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Smithsonian Journeys: Great Trains, Wineries & Cultures of Australia & New Zealand

28 days with Collette

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800-680-2858	Tour Itinerary	800-680-2858
Day 1 & 2: Overnight Flight Take an adventure of a lifetime and spend 28 days traveling through Australia and New Zealand. Explore the vast and diverse natural wonders of land and water, from sacred Ayers Rock and the amazing underwater life of the Great Barrier Reef to the geothermal wonders of Rotorua and the magical fjords of Milford Sound. Local specialists enhance your understanding of the cultural history of the unique Aboriginal and Maori cultures as well as the unique natural history throughout your journey. Travel on the historic Ghan train, the TranzCoastal Express and other fascinating rail journeys, and enjoy special wine tastings at well-known vineyards in both Australia and New Zealand. Loase a day en route as you cross the International Dateline. Day 3: Arrive Cairns, Australia Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Today is at leisure for personal exploration. Tonight, enjoy a special reception and dinner. (D) Day 4: Great Barrier Reef Board a high-speed catamaran for an exciting excursion to the Great Barrier Reef, where the magic of this natural wonder will surround you! Snorkel or stay dry while check out the marine life from the semi-submersible. (B, L) Day 5: Cairns A ride aboard the historic Kuranda Rail, constructed in 1882, offers a scenic rail journey to view the spectacular Atherton Tablelands. This afternoon, take a crocodile cruise on Hartley's Lagoon in search of saltwater crocs in the natural habitat as well as the exotic birdlife of Queensland. After the cruise, enjoy a delicious Aussie barbecue. (B, D) Day 6: Cairns - Ayers Rock Fly to the heart of the Outback, arriving at Ayers Rock. Tour the sandstone domes of the Olgas and the area around the base of "The Rock." Later, witness a stunning sunset as the colors of the Rock change dramatically. (B) Day 7: Ayers Rock - Alice Springs Depart for Alice Springs, the largest community in Central Australia. Take a sightseeing tour of this frontier town, including the Old Telegraph Station and Anzac Hill. Tonight, experience unique dining and entertainment at a traditional dinner in the bush. (D) Day 8: Alice Springs - The Ghan Early this morning gain a different perspective of the majestic Australian Outback with an optional hot air balloon ride. Next, explore the Aboriginal culture through site visits and native cooking. Later, board the legendary Ghan for an overnight journey through ancient mountain ranges, over red-baked earth, and across oceans of sand hills. (B, D) Day 9: The Ghan - Barossa Valley Your train journey concludes in the South Australian capital of Adelaide, where you take a morning sightseeing tour. Travel to Barossa Valley and experience the Whispering Wall; listen as voices travel along a quarter-mile path powered by natural amplification. A wine tasting at one of the local wineries introduces the flavors of this region. Dinner at your hotel, in the serene Barossa Valley, overlooks the vineyards of well-known vintners such as Jacobs Creek. (B, D) Day 10: Barossa Valley Barossa Valley is Australia's richest and best-known wine-making region. The area was first settled by German immigrants more than a century ago and today produces some of the world's finest wines. Enjoy tours and tastings at two of the area's wineries. The evening is yours to continue exploring independently. (B, D) Day 11: Barossa Valley - Coonawarra Travel through the southern Australian countryside, stopping at Naracoorte Caves National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Learn about the extensive fossil deposits of Southern Australia as you tour the fossil center and view the 'megafauna' that once thrived in the area. Continue to Coonawarra, another rich wine-making region. (B, D) Day 12: Coonawarra - Melbourne Journey across the spectacular Great Ocean Road, one of the world's most scenic drives. Pass through Port Campbell and discover the "12 Apostles," a dramatic row of stone pillars rising from the ocean, and the "London Bridge," a magnificent stone arch formation. Marvel at Loch Ard Gorge before arriving in Melbourne in the early evening. (B) Day 13: Melbourne A tour of Melbourne features the Shrine of Remembrance, Parliament House, and a visit to Fitzroy Royal Botanical Gardens. Later, travel to Phillip Island, home of the world's largest colony of "Little Penguins." Experience the wonders of the Little Penguin Parade as hundreds of these lovable birds waddle out from the sea and cross the beach to their burrows in the dunes. Learn more about the life cycle of the penguin and their significance to the area at the Interpretation Center. (B, D) Day 14: Melbourne - Sydney This morning, it's off to Sydney, Australia's cultural capital. Enjoy a panoramic tour of the city followed by an afternoon at leisure. (B) Day 15: Sydney This morning you will visit Sydney Wildlife World which showcases Australia's fascinating flora and fauna with three floors of exhibits. Within its walls, over 6,000 native animals are protected. Walk amongst the wallabies and birds as you experience Sydney Wildlife World's new interactive walkthrough. Visit the koala sanctuary where you can see Australia's most famous animal species in its natural habitat. If you want to, you can even pet one! An amazing evening begins with a sail on Sydney Harbour's glistening waters during a dinner cruise offering spectacular views of Sydney's greatest icons - the Harbour Bridge and world-famous Opera House. (B, D) Day 16: Sydney The day is yours for personal exploration of one of the world's most magnificent cities.. (B, D) Day 17: Sydney - Queenstown, New Zealand Today fly to New Zealand, arriving in the beautiful resort town of Queenstown. Experience New Zealand wine with a visit to one of Otago's best known wineries. Enjoy a tour and tasting, followed by a spectacular dinner paired with local favorites. (B, D) Day 18: Queenstown - Milford Sound Travel through beech forest into the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley to world-famous Milford Sound. Enjoy a relaxing luncheon cruise in this dramatic fjord. Choose to return to Queenstown via a short optional flight (weather permitting) for spectacular views of the Southern Alps or return by coach. (B, L) Day 19: Queenstown Your day is at leisure to explore Queenstown on your own, take an optional jet boat ride on the shotover River, or choose from a variety of other activities. (B, D) Day 20: Queenstown - Mt. Cook Traveling through the picturesque countryside, stop in the old gold boomtown of Arrowtown. In Mt. Cook National Park take a nature walk or enjoy an optional flightseeing tour (weather permitting). This evening's dinner includes the famous Hermitage Hotel wine buffet, featuring a sampling of local wines from some of the finest wineries in New Zealand. (B, D) Day 21: Mt. Cook - Christchurch Travel to the city of Christchurch, where a short sightseeing tour highlights magnificent gardens, the Cathedral, and the downtown park district. Dinner on the Christchurch Tramway, a beautifully restored tramcar restaurant, passes some of the most interesting and historic city sights. (B, D) Day 22: Christchurch Today you may choose to take an optional journey through the Southern Alps aboard the Tranz-Alpine Express. This evening, enjoy a special dinner at a restored mansion that was once the homestead of Christchurch's first settlers. (B, D) Day 23: Christchurch Today is free to relax and unwind. You may choose an optional afternoon excursion to the International Antarctica Center, the base for all U.S. expeditions to Antarctica. (B) Day 24: Christchurch - Picton - Wellington Board the TranzCoastal train for a scenic journey up the eastern coast of New Zealand's South Island. Relax in comfort as you are surrounded by the Kalkoura Mountain Range to the west and the rugged Pacific Coast to the east. Arrive in Picton and ferry through the Marlbourough Sound and across Cocktail Strait to the North Island. Arrive in Wellington, the harbour capital of New Zealand. (B) Day 25: Wellington Enjoy sightseeing in Wellington, including the Beehive, New Zealand's Parliament, historic St. Paul's Church, and Government Building. (B, D) Day 26: Wellington - Rotorua This morning, tour the Te Papa Tongarewa Museum, the national museum of New Zealand, where you will experience the Maori culture. Next, travel through the heart of the North Island to Rotorua, the center of the Maori heritage. Tonight, become immersed in the indigenous culture of New Zealand as you take part in an authentic Hangi and concert. (B, D) Day 27: Rotorua This morning, visit Te Puia, New Zealand's premier Maori cultural and geothermal experience. You'll be truly amazed by the landscape of erupting geysers, bubbling mud pools and other geothermal wonders! Here, the Maori keep their customs alive by teaching the tribal youth the skills of traditional carving, weaving and dancing. Take part in an interactive demonstration on the art of weaving and the importance of the Maori dress. You will also view the Kiwi bird and learn what New Zealanders are doing to try to remove the Kiwi from the endangered species list. Next, a visit to the Agrodome will give you insight into how wool, one of the New Zealand's premier products, is produce. You will see a sheep shearing demonstration here. This afternoon, visit a jade factory to see how the raw product is transformed into a fabulous gemstone. gather this evening for a delightful farewell dinner. (B, D) Day 28: Rotorua - Auckland - Tour Concludes Experience the North Island's Waitomo Caves, which are lit by thousands of glow worms clinging to the cave walls. Drive to Auckland where your tour ends. (B)

800-680-2858	All This Included	800-680-2858
Spend 28 days traveling through Australia and New Zealand. Explore the vast and diverse natural wonders of land and water, from sacred Ayers Rock and the amazing underwater life of the Great Barrier Reef to the geothermal wonders of Rotorua and the magical fjords of Milford Sound. Local specialists enhance your understanding of the cultural history of the unique Aboriginal and Maori cultures as well as the unique natural history throughout your journey. Travel on the historic Ghan train, the TranzCoastal train and other fascinating rail journeys, and enjoy special wine tastings at well-known vineyards in both Australia and New Zealand.

Most meals Services of a professional tour manager who accompanies you throughout your tour Expert local guides All listed hotels, taxes, service charges, and gratuities for baggage handling Admission charges where applicable Private, deluxe, climate controlled motorcoach

800-680-2858	Tour Highlights	800-680-2858
Australia and New Zealand offer vast landscapes and cultural diversity. Enjoy talks by local specialists who offer expertise on various aspects of your journey. Examine the role that marine life plays in the reef ecosystems with a marine biologist. Listen to a discussion about well-known vintners of the Barossa Valley from a wine expert. Learn about the archaeological research at Naracoorte Caves in southeastern Australia. Focus on Australia’s cultural history and preservation efforts in Sydney and Melbourne with Elizabeth Berry of Australia’s National Trust.

800-680-2858	Accommodations on this Tour	800-680-2858
Cairns: DUP Novotel Palm Cove Ayers Rock: Sails in the Desert Alice Springs: Alice Springs Resort An outside cabin onboard the Ghan Train Barossa Valley: Novotel Coonawarra: Chardonnay Lodge Melbourne: The Swanston Hotel Melbourne Grand Mercure Sydney: All Seasons Premier Menzies Hotel Christchurch: Novotel Christchurch Queenstown: Grand Mercure Hotel St. Mortiz Queenstown Mount Cook Region: Hemitage Lodge Wellington: Novotel Capital Wellington Rotorua: Rydges Rotorua

800-680-2858	Pre and Post Add-ons	800-680-2858
Extend your vacation with an optional post-tour stay in Fiji, starting from $649 per person double, land-only. Inquire for more details.

800-680-2858	Notes	800-680-2858
Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. The internal flights on this program are not included in the land price of your vacations. Tour price does not include fees for a passport or visa, which are required. Single accommodations are limited and available on a first come, first served basis. The days and order of sightseeing may change to best utilize your time on this tour. Museum visits and shopping may be affected with observance of religious or local holidays. Breakfast onboard The Ghan train is deluxe continental. Please be prepared to pack an overnight bag for your trip on The Ghan. Previous guests have indicated that a small gift from your area is appropriate and appreciated the night of your home-hosted dinner in New Zealand. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed with the exception of visits to wildlife parks. This tour requires average physical activity. You should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven grounds and cobblestone streets. Please ask your Vacations To Go travel counselor for more details.

800-680-2858	Terms and Conditions	800-680-2858
For terms and conditions of this Collette tour, please click here. * The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land prices are guaranteed. Whenever air-inclusive tour prices are displayed, these prices do not include government taxes and fees, which are additional. Air prices are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Air-inclusive prices include air from a major U.S. gateway; air from other U.S. airports is available at an additional cost. Sorry, we are unable to offer air from countries other than the U.S. However, for those international customers who are able to arrange their own transportation to the tour origination city, we are able to offer the land portion of the package or tour, at the price quoted.