Grand Circle Travel - GRAND CIRCLE TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE Australia & New Zealand 2021
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GRAND CIRCLE TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE
Australia & New Zealand
2021
Learn how to personalize your experience on this vacation
®
Grand Circle Travel
Worldwide Discovery at an Extraordinary Value
1
Grand Circle Travel ®
347 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02210
Dear Traveler,
While we may not be physically able to travel at the moment, the act of planning—or even just
dreaming—always gives my spirits a boost.
At Grand Circle, we’re already planning for the day when we can resume our travels. We’re working
closely with our Program Directors and regional offices around the world to implement a number
of measures to give you greater peace of mind—because your health and safety is our top priority.
Inside, you’ll learn more about the NEW specific precautions we are taking.
I hope this Grand Circle Travel Planning Guide inspires you to join us on our Australia & New
Zealand vacation, to go beyond the iconic sites and into the true heart of Australia and New
Zealand thanks to our groups of no more than 42 travelers (with an average of 30). Plus, our
Australian or New Zealand Program Director will reveal their country’s hidden wonders and help
us discover its essence like only an insider can. And our local regional office in Sydney is staffed
with an experienced team of associates ready to help in case any unexpected circumstances arise.
Throughout our explorations, we’ll meet local people to get an intimate glimpse into the real
Australia and New Zealand, not just a surface view. Discover life on a working sheep farm in
Queenstown where you’ll see sheepdogs run through their paces and watch a live sheep-shearing
demonstration. You’ll also learn about Aboriginal traditions during a conversation with a local
expert who will share the beliefs and contemporary challenges of the continent’s First Peoples.
Plus, a portion of our proceeds goes toward the charitable efforts of Grand Circle Foundation—see
inside for more details on how your travel dollar helps make the world a better place.
We understand that no two people are the same. That’s why more than 80% of our travelers take
advantage of the freedom to personalize their experience. Join the 84% of travelers who extend
their time abroad. Add the pre-trip extension to Australia: Melbourne, Alice Springs & Uluru, post-trip
extension to New Zealand: Te Anau, Arrowtown & Queenstown, or both of these extensions to your
Australia and New Zealand vacation.
I hope you find this Grand Circle Travel Planning Guide helpful. If you have any further questions,
don’t hesitate to contact one of our Travel Counselors at 1-800-221-2610.
Warm regards,
Harriet R. Lewis
Vice Chairman
Overseas Adventure Travel
2
WHAT’S INSIDE
TRIP SUMMARY
Health & Safety Measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
It’s Included . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Departure Dates and Prices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Freedom to Personalize Your Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
DETAILED DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Travel Documents & Entry Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Rigors, Vaccines & General Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Money Matters: Local Currency & Tipping Guidelines . . . . . . . 39
Air, Optional Tours & Staying in Touch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Packing: What to Bring & Luggage Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Climate & Average Temperatures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
About Your Destinations: Culture, Etiquette & More . . . . . . . . 59
Demographics & History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Resources: Suggested Reading & Movies . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
MAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83
3
What to Expect When
We Travel Again
Health and safety measures on our vacations
The health and safety of our travelers is always our #1 priority and we understand travelers are concerned about
traveling abroad in light of the unprecedented crisis we are currently facing. For that reason, we wanted to share
with you the specific measures we are taking on our Grand Circle vacations to support social distancing and give
our travelers greater peace of mind when we begin to travel again. We are working with our 36 regional offices
and more than 2,500 regional associates and Program Directors around the world, as well as listening to
feedback from our travelers to create and update these new health and safety protocols. We will be addressing
each of our trips and making specific updates to each itinerary to ensure the safety of our travelers.
TRAVELER SCREENING PROCESS & SAFETY FACE COVERINGS & HAND SANITIZER
MEASURES PRIOR TO ARRIVAL IN FIRST • N95 face masks (or the equivalent in the country), gloves,
DESTINATION ON ADVENTURE and hand sanitizer will be provided to all travelers
• Your Program Director will contact you approximately 3 throughout the trip, however travelers can bring
weeks prior to departure to introduce himself or herself their own preferred face covering and hand sanitizer
and provide you with specific information regarding from home.
updated safety and health measures and protocols you
can expect on your trip.
WHISPERS HEADSETS
• Whispers will be provided for all included features and
• The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has activities to support social distancing—and remain with
updated its security screening procedures, including each traveler for the entire trip.
increasing the distance between travelers as they enter
security check points, requiring travelers to return to the • Whispers will be thoroughly sanitized before the trip
area outside of security if prohibited items are found, and begins and alcohol wipes will be provided for personal
having travelers scan their own boarding passes. daily sanitizing.
• Many airlines and airports have specific safety INCLUDED FEATURES & ACTIVITIES
procedures they are following, so travelers are • All included features and activities to popular locations
encouraged to check with their airline prior to their or sites will be rearranged to avoid large crowds—this
adventure and arrive at the airport early as these may mean that we will arrive early or visit the location
updated protocols will add more time to check in and later in the day.
security check points.
• Travelers will be broken into smaller groups as needed
TRAVELER SCREENING UPON ARRIVAL AT for Home-Hosted meals to support social distancing.
FIRST DESTINATION ON ADVENTURE
• Our local regional offices have carefully selected
• All travelers will have their temperature checked at the
included features and activities with a focus on the
airport by a Grand Circle representative or Program
safety of our travelers, however all included features and
Director using a non-contact infrared temperature
activities are optional, so travelers can choose whether
scanner before transferring to the first accommodation
to participate in an activity or explore on their own.
or lodging on their adventure.
4
• Our Program Directors will offer alternate options if a • All trips will feature smaller restaurants to support
traveler chooses not to participate in an included feature. social distancing and whenever possible, our small group
will be the only diners present during the meal.
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION & COACHES
• All local transportation and coaches will operate at • To promote social distancing when dining in local
approximately half the vehicle’s capacity. restaurants, our group may be separated into smaller
groups and each dine in a different restaurant.
• All coaches will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized
with disinfectant before each use. • Items usually shared, like bread and butter or salt and
pepper, will be served to each person individually
• The driver will have his or her temperature upon request.
checked daily.
SCREENING PROCESS & SAFETY MEASURES
ACCOMMODATIONS & LODGING FOR PROGRAM DIRECTORS
• Our local regional offices have carefully selected your • Health screenings of Program Directors, including a
accommodations by city or town on our trips because of COVID-19 test, will be completed before joining the trip.
their high standards for quality.
• All Program Directors will be trained on health and
• In some instances, we have changed accommodations safety protocols to follow during the trip.
or lodgings to better ensure the health and safety of
our travelers. We will continue to make updates to our • All Program Directors will check his or her
accommodations and lodgings as needed to ensure the temperature daily.
highest quality of service and safety for our travelers.
• Your Program Director will be available to you 24/7, with
• Our local regional offices will contact each the support of our local regional office.
accommodation or lodging prior to our small group’s
arrival to ensure enhanced safety and health protocols • Your Program Director will be prepared to make
for cleaning and sanitization of rooms, public areas, and adjustments to the itinerary as needed during the
elevators have been properly followed. adventure.
• Your Program Director will contact you shortly after We will do all we can to ensure our travelers’ safety and
check in to ensure you are comfortable with the health while on our vacations, but we need your help.
cleanliness and sanitization of your room. We expect travelers to follow best health and hygiene
practices to prevent the spread of illness as well—from
• The staff at all of our accommodations and lodgings washing your hands regularly, covering your mouth when
will have 24/7 access to a doctor or medical staff, should coughing or sneezing, and following social distancing
medical assistance be needed. guidelines. By working together, we can create a safer
travel experience for everyone.
LOCAL RESTAURANTS
• Whenever possible, meals in restaurants will be
individually plated and served.
• Buffet breakfasts will still be available and the dining
staff will follow best health and hygiene practices to
ensure food safety and prevent the spread of illness.
Learn about all of the safety measures we are implementing on our vacations at
www.gct.com/health-safety-guidelines
5
Australia & New Zealand
Australia: Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Sydney | New Zealand: Te Anau, Arrowtown, Queenstown,
Rotorua, Auckland
Countries: 2 | Cities: 6
Milford Sound, New Zealand
IT’S INCLUDED
19 days from $5195 • Choose to purchase Grand Circle’s airfare, and your airport transfers,
Including international airfare government taxes, fees, and airline fuel surcharges are included. Or, make
from Los Angeles your own air arrangements
Travel from only $274 per day • All flights within the South Pacific
• Accommodations for 16 nights
17 days from $3595 • 31 meals: 16 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 9 dinners (including 1 Home-
Tour only Hosted Dinner)
Travel from only $212 per day • 12 guided tours and 5 exclusive Discovery Series events: Aboriginals
Today conversation • Returned Services League dinner • Opal discussion •
Single Supplement: FREE Ohinemutu community visit • Home-Hosted Dinner
• Gratuities on your main trip for local guides and motorcoach drivers
• Personal headset for all included and optional tours on your main trip
MAXIMIZE YOUR
DISCOVERIES & VALUE • Exclusive services of a local Grand Circle Program Director (assigned to no
more than 42 travelers)
OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS • Baggage handling for 1 piece of luggage per person, including tips
all with FREE Single Supplements • 5% Frequent Traveler Credit toward your next trip
Melbourne & the Outback
5 nights pre-trip from $1995
Fiji To get a richer view of the Included Features on this trip,
4 nights post-trip from $1595 watch our Trip Itinerary video at www.gct.com/anz2021
Australia & New Zealand
6
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND FREEDOM TO PERSONALIZE YOUR EXPERIENCE
2021 DATES & PRICES From spending more time abroad or adding extensions, to
choosing your air preferences, our Travel Counselors are here
to discuss your personalization options at 1-800-221-2610.
Visit www.gct.com/personalize-anz2021 for details.
JANUARY;
MAY; FEBRUARY-
DEPART FROM: AUGUST APRIL JUNE SEP 3, 10 SEP 24 OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER
Los Angeles $5395 $5745 $5195 $5495 $5895 $6095 $5995 $5945
Phoenix, San Diego,
$5695 $6045 $5495 $5795 $6195 $6395 $6295 $6245
San Francisco
Chicago, Dallas, Denver,
$5795 $6145 $5595 $5895 $6295 $6495 $6395 $6345
Houston, Portland, Seattle
Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston,
Detroit, Miami, Minneapolis,
New York, Newark, Orlando, $5895 $6245 $5695 $5995 $6395 $6595 $6495 $6445
Philadelphia, Tampa,
Washington, DC
Additional departure cities are available. Upgrade to Business Class may be available for the international portion of your flight. Call for details.
MAY;
FEBRUARY; MARCH- AUGUST;
JANUARY DECEMBER APRIL SEP 3, 10 JUNE SEP 24 OCTOBER NOVEMBER
Land tour only $3795 $4145 $4245 $3895 $3595 $4095 $4295 $4395
ANZ2021
CRITICAL AIR INFORMATION
Below, you’ll find the East and West Coast cities with the longest flight times. For more information on
average flight times based on your gateway city, visit www.gct.com/anz2021.
GATEWAY DEPART RETURN
Hours Typical Connection Hours Typical Connection
Boston (East Coast) 27 hrs 2 33 hrs 2
Los Angeles (West Coast) 19 hrs 1 18 hrs 1
Prices are per person. Airfare prices include government taxes, fees, and airline fuel surcharges. All prices and availability are effective as of the date of
this publication, and are subject to change without notice. Standard Terms & Conditions apply, please visit our website: www.gct.com/tc. Every effort
has been made to produce this information accurately. We reserve the right to correct errors.
For specific departure dates, current availability, and detailed pricing, visit www.gct.com/anz2021pricing
NEW: SAVE UP TO 10% FREE SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS
on your main trip and extensions. SHARE YOUR LOVE OF TRAVEL
WITH OUR GOOD BUY PLAN
New travelers you refer will instantly
The earlier you reserve your departure We don’t charge you more for your save $100, and you’ll earn increasing
and pay in full, the more you’ll save—up own room. rewards—up to a FREE trip!
to 10%—plus, you’ll lock in your price.
Each departure has limited solo space For details, visit www.gct.com/va
For details, visit www.gct.com/gbd available—call today.
Publication Date 6/10/20
1-800-221-2610 • www.gct.com/anz2021
7
Freedom to Personalize Your Experience
Your Choice, Your Trip, Your Way
Extending the length of your stay in a destination can improve your overall travel experience—and allow you to seek out even
more eye-opening cultural interactions. Your local Program Director will serve as your trip experience leader—helping to
ensure you’re getting the personalized experiences you’re looking for. In fact, 85% of our travelers are personalizing their
experience in more than 85 countries.
Call us at 1-800-221-2610 to discuss personalizing your vacation today or visit us online at www.gct.com/
personalize-anz2021.
Maximize Your Time & Value: 55% of our travelers Back-to-Back Trips: 90% of our travelers who
choose to take a pre- or post-trip extension combined two vacations rated it excellent
See more of the world and maximize your value by Discover even more of the world and save $250 per person
taking advantage of your already-included airfare. On when you reserve two trips right after one another.
this vacation, you can choose between Melbourne & the
Outback and Fiji. Air Options: More than 50% of our travelers
customize their flights
“Break Away” Options: 30% of our travelers choose We make every effort to provide you with non-stop
to arrive early or stay late in their destination flights and acceptable connection times to and from
Before or after your main tour or trip extension, “break your destination. You also have several other ways you can
away” anywhere you’d like to go to do more exploring personalize your air itinerary, including choosing your
entirely on your own. departure city and airline, upgrading your seat, and more.
Please note: Our Program Directors can help you plan your
airfare if you’d like to “break away,” however since this option
is completely on your own, you will need to plan your own
accommodations, meals, tours, and transfers.
Kangaroo, Outback, Australia
Australia & New Zealand
8
Australia & New Zealand
2021
19-Day Land Tour
EXTEND YOUR TRIP
PRE-TRIP
Melbourne & the Outback
POST-TRIP
Fiji
Your Day-to-Day Itinerary
9
GRAND CIRCLE TRAVEL
Grand Circle Travel, founded in 1958 to serve the American Association for Retired Persons (AARP), is
the leader in international travel and discovery for Americans over age 50. Grand Circle vacations have
been recommended by The New York Times, Conde Nast Traveler, The Los Angeles Times, Travel + Leisure,
The Wall Street Journal, Arthur Frommer’s Budget Travel, and others. But our most impressive reviews
come from our travelers. More than two million people have traveled with us, and the overwhelming
majority say they’d gladly do so again.
LAND TOUR
During your Grand Circle vacation, you’ll have reliable assistance available at all times from an on-site
ORFDO*UDQG&LUFOH7UDYHO3URJUDP'LUHFWRUWKURXJKRXW\RXUWULS+HRUVKHLVͬXHQWLQ(QJOLVKDQGFDQ
give you an inside perspective on your destinations. You will also be supported along the way by local
tour guides, who lead you expertly through particular sites and cities.
Many Program Directors are graduates of professional education programs for travel guides. In
addition, they receive specialized training directly from Grand Circle, based on what we’ve learned
from past travelers about how to make the trip most enjoyable. Your Program Director offers both
a deep knowledge of the region and a commitment to make this a very pleasant, informative, and
rewarding travel experience for you.
He or she will provide sightseeing trips, handle all travel details, reserve optional tours you choose to
take, oversee your Discovery Series events, and provide any other assistance you may need.
INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE
» Choose to purchase Grand Circle’s airfare, » Gratuities on your main trip for local guides
and your airport transfers, government and motorcoach drivers
taxes, fees, and airline fuel surcharges » Personal headset for all included and
are included. Or, make your own air optional tours on your main trip
arrangements
» ([FOXVLYHVHUYLFHVRIDORFDOGrand Circle
» $OOͬLJKWVZLWKLQWKH6RXWK3DFLͫF Program Director (assigned to no more
» Accommodations for 16 nights than 42 travelers)
» 31 meals: 16 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 9 » Baggage handling for 1 piece of luggage per
dinners (including 1 Home-Hosted Dinner) person, including tips
» 12 guided tours and 5 exclusive Discovery » 5% Frequent Traveler Credit toward
Series events: Aboriginals Today your next trip
conversation • Returned Services League
dinner • Opal discussion • Ohinemutu
community visit • Home-Hosted Dinner
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610
10WHAT THIS TRIP IS LIKE
GROUP SIZE
» A maximum of 42 travelers, led by a local
Grand Circle Program Director
PACING
» 6 locations in 17 days
» LQWHUQDOͬLJKWVRIKRXUVHDFK
» Air travel time will be 19-27 hours and will
most likely have two connections
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
» Walk 1-2 miles unassisted and participate
in 4-5 hours of physical activities daily,
including stairs
» Balance and agility are required to board
watercraft. Not accessible for travelers
using wheelchairs or scooters
» Travelers using walkers, crutches, or other
mobility aids must travel with a companion
who can assist them
» We reserve the right for Program Directors
to restrict participation, or in some
circumstances send travelers home, if their
limitations impact the group’s experience
TERRAIN & TRANSPORTATION
» Uneven walking surfaces, including
unpaved paths, hills, stairs, and
cobblestones
» Travel by 45-seat motorcoach, 36-seat
boat, high-speed catamaran, gondola,
water taxi, steamship, jet-boat, 280-seat
boat, and sailboat
CLIMATE
» Daytime temperatures range from 60-88°F
during touring season
» December through March are the
warmest months
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610
11Australia & New Zealand 2021 Discover a region of true natural and cultural diversity on our Australia & New Zealand tour. Join us on RXUFRPSUHKHQVLYHLWLQHUDU\WRH[SORUHLFRQLF6RXWK3DFLͫFORFDOHVOLNH$XVWUDOLD̞V*UHDW%DUULHU5HHI FRVPRSROLWDQ6\GQH\DQG1HZ=HDODQG̞VP\VWLFDO0LOIRUG6RXQG
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1 Depart U.S. Day 4 Cairns • Hartley’s Crocodile
Adventures
Begin your international journey today. If you’d
OLNHWREUHDNXS\RXUͬ\LQJWLPHFRQVLGHUDQ • Destination: Cairns
optional overnight stay in Los Angeles. Ask your • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel Counselor for details. • Accommodations: Doubletree by Hilton
Cairns or similar
Day 2 Cross International Date Line Breakfast: At the hotel.
Crossing the International Date Line Morning: Depart Port Douglas for Hartley’s
westbound, you lose a day as you travel Crocodile Adventures to visit Australia’s
to Australia (you’ll gain it back on your iconic wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos,
UHWXUQͬLJKW and crocodiles. You’ll even have a chance to
hand-feed the kangaroos.
Day 3 Arrive in Australia • Cairns Lunch: Included at the wildlife park.
• Destination: Cairns
Afternoon:(PEDUNRQDERDWULGHWKURXJK
• Accommodations: Doubletree by Hilton
Hartley’s Lagoon to witness saltwater
Cairns or similar
crocodiles in their natural habitat, followed
Morning: You’ll arrive this morning in Sydney by a behind-the-scenes tour of the park
or Brisbane, and a Grand Circle representative where you’ll get to know some of the park’s
ZLOODVVLVW\RXLQFRQQHFWLQJZLWK\RXUͬLJKW wildlife keepers.
to Cairns.
Dinner (QMR\D:HOFRPH'LQQHUDWDORFDO
Afternoon: Upon arrival at the airport in restaurant.
Cairns, another Grand Circle representative will
meet you and assist with the transfer to your Evening: You have the freedom to spend the
hotel, where you’ll meet your fellow travelers, rest of your evening as you wish—ask your
including those who took our 0HOERXUQH WKH Program Director for recommendations.
2XWEDFN pre-trip extension.
Evening: The balance of the day is at your
OHLVXUHWRUHOD[DIWHU\RXURYHUVHDVͬLJKWEHIRUH
beginning your $XVWUDOLD 1HZ=HDODQG tour
in earnest.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610
13Day 5 Cairns • Optional Hot-air Afternoon: Upon arrival at the outer reef, you’ll
Balloon Ride • • Optional Great Barrier have the opportunity to join an optional tour in
which you’ll take to the sky aboard a helicopter
Reef Helicopter Ride • Outer Great
IRUDVFHQLFͬLJKWDERYHWKHFRORUIXOFRUDO(QMR\
Barrier Reef tour
a bird’s eye view of the wide expanse of this
• Destination: Cairns natural oceanic wonder before returning to sea
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch level and joining your fellow travelers for an
• Accommodations: Doubletree by Hilton included tour.
Cairns or similar
At the outer reef, you can swim or snorkel,
Activity Note: Weather conditions may affect probe the lower depths in a semi-submersible
your marine life-viewing experience. On rare vessel, or behold the underwater world from
occasions, strong winds or severe weather may the lower deck of the stationary pontoon.
prevent your visit to the Outer Barrier Reef. A local reef expert will also be on hand to
Early Morning: You have the option to rise enlighten you about this unique ecosystem and
early for an optional sunrise balloon ride above enhance your experience on the reef. You’ll
the Atherton Tablelands. Float above a lush return to your hotel in the late afternoon.
tableau of rain forests, mountains, and lakes, Dinner: On your own—ask your Program
and watch the day break over the tropical Director for local restaurant recommendations.
landscape below.
Evening: You have the freedom to spend the
Breakfast: At your hotel. rest of your evening as you wish—ask your
Morning: Rejoin the rest of your fellow Program Director for recommendations.
travelers and board a high-speed catamaran
WRWKH*UHDW%DUULHU0DULQH3DUN̜D81(6&2 Day 6 Cairns • Optional Tjapukai, Skyrail
World Heritage Site and one of the Seven & Kuranda Village tour • Aboriginals
Natural Wonders of the World. Stretching 1,240 Today conversation • Returned Services
miles, the Great Barrier Reef comprises acres of League dinner
multicolored coral supporting an array of exotic
• Destination: Cairns
sea creatures.
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Your destination is a stationary pontoon-style • Accommodations: Doubletree by Hilton
observation post at the Outer Great Barrier Cairns or similar
Reef, a fantastic spot from which to explore
Breakfast: At your hotel.
this ecological wonderland. The Outer Barrier
Reef provides the best views because it is Morning: You have the choice to join us for an
further from the shore and free from the optional Tjapukai, Skyrail & Kuranda Village
runoff from the rain forests that can cloud the tour. At Tjapukai Aboriginal Culture Park, you’ll
water. Additionally the outer reef supports a watch Aboriginal people perform traditional
more diverse range of marine life than other dances and learn about their turbulent
locations. history in this region of Australia. Later,
let them dazzle you with their boomerang
Lunch: A buffet-style lunch is included on a
skills—perhaps you’ll even try your hand at
reef pontoon.
the boomerang yourself. Afterward, ride up the
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610
14EHDXWLIXO:KLWͫHOG5DQJHLQDVN\UDLOJRQGROD Evening: You have the freedom to spend the
to Kuranda, a quaint and picturesque village rest of your evening as you wish—ask your
QHVWOHGLQRQHRIWKH(DUWK̞VROGHVWUDLQIRUHVWV Program Director for recommendations.
Lunch: On your own—ask your Program
Director for local restaurant recommendations. Day 8 Sydney • Opera House
• Destination: Sydney
Afternoon: Returning to the hotel later,
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
you’ll have some time at leisure before an
• Accommodations: View Sydney or similar
exclusive Discovery Series conversation about
Aboriginals Today. A speaker with ties to the Breakfast: At your hotel.
local Aboriginal community will share with you
Morning: Get to know Australia’s oldest and
the beliefs and contemporary challenges of the
largest city on a guided tour. Begin by taking
continent’s First Peoples.
a seat in Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, a bench cut
Dinner:(QMR\DQexclusive Discovery Series into a sandstone rock formation, for panoramic
visit to the Cairns branch of the Returned views of Sydney’s harbor.
Services League, which supports veterans and
Then, continue on to the Opera House for a
present members of the armed forces. Here,
guided tour of this famous landmark. Opened
you’ll sit down for an included dinner.
LQ E\4XHHQ(OL]DEHWK,,WKH2SHUD+RXVH
Evening: You have the freedom to spend the is a now-classic example of architecture’s
rest of your evening as you wish—ask your innovative Postmodern movement—and its
Program Director for recommendations. design, engineering, and scope are modern
marvels. The building contains 1,000 rooms
Day 7 Cairns • Sydney DQGͫYHWKHDWHUV0RUHWKDQWZRPLOOLRQ
visitors each year are entertained by over 3,000
• Destination: Sydney
performances.
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
• Accommodations: View Sydney or similar Lunch: Depart for Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach
where lunch is included.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Afternoon:(QMR\IUHHWLPHVRDNLQJLQWKH
Morning: Transfer to the Cairns Airport for
sunshine on the beach.
\RXUͬLJKWWR6\GQH\
Dinner: Included at your hotel.
Lunch: On your own. You may opt to pick
something up at the Cairns Airport to enjoy Evening: You have the freedom to spend the
GXULQJ\RXUͬLJKW rest of your evening as you wish—ask your
Program Director for recommendations.
Afternoon: Arrive in Sydney in the late
afternoon.
Dinner: After departing the Sydney Airport,
you’ll head to a local restaurant before
transferring to your hotel.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610
15Day 9 Sydney • The Rocks • Sydney &DSWDLQ3KLOOLSSURFODLPHGWKLVWKHͫQHVW
Harbor Cruise • Opal conversation QDWXUDOKDUERURQ(DUWK \RX̞OONQRZZKDWKH
meant as you pass countless sheltered coves,
• Destination: Sydney
dotted with yachts and lined with elite homes.
• Included Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodations: View Sydney or similar Following your cruise, you’ll visit a Sydney
opal store, where you will participate in an
Breakfast: At your hotel.
exclusive Discovery Series conversation about
Morning: Start this morning by riding to the various types of opals in Australia and how
the historic “Rocks” area for a walking tour. they are produced. You’ll then enjoy a special
Overlooking Sydney’s beautiful harbor, glimpse at the world’s largest gem opal when
the delightful Rocks district of today the staff opens the safe to reveal the “Olympic
bears little resemblance to its scandalous Australis,” which weighs in at 17,000 carats.
incarnation circa 1788. That’s when colonial
Dinner: Dinner is on your own tonight—ask
H[SDWULDWHV̜SULPDULO\(QJOLVKFRQYLFWVDQG
your Program Director for local restaurant
their families—arrived on the scene and
recommendations.
established a lively settlement in this prime
location. For the next several decades, the Evening: You have the freedom to spend the
neighborhood’s picturesque location amidst rest of your evening as you wish—ask your
sandstone outcroppings (the “rocks” alluded to Program Director for recommendations.
in its nickname) belied its rough-and-tumble
reputation. Day 10 Sydney • Sydney Harbor & History
However, what was once a bawdy warren of optional tour
warehouses, taverns, and houses of ill repute is • Destination: Sydney
now one of Australia’s most charming enclaves, • Included Meals: Breakfast
ZLWKͫQHVKRSSLQJDQGVXSHUEUHVWDXUDQWV$V • Accommodations: View Sydney or similar
you explore the colorful, cobbled streets lined
Breakfast: At your hotel.
with bistros and boutiques, your Program
Director will regale you with tales of the Rocks’ Morning: Begin your day of free time in Sydney
illustrious history. by getting to know Australia’s largest and
oldest city better. Perhaps you’ll use the time
Lunch: On your own—ask your Program
to discover attractions in and around sprawling
Director local restaurant recommendations.
Hyde Park, including St. Mary’s Cathedral, the
Afternoon: Walk to Circular Quay, a hub of Great Synagogue, and the Australian Museum.
activity at the heart of Sydney’s waterfront.
Lunch/Afternoon: Following lunch on your
:LWQHVVWKHFRQVWDQWͬRZRIIHUULHVDQG
own, continue your independent explorations.
water taxis that transport commuters and
You could visit the world-renowned Taronga
day-trippers to their destinations all around
Zoo. Or simply relax at one of Sydney’s
the harbor.
waterfront cafes, and enjoy the view of the
Here, you’ll board a boat to set off on an sailboats dotting the harbor.
included Sydney Harbor cruise, spotlighting the
upper reaches of the beautiful Middle Harbor.
0RUHWKDQWZRFHQWXULHVDJR(XURSHDQVHWWOHU
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610
16Or, join us on our optional 6\GQH\+DUERU of the Fiordland region, Te Anau boasts a
History tour. We’ll depart Circular Quay for majestic backdrop of Mount Luxmore and the
the city’s North Head Quarantine Station on Murchison mountains, and is the closest town
a scenic ferry ride through world-famous to Milford Sound.
Sydney Harbor. Upon arrival at the station,
Get to know your surroundings with an
we’ll have a private guided tour and free time
orientation walk.
to learn more about the station’s turbulent
history. Starting as early as the 19th century, Dinner: Included at your hotel.
the station was used to quarantine migrants in
an effort to protect coastal cities from plague Evening: You have the freedom to spend the
epidemics, and has since been transformed rest of your evening as you wish—ask your
into a unique hotel using the original migrant Program Director for recommendations.
accommodations and staff quarters. Following
your tour, we’ll soak in panoramas of Sydney Day 12 Te Anau • Milford Sound cruise •
Harbor and sit down for an included dinner at Optional Jet-boat ride
the facility’s boiler room restaurant.
• Destination: Te Anau
Dinner: On your own—ask your Program • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Director for local restaurant recommendations. • Accommodations: Distinction Luxmore
For those who chose to participate in the Hotel Lake Te Anau or similar
optional tour, dinner is included at the station.
Breakfast: At your hotel.
Evening: You have the freedom to spend the
Morning: Start the day off on a cruise of
rest of your evening as you wish—ask your
Milford Sound, hailed by Rudyard Kipling as
Program Director for recommendations.
WKH̡(LJKWK:RQGHURIWKH:RUOG̢'HQVH
forests, shimmering Lake Te Anau, and a
Day 11 Sydney • Te Anau, New Zealand mountain pass known as the “Avenue of
• Destination: Te Anau Disappearing Mountains” mark your route.
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Marvel at towering cliffs and the stunning cone
of Mitre Peak. You’ll see thundering waterfalls,
• Accommodations: Distinction Luxmore
LPSUHVVLYHEHHFKIRUHVWVDQGXQLTXHͬRUD
Hotel Lake Te Anau or similar
and fauna as you cruise along Milford Sound’s
Breakfast: At your hotel. famed fjords.
Morning:'HSDUWIRUWKHDLUSRUWDQGͬ\WR Lunch: Included onboard your cruise of
Queenstown. Milford Sound.
Lunch: On your own at the airport or during Afternoon: Return to Te Anau, where the rest
\RXUͬLJKW of the day is at leisure. Or, join an optional
jet-boat tour on the Upper Waiau River. A
Afternoon: Upon arrival to Queenstown,
New Zealand invention, the jet-boat takes in
WUDQVIHUWR7H$QDX̜WKHͫUVWVWRSRQ\RXUWRXU
water and ejects it from the stern under great
of New Zealand. Located on the southwestern
pressure to create the propulsion. It needs very
corner of the South Island, Te Anau is a
little room to maneuver, making it capable of
small town nestled on the shores of Lake Te
handling twisting channels with ease (not to
Anau, the South Island’s largest lake. A part
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610
17mention impressive moves like 360-degree set—the deserted miners’ cottages, historic
spins). With a skilled jet-boat driver at the wooden buildings, and old-time shops appear
FRQWUROV\RX̞OOͬ\WKURXJKWKHULYHUWDNLQJ much as they did during the Gold Rush period.
in the wilderness of Fiordland National Park,
After your free time, you’ll visit a local winery,
and visiting a few of the locations used in the
sampling vintages and learning about the
ͫOPLQJRI7KH/RUGRIWKH5LQJV.
wine-making process in New Zealand. The
Dinner: Included at a local restaurant oldest existing vineyard here was established
in Te Anau. in 1851, although New Zealand has been
producing wine since colonial times. Most
Evening: You have the freedom to spend the
of the vineyards are located near the coast,
rest of your evening as you wish—ask your
where the temperate climate allows the grapes
Program Director for recommendations.
to ripen slowly—retaining their vibrant and
GLVWLQFWLYHͬDYRU
Day 13 Te Anau • Arrowtown • Winery
Dinner: Upon arrival at your hotel, dinner is
tour • Queenstown
included.
• Destination: Queenstown
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Evening: You have the freedom to spend the
• Accommodations: Rydges Lakeland Resort rest of your evening as you wish—ask your
or similar Program Director for recommendations.
Activity Note: Motorcoach transfer to
Arrowtown is approximately 2.5 hours long and
Day 14 Queenstown • Lake Wakatipu •
will include a brief comfort stop in Garston. Walter Peak Sheep Station
• Destination: Queenstown
Breakfast: At your hotel.
• Included Meals: Breakfast
Morning: Check out of the hotel and transfer to • Accommodations: Rydges Lakeland Resort
Arrowtown. Upon arrival, embark on a guided or similar
coach and walking tour.
Activity Note: An alternate vessel will be
Lunch: Included at a local restaurant after used on the June 4, 2021 departure, as the
your tour. TSS Earnslaw will be on annual survey during
this time.
Afternoon:(QMR\IUHHWLPH3HUKDSV\RX̞OO
explore the main street of Arrowtown, which Breakfast: At your hotel.
has been faithfully reconstructed with wooden
Morning: Transfer to Queenstown’s Wharf
buildings that evoke a bygone era. The town
(either by foot or by vehicle, depending on the
today contains some of the best shops in the
location of your hotel), where you’ll board the
country—selling popular products like jewelry,
TSS EarnslawDKLVWRULFVWHDPVKLSWKDWͫUVW
gold nuggets, jade, and woolen goods.
launched in 1912. Cruise across Lake Wakatipu
The population of Arrowtown grew to more to Walter Peak Sheep Station for a guided
than 7,000 during the Gold Rush, but has farm tour.
recently settled at around 2,000 residents.
Walking around the town, you may mistake
your surroundings for a Hollywood movie
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610
18Since Captain James Cook brought sheep to Morning: Transfer to the airport for your
New Zealand in 1773, sheep farming has grown ͬLJKWWR1HZ=HDODQG̞V1RUWK,VODQGZKLFKLV
to be a mainstay of the country’s economy. scheduled to depart late this morning.
Today, New Zealand (with ten sheep for every
Lunch: Coffee and a light snack will be served
person!) is the world’s foremost producer of
RQWKHͬLJKW)RUDPRUHVXEVWDQWLDOPHDO\RX
prized, strong wool. At Walter Peak, you’ll learn
may wish to purchase food at the airport to
about life on a Queenstown sheep farm, see
enjoy as you travel.
sheepdogs run through their paces and watch a
live sheep-shearing demonstration. To top off Afternoon: Arriving in Rotorua, a small city
\RXUYLVLW\RX̞OOHQMR\DWUDGLWLRQDO(QJOLVKWHD known for its Maori culture and natural thermal
pools, you’ll check into your hotel and enjoy
Lunch: On your own—ask your Program
some time to unwind.
Director for local restaurant recommendations
in Queenstown. Dinner: This evening, share a meal with a local
family during a Home-Hosted Dinner. Get a
Afternoon: You’ll cruise back to Queenstown
glimpse into Rotorua’s rich culture and their
and transfer to your hotel in the afternoon.
daily way of life during an exclusive Discovery
Spend the balance of your afternoon as you
Series event.
SOHDVH(YHQLI\RXDUHQRWLQFOLQHGWRVNL
boat, raft, bungee jump, hang glide, horseback Evening: You have the freedom to spend the
ride, or sky dive, you can have fun watching rest of your evening as you wish—ask your
these activities and appreciating the incredible Program Director for recommendations.
scenery all around you.
Dinner: On your own tonight—ask your Day 16 Rotorua • Ohinemutu community
Program Director for local restaurant visit • Optional Te Puia Dinner
suggestions. • Destination: Rotorua
Evening: You have the freedom to spend the • Included Meals: Breakfast
rest of your evening as you wish—ask your • Accommodations: Distinction Rotorua Hotel
Program Director for recommendations. or similar
Breakfast: At your hotel.
Day 15 Queenstown • Rotorua •
Morning: On today’s included tour, explore
Home-Hosted Dinner
the city of Rotorua with your Program Director,
• Destination: Rotorua and get to know this gem of New Zealand’s
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner North Island better. You’ll start by learning
• Accommodations: Distinction Rotorua Hotel more about the local Maori traditions during an
or similar exclusive Discovery Series event as you visit
the Maori village of Ohinemutu.
Activity Note: Certain December departures
will not include a Home-Hosted Dinner due to Then, explore a Maori Church, as well as a
regional holidays. hand-carved meetinghouse built on a marae, an
ancient ceremonial site.
Breakfast: At your hotel.
Lunch: On your own—ask your Program
Director for local restaurant recommendations.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610
19Afternoon: Free for your own discoveries—ask Evening: You have the freedom to spend the
your Program Director for recommendations. rest of your evening as you wish—ask your
Program Director for recommendations.
Dinner: On your own—ask your Program
Director for local restaurant recommendations.
Day 18 Auckland • Harbor cruise
Evening: You have the freedom to spend the
• Destination: Auckland
rest of your evening as you wish—ask your
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Program Director for recommendations.
• Accommodations: Rydges Auckland Hotel
Or, you can choose to join an optional evening or similar
excursion to Te Puia Cultural Center. Here,
Breakfast: At your hotel.
you’ll enjoy a visit to New Zealand’s national
carving and weaving schools, a tour of natural Morning:(QMR\DPHPRUDEOHKDQGVRQVDLOLQJ
geysers and thermal pools, and, included in the experience aboard the 50-foot sailboat, Pride
cost of your optional tour, a traditional dinner of Auckland. As you cruise, you’ll gain a new
with Maori storytelling and entertainment. perspective of Auckland Harbor, New Zealand’s
bustling commercial port.
Day 17 Rotorua • Auckland After, you’ll embark an included tour of the
• Destination: Auckland city, offering a closer look at such iconic sights
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch as the Sky Tower, Auckland Harbor, and the
• Accommodations: Rydges Auckland Hotel America’s Cup Village.
or similar
Lunch: On your own. You can take a stroll to
Breakfast: At your hotel. mingle with locals and visitors alike at more
than 20 restaurants and bars.
Morning: Depart Rotorua for Auckland,
where you’ll continue your discoveries of New Afternoon: At your leisure. Perhaps you’ll visit
Zealand’s North Island. the Auckland War Memorial Museum or explore
the Viaduct Basin, an entertainment area that
Lunch:(QMR\DQLQFOXGHGOXQFKHQURXWH
was once home to the America’s Cup. Or, try
Afternoon: Upon your arrival in Auckland, your luck at the Sky City Casino.
WKH̡&LW\RI6DLOV̢\RX̞OOͫQGDZDWHUIURQW
Dinner: Rejoin your fellow travelers at the hotel
spotted with ferryboats and sailboats of all
tonight for a Farewell Dinner.
sizes. Auckland Harbor hosted the exciting
2000 America’s Cup Challenge, in which the Evening: You have the freedom to spend the
Kiwis successfully defended their title against rest of your evening as you wish—ask your
the American challengers. The downtown area Program Director for recommendations.
is a great place to stroll and drop in on the
street-level cafes. Day 19 Return to U.S.
Dinner: On your own—ask your Program • Included Meals: Breakfast
Director for local restaurant recommendations.
Breakfast: At your hotel.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610
20Morning: Transfer to Auckland airport for
your trip back to the U.S. Depending on your air
itinerary, your route may include a connecting
ͬLJKWLQDQRWKHUFLW\,I\RX̞YHFKRVHQRXUQHZ
SRVWWULSH[WHQVLRQWR)LML\RX̞OOͬ\WR1DGLWR
begin your journey.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610
21OPTIONAL TOURS
During your trip you will be able to book optional tours directly with your Program Director. He or she
ZLOODVN\RXWRFRQͫUPWKHSD\PHQWIRUWKHVHWRXUVE\ͫOOLQJRXWDSD\PHQWIRUP2SWLRQDOWRXUVFDQ
only be purchased with a credit or debit card. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover credit cards.
We also accept Visa and MasterCard debit cards, but it must be a debit card that allows you to sign for
purchases.
In order to correctly process these charges, there can be a delay of 2-3 months from the date of your
return for the charges to be posted to your account. Therefore we ask that you use a card that will not
expire in the 2-3 months following your return.
Please note: 2SWLRQDOWRXUSULFHVLQFOXGHJUDWXLWLHVIRUORFDOJXLGHVDQGPRWRUFRDFKGULYHUVDUHOLVWHGLQ86
GROODUHVWLPDWHVGHWHUPLQHGDWWKHWLPHRISXEOLFDWLRQDQGDUHVXEMHFWWRFKDQJH2SWLRQDOWRXUVPD\YDU\
Great Barrier Reef Helicopter Ride Tjapukai, Skyrail & Kuranda Village
(Day 5 $120 per person) (Day 6 $110 per person)
Fly above the waves and enjoy the sweeping Ride to Caravonica Lakes to visit Tjapukai
panorama of the Great Barrier Reef aboard a Aboriginal Cultural Center. The Center presents
helicopter. You’ll soar for 10 minutes, taking and preserves Aboriginal culture and includes
in incredible views of the cerulean waters and a model of a traditional Aboriginal camp on
colorful coral formations that make up this its grounds. You’ll tour the park, attend a
expansive aquatic wonder before rejoining your cultural performance, and even try your hand
fellow travelers at sea level to participate in the at boomerang throwing. Then board the Skyrail
activities of your included tour of the reef. and climb above the lush rain forest canopy for
a visit to Kuranda village, renowned for its arts
and crafts market.
Hot-air Balloon Ride
(Day 5 $170 per person)
Sydney Harbor and History
5LVHHDUO\WKLVPRUQLQJDQGͬRDWDZD\IURPWKH
(Day 10 $125 per person)
city for a dawn balloon ride over the Queensland
FRXQWU\VLGHaccommodations and staff quarters. The tour
includes dinner at the facility’s boiler room
restaurant.
Jet-boat ride
(Day 12 $88 per person)
A native New Zealand invention, the jet-boat
takes in water and ejects it from the stern
under great pressure to create the propulsion.
It needs very little room to maneuver, making
it capable of handling twisting channels with
ease (not to mention impressive moves like
360-degree spins!). With a skilled jet-boat
GULYHUDWWKHFRQWUROV\RX̞OOͬ\WKURXJKWKH
waters of the Upper Waiau River, discovering
the breathtaking scenery if Fiordland National
Park—including several locations used in the
ͫOPLQJRI7KH/RUGRIWKH5LQJV
Te Puia Dinner
(Day 16 $115 per person)
Located in an area of vast geothermal activity,
7H3XLDZDVDQDWXUDOO\IRUPHGIRUWUHVVͫUVW
occupied by the Maori people in 1325. Serving as
1HZ=HDODQG̞VͫUVWFXOWXUDOWRXULVPDWWUDFWLRQ
it now houses the Maori Arts & Crafts Institute
and remains one of New Zealand’s premier
Maori cultural experiences. The native peoples
of this region are known as the “tribe of
hospitality,” and they are famed for their
performing arts. Tonight we’ll join an exclusive
guided tour of the center and discover many
Maori legends and traditions. Afterward we
enjoy a special dinner featuring a local specialty
cooked in a hangi (underground oven). Then
enjoy a performance of Maori song and dance
during a Mai Ora celebration.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610
23PRE-TRIP
0HOERXUQH WKH2XWEDFN
INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE
» Air transportation from Melbourne to Alice » Gratuities for local guides and motorcoach
6SULQJV DQG$\HUV5RFNWR&DLUQV drivers on your extension and all
» Accommodations for 5 nights optional tours
» 7 meals: 5 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner » ([FOXVLYHVHUYLFHVRID*UDQG&LUFOH
Program Director
» 3 guided tours: Melbourne, Alice Springs,
Ayers Rock » All transfers
PRE-TRIP EXTENSION ITINERARY
7KHZRQGHUVRIVW\OLVK0HOERXUQHDQGWKHUXJJHG$XVWUDOLDQ2XWEDFNDZDLW*HWWRNQRZ0HOERXUQHDQG
LWVHOHJDQW(QJOLVKͬDYRUWKURXJKYLVLWVWRVSUDZOLQJJDUGHQVDQGEXVWOLQJPDUNHWV,QWKH2XWEDFNGHOLJKW
LQFKDUPLQJ$OLFH6SULQJVDQGH[SORUHP\VWLFDO$\HUV5RFNWKHUHGVDQGVWRQHPRQROLWKVDFUHGWRWKH
Aboriginal people.
Day 1 Depart U.S. Morning: Arrive in Melbourne. Your Program
Director will meet you at the airport and assistDay 4 Melbourne Day 5 Melbourne • Fly to Alice Springs •
• Destination: Melbourne Alice Springs tour
• Included Meals: Breakfast • Destination: Alice Springs
• Accommodations: Rendezvous • Included Meals: Breakfast
Hotel Melbourne • Accommodations: Crowne Plaza Alice
Breakfast: At your hotel. Springs Lasseters or similar
Activity Note: On select departures, the order
Morning:(QMR\DWRXURIWKHVLJKWVRIWKHFLW\
of activities and hotel stays on your pre-trip
See the Old Customs House and Town Hall.
extension may be reversed from this point
Pass by Parliament House and St. Patrick’s
IRUZDUG KRZHYHUWKLVZLOOQRWLPSDFWWKH
Cathedral, and see the Shrine of Remembrance.
number of included features and meals.
Built between 1928 and 1934, the Shrine
commemorates the 114,000 men and women of Breakfast: At your hotel.
Victoria who served in World War I.
Morning:7DNHDQHDUO\ͬLJKWIURP0HOERXUQH
Lunch: On your own—ask your Program to Alice Springs, with its frontier Outback
Director for local restaurant recommendations. atmosphere. For many, the Outback is
synonymous with Australia. To Australians,
Afternoon: You have the afternoon at leisure
it is known as the “Red Center” for the russet
to explore Melbourne, the capital of Victoria
color of the soil and its location in the virtual
and Australia’s second-largest city. You might
geographic center of the country.
want to get a panoramic view of the city from
WKH(XUHND7RZHU2EVHUYDWLRQ'HFNWKH Begin your explorations with a visit to the
highest public vantage point in the Southern Royal Flying Doctor Service, which delivers
Hemisphere. emergency services and health care throughout
the vast country. Continue to the School of
Consider taking a tour of the Victorian Arts
WKH$LUWKHͫUVWRILWVNLQGLQ$XVWUDOLD)URP
Center, the premier performing arts venue in
this site, about 140 elementary-aged children,
the city, and visiting the National Gallery of
spread across one million square miles of the
Victoria, which houses world-class collections
vast Australian interior, receive their lessons
RI$XVWUDOLDQ$ERULJLQDO$VLDQ(XURSHDQ
and education via computers, webcams, video,
and pre-Columbian art. Or wander around
SKRQHDQGID[(VWDEOLVKHGLQ WKLVXQLTXH
Federation Square.
school offers the only formal education (short
Dinner: On your own—ask your Program of professional home tutors) for the children,
Director for local restaurant recommendations. who live on cattle stations and in other
IDUͬXQJFRUQHUVRIWKH2XWEDFN
Evening: You have the freedom to spend the
rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Trip Lunch: On your own—ask your Program
Leader for recommendations. Director for local restaurant recommendations.
Afternoon: In the late afternoon, you can enjoy
an included tour of the Old Telegraph Station.
Set aside as a Historical Reserve, this is the area
of original settlement in Alice Springs. Here
WKH(XURSHDQVHWWOHUVFRQVWUXFWHGWKH2YHUODQG
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610
25Telegraph Line, a remarkable engineering Day 7 Alice Springs • Transfer to Ayers
feat that was the only form of modern Rock • Sunset visit to Ayers Rock
communication in the Outback for 60 years.
• Destination: Ayers Rock
Dinner: On your own tonight—ask your • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Program Director for local restaurant • Accommodations: Desert Gardens Hotel
recommendations. or similar
Evening: You have the freedom to spend the Breakfast: At your hotel.
rest of your evening as you wish—ask your
Morning: Depart on your drive to Ayers Rock
Program Director for recommendations.
(8OXUX, or “meeting place,” to the native
Anangu people). You’ll leave the MacDonnell
Day 6 Alice Springs Ranges, and drive through the starkly beautiful
• Destination: Alice Springs landscapes that most people imagine when they
• Included Meals: Breakfast think of the Outback, stopping for an included
• Accommodations: Crowne Plaza Alice lunch along the way.
Springs Lasseters or similar
Lunch:(QMR\DQLQFOXGHGOXQFKDW
Breakfast: At your hotel. Curtain Springs.
Morning:(QMR\DIXOOGD\DWOHLVXUHWRH[SORUH Afternoon: Depart for your hotel near Ayers
the beauty of the Outback on your own. Rock in mid-afternoon. Take some time to
settle in, and later in the afternoon, experience
Or, join an optional morning excursion to the
a Champagne toast at Ayers Rock as the sunset
foothills of the dramatic MacDonnell Ranges
bathes the red clay. You’ll see why this is a
and Alice Springs Desert Park. Here, in three
sacred place to the Aboriginals, who believe the
unique habitats, you’ll experience the essence
rock has mystical powers.
of Australia’s beautiful and mysterious
desert landscapes. Desert habitats comprise Dinner: On your own—ask your Program
70 percent of the continent, and Desert Park Director for local restaurant recommendations.
is home to more than 400 animals and 400
Evening: You have the freedom to spend the
species of plants, including many rare and
rest of your evening as you wish—ask your
endangered species.
Program Director for recommendations.
Lunch: On your own—ask your Program
Director for local restaurant recommendations. Day 8 Ayers Rock • Fly to
Afternoon: Free for your own discoveries—ask Cairns, Australia
your Program Director for recommendations. • Destination: Cairns
• Included Meals: Breakfast
Dinner: On your own—ask your Program
Director for local restaurant recommendations. Breakfast: At your hotel.
Evening: You have the freedom to spend the Morning: Tour around the base of Ayers Rock,
rest of your evening as you wish—ask your for another look at this mystical site in the light
Program Director for recommendations. of day before you leave the Outback.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610
26Lunch: On your own—ask your Program Afternoon:,QWKHDIWHUQRRQ\RX̞OOͬ\WR&DLUQV
Director for local restaurant recommendations. and transfer to your hotel, where you’ll meet
up with the rest of the group on your $XVWUDOLD
1HZ=HDODQG vacation.
OPTIONAL TOUR
Desert Park
(Day 6 $50 per person)
Join an optional morning excursion to the
foothills of the dramatic MacDonnell Ranges
and Alice Springs Desert Park. Here, in three
unique habitats, you’ll experience the essence
of Australia’s beautiful and mysterious
desert landscapes. Desert habitats comprise
70 percent of the continent, and Desert Park
is home to more than 400 animals and 400
species of plants, including many rare and
endangered species.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610
27You can also read
