11 Day Australia Highlights Adventure Vacation Package

Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights
Priced From: $4,250 pp dbl. occ.
Date:  Jan - Dec

• Explore Sydney on a guided walking tour through this historic and lively city.
• Discover the Outback –the sensuous Olgas and Dunes; Ayers Rock’s noted Liru Walk led by an   Aboriginal Guide. And, then there is sunset
• Ride the scenic railway up to Kuranda in the rainforest, and return via scenic Skyrail. 
• Snorkel or dive on the Great Barrier Reef 

Itinerary

Day 1:  Depart USA
Depart today aboard your flight down under to Sydney, Australia.
 
Day 2:  En route

Day 3:   Arrive Sydney
Arrive into cosmopolitan Sydney. A you'r representative escorts your hotel, which is in walking distance of the Rocks and the lovely harbor. Balance of the day is free. Choice of Hotels (B)

Day 4:  Sydney 
This morning, meet your guide in the Rocks for a fascinating walking tour of the oldest quarter of Sydney.  Meander historic streets and learn about its early convict settlement. Old Sydney’s rascals, rogues and heroes come alive on cobbled lanes, in old neighborhoods. Shops, old and new, pubs, hotels, and charming churches all combine to weave a rich tapestry of life in the past and present. At Circular Quay, board Magistic Luncheon Cruise, a relaxing lunch cruise around the harbor.  Tour the eccentric Opera House. Then, you are free to continue your personal exploration of the city. Choice of Hotels (B,L)

Day 5:  Sydney
Today, your are free to pursue your own interests. Tonight, a you'r representative meets you at your hotel to escort you to a waterfront restaurant for a farewell dinner. After dinner, enjoy a final walk back to your hotel. Choice of Hotel (B,D)

Day 6: Sydney / Ayers Rock
Following breakfast, you fly to legendary Ayers Rock in Australia’s desert heart. You have time to relax at your hotel in Yulara before you travel out to see the serenely beautiful Olgas Mountains and the red dunes. The desert holds a special drama that invites you to get in touch with your environment. A short walk to a lookout rewards you with spectacular panoramic views the Olgas, known as Kata Tjuta, a sacred place to the Aboriginal people.  Venture into Olga Gorge, a mystic place where you learn how it has evolved over millions of years. The scale of the walls and the wind far above, add an almost supernatural feeling to the experience. Watch the clear blue sky deepen and the great domes of the Olgas flush red as sunset approaches.  Relax and chat with your guide about Australia's red center. The spectacle fades as you return to Yulara beneath a sky of brilliant stars. Choice of Hotels (B,D)

Day 7: Ayers Rock
Rise early this morning to share an almost theatrical sunrise at Ayers Rock, known to Aboriginal people as Uluru. During Liru Walking Tour, your Aboriginal guide takes you on a ‘walkabout,’ telling creation stories from a culture that harks back uncounted generations. See how traditional tools and weapons are fashioned.  Practice throwing a spear. Tonight, journey into the desert where haunting sounds of a didgeridoo welcomes you to a traditional outback barbecue.   Listen and feel this great wilderness. Using a telescope, an astronomer introduces you to stars, planets and constellations of this foreign night sky.  Return to your hotel, satisfied and content. Choice of Hotels (B,D)

Day 8: Ayers Rock / Cairns
This morning, you leave the Northern Territory and  fly to Cairns, Queensland. You are transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day is free to wander town. Choice of Hotel (B)
 
Day 9:  Cairns / Kuranda / Cairns
Embark on a train journey through hand-hewn tunnels and across bridges with stunning views.  Explore the village and its markets. Or, choose an optional visit to the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary or colorful Birdworld. Then, board Skyrail for a spellbinding rainforest experience as you glide above the rainforest canopy.  Your journey ends at Caravonica Lakes and Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. Explore Tjapukai, its history, Aboriginal village and. Tjapukai Dance Troupe. Choice of Hotels (B,L)
 
Day 10: Cairns / Great Barrier Reef / Cairns
Today, a  full-day cruise to the Outer portion of the Great Barrier Reef allows you to examine this natural wonder. Snorkel or view the depths from an underwater observatory. Ride in a semi-submersible vessel to see reef life up close. The reef is actually a thriving community of more than 2,800 coral reefs. Return to Cairns this afternoon. Choice of Hotels  (B,L)

Day 11: Cairns / Depart
This morning, bid farewell to Australia as you board your flight for home.  (B)

12/08