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 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 5 Drive Sydney to the Hunter Valley
Collect your vehicle from the city depot for your drive to the Hunter Valley. Allow at least two hours for this drive. The Hunter Valley conjures up images of lazy days, wine-tasting at the cellar door, and romantic retreats set in quaint farming country. With national parks and historic settlements, you can’t go wrong.

Day 6 At leisure, Hunter Valley
Its not only fine wines that are produced in Hunter; it also offers a visual feast for lovers of contemporary and traditional art and craft. Browse through galleries full of antiques, art and beautifully crafted pieces to help you remember your Hunter Valley liaison.

Pick up a piece of distinctive jewelry, sculpture, fine glasswork, an oil painting depicting a local scene or a tasteful knick-knack as a gift. The taste buds are not neglected with gourmet eateries offering specialty cheeses, chocolates, breads, pastries, jams, mustards and chutneys – and plenty of wine to wash it down!

Day 7 Drive Hunter Valley to the Blue Mountains
The total driving time will be about 3 hours. There is an alternative inland route for the more adventurous explorer. Ask locally about "The Putty Road" which runs south through mountainous country from the town of Singleton. It's a longer, but more unique drive on the Putty Road. There will be less traffic but be aware that you'll be passing through remote, isolated country of the Wollemi National Park.

Day 8 At leisure, Blue Mountains
At your leisure to explore the beautiful Blue Mountains. Take a tour to the Jenolan Caves or maybe take a walk on the many walking trails through the natural environment that is called the "Mini Grand Canyon".

Day 9 Fly Sydney to Lord Howe Island
Head back to Sydney and return your vehicle at the airport depot before boarding your flight to Lord Howe Island.

Situated in the South Pacific Ocean, 700km north-east of Sydney, Australia, Lord Howe Island is a small, breathtakingly beautiful island, just 11km long and 2.8km at it's widest point. Included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1982, the island is bordered by a reef-fringed lagoon, rolling surf, and the world's southern most coral reef.

Lord Howe Island, with its rich green forests, tranquil beaches and incredibly blue seas, is dominated by the ruggedly spectacular volcanic peaks of Mt Gower and Mt Lidgbird. It is a special destination for visitors from all over the world, but tourist numbers are carefully controlled, the island is never crowded and there is minimal human impact on the environment. It is a paradise for walkers, bird watchers and anglers - deep sea, beach and rock fishing are all popular as are golf, tennis, bowling, cycling, surfing, snorkeling and scuba diving.

Days 10-12 At leisure, Lord Howe Island
At leisure to explore this World Heritage listed wonder. Activities are endless; bushwalking, trekking, guided and self-guided walks, fish feeding, swimming, surfing, Scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, bird-watching, reef walks, golf, tennis, bowls, deep sea, rock and shore fishing charters, picnics, BBQ's, bicycling and dining out.

Day 13 Fly Lord Howe Island to Sydney  
Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel.  The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 14 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 15 Fly Sydney to USA
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.