Day-By-Day Itinerary

 

This itinerary can be fully customized; to tailor this package to your specific requirements please call one of our travel specialists at 1-800-22-SWAIN.

 

Day 1 Fly USA to Nadi, Fiji

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 Nadi, Fiji

Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

The Fiji archipelago is at the cross roads of the South Pacific. In the days of sailing ships it was known as The Cannibal Isles and carefully avoided by mariners because of its fierce warriors and treacherous waters. However, in the age of jumbo jets and global travel Fiji has become the central hub of the exotic South Pacific. More than 85 flights land at Nadi on the main island of Viti levu every week. From there it is only a quick seven minute hop to one of the offshore island resorts, or less than an hour of flying time to Vanua Levu or Taveuni, the second and third largest islands, where then outside world is quickly left behind

Days 4-6 At leisure, Fiji

At your leisure to explore the beautiful natural beauty of Fiji and it's many surrounding islands. The big island of Viti Levu offers a wealth of tropical scenery, from rushing mountain rivers and waterfalls in the depths of the rainforest, to palm-fringed beaches where time seems to stop. This is where you can fish from the reef in the morning, picnic at the edge of a waterfall plunging into a rocky jungle pool at midday and eat native food cooked in an earth oven in the evening, and then dance to the beat in a swinging discotheque until long after midnight. Along with it's pristine tropical beauty, Viti levu offers several large towns and the bustling capital of Suva, a shopper's paradise and you will never have to travel more than a few hours to get anywhere on the island.

Day 7 Fly Nadi to Auckland

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Auckland, New Zealand.

Auckland, 'City of Sails', located between two stunning harbors, enjoys a mild year-round climate Auckland is the country's most visited region and largest urban area, offering exciting activities and great shopping.

The City lies across an 11km wide volcanic isthmus separating two harbors. The Waitemata to the east opens into the Hauraki Gulf, and to the Pacific Ocean. The Manukau Harbour to the west offers many estuaries and surf beaches and opens to the Tasman Sea.

Day 8 At leisure, Auckland

Blessed with an equable climate, Auckland is New Zealand's largest city with more than one million people occupying a narrow isthmus around the Waitemata and Manukau harbors. The climate, superb beaches only minutes away from the city centre, and waterways is what sets it apart from other centers and what draws people to it. Not for nothing is it known as "the City of Sails." Just as appropriate a title is "the City of Volcanoes" for Auckland is built on more than a dozen volcanic cones, many of them bearing striking evidence of early Maori settlement, with laboriously created terraces protecting former Pa (fortification) sites.

Day 9 Fly Auckland to Cairns

You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Cairns, Australia. On arrival into Cairns, you will be taken to your city hotel.

The major center in Tropical North Queensland is Cairns, a popular gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. The city is fringed by lush rainforests and, to the north and south, are miles of white sandy beaches and turquoise oceans teeming with marine life.

Day 10 Tour - Great Barrier Reef day cruise

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 11 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 bungee jumping, as well as other activities such as golf and trail riding.

Day 12 Fly Cairns to Sydney

You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Sydney. Upon arrival you will be met and taken to your hotel.

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 13 Tour - Sydney half day city tour

Travel over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, stopping at Milson's Point for a great photo opportunity of the Sydney Opera House.  Visit Middle Harbour before a stop is made at Manly beach with time for afternoon tea (own expense).  Travel Sydney's northern coast line and see beautiful white sandy beaches.

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 Christchurch

Transfer to Sydney airport for your flight to Christchurch.

Christchurch, the city of parks and gardens, trees and beauty, is also buzzing with street life. Wine bars, street cafes and exciting entertainments give the central city vitality unique to New Zealand.  Christchurch is said to be the most English city outside England. The downtown district focuses on Cathedral Square, where you'll find buskers, speakers and the eccentric Wizard of Christchurch (who is classified as a living work of art). You can sedately cruise the Avon River by punt, on its meandering course through town, under many bridges and past historic landmarks, or do your own thing by canoe. Vintage car, horse and carriage, hot air ballooning and guided walking tours. These are just a few ways to explore the Garden City.

Day 16 Tour - Akaroa full day tour

On this amazing tour, visit the extinct volcanoes of Banks Peninsula and view the beautiful harbors & green farmland.  Make photo stops at scenic places and enjoy morning & afternoon teas and a cheese tasting at the Barry's Bay Cheese Factory.

Once at Akaroa, included in your tour is a nature and harbor cruise on the Canterbury Cat. This cruise explores the volcanic harbor and sightings may be made of the world's smallest dolphin - the Hectors Dolphin, NZ Fur Seals and numerous seabirds.

If time allows, stroll through the village and along the waterfront, taking in the quaint French charm which is unique to Akaroa. Lunch is included today, and the return to Christchurch is around 5.30pm.

Day 17 Fly Christchurch to USA (Via Auckland)

Depart Christchurch and transfer to the airport for your onward flight to the USA.