Australia and New Zealand

Tour #4

May 15-28, 2010

Australia and New Zealand are two of the most popular destinations in the world and are known as the "Lands Down Under."AUSTRALIA is home of the cuddly Koala bear and the bouncing kangaroo. On this tour you'll visit the exciting cities of SYDNEY, CANBERRAand MELBOURNE and then travel to AUCKLAND and ROTORUA on the North Island of NEW ZEALAND. Best of all, on this popular destination we have included all the highlights of each area so you can say that you have seen the best of both countries. Even the weather will be ideal as the seasons are reversed.

May 15 Depart your hometown and fly to Los Angeles where you will board our overnight flight to Sydney, Australia.

May 16 During the night, you'll lose one day as you cross the International Dateline that will be regained on the return flight.

May 17 Today you will arrive in Sydney, Australia and then transfer to your hotel. Later, you will tour one of the most famous cities in the world. You will see the "Historic Rocks" area where Australia was first founded with its fascinating terraced houses, pubs and restaurants. You will then drive pass historic buildings, the famous Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and through exclusive suburbs to Bondi Beach with breathtaking views.

May 18 The entire day will be free to wander through the Rocks Area along the waterfront where you will find Australian opals, diamonds and many other shops for souvenirs. Be sure to learn a little Australian language such as "G Day Mate." This evening you will enjoy a luxurious dinner cruise along the Sydney waterfront where you will have a 360 degree view of the city lit up at night.

May 19 This morning you will depart Sydney to experience a real slice of "Aussie" life as you travel to CANBERRA, the capital of Australia. On the way, a stop will be made at a local sheep station for a sheepshearing demonstration. After this amazing experience, you will enjoy an authentic barbeque lunch on the "Barbie!" Next is the most modern capital city of Canberra that boasts the wealth of cultural treasures, monuments and lush parks. Overnight in this city that was designed like Washington, D.C.

May 20 Breakfast is included this morning and then you will continue your journey through the wine country to MELBOURNE that will be your home for the next 3 nights.

May 21 Enjoy breakfast at your leisure and then you will see the highlights of the city including its English Gardens and lovely parks.

May 22 This will be a free day to explore Melbourne on your own. Be sure to take a ride on one of the street cars to visit Federation Square with its museum, art gallery and sidewalk cafes.

May 23 It's only a 3-hour flight across the Tasman Sea to AUCKLAND, New Zealand, known as the "City of Sails" with its beautiful harbors. Believe it or not, New Zealand has 6 million sheep and 3 million people.

May 24 Today you will see the highlights of Auckland, New Zealand's largest city that will include the Victoria Park Market and spectacular views from the top of Mt. Eden which is a volcanic crater. This evening you will enjoy a fabulous dinner on top of the Auckland Tower where you will have fantastic views of the city at night. This is the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere offering breathtaking views in every direction.

May 25 The morning will be at leisure and later in the day you will travel through some of New Zealand’s beautiful countryside. This evening each couple or two individuals will have accommodations in a bed and breakfast that will also include dinner. This is sure to be a great experience as you will be able to learn more about the culture and customs of the “Kiwis” while you enjoy a delicious home cooked meal.

May 26 Following a hearty breakfast cooked by the New Zealand family, you will travel through the countryside to visit the famous Waitomo Caves. This will be an unforgettable experience as everyone will take a small boat in an underground river into the caravans of the Glow Worm Grotto to observe millions of tiny glow worms suspended from the cave ceiling that light up the darkness under a blue light. Later you will arrive in the city of ROTORUA which is known as a geothermal wonderland.

May 27 Today you will be truly amazed by the landscape of the erupting geysers, bubbling mud pools and other geothermal wonders. Here, the Maori people keep their culture alive by teaching their traditional carving, weaving and dancing. Before leaving you will get to view the national bird-the Kiwi. Next you will visit Rainbow Springs, a national park famous for its trout and wildlife. You will also visit the Agrodome to see a working sheep and cattle farm for a real hands-on live experience of farming. Tonight, you are invited to a special performance that's described as a delicious Maori feast, which is a dinner complete with Kiwi music and dancing.

May 28 Today you will transfer to the Auckland Airport for your overnight return flight home. During the night, you will regain the day you lost and arrive in Los Angeles on this same day to make connections to your hometown. (As you can see, this tour includes the best of both Australia and New Zealand.)