|
 This
vacation offers the essential sights and unique culture
of the land “Down Under,” Australia, and the spectacular
natural beauty of New Zealand’s South Island all at an
enjoyable pace. Your trip includes the lovely Victorian
city of Melbourne with its trend-setting shops; and a
side trip to Phillip Island for the legendary Little
Penguin Parade, where these lovable flightless birds
make their daily walk from the sea to their burrows in
the dunes. Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef provide
fascinating introductions to the Aboriginal lifestyle
and a world of colorful sea life unique to the area.
Learn to throw a boomerang or play a didgeridoo, a
traditional instrument. From your base on Green Island,
there are many ways to enjoy the reef – you can scuba,
snorkel or enjoy a glass bottom boat ride. Sydney will
delight you with its friendly manner and sites like the
Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge for which
Australia is famous. New Zealand…land of breathtaking
terrain and stunning natural beauty offers much to see
and do. Check out the strong historical and
architectural reminders of a colonial past in the cities
of Queenstown and Christchurch. Visit Mt. Cook, New
Zealand’s most famous national park. Highlights are many
including a tour of the countryside from the rugged
grandeur of the Hollyford Valley to a cruise on
picture-perfect Milford Sound plus a gondola ride to
dinner overlooking Lake Wakatipu and the mountains. Dine
with a “Kiwi” family and take with you a wonderful
memory of New Zealand…a place like no other.
- Witness the magical Little
Penguin Parade and stand in awe as hundreds of Little
Penguins waddle out of the ocean and into their burrows in
the dunes.
- Experience the magic of the Sydney Opera
House in three special ways: a guided tour, a marvelous dinner, and a
captivating performance.
- Spend two nights in Cairns - the gateway
to the Great Barrier Reef.
- Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour and free
time to explore Melbourne.
- See breathtaking scenery on a cruise of
Milford Sound.
- Enjoy a sightseeing tour and leisure time
to explore Christchurch.
 Day
1 & 2: Depart From
Home
Today you board your flight and begin the adventure of a
lifetime. Crossing the International Dateline, you lose
a full day.
Day 3: Arrive Melbourne, Australia - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in the beautiful Victorian city of
Melbourne. The remainder of the day is yours to relax.
Join up with your mates for a welcome dinner this
evening. (D)
Day 4: Melbourne
Enjoy a tour of the fascinating city of Melbourne this
morning viewing Parliament House, Fitzroy Gardens and
the Shrine of Remembrance. This afternoon travel to
Phillip Island, a renowned nature reserve and home of
the world's largest colony of Little Penguins. The
Little Penguin is protected on Phillip Island and a
staff of rangers works diligently to study and protect
these lovable birds. View the Little Penguin Parade as
hundreds of these birds waddle out from the sea and
cross the beach to their burrows in the dunes. You will
also visit the interpretation center where you will
learn about the life of the Little Penguins and their
significance to the area. Dinner is included at a
favorite Phillip Island restaurant. (B, D)
Day 5: Melbourne - Cairns
This morning you fly to Cairns, the gateway to the Great
Barrier Reef. Upon arrival, visit the Tjapukai
Aboriginal Cultural Center. See the Aboriginal dance
show, learn about the Aboriginal lifestyle, learn to
throw a boomerang or play a didgeridoo, a traditional
instrument. Browse the renowned art gallery and visit
the interpretation center which boasts a collection of
interesting artifacts. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a
typical Australian restaurant. (D)
Day 6: Great Barrier Reef
Board a high speed catamaran for an exciting excursion
to the Great Barrier Reef. From your base on Green
Island, you are able to explore the reef. Enjoy a glass
bottom boat ride, a stroll on the walking trail to take
in the rain forest, relax on the beaches, or just watch
the fish and sea turtles swim past from the pier. For a
more adventurous encounter with the reef, optional scuba
diving, snorkeling and an outer reef tour are also
available. (B, L)
Day 7: Cairns - Sydney
After arriving in the beautiful city of Sydney, you will
enjoy a tour highlighting Kings Cross, the Harbour
Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks, Circular Quay, the Botanic
Gardens and the fashionable suburb of Paddington.
Discover one of the world's most fascinating
architectural works as you take a guided tour of the
Sydney Opera House. Later, enjoy a fascinating opal
presentation and learn how raw opals are processed from
the dark mine shafts to your favorite jewelry store.
This evening, you may enjoy Sydney at leisure or join an
optional excursion.
Day 8: Sydney
Travel to Koala Park where you will see koalas in their
natural habitat. You will even have the chance to feed
the kangaroos and pet a wombat! Tonight, experience the
best of Sydney. Enjoy a delightful dinner cruise of
Sydney Harbour and pass by two of Australia's most
famous icons: the renowned Sydney Opera House and the
world's largest steel arch bridge, the Harbour Bridge.
Following dinner, return to the Opera House for a
spectacular performance! (B, D)
Day 9: Sydney - Christchurch - Queenstown, NZ
You leave Australia behind and fly to New Zealand where
you will arrive in beautiful Queenstown.
Day 10: Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown
Enjoy the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley as you
travel through beech forest via the Homer Tunnel to
Milford Sound. Enjoy a fascinating cruise on Milford
Sound with breathtaking vistas at every turn. Following
your cruise, you return to Queenstown. You may choose to
return via a short optional flight (weather permitting)
for spectacular views of New Zealand's Southern Alps.
(B, L)
Day 11: Queenstown
Enjoy Queenstown during a day of leisure. Shop in the
village or perhaps take the optional "Safari of the
Rings" which takes you through the majestic Remarkable
Mountains and the breathtaking Queenstown countryside.
Enjoy a gondola ride to dinner at the Skyline Restaurant
which overlooks Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the
mountains. (B, D)
Day 12: Queenstown - Mt. Cook - Christchurch
Traverse the spectacular countryside to New Zealand's
most famous national park, Mt. Cook. Mt. Cook is one of
the most impressive mountains in the world. You may
choose to view the massive glaciers and extensive
snow-covered mountain top terrain on an optional glacier
flightseeing tour, or perhaps enjoy the park during a
nature walk. This evening arrive in the historic city of
Christchurch. (B)
Day 13: Christchurch
This morning enjoy a short sightseeing tour of "the most
English city outside of England" highlighting
magnificent gardens, the Neo-Gothic Cathedral and the
downtown park district. The remainder of your afternoon
is at leisure.. This evening you will be invited to dine
with a New Zealand family. Enjoy this unforgettable
experience as you learn about the customs of the
"Kiwi's" and enjoy a home cooked meal. (B, D)
Day 14: Christchurch
This morning visit a Canterbury farmyard to take part in
a sheep shearing demonstration, and see how this New
Zealand family farm works. You may choose to participate
in an optional tour of the International Antarctic
Center, the gateway for both American and New Zealand
expeditions, this afternoon. This evening dine inside
the restored Riccarton House mansion as you learn the
history of the first family of Christchurch. (B, D)
Day 15: Christchurch - Tour Ends
Explore the city of Christchurch this morning. Your tour
ends today. (B)
Stay Another Night - Add a pre night stay in Los Angeles
or Melbourne or a post night stay in Christchurch or Los
Angeles. Prices start at $50 per person,
double.
FREE! 2 NIGHTS IN
FIJI WHEN YOU TRAVEL MAY, JUNE, AUGUST
During other departure dates add the 2 night stay in Fiji
for $449 pp.
|
Extend Your
Vacation with... |
|
An Optional
2-Night Stay in Fiji
$449* USD per person, double, land only
1 Meal: 1 Dinner
---------------------------------------------------------------
Day 15: Christchurch - Nadi, Fiji
Today you will arrive in the beautiful paradise island of Fiji.
Fiji retains all the primitive cultural fascination of the South
Pacific. The expansive sandy beaches and clear ocean waters are
world-famous. (B) from base program
Day 16: Fiji
Your day is free to relax and enjoy your surroundings. As
optional island tour is offered. This evening you will enjoy a
lovely dinner. (D)
Day 17: Fiji - Tour ends
Your tour ends in Fiji.
*Air inclusive rate is valid for
passengers who have purchased. Collette's air package for the
full tour. Rate will vary for passengers who have purchased
their own air.
Please Note: On some departure dates, the optional Fiji
extension is 3 nights and is slightly higher priced - $499 |
|
Uniquely For You
Tjapukai
Aboriginal Cultural Park |
| Born
of the need to portray Aboriginal
culture with dignity and pride, the
Tlapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park is a
stunning theatrical and symbolic
interpretation of a 50,000 -year- old
society. Five theatres, a museum, an art
gallery and a traditional Aboriginal
camp combine to give you a complete and
meaningful glimpse into this rich and
ancient culture. The Fina Art Gallery
features paintings and works by local
aboriginal artists available for
purchase. In the Tribal encampment area,
the most interactive area of the park,
you can interact with Tjapukai people as
they teach you the art of throwing a
boomerang or playing a didgeridoo. After
watching a short demonstration on bush
food and medicine, you can even taste
their edible samples! |
Base Rates Per Person
|
Departure Date |
Tour
Rate – Twin |
Tour
and Air Rate |
|
Mar 21 2006 |
$2049 |
$3729 from LAX |
|
Mar 23 2006 |
$2049 |
$3729 from LAX |
|
Apr 13 2006 |
$1949 |
$3509 from LAX |
|
Apr 20 2006 |
$1949 |
$3509 from LAX |
|
Apr 27 2006 |
$1949 |
$3509 from LAX |
|
May 04 2006 |
$2099 |
$3709 from LAX |
|
May 04 2006 |
$2099 |
$3709 from LAX |
|
May 21 2006 |
$2099 |
$3709 from LAX |
|
Jun 15 2006 |
$2099 |
$3709 from LAX |
|
Jul 20 2006 |
$1999 |
$3529 from LAX |
|
Aug 03 2006 |
$2099 |
$3709 from LAX |
|
Aug 10 2006 |
$2099 |
$3709 from LAX |
|
Sep 03 2006 |
$1999 |
$3529 from LAX |
|
Sep 11 2006 |
$1999 |
$3529 from LAX |
|
Sep 21 2006 |
$1999 |
$3729 from LAX |
|
Sep 25 2006 |
$1999 |
$3729 from LAX |
|
Oct 05 2006 |
$2099 |
$3829 from LAX |
|
Oct 23 2006 |
$2099 |
$3829 from LAX |
|
Nov 06 2006 |
$2099 |
$3829 from LAX |
|
Nov 13 2006 |
$2099 |
$3829 from LAX |
|
Jan 11 2007 |
$2099 |
$4129 from LAX |
|
Jan 22 2007 |
$2099 |
$4129 from LAX |
|
Feb 05 2007 |
$2099 |
$4129 from LAX |
|
Feb 19 2007 |
$2099 |
$4129 from LAX |
|
Mar 01 2007 |
$2099 |
$3829 from LAX |
|
Mar 08 2007 |
$2099 |
$3829 from LAX |
|
Mar 22 2007 |
$2099 |
$3829 from LAX |
|
Apr 12 2007 |
$1999 |
$3529 from LAX |
*Tour and air prices are lead-in rates from a specific gateway based on twin
occupancy and are subject to change. Rates do not include inter-air flights.
Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Tours departing BEFORE
4/30/06 may follow a different itinerary than what is listed here. Please
confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. For tours that
feature a cruise, port taxes are not included in the prices above. Additional tour dates
may be available, please call us for information.
15 days, 19 meals
9 Breakfasts, 2 Lunch, 8 Dinners
Day 1, 2 - Overnight Flight
Day 3, 4 - Grand Mercure Swanston, Melbourne
Day 5, 6 - Pacific International or Oasis, Cairns
Day 7, 8 - Novotel Rockford Darling Harbour, Sydney
Day 9 - 11 - Mercure Resort, Queenstown
Day 12 - 14 - Rydges or Chateau on the Park, Christchurch
NOTES:
- Land rates do not include
inter-tour flights.
- Taxes/fees to be paid in local
currencies upon exiting New Zealand are approximately $25 NZD.
- Due to changes in air
schedules while on tour, the order of days in the itinerary may
change.
- Due to early arrival times in
some cities, rooms may not always be ready for immediate
check-in.
- Wildlife sightings cannot be
guaranteed with the exception of visits to wildlife parks.
- this trip requires: Passport /
Visa
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