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 Dateline
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 transferred by private vehicle 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.

Days 4-5 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 Cairns
You will be transferred to the airport for your flight north to Cairns. Upon arrival into Cairns you will be transferred to Cairns Wharf for your Coral Princess cruise.

A Coral Princess cruise is a Great Barrier Reef and island experience you will never forget. A cruise of discovery and adventure exploring Australia's renowned tropical paradise and World Heritage Marine and National Parks.  Their expedition style cruise ships are large enough to provide all the comforts, luxuries and facilities you would expect of larger cruise ships, yet small enough to access reef and island sites inaccessible to other vessels.

Day 6 Coral Princess Cruise
Depart Cairns and settle in and discover your "home" for the next four nights. Enjoy a glass of champagne on the top deck as you watch the sun set.

Day 7 Coral Princess Cruise
Visit one of the remote uninhabited islands of the Great Barrier Reef and enjoy a swim or glass bottom boat trip. Late morning you will cruise onto historical Cooktown; it was here that Captain Cook took refuge during his voyage of discovery. Visit Cooktown's historical museum featuring original artifacts recovered from Captain James Cook's vessel. This town is covered in history with most stone buildings dating back almost a century.

Day 8 Coral Princess Cruise
Arrive at Lizard Island and climb the island peak that Captain James Cook climbed back in 1770 to enjoy the spectacular views. If you would prefer to get your feet wet rather than dusty, snorkel off the beach over coral gardens and discover giant clams and a profusion of fish. Enjoy a glass bottom boat trip with the marine biologist or a scuba dive with a dive instructor. Later, cruise to ribbon reef No 9 where you will have time to further enjoy the water activities on offer.

Day 9 Coral Princess Cruise
Today is spent exploring ribbon reef No 3 and Rachel Carlson reef. These two magnificent reefs offer some of the best snorkeling, and scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef has to offer. Take yourself on a guided snorkeling tour, or allow a marine biologist to show you the beauty of the reef aboard our glass bottom boat.

Day 10 Fly Cairns to Brisbane
Disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight to Brisbane. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your Gold Coast hotel by private vehicle.  

The Gold Coast is situated in the South East corner of Queensland and at its heart is the famous Surfers Paradise, it is Queensland's premier holiday destination. Less than one hour drive from the state capital Brisbane, holiday makers from all over the world come here to enjoy the tropical climate and the sophisticated night life. Bordered on the east by magnificent surf beaches and to the west, glorious rainforest (hinterland). If you are looking for a quieter time, there is an abundance of places to go hiking, camping, bird-watching and bushwalking. These are just some of the activities available in the national parks in the region.

Day 11-12 At leisure, Gold Coast
Gold Coast, Australia's premier international and domestic destination. Offering gorgeous, golden beaches, pristine rainforests, theme parks and exotic cuisine, it has all the ingredients for a feast of fun for solo travelers, couples and families alike. The next few days are yours to explore this great place as you choose.

Day 13 Fly Brisbane to USA (Via Sydney)
You will be transferred by private vehicle to the airport for your departure flight. You will fly from Brisbane to Sydney and connect to your international flight.