Tripology

Commercial Flight

Board your transpacific flight and skip a day as you cross the International Date Line.

Sightseeing

Fiji is located at the crossroads of the South Pacific, where time stands still among palm-fringed beaches, fabulous coral gardens, and azure lagoons. Much of Fiji is still untouched by the outside world, and, in some places, life has changed very little for centuries. Whether you wish to explore the islands and cultures of this enticing archipelago or simply relax, Fiji offers an unforgettable experience.

Hotel

Spend three nights at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa. Included in your stop are all transfers and breakfast daily. Services of local hosts are also available; they will provide you with any information that you require and will assist you with sightseeing to suit your interests.

Hotel

"Haere Mai” Welcome to New Zealand! Hotel rooms are available for immediate check-in.

Food and Dining

This evening, your tour director hosts a special welcome dinner. (D)

Sightseeing

Today, sightsee in this attractive city known as the “City of Sails,” situated on an isthmus between two magnificent harbors. From the top of Mount Eden you have a stunning view of Auckland as well as Rangitoto Island, the volcanic cone which dominates the inner harbor. Today’s highlight is a visit to Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter, where you will see colonies of penguins playing in real ice and snow. Then, travel beneath the ocean to see Giant Stingrays, Moray Eels, and come face-to-face with the awesome predators of the deep—sharks! The afternoon is free for you to enjoy this unique harbor city. Your tour director has suggestions for other activities. (B)

Sightseeing

Leave Auckland and travel through the green pastoral region of Waikato to the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Experience a guided tour through the limestone chambers and passages of the cavern. Enjoy a silent boat trip through Glowworm Grotto as you glide quietly beneath the lights of thousands of glowworms suspended from the cave ceiling. In the afternoon, continue over the Mamaku Ranges to Rotorua. On arrival, experience TE PUIA, Rotorua’s most prominent thermal area with New Zealand’s largest geyser, boiling mud pools, and silica terraces.

Food and Dining

Enjoy a traditional Hangi Dinner this evening, followed by an authentic Maori Concert. (B,D)

Sightseeing

This morning, visit the Agrodome to learn more about one of the country’s
major industries—sheep! Then on to Rainbow Springs, home to rainbow trout and the flightless kiwi bird in
its nocturnal “Kiwi House.”

Commercial Flight

A flight takes you to Queenstown on the South Island, home base for discovering every type of adventure sport imaginable. See the sights of this popular resort town, nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Southern Alps.

River or Barge Cruise

This evening, enjoy breathtaking scenery in every direction as you cruise Lake Wakatipu on board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw.

Food and Dining

On arrival at Walter Peak you will be served dinner at Colonel’s Homestead. (B,D)

River or Barge Cruise

Cruise on Milford Sound. More beautiful scenery today as you travel into Fiordland National Park through the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. Boasting some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, this region of New Zealand has the elite status of belonging to UNESCO’s World Heritage Parks. Cruise on the fiord with sheer rock walls rising thousands of feet from the water’s great depths. (B,L)

Adventure

A full day at leisure for your own discovery. Consider an optional visit to a local vineyard and sample some of the prize vintages, or maybe a thrilling jetboat ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers. Your tour director will have suggestions to help you plan your day to explore, shop, and enjoy optional activities. (B)

National Parks

Motor north to magnificent Mount Cook National Park, named after New Zealand’s highest peak.

Sightseeing

Weather permitting, choose to take an optional ski-plane flight that actually lands on the 18-mile-long Tasman Glacier or a thrilling helicopter ride. Later in the day, leave this alpine wonderland and drive to Lake Tekapo to view the Church of the Good Shepherd. Cross the patchwork Canterbury Plains to Christchurch, the “Garden City.” (B)

Sightseeing

Sightseeing starts with a drive up the winding Summit Road for views of Lyttleton Harbor, then past Christchurch’s old stone buildings, the charming Avon River, and acres of green parks. On the way to the airport you have the option to visit the International Antarctic Centre, designed to give a “firsthand” experience of Antarctica, before your flight across the Tasman Sea to Melbourne, Australia. (B)

Sightseeing

G’day and welcome to Australia! Today’s sightseeing includes landmarks such as Parliament House and the Shrine of Remembrance, a tribute to Australia’s war heroes. Visit beautiful Fitzroy Gardens, then drive past the lush Royal Botanical Gardens. You’ll soon discover the different architectural influences of this city as you see the Victorian Arts Centre and other buildings of significance. We also stop at one of the country’s leading Opal Companies to discover how the beautiful gems are mined. Then, enjoy a unique lunch experience on board a Historic Tramcar restaurant as it winds its way through the streets of Melbourne.

Sightseeing

Tonight’s optional excursion to see the world-famous penguin parade is highly recommended. (B,L)

Sightseeing

Enjoy a full day for you to explore on your own.

Sightseeing

Perhaps join our optional tour on the Great Ocean Road. (B)

Sightseeing

Today we fly to the Outback. Here, visit the historic Old Telegraph Station to discover how the locals live in this remote area and the history of how the early settlers developed communications. On to Anzac Hill, a tribute to Australia and New Zealand’s war heroes. Then, visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service to appreciate how medical service is provided to those living in remote regions. A highlight of your day is the opportunity to ride a camel, the transport of the desert, at the Camel Farm.

Food and Dining

This evening, enjoy a truly unique Aussie experience, an Outback Barbeque that features a meal of typical campfire fare, fascinating tales of the Outback, and Aboriginal folklore. (B,D)

Sightseeing

Today, experience an Aboriginal Dreamtime Tour and learn more about this important native culture from your local guide. Later, fly to “The Center of Australia.” Travel past Uluru (Ayers Rock) to the magnificent Kata Tjuta (The OLGAS), some 30 brilliant monoliths. There is time for a walk to the Olga Gorge before returning to “Sunset Strip” for a drink and the changing colors of the Rock. (B)

Sightseeing

This morning your Outback adventure continues as you enjoy a tour around the base of Uluru, learning of its significance in Aboriginal “Dreamtime” mythology. For an even more amazing view of Ayers Rock, perhaps take an optional aircraft ride. Later, fly to Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

Food and Dining

Tonight, have a unique dinner event at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park for an interactive, entertaining portrayal of the culture, dance, and folklore of this indigenous tribe. (B,D)

Adventure

Great Barrier Reef Excursion. Board a fast catamaran for a cruise to Green Island, one of the many tropical islands on Australia’s famous Great Barrier Reef. Here you can choose to snorkel, take a glass bottom boat tour, or walk through the island’s cool rainforest.

Sightseeing

This afternoon, your tour director can assist you with a variety of optional activities, including crocodile spotting. (B)

Sightseeing

A full day at leisure in this tropical paradise. For a truly amazing experience, consider our optional trip to Kuranda via the old scenic rail route. See magnificent scenery from the comfort of a restored, historic mountain train. For the return journey, you may choose to take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. (B)

Commercial Flight

Fly to Australia’s largest city, Sydney. (B)

Sightseeing

Explore one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Visit the Opera House for a guided tour of its interior and theaters. A highlight is a stop at the world famous Taronga Zoo, where a local guide will introduce you to Australia’s unique fauna, including kangaroos, koalas, wombats, dingoes, and the famous Tasmanian Devil. Travel to Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, located in the city’s Botanical Gardens, for a great photo opportunity offering sweeping views of the harbor, Opera House, and Harbour Bridge. Feel like a local while touring the world-famous Bondi Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club and enjoy a lifesaving demonstration!

Sunbathing

See some of the city’s original suburbs and the historic Rocks area, home to Sydney’s original convicts. For a truly memorable experience, enjoy a scenic cruise on Sydney Harbour. (B)

Sightseeing

Enjoy a full day at leisure for your own discoveries. Perhaps join our optional excursion to the Blue Mountains for a wilderness experience, or an excursion to the Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s leading wine-growing regions. You can even climb to the top of Sydney’s Harbour Bridge! The choice is yours, and your tour director will have suggestions to help you make the most of this exciting city.

Food and Dining

This evening your tour director hosts a special Farewell Dinner at a waterfront restaurant overlooking Sydney Harbour, Opera House, and Harbour Bridge. (B,D)

Sightseeing

Our Hawaii stopover is the perfect way to enjoy a tropical paradise after returning from your South Pacific vacation. Hawaii is known for its white sandy beaches, crystal clear Pacific waters, balmy tropical breezes, and spectacular sunsets. Why not visit to rejuvenate?

Hotel

Spend three nights at the beautiful Sheraton Waikiki, offering experiences to suit all tastes and ages. Located on the world-famous Waikiki Beach, all rooms offer views of the Pacific Ocean, the Ko’olau Mountains with their majestic silhouettes, or Honolulu’s whirling constellation of lights. Amenities include three restaurants, a beachfront nightclub, and two swimming pools. In addition, the hotel is within walking distance of worldclass shopping and ideally located for water sports and sightseeing.
Included in your stop are all transfers, a lei greeting, and breakfast daily. Services of local hosts are also available to provide you with information and to assist with arranging sightseeing.

Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)