Fiji Vacations

Fiji Adventure Vacations

34 Days Great Adventure Down Under W/ Fiji Ext Tour Package

Duration: 34 Days / 33 Nights
Priced From: $8,629 pp dbl. occ.
Dates: Jan - Jun, Sep - Dec, Jan - Mar 

This in-depth vacation is truly the South Pacific vacation of a lifetime! You experience the fun of Australia’s and New Zealand’s great cities, as well as the unique and stunning beauty offered by its landscapes, national parks, and native animals. You also learn about life in the Outback and about the Aboriginal and Maori cultures.

Begin your trip with three nights in the tropical paradise of Fiji before continuing to Brisbane, Australia. From Brisbane, drive to the Sunshine Coast, where you visit the Australia Zoo of Steve “Crocodile Hunter” Irwin fame. Come face to face with many of Australia’s native animals. Then fly north to Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Board a catamaran and experience Australia’s Great Barrier Reef firsthand on Green Island, one of the many Great Barrier Reef’s tropical islands. Snorkel, take a glass-bottom boat tour, or walk through the island’s rainforest. Enjoy leisure time in Cairns then fly to Darwin and the rich Aboriginal heritage of Kakadu National Park. Cruise waterways where you may view crocodiles and walk ancient trails to see Aboriginal rock petroglyphs.

Day 3 Arrive in Nadi, Fiji

Welcome to Fiji! Upon arrival, transfer to the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa. This afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the island. Visit VISEISEI VILLAGE, where the Fijian people first landed centuries ago, and the GARDEN OF THE SLEEPING GIANT to see a stunning private collection of tropical orchids. Then, stroll through a LOCAL MARKET to see the various crops grown on the island before visiting the largest Hindu temple in Fiji.

Days 4-5 Fiji

Two full days at your leisure. Your Local Host will have suggestions for optional activities. (B)

Day 6 Fiji

Today, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Australia Off the coast of Australia. (B)

Day 7 Sunshine Coast. Excursion to Australia Zoo

Come face-to-face with many of Australia’s native animals at the AUSTRALIA ZOO. You’ll see a crocodile demonstration and witness the feeding of the koalas. (B)

Day 8 Sunshine Coast–Brisbane–Cairns

Enjoy an orientation drive through Brisbane before your flight to Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Dinner is at your hotel. (B,D)

Day 9 Cairns. Great Barrier Reef Excursion  Story aboutGreat Barrier Reef

For nature-lovers, a visit to the Great Barrier Reef is a quasi-religious experience. The 1600 mile long organism, which can even be identified from space, is actually a web of 2,900 self-contained reefs that lie between 40 and 100 miles off Australia’s north-east coast. From a plane, the Reef looks like a giant blue rash, but beneath its placid waves lie canyons of brilliant coral, each one a mini-galaxy of sea life, including wildly colored fish and anemones, giant turtles, moray eels, sharks and manta rays so large they can blot out the sun’s light as they pass overhead. The clarity of the water, the intensity of color, even the quality of the antipodean light are like nowhere else on earth.

Board a fast catamaran for a CRUISE to Green Island, one of the many tropical islands on Australia’s famous Great Barrier Reef. Here you can choose to SNORKEL, take a GLASS-BOTTOM BOAT TOUR, or walk through the island’s cool rainforest. This afternoon you may wish to upgrade to a full-day excursion on the Outer Barrier Reef. In the evening, consider a unique experience at the famous Flames of the Forest, where you enjoy tropical dining in an actual rainforest and authentic Aboriginal culture through storytelling and music (operates seasonally). Or you can enjoy a sunset cruise followed by a delicious dinner at a waterfront restaurant. (B)

Day 10 Cairns–Darwin

Morning at leisure in this tropical paradise. Perhaps join our optional trip to Kuranda via the old scenic rail route. See magnificent scenery, lush rainforests, and twisting waterfalls from the comfort of a restored, historic mountain train. For the return journey you may choose to take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Or, take a tour to Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park—a fascinating portrayal of Aboriginal culture, dance, and folklore. Then, fly to the top end of Australia to Darwin, famous for its strategic importance during WWII. (B)

Day 11 Darwin–Kakadu National Park

Today, see giant termite nests on the way to KAKADU NATIONAL PARK. Explore parts of nearly 7,300 square miles of unspoiled waterways with a rich heritage of Aboriginal culture and stop at the Bowali Visitor Centre to learn about Kakadu’s habitats. CRUISE waterways where you may view crocodiles, and walk ancient trails to see Aboriginal rock petroglyphs. An optional light-aircraft flight over the park should not be missed. Dinner tonight is at your hotel. (B,D) Note: During the wet season (December through April) it can be difficult to see crocodiles in the wild.

Day 12 Kakadu National Park–Darwin

Depart your hotel this morning and stop at WINDOWS ON THE WETLANDS VISITOR CENTRE, an interactive display of Kakadu fauna. Return to Darwin for sightseeing. See the elegant colonial architecture of the city’s historic buildings that survived Cyclone Tracy in 1974. Visit the splendid BOTANIC GARDENS and beautiful East Point, an area rich in WWII memorabilia. Also visit the ART GALLERY to view fine collections of Aboriginal art. (B)

Day 13 Darwin–Alice Springs–Ayers Rock

Uluru, also called Ayers Rock, is sacred to the Aboriginal people

During a brief stop in Alice Springs, enjoy a visit to the SCHOOL OF AIR to learn how education services are provided to children living in the vast Outback. Then, visit the OLD TELEGRAPH STATION to discover how the locals live in this remote area and to learn the history of how the early settlers developed communication. On to Anzac Hill, a tribute to Australia’s and New Zealand

Stunning views in New Zealand’s war heroes. Afterward, fly to Ayers Rock. Travel to a popular lookout to enjoy views of the magnificent Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), a geological splendor of some 30 brilliant monoliths. There is time to take photos before returning for a TOUR around the base of Ayers Rock and to “Sunset Strip” for a drink and canapés and to witness the changing colors of the Rock. (B)

Day 14 Ayers Rock–Alice Springs

(Wed.) For an unforgettable experience, rise early for an optional camel ride to watch the sunrise at Ayers Rock. Then, fly to Alice Springs and visit the ROYAL FLYING DOCTOR SERVICE to appreciate how medical service is provided to those in remote regions. The afternoon is at leisure. You may want to visit the Desert Park to learn more about the flora and fauna of the Australian desert. Tonight, enjoy a unique Aussie experience—an OUTBACK BARBEQUE that features a meal of typical campfire fare, fascinating tales of the Outback, and Aboriginal folklore. (B,D)

Day 15 Alice Springs–Ghan Train

The Ghan Train

This morning, enjoy free time to relax. Later, a highlight of your vacation begins as you board the GHAN TRAIN

The Ghan Train passing through the Outback for an overnight journey that offers a fascinating perspective of the Outback. (B,L,D)

Day 16 Ghan Train–Adelaide

Arrive in Adelaide for a city tour along the wide tree-lined streets and well-manicured gardens. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. (B)

Day 17 Adelaide

The day is at leisure. You may choose a full-day trip to Kangaroo Island, one of the world’s last unspoiled habitats. (B)

Day 18 Adelaide–Barossa Valley

The beautiful vineyards of Barossa Valley at sunset –Melbourne

The illuminated city of Melbourne at night

Today, drive to the BAROSSA VALLEY with its Bavarian villages, baroque Italianate chateaux, and stunning vineyard scenery. Breathe in the beauty of the Adelaide Hills in the leafy greenness of the quaint yet charming villages. Enjoy a sumptuous lunch and sample some of Australia’s premium wines  Story aboutAustralian WineIt’s hard to believe today, when Australia’s wines are world famous and fine vintages are readily available in every pub and café from Wagga to Oodnadatta, but it was not until the 1970s that Aussies really began to appreciate the virtues of the grape. Many Australians don’t realize that the local wine industry is actually as old as white settlement itself. The first vines were brought from Brazil and South Africa on board the very first convict fleet in 1788, and planted in the British Governor’s private garden. Twelve years later, a pair of French prisoners-of-war from Napoleon’s armies were purposely sent to Sydney to provide a little Gallic know-how. Although these two clumsy Frenchmen produced wines of “very indifferent quality,” by the 1820s Aussie farmers were gamely sending their best wines back to European wine competitions, with mixed success.
at a LOCAL WINERY. Later this afternoon, fly to Melbourne, Australia’s second-largest city. (B,L)

Day 19 Melbourne

Today’s tour includes landmarks such as Parliament House and the Shrine of Remembrance, a tribute to Australia’s war heroes. Visit beautiful FITZROY GARDENS and then drive past the lush Royal Botanical Gardens. You’ll soon discover the differing architectural influences of this city as you see the Victorian Arts Centre and other buildings of significance. For a unique dining experience, join an optional outing on board a historic tramcar restaurant as it winds its way through the streets of Melbourne. Later this afternoon, drive to Phillip Island to see a PENGUIN PARADE from an exclusive viewing platform. (B,D)

Day 20 Melbourne–Hobart

Fly to Hobart, Tasmania, home of the famed Tasmanian Devil. (B)

Day 21 Hobart. Excursion to Port Arthur

Today’s tour of the scenic Tasman Peninsula features the blowhole, the Devil’s Kitchen, and the Tasman Arch coastal formations. Visit PORT ARTHUR, where the first convicts arrived in the 1830s. A guided tour of the Penal Settlement shows you the ruins of the 4-story penitentiary and the model prison—grim reminders of Australia’s days as a penal colony. Also included is a short stop at a nearby WILDLIFE SANCTUARY to see the famous Tasmanian Devil, a rare marsupial wolf. (B)

Day 22 Hobart–Sydney

Today, fly to Sydney, the largest city in Australia. The afternoon is at leisure for you to discover this exciting and beautiful city on your own. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for optional activities. (B)

Day 23 Sydney

Today, explore one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Your tour includes a CRUISE on Sydney Harbour  Story aboutSydney Harbor
Few visitors realize that Sydney’s most iconic landmark, the Opera House, was almost never completed. The radical design by Danish architect Jørn Utzon was chosen from an international competition in 1957, even though engineers at the time had no idea how to build it. Within five years, the prototype sails had to be taken down and totally recommenced. Budget blowouts dogged the project until the perfectionist Utzon resigned over cost-cutting measures. Construction continued anyway, with the interior design modified. The embittered Utzon, however, refused to visit Sydney again, and has still never seen the finished building hailed regularly as one of the seven architectural wonders of the modern world. A recent reconciliation occurred when an interior annex was completed to Utzon’s original design, but the architect was too old to visit; he sent his son to the Opera House instead.
that highlights this bustling waterway and a guided tour of the SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE

Sydney’s famed Opera House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The World Heritage List includes over 800 properties with cultural and/or natural heritage of global significance

Travel to Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair in the city’s BOTANICAL GARDENS for a great photo opportunity of the harbor, Opera House, and Harbour Bridge. Tour the world-famous BONDI  Story aboutBondi Beach

As the Harbor stretches its turquoise tentacles into every inner suburb of Sydney, the 70 beaches that lace the city’s edges have created a hedonistic surf culture on a par with Rio and Waikiki. The most beloved of the urban beaches is Bondi (pronounced Bond-eye). Here, between sandstone headlands at the eastern fringe of the city, the long glassy rollers of the Pacific Ocean thunder onto a half-mile of golden powdery sand. In the 1920s, Bondi was a modest version of Coney Island, where city dwellers in need of fresh air would travel here by a rattling tram to cool off with an ice cream or cheap fish-and-chips by the sea. In the 1950s, the surf craze arrived from Hawaii, luring thousands with their boards into the crashing surf. And since the 1990s, Bondi has gentrified, attracting millionaires and movie stars.

SURF BATHERS’ LIFE SAVING CLUB and enjoy a lifesaving demonstration! See some of the city’s original suburbs, followed by the historic Rocks area, home to Sydney’s original convicts. Also visit one of the country’s leading OPAL COMPANIES to discover how the beautiful gems are mined. The balance of the day is free. (B)

Day 24 Sydney

Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps join our optional excursions to the Blue Mountains

The majestic Three Sisters peaks in the Blue Mountain Rangeor to Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s leading wine-growing regions. You can even climb to the top of Sydney’s Harbour Bridge! Your Tour Director will help you make the most of this exciting city. Tonight, enjoy a special dinner at a waterfront restaurant with fantastic views of the highlights of Sydney. (B,D)

Day 25 Sydney–Christchurch, New Zealand

Today, fly across the Tasman Sea to Christchurch, New Zealand. (B,D)

Day 26 Christchurch

Sightseeing starts with a drive up the winding Summit Road for views of Lyttelton Harbor, then past Christchurch’s old stone buildings, the charming Avon River, and acres of green parks. The remainder of the day is free to explore this beautiful English “Garden City.” (B)

Day 27 Christchurch–Mount Cook

Today, journey through the alpine scenery of MOUNT COOK NATIONAL PARK

Mount Cook National Park, named after the highest peak in New Zealand. Stop at the SIR EDMUND HILLARY ALPINE CENTER for a unique insight into the history and culture of this region. Weather permitting, don’t miss the chance to take an optional ski-plane flight that actually lands on the 18-mile-long Tasman Glacier. It’s an unforgettable experience! Dinner tonight is at your hotel. (B,D)

Day 28 Mount Cook–Queenstown

Today, enjoy fantastic views as you journey through the snowcapped peaks, waterfalls, and rugged mountain scenery of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Later, arrive in Queenstown, nicknamed the “Adventure Capital of the World.” (B)

Day 29 Queenstown. Cruise on Milford Sound

Milford Sound – New Zealand’s most famous tourist destination

More beautiful scenery today as you travel into FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK

Fiordland National Park

through the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. Boasting some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, this region of New Zealand has the elite status of belonging to UNESCO's World Heritage Parks
The World Heritage List includes over 800 properties with cultural and/or natural heritage of global significance. CRUISE on the fiord with sheer rock walls rising thousands of feet from the water’s great depths. (B,L)

Day 30 Queenstown

A full day at leisure for your own discoveries. Consider an optional visit to a local vineyard and sample some of the prize vintages, or maybe a thrilling jetboat ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers. Your Tour Director will have suggestions to help you plan your day to explore, shop, and enjoy optional activities. This evening, enjoy breathtaking scenery in every direction as you CRUISE Lake Wakatipu on board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw. On arrival at Walter Peak you will be served dinner at Colonel’s Homestead. (B,D)

Day 31 Queenstown–Rotorua

The Rotorua Museum of Art and History in New Zealand

A short flight brings you to Rotorua, the center of the Maori culture in the heart of New Zealand’s geothermal wonderland. Upon arrival, visit TE PUIA, Rotorua’s most prominent thermal area with New Zealand’s largest geyser, boiling mud pools, and silica terraces. Enjoy a traditional HANGI DINNER this evening, followed by an authentic MAORI CONCERT. (B,D)

Day 32 Rotorua

A morning visit to the AGRODOME to learn more about one of the country’s major industries—sheep! See varieties of sheep breeds on stage and watch the art of sheep shearing, a sheepdog demonstration, and an exciting sheep auction. Then, on to RAINBOW SPRINGS to view native bush and wildlife, including a walk through the Kiwi enclosure. The afternoon is at your leisure. You may wish to enjoy relaxing hot springs pool bathing, a sumptuous spa, and massage therapies at picturesque Polynesian Spa, or to be entertained by a New Zealand family at dinner in their home. (B)

Day 33 Rotorua–Waitomo–Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand - The City of Sails

This morning, travel north through Waikato to the famous WAITOMO GLOWWORM CAVES. Experience a guided tour through the limestone chambers and caverns. Enjoy a silent boat trip through Glowworm Grotto as you glide quietly beneath the lights of thousands of glowworms suspended from the cave ceiling. Later, arrive in the “City of Sails

Downtown Auckland, New Zealand,” situated on an isthmus between two magnificent harbors. During your sightseeing, ascend Mount Eden for magnificent views of the city and Ragitoto Island, the volcanic cone that dominates the inner harbor. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner. (B,D)

Day 34 Auckland

Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)

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