Sit back, relax and enjoy dinner and your personal seatback entertainment center on your overnight flight to the fabled land Down Under.

July 19 - Monday

Today will be "lost" as we cross the International Dateline, but "no worries." We will regain it on our homeward journey.

Welcome to Australia! Upon arrival, we will be transferred to our hotel for immediate check in. The day is yours to explore Melbourne. The city is known as one of the cultural, culinary, sporting and shopping capitals of Australia. You may choose to stroll through Queen Victoria Market where local stall holders compete for your attention to their marvelous produce, baked goods, and handicrafts. Join our group for a special Welcome Dinner, a unique dining experience aboard the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. Enjoy fine cuisine and beverages as we travel the scenic streets of Melbourne. (D)

Melbourne / Philip Island

Enjoy a leisurely morning. Many options await; a stroll through the streets and quaint laneways of Melbourne's central business district, an excursion through the gorgeous Royal Botanical Gardens, or treat yourself to a hot air balloon flight. This afternoon enjoy a relaxing drive out of the city, stopping first at the Nobbies Centre where we will explore and view the incredible southern marine environment and sealife. Enjoy the spectacular coastal scenery, viewing the offshore seal colony A stop at Churchill Island follows, with a stroll through historic buildings and a working farm. Then it's on to the Koala Conservation Centre, your first chance to meet these darling marsupials face-to-face. At sunset, we'll arrive at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade, and view this remarkable daily ritual from our special area. Hundreds of the comical little penguins leave the ocean and cross the sand at dusk to spend the night in their seaside burrows. Before returning to Melbourne, we'll experience traditional fish and chips at the Hotel Restaurant in Cowes, the "capital" of Phillip Island. (B, D)

After breakfast we depart for our tour of The Great Ocean Road. Absorb the beauty of the southern coastline along this world class scenic highway. Sit back, relax, and enjoy views of sweeping beaches, sleepy coastal resorts and spectacular cliffs along the winding highway. We will make frequent stops as we pass through the quaint villages along our drive. Enjoy shopping or lunch during our stop in Lorne. This afternoon we'll continue with more breathtaking sights in Otway National Park: the tall wet forests, ancient rainforests, and studded with some of Victoria’s most striking waterfalls. Next, we stop at Port Campbell National Park, home of the world-recognized 12 Apostles. The forces of nature gradually eroded the softer limestone, forming caves in the cliffs. When they collapsed, tall rock islands were left isolated from the shore. Stretch your legs and explore this rugged limestone coast line, or treat yourself to a view by helicopter before our return drive to Melbourne. (B)

Following breakfast at our hotel, we'll depart for our flight to Adelaide. Upon arrival, our private Adelaide city sights tour awaits. Included are the highlights of Adelaide, with a stop at Haigh's Chocolate Factory to sample some of their delicious creations! (B)

Adelaide / Barossa Valley

Today, enjoy a full day Barossa Valley Wineries tour. By private coach, we will travel through the picturesque Torrens Gorge to the most important wine producing area in Australia. Enjoy the European flavor of this lovely area while tasting the meticulous wines reflecting the best of Barossa. We begin with wine tasting at Chateau Tanunda followed by an escorted tour of the winery and an expert led wine tasting at Seppelt Wines. Next, we will savor lunch and wine tasting at Jacobs Creek Visitor Centre – producing Australia’s largest wine brand. We'll finish our day with a leisurely stroll in the main street of scenic Hahndorf for sightseeing and shopping. (B, L)

Adelaide - Alice Springs

Adelaide to the rusty hues of the Red Centre, The Ghan is the ultimate journey through the heart of the continent. The enjoyment of fine food and wine combined with views across this vast, beautiful continent is an unrivalled experience. During dinner, your cabin (with private facilities) will be converted from a sitting room to overnight accommodations. (B, L, D) 

After breakfast and light lunch aboard the Ghan, we will arrive in Alice Springs. This afternoon we will enjoy an Alice Springs city tour. Our tour includes the unique School of the Air, which provided education and social contact for children on remote outback stations before the revolution of the internet. We will also visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the Telegraph Station, both implemented to reduce the isolation of the outback from the rest of the world. (B, L)

We continue our exploration of the Outback with our visit to Ayers Rock (Uluru). Upon arrival, we will rest and enjoy the facilities of the Ayers Rock Resort before departing for our signature Sounds of Silence Dinner. Start the evening with a brilliant outback sunset over the Olgas (Kata Tjuta) and the haunting sounds of the didgeridoo. Enjoy a selection of fine Australian beverages and canapés before our extensive dinner buffet of fresh native dishes, including barramundi, crocodile, kangaroo (and chicken!) prepared with outback herbs and spices. Following our wonderful dinner and dessert, the gas lanterns will be dimmed and we will experience the sounds of the great outback; gently rustling wind, the howls of dingoes in the distance or possibly just the "sounds of silence." This begins our introduction to the southern skies, highlighted by laser light and commentary by a professional astronomer; followed by individual viewings through the site telescope before being transferred back to our hotel. (B, D)

July 28 - Wednesday

Early this morning we will be collected by private coach for a Sunrise tour of Uluru. We will witness the slow progression of fantastic color on the rock as the sun rises. After the sunrise, we will return to the hotel for breakfast, and then begin our drive around the base of Ayers Rock. There is time to visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, where we will learn about the culture and Aboriginal law of the Anangu people. Our coach tour continues to Kata Tjuta where we enjoy a guided walk into Walpa Gorge. We will learn about the domes' formation, and the wildlife and plant life of the region. Keep an eye out for the ancient stone carvings on the floor of the gorge. After our tour we will relax on our flight to Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. (B)

After breakfast, choose your own included excursion for the day!

Great Barrier Reef - set sail aboard the award winning Ocean Spirit catamaran to the Great Barrier Reef. We will anchor at picturesque Michaelmas Cay where sandy beaches, colorful coral and marine life surround a protected seabird sanctuary. Equipment and instruction is provided for guided snorkeling or coral viewing tours, or enjoy an ecological presentation by a Marine Biologist. Morning and afternoon tea along with a freshly prepared lunch buffet will be provided. Enjoy live music while sailing homeward, sipping a glass of sparkling wine. (B, L)

Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation Tour – Travel north along the scenic coastal road, stopping first at Mossman Gorge, where our guide offers an informative interpretation of the Daintree, the oldest rainforest on earth. After crossing the Daintree River by cable ferry we will enter Cape Tribulation National Park to visit one of the specially constructed rainforest and mangrove boardwalks. Our lunch will be served at a private location set amidst the rainforest. Later, we stop at the Alexander Lookout with its fabulous views. We then join our waiting vessel on the northern bank of the river for a river cruise looking for salt water crocodiles, birds and other wildlife that inhabit the area. (B, L)

Cairns

Cairns - Sydney

Following our morning flight to Sydney and transfer to our hotel, you will have time to visit the Rocks Market just steps from our hotel. Browse the stalls for unique handcrafts and antiques, or visit the Opal Discovery Centre and enjoy their interactive introduction to opals. Learn more about opals with a multi media presentation and see a recreation of an opal mine. Then view the finished product in the showroom. After lunch on your own, join our private Sydney city tour including the Rocks historic district with its winding streets and sandstone buildings. Continuing our tour, we will see some of Sydney's many beautiful parks and gardens, the Harbor Bridge, and Sydney Opera House on our private tour. The evening is free to enjoy one of Sydney's landmark restaurants or attend a performance at the Opera House. Ask Lin for her favorite restaurant suggestions! (B)

Create your own adventure today! Climb the Harbour Bridge at sunrise, cruise alongside wild dolphins at Jervis Bay, take a seaplane flight over Sydney Harbour for a unique perspective, take a Sydney Harbour or ferry cruise, or visit Bondi Beach to rub elbows with Sydneysiders. These and many other options are available for this day on your own. (B)

Our full day tour to the Blue Mountains begins with a visit to Featherdale Wildlife Park for breakfast with a Koala! We will come face to face with unique Aussie animals, including kangaroos, wallabies, Tasmanian devils and many more. Our tour continues into the heart of the Blue Mountains, named for the blue haze produced by fine droplets of oil given off by the Eucalyptus trees, which is famous for its sheer cliffs, deep valleys, and colorful scenery. At Echo Point, witness the spectacular Three Sisters rock formation and magnificent views over the Jamison Valley. We'll visit Scenic World to enjoy the Skyway and Scenic Railway (own expense.) Our Farewell lunch will be at lovely Lillianfels, one of Australia's premier country resorts. Upon your return to Sydney, enjoy your last evening at leisure "Down Under." (B, L)

Transfer to the airport for our homebound flight arriving home this evening. (B)

• Airfare within Australia

• Airport transfers upon arrival in Australia. If you choose to secure your own flight arrangements, your flight times must match our group air schedule to qualify for the included airport transfers.

• All transportation and sightseeing as specified in the itinerary

• 14 breakfasts (B), 5 lunches (L), 4 dinners (D) as specified

• Portage of one bag per person

• International airfare – discount group rates will be available

• Applicable air taxes

• Airline baggage fees

• Travel insurance which is highly recommended

• Gratuities to drivers and guides

• Items of a personal nature such as liquor, telephone calls, etc.

• Any other services or meals not specified in the daily itinerary