Day 1 - Thursday - Dec 21, 2023
Arrive in spectacular Sydney, Australia, and enjoy a seamless transfer to your comfortable hotel accommodations, where you'll spend the night gearing up for an exciting tour ahead. Meet your traveling companions this evening at a welcome reception hosted by your tour director. Overnight at a Sydney hotel.
Day 2 - Friday - Dec 22, 2023
After breakfast at your hotel, board a plane to iconic Ayers Rock in the heart of the Outback. This afternoon you'll be introduced to the culture and 40,000-year history of Australia's Aboriginal people on an enlightening cultural tour. Walk along the base of Ayers Rock and watch the colors on the rock shift at sunset. Overnight at the Sails in the Desert Hotel. (B)
Day 3 - Saturday - Dec 23, 2023
Rise early and travel to the Uluru sunrise viewing area to watch the first rays of the sun rise over the desert landscape. Be mesmerized by the changing colors of Uluru at first light and experience the wonder of the Australian Outback as the dawn emerges. Then, travel to the airport for a flight to Darwin. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight at the Hilton Darwin. (B)
Day 4 - Sunday - Dec 24, 2023
After breakfast, start the day with an exciting journey down the Adelaide River witnessing the river's famous "jumping" crocodiles as they shoot out of the water in pursuit of prey. Follow this with a trip to the Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum. Overnight at the Hilton Darwin. (B, L)
Day 5 - Monday - Dec 25, 2023
Fly to Cairns and enjoy a guided tour of the aquarium. Overnight at the Riley Hotel Cairns. (B, D)
Day 6 - Tuesday - Dec 26, 2023
| Great Barrier Reef, Australia |
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Today's activities are among the most exciting - unwind aboard a reef cruise to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world's most phenomenal UNESCO World Heritage Sites! Dive or snorkel among the colorful corals and unusual fish beneath the water's surface, and don't worry about breakfast or lunch - we'll make sure you get fed! Overnight at the Riley Hotel Cairns. (B, L)
Day 7 - Wednesday - Dec 27, 2023
Enjoy a delicious breakfast before your flight back to Sydney for another night in this wonderful city. The remainder of the afternoon and evening are yours to explore the city. Overnight at a Sydney hotel. (B)
Day 8 - Thursday - Dec 28, 2023
Wake up and satisfy your appetite with breakfast on us, then embark on a guided morning tour of Sydney. You'll take in the renowned architecture of the iconic Sydney Opera House and have a chance to photograph the impressive Sydney Harbour Bridge, known locally as "The Coat Hanger" for its arched hanger-like shape. Dig your toes into the soft sands at the most popular beach in New South Wales, Bondi Beach, and even tour The Rocks, a historic district with well-preserved colonial architecture, trendy restaurants, museums, shops, and an abundance of Old-World charm. Embark your ship in the afternoon. (B)
| Sydney, Australia |
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Depart: 4:00 pm |
Day 9 - Friday - Dec 29, 2023
Day 10 - Saturday - Dec 30, 2023
Day 11 - Sunday - Dec 31, 2023
| Cruising Fiordland National Park, New Zealand |
Arrive: 7:00 am |
Depart: 4:00 pm |
Day 12 - Monday - Jan 1, 2024
| Port Chalmers, New Zealand |
Arrive: 11:00 am |
Depart: 8:15 pm |
Day 13 - Tuesday - Jan 2, 2024
| Lyttelton, New Zealand |
Arrive: 9:00 am |
Depart: 7:00 pm |
Day 14 - Wednesday - Jan 3, 2024
| Wellington, New Zealand |
Arrive: 8:00 am |
Depart: 6:00 pm |
Day 15 - Thursday - Jan 4, 2024
Day 16 - Friday - Jan 5, 2024
| Tauranga, New Zealand |
Arrive: 9:00 am |
Depart: 8:30 pm |
Day 17 - Saturday - Jan 6, 2024
| Auckland, New Zealand |
Arrive: 8:00 am |
Depart: 8:00 pm |
Day 18 - Sunday - Jan 7, 2024
| Bay of Islands, New Zealand |
Arrive: 7:00 am |
Depart: 5:00 pm |
Day 19 - Monday - Jan 8, 2024
Day 20 - Tuesday - Jan 9, 2024
Day 21 - Wednesday - Jan 10, 2024
| Sydney, Australia |
Arrive: 6:00 am |
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