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Worldwide Escorted Bus Tours & River Cruises
Great Adventure Down Under With Fiji Extension
When you think of a great vacation, what comes to mind? Cosmopolitan cities with sumptuous cuisine, fantastic shopping, lively nightlife, and intimate cafes? Or maybe you think of spectacular scenery and unique wildlife? Or maybe you want to learn about native cultures and historical events? If so, this trip to Fiji, Australia, and New Zealand is sure to be the perfect vacation for you!In Sydney, visit the Sydney Opera House and explore the cobblestone streets of the Rocks, the harborside area where the first convicts settled. In Melbourne, shop til you drop at its many boutiques and visit one of Australia’s leading opal companies. Enjoy the charming villages and sample wine in the Barossa Valley outside Adelaide. In Christchurch, enjoy a tram ride through the city center, and in Queenstown, enjoy the many activities offered in this “Adventure Capital of the World.” Nadi, in Fiji, offers interesting shopping and international cuisine.If you’re interested in spectacular scenery, you’ll be thrilled with the magnificent sights offered throughout this tour. You’ve seen photos of the Great Barrier Reef—now’s your chance to snorkel in it. You’ve seen photos of Uluru (Ayers Rock)—now’s your chance to walk around it. You’ve heard of Australia’s Ghan Train, traveling through the very center of Australia—now’s your chance to ride it. You’ve heard of the famous Tasmanian Devil—now’s your chance to see one.On this tour, you’ll also learn about the native cultures and way of life. See aboriginal rock petroglyphs in Kakadu National Park; enjoy a Maori concert in New Zealand; and learn how education and medical services are provided to those living in the remote regions of the Outback. From the cosmopolitan cities to the remote regions, whatever you desire, this vacation is sure to delight—it’s a vacation of a lifetime!No one brings the world’s stories to life like we do. What story will you discover next?
Highlights:
Itinerary:
| Day #1 |
Arrive in Nadi, Fiji. Welcome to Fiji! Upon arrival, transfer to the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa. The rest of the day is at your leisure. |
| Day #2 |
Nadi. This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the island. Visit VISEISEI VILLAGE, where the Fijian people first landed centuries ago, and the GARDEN OF THE SLEEPING GIANT to see a stunning private collection of tropical orchids. Then, stop at the VUDA LOOKOUT, a tropical fruit farm perched on a cliff where you will sample fruit and juice from the orchard. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. (B) |
| Day #3 |
Nadi. A full day at your leisure. Your Local Host will have suggestions for optional activities. (B) |
| Day #4 |
Nadi–Brisbane–Sunshine Coast, Australia. G’day and welcome to Australia! Upon arrival, take an 80-mile drive through forests and past the picturesque Glass House Mountains before arriving at the Sunshine Coast. The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to relax at your resort hotel. This evening your Tour Director hosts a special welcome dinner. (B,D) |
| Day #5 |
Sunshine Coast. Excursion to Australia Zoo. Come face-to-face with many of Australia’s native animals at the AUSTRALIA ZOO. You’ll see a crocodile demonstration and witness the feeding of the koalas. (B) |
| Day #6 |
Sunshine Coast–Brisbane–Cairns. Enjoy an orientation drive through Brisbane before your flight to Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Dinner is at your hotel. (B,D) |
| Day #7 |
Cairns. 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. This afternoon you may wish to upgrade to a full-day excursion on the Outer Barrier Reef. In the evening, consider a unique experience at the famous Flames of the Forest, where you enjoy tropical dining in an actual rainforest and authentic Aboriginal culture through storytelling and music (operates seasonally). Or you can enjoy a sunset cruise followed by a delicious dinner at a waterfront restaurant. (B) |
| Day #8 |
Cairns–Darwin. Morning at leisure in this tropical paradise. Perhaps join our optional trip to Kuranda via the old scenic rail route. See magnificent scenery, lush rainforests, and twisting waterfalls from the comfort of a restored, historic mountain train. For the return journey you may choose to take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Or, take a tour to Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park—a fascinating portrayal of Aboriginal culture, dance, and folklore. Then, fly to the top end of Australia to Darwin, famous for its strategic importance during WWII. (B) |
| Day #9 |
Darwin–Kakadu National Park. Today, see giant termite nests on the way to KAKADU NATIONAL PARK. Explore parts of nearly 7,300 square miles of unspoiled waterways with a rich heritage of Aboriginal culture and stop at the Bowali Visitor Centre to learn about Kakadu’s habitats. CRUISE waterways where you may view crocodiles, and walk ancient trails to see Aboriginal rock petroglyphs. An optional light-aircraft flight over the park should not be missed. Dinner tonight is at your hotel. (B,D) Note: During the wet season (December through April) it can be difficult to see crocodiles in the wild. |
| Day #10 |
Kakadu National Park–Darwin. Depart your hotel this morning and stop at WINDOWS ON THE WETLANDS VISITOR CENTRE, an interactive display of Kakadu fauna. Return to Darwin for sightseeing. See the elegant colonial architecture of the city’s historic buildings that survived Cyclone Tracy in 1974. Visit the splendid BOTANIC GARDENS and beautiful East Point, an area rich in WWII memorabilia. Also visit the ART GALLERY to view fine collections of Aboriginal art. (B) |
| Day #11 |
Darwin–Alice Springs–Ayers Rock. During a brief stop in Alice Springs, enjoy a visit to the SCHOOL OF AIR to learn how education services are provided to children living in the vast Outback. Then, visit the OLD TELEGRAPH STATION to discover how the locals live in this remote area and to learn the history of how the early settlers developed communication. On to Anzac Hill, a tribute to Australia’s and New Zealand’s war heroes. Afterward, fly to Ayers Rock. Travel to a popular lookout to enjoy views of the magnificent Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), a geological splendor of some 30 brilliant monoliths. There is time to take photos before returning for a TOUR around the base of Uluru (Ayers Rock) and to “Sunset Strip” for a drink, canapés, and to witness the changing colors of the rock. (B) |
| Day #12 |
Ayers Rock–Alice Springs. For an unforgettable experience, rise early for an optional camel ride to watch the sunrise at Uluru. Then, fly to Alice Springs and visit the ROYAL FLYING DOCTOR SERVICE to appreciate how medical service is provided to those in remote regions. The afternoon is at leisure. You may want to visit the Desert Park to learn more about the flora and fauna of the Australian desert. Tonight, enjoy a unique Aussie experience—an OUTBACK BARBECUE that features a meal of typical campfire fare, fascinating tales of the Outback, and Aboriginal folklore. (B,D) |
| Day #13 |
Alice Springs–Ghan Train. This morning, enjoy free time to relax. Later, a highlight of your vacation begins as you board the GHAN TRAIN for an overnight journey that offers a fascinating perspective of the Outback. (B,L,D) |
| Day #14 |
Ghan Train–Adelaide. Arrive in Adelaide for a city tour along the wide tree-lined streets and well-manicured gardens. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. (B) |
| Day #15 |
Adelaide. The day is at leisure. You may choose a full-day trip to Kangaroo Island, one of the world’s last unspoiled habitats. (B) |
| Day #16 |
Adelaide–Barossa Valley–Melbourne. Today, drive to the BAROSSA VALLEY with its Bavarian villages, baroque Italianate chateaux, and stunning vineyard scenery. Breathe in the beauty of the Adelaide Hills in the leafy greenness of the quaint yet charming villages. Enjoy a sumptuous lunch and sample some of Australia’s premium wines at a LOCAL WINERY. Later this afternoon, fly to Melbourne, Australia’s second-largest city. (B,L) |
| Day #17 |
Melbourne. Today’s tour includes landmarks such as Parliament House and the Shrine of Remembrance, a tribute to Australia’s war heroes. Visit beautiful FITZROY GARDENS and then drive past the lush Royal Botanical Gardens. You’ll soon discover the differing architectural influences of this city as you see the Victorian Arts Centre and other buildings of significance. For a unique dining experience, join an optional outing on board a historic tramcar restaurant as it winds its way through the streets of Melbourne. Later this afternoon, drive to Phillip Island to see a PENGUIN PARADE from an exclusive viewing platform. (B,D) |
| Day #18 |
Melbourne–Hobart. Fly to Hobart, Tasmania, home of the famed Tasmanian Devil. (B) |
| Day #19 |
Hobart. Excursion to Port Arthur. Today’s tour of the scenic Tasman Peninsula features the blowhole, the Devil’s Kitchen, and the Tasman Arch coastal formations. Visit PORT ARTHUR, where the first convicts arrived in the 1830s. A guided tour of the Penal Settlement shows you the ruins of the 4-story penitentiary and the model prison—grim reminders of Australia’s days as a penal colony. Also included is a short stop at a nearby WILDLIFE SANCTUARY to see the famous Tasmanian Devil, a rare marsupial wolf. (B) |
| Day #20 |
Hobart–Sydney. Today, fly to Sydney, the largest city in Australia. The afternoon is at leisure for you to discover this exciting and beautiful city on your own. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for optional activities. (B) |
| Day #21 |
Sydney. Today, explore one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Travel to Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair in the city’s BOTANICAL GARDENS for a great photo opportunity of the harbor, Opera House, and Harbour Bridge. Then, take a guided tour of the SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by a visit to one of the country’s leading OPAL COMPANIES to discover how the beautiful gems are mined. You will also take a CRUISE on Sydney Harbour that highlights this bustling waterway and will tour the world-famous BONDI SURF BATHERS’ LIFE SAVING CLUB and enjoy a lifesaving demonstration! Along the way you will also see some of the city’s original suburbs and the historic Rocks area, home to Sydney’s original convicts. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B) |
| Day #22 |
Sydney. Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps join our optional excursions to the Blue Mountains or to Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s leading wine-growing regions. You can even climb to the top of Sydney’s Harbour Bridge! Your Tour Director will help you make the most of this exciting city. Tonight, enjoy a special dinner at a waterfront restaurant with fantastic views of the highlights of Sydney. (B,D) |
| Day #23 |
Sydney–Christchurch, New Zealand. Today, fly across the Tasman Sea to Christchurch, New Zealand. (B,D) |
| Day #24 |
Christchurch. Sightseeing starts with a drive up the winding Summit Road for views of Lyttelton Harbor, then past Christchurch’s old stone buildings, the charming Avon River, and acres of green parks. The remainder of the day is free to explore this beautiful English “Garden City.” (B) |
| Day #25 |
Christchurch–Mount Cook. Today, journey through the alpine scenery of MOUNT COOK NATIONAL PARK, named after the highest peak in New Zealand. Stop at the SIR EDMUND HILLARY ALPINE CENTER for a unique insight into the history and culture of this region. Weather permitting, don’t miss the chance to take an optional ski-plane flight that actually lands on the 18-mile-long Tasman Glacier. It’s an unforgettable experience! Dinner tonight is at your hotel. (B,D) |
| Day #26 |
Mount Cook–Queenstown. Today, enjoy fantastic views as you journey through the snowcapped peaks, waterfalls, and rugged mountain scenery of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Later, arrive in Queenstown, nicknamed the “Adventure Capital of the World.” (B) |
| Day #27 |
Queenstown. 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) |
| Day #28 |
Queenstown. A full day at leisure for your own discoveries. 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. This evening, enjoy breathtaking scenery in every direction as you CRUISE Lake Wakatipu on board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw. On arrival at Walter Peak you will be served dinner at Colonel’s Homestead. (B,D) |
| Day #29 |
Queenstown–Rotorua. A short flight brings you to Rotorua, the center of the Maori culture in the heart of New Zealand’s geothermal wonderland. Upon arrival, visit TE PUIA, Rotorua’s most prominent thermal area with New Zealand’s largest geyser, boiling mud pools, and silica terraces. Enjoy a traditional HANGI DINNER this evening, followed by an authentic MAORI CONCERT. (B,D) |
| Day #30 |
Rotorua. A morning visit to the AGRODOME to learn more about one of the country’s major industries—sheep! See varieties of sheep breeds on stage and watch the art of sheep shearing, a sheepdog demonstration, and an exciting sheep auction. Then, on to RAINBOW SPRINGS to view native bush and wildlife, including a walk through the Kiwi enclosure. The afternoon and evening are at your leisure. You may wish to board a floatplane for flightseeing of this beautiful area, join a New Zealand family for dinner in their home, or indulge yourself in the relaxing hot springs, sumptuous spa treatments, and massage therapies at the Polynesian Spa. (B) |
| Day #31 |
Rotorua–Waitomo–Auckland. This morning, travel north through Waikato to the famous WAITOMO GLOWWORM CAVES. Experience a guided tour through the limestone chambers and caverns. Enjoy a silent boat trip through Glowworm Grotto as you glide quietly beneath the lights of thousands of glowworms suspended from the cave ceiling. Later, arrive in the “City of Sails,” situated on an isthmus between two magnificent harbors. During your sightseeing, ascend Mount Eden for magnificent views of the city and Ragitoto Island, the volcanic cone that dominates the inner harbor. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner. (B,D) |
| Day #32 |
Auckland. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B) |
Hotels:
Sunshine Coast Novotel Twin Waters (SF), Cairns Rydges Esplanade Resort (F), Darwin Crowne Plaza (SF), Kakadu N.P. Holiday Inn Gagudju Crocodile (F), Ayers Rock Desert Gardens Hotel (F), Alice Springs Lasseters Hotel (F), Great Southern Railway The Ghan train, Adelaide Majestic Roof Garden Hotel (F), Melbourne The Swanston Hotel, Grand Mercure (MF), Hobart Wrest Point Hotel (SF), Sydney The Menzies Sydney (SF), Christchurch Rydges Christchurch (SF), Mount Cook The Hermitage (MF), Queenstown Rydges Lakeland Resort (F), Rotorua Novotel Rotorua Lakeside (SF), Auckland Skycity Hotel (SF); Fiji Extension Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa (SF)
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Pricing Options:
| Depart US | Land-Only |
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| 11/18/2010 | $8,649.00 | | 12/02/2010 | $8,649.00 | | 01/13/2011 | $7,189.00 | | 02/03/2011 | $7,189.00 | | 02/24/2011 | $7,189.00 | | 03/10/2011 | $7,189.00 | | 03/24/2011 | $7,189.00 | | 04/07/2011 | $7,189.00 | | 04/21/2011 | $7,189.00 | | 09/22/2011 | $7,289.00 | | 10/06/2011 | $7,289.00 | | 10/20/2011 | $7,289.00 | | 11/03/2011 | $7,239.00 | | 12/01/2011 | $7,239.00 | | 01/12/2012 | $7,809.00 | | 02/02/2012 | $7,809.00 | | 02/16/2012 | $7,809.00 | | 03/01/2012 | $7,809.00 | | 03/15/2012 | $7,809.00 |
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©2005 Flamingo Travel Group
All Rights Reserved
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