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22 Days Intimates Portraits of the South Pacific Tour Package
Duration: 22 Days / 21 Nights
Priced From: $ 12190 pp dbl.occ.
Date: Jan - Mar, Oct - Nov
Highlights
-Learn about the mythologies and traditions of two fascinating and ancient cultures – New Zealand’s Maori and Australia’s Aborigines through performances and storytelling
-Indulge in a massage or set out to explore Rotorua’s Treetops Lodge, a secluded, luxury retreat cradled in 2,500 acres of wilderness
-Snorkel the famously scenic underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef on a sailing catamaran, accompanied by an on-board marine biologist to educate and entertain
-Sail Sydney Harbor on a special half-day cruise aboard a 52-foot luxury motor cruiser, fully equipped for your comfort, with opportunities to swim, fish, kayak, or simply relax and take in one of the most spectacular harbors in the world
-Enjoy this well-paced itinerary, meticulously created to allow you ample time for personal discover intertwined with enriching excursions
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart USA
Your distinctive journey begins today on your trans-Pacific flight.
Day 2: En Route
Cross the International Dateline.
Day 3: Arrive Auckland, New Zealand
Welcome to Auckland, a city of extensive parks, colorful gardens and friendly people. The warm, sunny climate encourages subtropical growth of all kinds. Your plush hotel is in the heart of the city. Langham Hotel Auckland, Executive Room (D)
Day 4: Auckland
Set out with your guide on a private tour of Auckland. Discover its fascinating natural history and diverse cultural origins. Auckland Museum's Maori cultural performance group tells stories through music and dance about their mythology, genealogy and spirituality. It houses an unparalleled collection of Maori treasures. After lunch, cruise the harbor, where you can try your hand at steering and trimming the sails. Langham Hotel Auckland, Executive Room (B,L)
Day 5: Auckland / Waitomo / Rotorua
Journey toWaitomo across hills and into fertile farmlands. Here, you are in for a magical tour through the Glowworm Grotto. Its roof sparkles with lights from glowworm larvae, which also reflects off the water. Lunch is a New Zealand-style BBQ. Take in the peaceful countryside to Lake Rotorua, noted for thermal pools.Your luxury lodge sits in 2,500 acres of natural reserve, with seven streams and dozens of hiking trails in an 800-year-old forest. Treetops Lodge, Suite (B,L,D)
Day 6: Rotorua / Queenstown
Relax this morning at the lodge before flying to Queenstown on the South Island. This year-round alpine resort is set amid steep mountain ranges. The compact town features more than 100 restaurants.Your hotel is nestled on the shore of Lake Wakatipu. A mysterious phenomenon occurs here – the lake’s depth varies several inches every few minutes. The Maori legend says that an ancient Taniwha (demon) still breathes beneath the surface. Crowne Plaza Hotel, Lakeview Room (B, D)
Day 7: Milford Sound
The focus today is Milford Sound. Head into the wilderness toward Fiordland National Park. As the road winds, the vistas grow more bold. Remote and uniquely New Zealand, Milford Sound is the northernmost fiord in the park. The scene is stunning with cascading waterfalls, luxuriant forests, and the towering, mile-high pinnacle of Mitre Peak. Cruise the sound to the Tasman Sea. Return to Queenstown via road or, by air – one of the most scenic flights anywhere (additional cost and weather permitting). Crowne Plaza Queenstown, Lakeview Room (B,L)
Day 8: Queenstown
Today you are free to pursue your own interests. Queenstown offers golf, jet boating, bungee jumping, horse riding or a helicopter flight. Crowne Plaza Queenstown, Lakeview room (B)
Day 9: Queenstown / Christchurch
Fly to Christchurch, New Zealand’s ‘garden city’. Christchurch's expansive parks and public gardens owe much to the planning and foresight of the city's founding fathers. The city was chartered on July 31, 1856, making it the oldest city in New Zealand. Your hotel is ideally situated to explore the city. Crowne Plaza Christchurch, Parkview Room (B,D)
Day 10: Christchurch
This morning, discover Christchurch’s natural charm in its award-winning gardens, and its harmony of historic buildings blending with modern architecture. See Cathedral Square, the University of Canterbury, Avon River and Hagley Park. Crowne Plaza Christchurch, Parkview Room (B)
Day 11: Christchurch / Melbourne
Begin your Australian adventure with your flight to Melbourne, Australia’s second largest city as well as a cultural center. Parks and gardens blend with Victorian architecture, giving the city a special charm, reminiscent of Europe. Dinner is in the hotel at the well-known Melba Restaurant offering unparalleled views of the city skyline. Langham Hotel Melbourne, Riverview (B,D)
Day 12: Melbourne
Discover contemporary Melbourne, and its neighborhoods such as Fitzroy's Brunswick Street, a bohemian street with an array of pubs, restaurants and local designer shops. Stroll through Queen Victoria Markets, Melbourne's shopping mecca, historic landmark, and institution for locals. Savor a cup of tea in the Botanical Gardens. In the evening, enjoy dinner with the locals at a nearby restaurant. Langham Melbourne, Riverview (B,D)
Day 13: Melbourne
You are free to explore your own interests today. Langham Melbourne, Riverview (B)
Day 14: Melbourne / Cairns
Fly to Cairns, the gateway to the Barrier Reef and the wilderness of Cape York Peninsula. This tropical city boasts tree-lined streets, excellent shopping and restaurants. It is surrounded by lush subtropical rainforests, with miles of beaches. Shangri-La Cairns The Marina, Superior Bay View (B,D)
Day 15: Great Barrier Reef
Experience the famed Great Barrier Reef aboard the Ocean Spirit Cruises catamaran.You learn about the reefs from marine biologists. Lunch and snorkeling gear is provided. Shangri-La Cairns The marina, Superior Bayview (B,L)
Day 16: Kuranda & Rainforest
From reef to rainforest, you spend this day exploring Australia’s World Heritage listed tropical rainforest. Start the day with a fun visit to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures before a delightful treetop ride on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. It glides just feet above the forest canopy to Kuranda, a village of artisans, markets. Return to Cairns via the Kuranda Scenic Railway, enjoying Gold Class Service. Shangri-La Cairns The Marina, Superior Bayview (B,L)
Day 17: Cairns / Ayers Rock
Fly to Ayers Rock, one of the most classic symbols of Australia. Over the next two days, you explore this dynamic desert habitat. Tonight, dine in the desert and savour Australian delicacies at a unique ‘Sounds of Silence’ dinner. Relax as an astronomer guides you through southern night sky. Sails In The Desert, Standard Room (B, D)
Day 18: Uluru & Kata Tjuta
Early this morning, set out with your guide for a wonderful day of discovery that begins with sunrise at Uluru (Ayers Rock). Enjoy a breakfast picnic, as the giant rock seems to come to life, changing colors, moods. Learn about its natural history and its significance to the Anangu people. On a series of short walks, discover aboriginal rock art. Visit Uluru and Kata Tjuta Cultural Center. Sails In The Desert, Standard Room (B, D)
Day 19: Ayers Rock / Sydney
Bid farewell to the desert, and fly to sophisticated Sydney. It circles a natural harbor, and houses crowd the shoreline, interrupted by sheer rocky cliffs and preserved bush land. The city’s most endearing symbols are here – Harbour Bridge and the opera house. Intercontinental Sydney, Watson Bayview (B, D)
Day 20: Sydney
From Campbells Cove this morning, you board a 52-foot motor cruiser, equipped with full bar and large open entertainment areas. The exclusive boat trip takes in the highlights of this beautiful harbor while you enjoy a sumptuous gourmet Australian BBQ lunch.You can swim, fish or kayak. Intercontinental Sydney, Watsons Bayview (B,L)
Day 21: Sydney
On your last day in Sydney, you are free to pursue your own interests. Explore the oldest quarter of Sydney – the Rocks. Rascals, rogues and heroes come alive on its cobbled lanes, in old neighborhoods. Tonight’s farewell is at a local restaurant. Intercontinental Sydney, Watsons Bayview (B,D)
Day 22: Australia / USA
Board your flight home. Cross the International Dateline to arrive home the same day. (B)
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Contact : Travelwizard.com
Phone: 1-800-330-8820 or 1-415-446-5252
11/08
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