Day 1 Fly USA to Sydney

Please note international air from the USA has not been included in the package price.

Day 2 You cross the International Date Line
The International Date Line is an imaginary line on the earth’s surface that approximately coincides with the 180th meridian (LONGITUDE), and separates the calendar date. Traveling east across the line takes the traveler back one day; traveling west, takes the traveler forward one day.                                                                               

Day 3 Welcome to Sydney, Australia
On arrival into Sydney you will need to clear customs and make your way through the main arrivals hall from where you will be met and transferred to your accommodation.

Sydney - Australia's premier city is the oldest settlement in Australia, the economic powerhouse of the nation and the country's capital in everything but name. Built on the shores of the stunning Port Jackson, you would have to die and go to heaven before you see a more spectacular setting for a city. It's a vital, self-regarding metropolis, exuding both a devil-may-care urbanity and a slavish obsession with global fads.  The Sydney area was the ancestral home of the Daruk tribe, whose territory extended from Botany Bay to Pittwater.

There are some 2000 Aboriginal rock engraving sites in the Sydney area, and many of Sydney's suburbs have Aboriginal names. The city of Sydney began life as a penal colony in 1788 and for the next 60 years received the unwanted, persecuted and criminal elements of British society. Despite its brutal beginnings, the city's mixture of pragmatic egalitarianism and plain indifference has transformed it into a thriving multicultural society. Sydney now attracts the majority of Australia's immigrants and the city's predominantly Anglo-Irish heritage has been revitalized by large influxes of Italian, Lebanese, Turkish, Greek, Chinese and Vietnamese.

Day 4 Tour - Sydney half day city tour
Sydney truly is one of the most beautiful cities in the world with its spectacular harbor setting, fascinating convict history, bustling downtown area and an exciting blend of architecture, ranging from convict built early colonial style reflecting our heritage, through to the world famous Sydney Opera House.

Enjoy a city sights tour, which will provide you with an introduction to the highlights of this fabulous city, giving you a taste of what you may wish to further explore during your stay

Day 5 At leisure, Sydney
At your leisure to explore Sydney. Most of the major attractions of the city are within easy walking distance of your accommodation - Sydney Opera House, Darling Harbour, Centrepoint Tower, Circular Quay, The Rocks etc.

Day 6 Fly Sydney to Uluru (Ayers Rock)
You will be met at your hotel and transferred by shuttle to the airport for your flight to Uluru (Ayers Rock). Upon arrival, transfer to your accommodation via the courtesy airport shuttle bus.

Uluru (Ayers Rock), in the heart of the Red Centre, has a desert climate - mostly dry, with brilliant blue skies all year. Autumn and spring will give you sunny days with cloudless skies and crisp, cool nights which is the perfect kind of weather for exploring the sights by foot or in the comfort of a vehicle. Summer is the time when Central Australia is at its most vivid, with hot days and balmy nights. December through February are the hottest months - usually more that 95º Fahrenheit - so take a hat and sunscreen.

Day 6 Tour - Sounds of Silence
Tonight is an outback dining experience to remember, with Desert Oaks framing the view, the sounds of the didgeridoo, the taste of outback cuisine, the 'sounds of silence' and the Milky Way.

Depart from your hotel and journey into the desert to see the brilliant outback sunset over Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). Enjoy a three course meal prepared before we dim the lanterns and listen to the sounds of the great outback.  Look up to see the brilliant southern skies, the Milky Way gleaming amongst stars and constellations.

Group size is limited to a maximum of 50 in order to preserve the fragile outdoor sites.  Excursion includes transfers, pre-dinner drinks (local beer, wine & soft drinks), Canapés, BBQ Buffet, Dessert, tea, coffee & port.                    

Day 7 Tour - Spirit of Uluru
This is a vehicle based tour around Uluru (Ayers Rock), providing the opportunity to witness the spectacular sunrise and absorb Uluru's natural history and deep significance to the Anangu people.  Short walks will bring you close to this wonderful and powerful place, viewing rock art, waterholes and appreciating the unique flora and fauna of Uluru.

There is time to amble, to absorb images and to gain an insight into Uluru's remarkable presence. The final step is to the Uluru and Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre This is a small group tour (max 18) with Discovery Ecotours. Light breakfast included - morning tour duration of around 4 hours. 

Tour - Kata Tjuta and Dunes
Leaving from your hotel mid-afternoon, the Discovery Ecotours guide will explain the nature of the desert and its development.  A short walk to the dune lookout puts one in touch with the environment and lets you delight in the spectacular panoramic view of Kata Tjuta (the Olga’s) - a very sacred place to the Aboriginal people.

Arriving at Walpa (Olga) Gorge, walk into this mystic place, to hear how it has evolved over millions of years. The scale of the walls and the wind far above, add a sense of mystery here. The sky deepens and the great domes of Kata Tjuta (The Olga’s) flush red as the tour retires to the sunset viewing area to celebrate the fantastic color changes wrought by sunset with complimentary champagne. Sit back and absorb the desert solitude or relax and chat to your guide about Australia’s red center. The spectacle fades as you return to Yulara beneath a sky of brilliant stars. This afternoon tour is around 4 hour’s duration.

Day 8 Fly Ayers Rock to Cairns
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairns.  Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The heart of the tropical north, Cairns offers great access to reef and islands and is a perfect base for exploring the wider region. With 600 day tours departing the city daily there is plenty to do.

Day 9 Tour - Great Barrier Reef full day
This morning, transfer to the wharf for your full day excursion to the Great Barrier Reef.  You will have four hours at the reef site, to explore what makes the Great Barrier Reef one of the wonders of the world.  The day trip has been designed with the water enthusiast or novice alike - snorkel gear and instruction is provided for all guests, or stay dry and explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a semi-submersible vessel, just one meter underwater.   Introductory and certified dives are run in conjunction with snorkeling day trips at an additional cost, and guided snorkel trips with a marine biologist are also available for a nominal fee. A tempting hot and cold buffet lunch is included, as well as morning and afternoon tea on board.

Day 10 At leisure, Cairns
Cairns is the gateway to Tropical Far North Queensland, a region of contrasts and surprises.  It is home to the Great Barrier Reef, palm-fringed isolated beaches, Kuranda and the Atherton Tablelands, World Heritage listed rainforests and the sun burnt outback. This dynamic area serves as a diverse hub for many attractions and activities of the Tropical North. Apart from the major tourism attractions of the Reef & Rainforest, there are many adventure sports such as white water rafting and bungy jumping, as well as other activities such as golf and trail riding. The choice is yours, we can either pre-arrange something for you or the concierge at your accommodation can make some suggestions.

Day 11 Tour - Daintree Rainforest full day tour
You will be collected from your accommodation to travel one of Australia's great scenic Highways before arriving at the Daintree River.  We cross the Daintree River and continue to the Daintree Environmental Centre for morning tea.  Here an expert guide will take you on a boardwalk whilst explaining some of the fascinating secrets of one of the world's oldest rainforests.  After the walk, you may obtain a closer look at life in the rainforest by ascending the Rainforest Canopy Tower.

We then continue to Cape Tribulation Beach while your driver/guide explains the rich history of the area. Walk the beach or boardwalk and relax in this tranquil outdoor environment, before heading for lunch in a rainforest setting.  During the afternoon, we make a stop to enjoy the panoramic view from Alexandra Lookout.  Re-crossing the river, we join a calm water cruise of this important waterway - your guide will point out the different types of wildlife and plants that make their home along the river. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive and fearsome estuarine saltwater crocodile!

The cruise terminates in Daintree Village, where you will board the coach for the return journey to Cairns, stopping enroute at beautiful Mossman Gorge. Arrive back at your accommodation after an informative and fascinating day.

Day 12 Fly Cairns to USA (Via Sydney)
You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Sydney to connect with your international flight back to the USA.