AUSTRALIA ITINERARY |
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| Day 1 |
Depart the U.S. |
| Day 2 |
Lost Crossing the International Dateline |
| Day 3 |
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Arrive into Melbourne where you will be met at the airport and transfered to your hotel of choice. Spend the afternoon on your feet to fight the time change with a half day city tour that introduces you to some of the most famous and culturally significant sites of Melbourne. |
| Day 4 |
Your day begins with a full day tour to experience and learn about the native Australian wildlife and Aboriginal heritage. This is truly one of the most authentic experiences available. A naturalist guide will unveil the native wildlife and lead you through the wide open spaces of Australia in small groups on a journey of discovery. Return to the city in time to catch dinner at one of Melbourne's many delicious restaurants and another night at your hotel. |
| Day 5 |
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After a morning exploring Melbourne, drive to Phillip Island south-east of Melbourne. This island is famous for its large colony of the Little Penguins – the smallest penguin in the world – which come ashore in a delightful "parade" each evening at dusk. After taking in some of the great ocean views and wildlife habitats of Phillip Island you will join a small group of people and get close up and personal with the penguins as they walk from the sea to their burrows. Spend the evening on Phillip Island. |
| Day 6 |
This morning your guide picks you up mid morning for a short drive to Churchill Island historic homestead. Run by the National Parks Service before continuing to the homestead. This homestead and its surrounding farm dates back to the first discovery of the Melbourne region so you can walk in the footsteps the early settlers in this part of the world. Return to Melbourne in the afternoon. |
| Day 7 |
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In the morning, fly to Uluru. After you unpack in your room, join a small group tour to see Ayers Rock where you will learn the story of the Mala (Hare Wallaby) people who lived at Uluru, with their friend the Itjaritjari (Marsupial Mole). Along the walk you will visit the many caves of the Mala people and learn how they lived and prepared for ceremonies at the base of Uluru. Visit the sacred Kantju Gorge at the base of the rock face. As the day ends you will Dine under the canopy of the desert night as you enjoy the sounds of silence. |
| Day 8 |
As the sun rises in the red desert, join a tour to view the sun over Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). The 36 domes lift up across the flat desert quite dramatically, and like Uluru serves as a spiritual site for the local Pitjantjatjara people. Your afternoon is free to relax in the desert or perhaps enjoy an optional camel ride. |
| Day 9 |
At the appropriate time, you will be transfered to the airport for your flight to Cairns. Upon arrival, you will be transfered to your hotel of choice to enjoy a free afternoon in the lovely city. |
| Day 10 |
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Enjoy a bird's eye view of the Great Barrier Reef on a 30-minute helicopter flight followed by a morning dive or snorkel. The Reef Encounter offers the luxury and comfort of a large ship with the intimacy and personalization of a small ship. Arrange a fishing charter, relax in a deck chair, dive, snorkel, visit a sand cay, catch a movie in the saloon, enjoy sunset cocktails, dance on the deck surrounded by fairy lights, sip champagne in the spa, snorkel, and dive some more! |
| Day 11 |
Enjoy the day exploring the Great Barrier Reef with snorkeling and sunshine to your heart's content. Return to Cairns in the late afternoon and head to your hotel to freshen up for dinner at one of the many restaurants to choose from in the city. |
| Day 12 |
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In the morning you will drive 2 hours north of Cairns into the world's oldest living rainforest where you will travel back in time to a land reminiscent of when the continents were still connected. The Daintree Eco Lodge is an award-winning eco resort with a great focus on sharing the beauty of the rainforest and the Aboriginal culture with guests. Enjoy spa treatments, rainforest walks, workshops, and relaxing to the sounds of nature. |
| Day 13 |
Full day exploring the Daintree Rainforest with your Aboriginal guide, enjoying Aboriginal-inspired spa treatments, and all the activities that the region offers. |
| Day 14 |
Check out of the lodge and return to Cairns where you will transfer with an afternoon flight to Sydney and onward to your hotel of choice. Enjoy an evening in this vibrant city at your leisure. |
| Day 15 |
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Enjoy a Half Day City Tour of Sydney for all of the city's major highlights. In the afternoon you will board your boat for a dinner and Harbour Cruise, Sydney Opera House |
| Day 16 |
Tour to Barrossa or Hunter Valley |
| Day 17 |
Day Free to explore Sydney |
| Day 18 |
Transfer home |
