight to Taupo (airfare not included), then travel to Huka Lodge. Spend the evening in this world-class resort where rustic charm meets luxurious service. Enjoy drinks and dinner in the main lodge. Overnight: Huka Lodge, Lodge Room for 2 nights (B,D)

Day 15: Relax at Huka Lodge
Spend the day exploring the serene landscape of Huka Lodge. Set amid rich forest and the Huka Falls, the lodge offers an array of outdoor pursuits. Enjoy a gourmet dinner in the company of fellow guests or in private on the riverside terrace. (B,D)

Day 16: Travel to Matakauri Lodge
Fly from Taupo to the South Island and Queenstown (airfare not included). Be met on arrival and transferred by private car to the luxuriously appointed Matakauri Lodge, overlooking Lake Wakatipu. Overnight: Matakauri Lodge, Suite for 2 nights (B,D)

Day 17: Relax at Matakauri
Explore nearby Queenstown, an area of spectacular world-renowned alpine scenery and adventure. Take a scenic helicopter flight to the majestic Milford Sound, tour some of the region's wineries, explore this alpine resort town, or simply relax and enjoy the serene surroundings (activities, own expense). (B,D)

Day 18: Depart Matakauri Lodge
Return to Queenstown Airport for your onward flight. (B)

Day : City - Area : Hotel
Day: 1, 2, 3 - Sydney - Shangri-La Hotel Sydney
Day: 4 - Alice Springs - Crowne Plaza Alice Springs
Day: 5 - Ayers Rock - Voyages Sails in the Desert Ayers Rock
Day: 6, 7, Alice Springs - Crowne Plaz Alice Springs
Day: 8 Cairns - Shangri-La Hotel
Day: 9, 10, 11 Great Barrier Reef - Voyages Lizard Island
Day: 12 Cairns - Shangri-La Hotel
Day: 13 Auckland - Langham Hotel Auckland
Day: 14, 15 Auckland - Huka Lodge
Day: 16, 17, 18 Queenstown - Matakauri Lodge