Australian Escapade


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Detailed Trip Description

Enjoy 12 Days Australian Escapade Escorted tour featuring sightseeing and many activities in Australia. Come and explore a country renowned for its pioneer spirit, exotic wildlife and unusual terrain. All this, plus one of the friendliest cultures found anywhere.


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Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - On the Plane

 
Depart Los Angeles.
Commercial Flight

Board your overnight flight to Melbourne.


Day 2 - On the Plane

 
En Route.
Commercial Flight

During your flight, cross the International Dateline.


Day 3 - Melbourne

 
Arrive Melbourne, Australia.

Upon arrival, you are transferred to your hotel which has been pre-registered so you can check-in right away.

Melbourne  picture
Relaxation

The balance of the day is free.

Hotel

Stay at Rydges Melbourne (SF).


Day 4 - Melbourne

 
Sightseeing

See the Victorian architecture on a ­sightseeing tour that includes Melbourne University, Parliament House, Queen Victoria Market and Captain Cook’s Cottage in Fitzroy Gardens.

Food and Dining

After­noon at leisure. Tonight, enjoy dinner aboard the 1927 Colonial Tramcar Restaurant, an authentic tramcar that has been converted into an elegant restaurant, travel­ing the scenic streets of Melbourne. (B,D)


Day 5 - Melbourne

 
Shopping

A full free day to do as you please. This attractive city boasts some of the world’s finest museums, and shopping is some of the country’s best.

Wine

You may wish to take the optional outing to the picturesque Yarra Valley, whose roll­ing vineyards produce some of Australia’s finest wines.

Sightseeing

Other ideas include a trip on Puffing Billy, Australia’s best known narrow gauge railroad, a day outing to historic gold rush country or a drive along the Great Ocean Road. Another popular trip is the ­optional drive out to see the Fairy Penguin parade. (B)


Day 6 - Alice Springs

 
Melbourne - Alice Springs.
Commercial Flight

Head to the airport for the flight to the vast red land of the Outback.

Sightseeing

This afternoon, sightseeing includes a visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Overland Telegraph Station and the School of the Air.

Food and Dining

Tonight, perhaps join the optional outing for a Bush Dinner in a traditional ­outback setting and listen to classic Australian music while you dine under the stars. (B)

Hotel

Stay at Crowne Plaza (SF)..


Day 7 - Ayers Rock

 
Alice Springs - Ayers Rock.
Sightseeing

A leisurely ride to Ayers Rock where you will drive around the Olgas, 36 giant red rock domes which dominate the Western sky. Later, enjoy a short walk to the base of Olga Gorge.

Sightseeing

This evening, visit the "Sunset Strip" for a glass of champagne while watching the sun set over Ayers Rock. (B)

Hotel

Stay at Desert Gardens (F).


Day 8 - Cairns

 
Ayers Rock - Cairns.
Hiking

Rise early this morning to view the gran­deur of Ayers Rock. Hikers may have the opportunity to climb to the top of the Rock, or tour the caves at its base and hear an explanation of the Aboriginal Dreamtime Legends.

Commercial Flight

This afternoon, fly to Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

Food and Dining

Dinner tonight is at a favorite "locals" restaurant. (B,D)

Hotel

Stay at Pacific International (F).


Day 9 - Cairns

 
Great Barrier Reef Excursion.
Ocean Cruise

Board a high-speed catamaran and cruise to the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef.

Snorkeling

Enjoy coral viewing from the Underwater Observatory, cruise through the coral on a sub-sea viewer, and snorkel in the clear blue water. A marine biologist on board enhances the experience, and a smorgasbord lunch will be served.

Relaxation

Late this afternoon, return to Cairns for a relaxing evening on your own. (B,L)


Day 10 - Cairns

 
Sightseeing

A free day. Your Tour Director can arrange an ­optional excursion on the Kuranda ­Railroad to the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park.

Rafting

Other activities include river rafting, a rainforest walk, a hike or cruise through the Daintree Rainforest, or perhaps an outing to spot crocodiles.

Food and Dining

Tonight, there is an optional dinner ­outing in the midst of the rainforest, with flame-lit torches (B)


Day 11 - Sydney

 
Cairns - Sydney.
Commercial Flight

Board your flight to Sydney this morning.

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your harborside hotel, with the balance of the day at leisure. (B)

Hotel

Stay at The Sebel Pier One (SF).


Day 12 - Sydney

 
Safari

Visit a wildlife park to see some of Australia’s unusual fauna – koalas, kangaroos, wombat and emus.

Small Ship or Yacht Cruise

Next, board a luncheon cruise on Sydney Harbour for offshore views of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Fort Deni­son and beautiful waterfront homes.

Sightseeing

Afterwards, take a guided tour of the world famous Sydney Opera House. (B,L)


Day 13 - Sydney

 
Sightseeing

A free day to relax, shop or sightsee. Perhaps join an optional tour to the Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley, or one of the many other choices.

Food and Dining

Tonight, reminisce with your fellow travelers at a Farewell Dinner at the Sydney Tower revolving restaurant, affording unforgettable views. (B,D)


Day 14 - Sydney

 
Sydney - Los Angeles.

The morning is at leisure before your transfer for your flight. Cross the International ­Dateline and arrive in Los Angeles the same day. (B)


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