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The land “down under”
comes alive as you explore sophisticated cities,
spectacular scenery, and cultural wonders on this
leisurely paced, value-packed tour with 3-night stays in
Melbourne, Sydney and Queenstown. The Victorian city of
Melbourne is where you’ll visit Fitzroy Gardens and the
Parliament House, and may choose an optional trip to
Phillip Island where you’ll witness hundreds of penguins
waddle from the sea to their burrows in the dunes in
what is dubbed the legendary Little Penguin Parade. Your
stay in Sydney includes a delightful cruise of the
harbour passing two of Australia’s legendary landmarks:
the renowned Sydney Opera House, which you will later
tour, and the world’s largest steel arch bride, the
Harbour Bridge. A visit to Koala Park is sure to
delight. Your tour manager can recommend a variety of
excursions for your full day of leisure in Sydney. New
Zealand’s South Island promises some of the finest
scenery in the world. A highlight of your time in
Queenstown will be dinner with a “kiwi” family in their
home. A visit to Mt. Cook National Park provides you
with one incredible vista after another. From the
beautiful English city of Christchurch on the Avon
River, you’ll see spectacular gardens and Victorian
architecture, visit a farm to witness a sheep shearing
demonstration, and enjoy a full day of leisure to
explore.
- Enjoy a leisurely pace,
with 3-night stays in Melbourne, Sydney and Queenstown.
- See a sheep shearing demonstration during
your visit to Christchurch.
 Day
1 & 2: Depart from Home
Get ready for the vacation of a lifetime. Welcome to
Collette’s South Pacific Highlights tour, an exploration
of the beauty and cultures found Down Under! Today you
board your flight for Melbourne, Australia. Crossing the
International Dateline, you lose a full day.
Day 3: Melbourne, Australia
Your tour begins today in the beautiful Victorian city
of Melbourne, where the remainder of the day is yours to
relax. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a
welcome dinner. (D)
Day 4: Melbourne
Enjoy a detailed look at fascinating Melbourne with a
city tour featuring Parliament House, Fitzroy Gardens
and the Shrine of Remembrance. This afternoon, you may
choose an optional tour to Phillip Island, home of the
world’s largest reserve of Little Penguins. View the
amusing Little Penguin Parade as hundreds of these
lovable birds waddle out from the sea and cross the
beach to their burrows in the dunes. (B)
Day 5: Melbourne
Enjoy a free day to explore the elegant parks and
gardens in the friendly city of Melbourne. A walk along
the Yarra River showcases the heart of the city. Take a
ride on one of the eclectic street cars, or enjoy lunch
at an outdoor café in the quaint Italian section of
Carlton. You may choose to take an optional excursion to
one of the world's most impressive coastlines, The Great
Ocean Road, where your day extends from sandy beaches to
wave torn cliffs backed by mountain ranges reaching
skyward from the sea. (B)
Day 6: Melbourne - Sydney
Depart Melbourne and arrive in the vibrant city of
Sydney. A city tour will showcase Kings Cross, the
Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, The Rocks, Circular Quay, the
Botanic Gardens, and the fashionable suburb of
Paddington. Visit Gemtec, one of Australia’s top jewelry
companies, and see a fascinating opal presentation. (B)
Day 7: Sydney
Today you will take a delightful cruise of Sydney
Harbour, passing two of Australia’s most famous
landmarks: the renowned Sydney Opera House and the
world’s largest steel arch bridge, the Harbour Bridge.
Afterwards, tour the famous Sydney Opera House. This
afternoon, travel to Koala Park where you will see
koalas in their natural habitat. You might even have the
opportunity to hug one of these cuddly creatures, feed
the kangaroos and pet a wombat. This evening, enjoy the
city at your leisure or join us for an optional “Taste
of Australia”. (B)
Day 8: Sydney
Enjoy a full day at leisure. For a relaxing diversion,
take a stroll through the charming streets of the Rocks,
Sydney's historic waterfront area. You may also choose
from a variety of optional excursions including a tour
of the stunning Blue Mountain wilderness or the Hunter
Valley wine region, home to some of Australia's most
famous wines. (B)
Day 9: Sydney - Queenstown, New Zealand
Leave Australia behind and fly to New Zealand, arriving
on the South Island in the picturesque town of
Queenstown. The evening is yours to explore
independently or participate in an optional Hangi and
concert.
Day 10: Queenstown
Today is at leisure. An optional excursion to Milford
Sound will be offered - it’s a special trip that will
take you through the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford
Valley and beech forest via the Homer Tunnel; once at
the breathtaking Sound, your optional tour continues
with a fascinating luncheon cruise with amazing vistas
at every turn. Should you choose this option, you may
return to Queenstown via a short optional flight
(weather permitting) for spectacular views of New
Zealand’s Southern Alps. (B)
Day 11: Queenstown
With some leisure time, perhaps you will shop in the
village of Queenstown or enjoy an optional ‘Safari of
the Rings’ tour, taking you deep into the area’s
majestic landscape. Tonight, a special treat is in store
for you as you dine with a New Zealand family in their
home. (D)
Day 12: Queenstown - Mt. Cook National Park - Twizel
Depart Queenstown for Arrowtown, New Zealand’s most
historic gold boomtown. Later, travel along the Kawarau
River and cross the Lindis Pass before arriving in New
Zealand’s most famous national park, Mt. Cook. This
afternoon you may enjoy an optional glacier flightseeing
tour (weather permitting). (B, D)
Day 13: Twizel - Christchurch
Travel to Christchurch, “the most English city outside
of England,” and visit a farmyard where you will enjoy
an interesting sheep shearing demonstration and view
various farming activities. Next, enjoy a sightseeing
tour of Christchurch and view magnificent gardens, the
Neo Gothic Cathedral, and the downtown park district.
Gaze at the Victorian-style buildings with a drive along
the Avon River. This afternoon, you may choose an
optional visit to the International Antarctic Center.
(B)
Day 14: Christchurch
The day is yours to enjoy this charming city. A variety
of optional excursions are available for your enjoyment:
you may choose to engage in a romantic punt trip on the
Avon River or take a lovely ride on an historic tram
car. This evening, experience the heritage of this great
city during an elegant meal in a restored mansion, home
to the first settlers in Christchurch. (B, D)
Day 15: Christchurch - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today in Christchurch. (B)
Extend your vacation with an optional 2-Night stay in
Fiji for $449 per
person, double, air included.
Base Rates Per Person
|
Departure Date |
Tour
Rate – Twin |
Tour
and Air Rate |
|
April
17 2006 |
$1449 |
$2679 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.
Please Note:
The tour dates above are designed for groups and are not guaranteed. This
tour needs a minimum number of passengers to travel otherwise is subject to
cancel.
15 days, 14 meals
10 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners
Day 1, 2 - Overnight Flight
Day 3 - 5 - Duxton or Welcome Hotel, Melbourne
Day 6 - 8 - Novotel Century, Sydney
Day 9 - 11 - A-Line Hotel, Queenstown
Day 12 - MacKenzie Country Inn, Twizel
Day 13, 14 - Cotswold Inn, Christchurch
On some dates alternate hotels may be used
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