On this exciting excursion of contrasts you will truly be able to immerse yourself in the culture and beauty of Australia and New Zealand. In Australia, you’ll see the “big three” attractions, the Great Barrier Reef, Ayers Rock and the world-famous Sydney Opera House. You’ll also experience the Australia that Aussies know--charming country towns and rainforest villages. In New Zealand, explore both North and South Islands. Highlights include a luncheon cruise on Milford Sound; dinner in the home of a “Kiwi” family; and a visit to Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and a Maori village in Rotorua.   

Board your overnight flight for your trip to Australia and New Zealand. Crossing the International Dateline, you lose a full day.

Day 3: Arrive Australia - Hobart, Tasmania - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in the Tasmanian capital city of Hobart. (D)

Day 4: Hobart
Take a guided tour of the Port Arthur Historic Site. This fascinating site is the best-preserved example of Australia's penal colonies. Dating back to 1833, the site features a large number of stabilized ruins and restored buildings. Visit the interpretive center for a view into the daily lives of the convicts. Later, witness the spectacular coastal rock formations known as Tasman Arch, Devil's Kitchen and the Blow Hole. Of course, no visit to Tasmania would be complete without the chance to view a Tasmanian Devil! (B)

Day 5: Hobart - Melbourne
Fly to the beautiful Victorian city of Melbourne. Enjoy a city tour viewing Fitzroy Gardens, the Shrine of Remembrance and Parliament House. (B)

Day 6: Melbourne
Your morning is at leisure to explore Melbourne on your own. You may visit the elegant parks and gardens in this friendly city, take a ride on one of the streetcars, or enjoy lunch at an outdoor café in the quaint Italian neighborhood of Carlton. This afternoon you will take a trip 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 these lovable birds. View the Little Penguin Parade as hundreds of them 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 7: Melbourne - Ayers Rock
Board your flight to Ayers Rock, located in the heart of the Australian Outback, where you will tour around the base of "the Rock" and marvel at the beautiful sunset. (B)

Day 8: Ayers Rock - Alice Springs
Tour the sandstone domes of the Olgas before departing for Alice Springs, located in the heart of the Australian Outback. A sightseeing tour of the area includes the Old Telegraph Station and Anzac Hill. Tonight, enjoy dining and entertainment with a traditional dinner in the bush. Dine under the stars, tasting the local fare of the Outback while enjoying entertainment and spectacular surroundings. (D)

Day 9: Alice Springs - Darwin - Kakadu National Park
Begin your day with a Dreamtime Tour. Experience the culture of the Australian Aborigines by learning about their ancient culture, folklore, customs and the belief of the Dreamtime. You will even have the opportunity to try some of their traditional food. Later, board your flight to the northern tip of Australia and the city of Darwin. You then drive into the heart of Kakadu National Park. (B, D)

Day 10: Kakadu National Park - Darwin
Today you experience the beauty and culture found in Kakadu National Park. See ancient Aboriginal rock art at Nourlangie Rock and enjoy an audio-visual show at the Visitors Center. This afternoon embark on the Yellow Waters. Traverse the murky waters sighting crocodiles as they bask in the sun, as well as thousands of waterfowl such as jabiru, egrets, herons and eagles. Return to the city of Darwin this evening. (B)

Day 11: Darwin - Cairns
This morning you fly to Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. (D)

Day 12: 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 trip on a glass bottom boat where beautifully colored fish swim by in their natural habitat, stroll the walking trail to take in the rain forest, or 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 13: Cairns - Sydney
Fly to Sydney, Australia's fun-loving city. (B)

Day 14: Sydney
Tour the amazing city of Sydney today. Highlights include 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 greatest architectural works as you take a guided tour through the Sydney Opera House. Dinner is included at one of Sydney's revolving restaurants, offering spectacular views of the city. (B, D)

Day 15: Sydney
The day begins with a visit to Koala Park where you will see koalas in their natural habitat. You also have the chance to feed the kangaroos and pet a wombat. Next, enjoy a fascinating opal presentation at Gemtec, one of Australia's top jewelry companies. An evening dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour will give you a different perspective of this beautiful city. Enjoy spectacular views of Sydney's greatest icons - the Harbour Bridge and world-famous Opera House. Following the cruise, return to the Opera House to enjoy a captivating performance! (B, D)

Day 16: Sydney - Queenstown, New Zealand
You travel to New Zealand, arriving in the gorgeous town of Queenstown.

Day 17: Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown
Travel through beech forest into the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley via the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. Enjoy a fascinating cruise of Milford Sound, cruising this spectacular fjord with its 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 18: Queenstown
Your day is at leisure in this charming village. You may take an optional jet boat ride on the Shotover River, or take an optional 'Safari of the Rings' adventure into the spectacular landscape. Dinner is included at the Skyline Restaurant overlooking Queenstown, the Remarkable Mountains, and Lake Wakatipu. (B, D)

Day 19: Queenstown - Mt. Cook National Park
Traveling through the picturesque countryside, a stop is made in the old boomtown of Arrowtown, which is thriving with the history of the 1800's gold rush. Later, you arrive at Mt. Cook National Park where you may take nature walks or enjoy an optional flightseeing tour to the top of the rugged mountain range (weather permitting). (B, D)

Day 20: Mt. Cook - Christchurch
A drive through the rugged Southern Alps brings you to the beautiful English city of Christchurch, located on the Avon River, and considered to be "the most English city outside of England." Upon arrival, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Christchurch viewing magnificent gardens, the Neo-Gothic Cathedral, and the downtown park district. Driving along the Avon River, you will pass Victorian-style buildings. (B)

Day 21: Christchurch
Today is yours to explore the historic city of Christchurch. This afternoon you may choose to take an optional tour to the International Antarctic Center, the gateway for expeditions to Antarctica. Tonight, experience the elegance of Canterbury as you dine in a restored mansion and learn the history of the first family to settle in Christchurch. (B, D)

Day 22: Christchurch - Wellington
Traveling north along river valleys, scenic coast and vineyards, you see spectacular views. Arriving in Picton, you will ferry across the Cook Strait to the North Island and Wellington, the harbour capital of New Zealand. (B)

Day 23: Wellington
Enjoy sightseeing in Wellington viewing the Beehive, New Zealand's Parliament, historic old St. Paul's Church, and views from atop Mt. Victoria. Later, experience Te Papa Tongarewa Museum, the national museum of New Zealand. (B)

Day 24: Wellington - Rotorua
Depart for the center of the Maori civilization and home to numerous geothermal springs, the city of Rotorua. Tonight you will enjoy a home stay and dinner with one of New Zealand's families. This is a great way to meet the Kiwis and perhaps make a lifelong friend. (B, D)

Day 25: Rotorua
A visit to Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve takes you to bubbling, steaming silica terraces and a Maori village. Here, the Maori keep their customs alive by teaching the tribal youth the skills of traditional carving, weaving and dancing. Learn more about this unique culture as you partake in a demonstration about the importance of the Maori dress and the weaving process. Before leaving you will get to view the iconic Kiwi bird. A visit to the Agrodome will give you insight into how wool, one of New Zealand's premier products, is processed through the shearing of millions of sheep each year. You will view a special sheep shearing demonstration. Later this afternoon, meet jade carvers and discover how jade is transformed from the mine to the shelf. This evening you receive a traditional Maori welcome at a Hangi meal followed by a traditional performance of songs, dances and other festivities. (B, D)

Day 26: Rotorua - Auckland - Tour Ends
Travel through the majestic countryside of the North Island, arriving in New Zealand's largest city, Auckland, "The City of Sails." Your tour ends in Auckland. (B)

Stay Another Night - Add a pre night stay in Los Angeles or Tasmania or a post night stay in Auckland or Los Angeles. Prices start at $50 per person, double.

• 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 tour scheduling, return flights home should not be booked prior to 5:00 p.m.
• If you purchase the outer reef option in the Great Barrier Reef, the glass bottom boat ride will be replaced by a semi-submersible boat on the outer reef pontoon.
• Your home stay will take place in the greater Rotorua area. Your host family will pick you up at your hotel and return you to meet up with your group the following morning. If you prefer not to stay in a private home, you may choose to stay at your Rotorua hotel with dinner included. Please make your decision know at the time of booking.
• Due to early arrival times in some cities, rooms may not always be ready for immediate check-in.