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 4-5 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 6 Fly Nadi to Queesntown (Via Auckland)

Transfer to Nadi airport for your flight to Queenstown, New Zealand. On arrival you will be transferred to your accommodation.

Located in Central Otago in a lakeside bay, Queenstown is New Zealand's premier alpine resort. Rich in history and abundance of recreations and a breathtaking natural beauty that lends each season its own distinct complexion, Queenstown has long been the inspiration for artists and nature-lovers from all over the world eager to capture its dramatic beauty.

Nestled beside the deep blue waters of Lake Wakatipu, at the foot of the Remarkables Mountain Range, Queenstown is a year round resort, where you can be as active as you want, or just leisurely enjoy the magnificent scenery.

Day 7 Tour - Milford Sound full day tour

An early start as you leave your hotel and coach through some of the most beautiful countryside in New Zealand.  On arrival at Milford Sound, board the vessel for a leisurely cruise along the sound to the Tasman Sea.  The vessel stops at various points and plenty of time is available to view waterfalls, rainforests, mountains and seals.  You may even see dolphins frolic alongside the boat.  A buffet lunch is included during the cruise.

Day 8 At leisure, Queenstown

At your leisure to explore the adventure capital of New Zealand. Set between the towering Remarkable Ranges and the bottomless Lake Wakitipu, Queenstown has it all - bungy jumping, jetboating, rafting, amazing scenic helicopter flights. You may wish to visit Milford or Doubtful Sound or the old gold mining town of Arrowtown.

Day 9 Tour - Coach from Queenstown to Christchurch (Via Mount Cook)

Experience an exceptional journey from Queenstown to Mount Cook via the Lindis Pass and then down the Southern Alps to the Canterbury Plains and Christchurch.  Lunch is included en route.

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 10 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 11 Fly Christchurch to Cairns (Via Sydney)

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairns. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your 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 12 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.

Days 13-14 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 15 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 16 Tour - Blue Mountains full day tour

On today’s Blue Mountains excursion, we stop at a Wildlife Park, where you have the opportunity to have your photo taken with a koala, and to see Australian animals and reptiles, such as crocodiles, kangaroos, goannas and possums.  At the Blue Mountains National Park, enjoy a stroll through the bush, a visit to historic Katoomba, and time an optional ride on the world's steepest railway, the Skyway Cable Car or the Sceniscender Cable Car (rides at own expense).

 

See scenic echo point, and learn about the 'blue haze' effect, giving the region its name.  There are excellent photo opportunities of the Three Sisters rock formation, and spectacular views of Jamison and Megalong valleys, with a return to the city via Sydney's Olympic Site.   Lunch is included today

Day 17 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 18 Fly Sydney to USA (Via Auckland)

You will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.