Day-By-Day Itinerary
Saturday, November 29, 2008 Fly USA to Sydney
Flights not included in package. Additional cost applies; please inquire for details.
Sunday, November 30, 2008 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.
Monday, December 01, 2008 Group Transfer, Sydney International Airport to Hotel with Sightseeing Tour Enroute
After collecting your luggage, please look for your driver who will be holding a sign with your group name on it. You will then commence a half day city tour.
During your private group tour, you will visit the landmarks of Sydney. The tour will pass through the historical Rocks area and Circular Quay as your driver/guide points out and tells you about the history and significance of the areas.
View the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge from Mrs. Macquarie's Chair (great photo opportunity). The historic chair was carved from a rock ledge in 1810 especially for Governor Macquarie’s wife to look out over the harbour, and it is one of the best vantage points in Sydney.
Travel to the exclusive harbourside suburbs of Vaucluse, Double Bay and Rose Bay. Our last stop is Bondi Beach, Australia's most famous surf beach. Bondi Beach features many popular cafes, restaurants and hotels, with spectacular views of the beach. At the conclusion of your tour you will be transferred to your city accommodation.
Monday, December 01, 2008 - Tuesday, December 02, 2008, 1 Night
Four Points By Sheraton Darling Harbour
Harbour View Room
Four Points by Sheraton Darling Harbour Sydney is Australia's largest hotel with 631 rooms and all the conveniences of a full service hotel providing exactly the service and comfort you need. The 4 star hotel is conveniently located on the edge of Sydney's bustling central business district overlooking exciting Darling Harbour.
A short walk puts you in the centre of an exciting array of attractions, entertainment venues and busy shopping areas including Harbourside, The Sydney Convention Centre, Sydney Aquarium, Chinatown, Cockle Bay Wharf and King Street Wharf.
Four Points by Sheraton Darling Harbour also offers an extensive range of facilities including the award winning Corn Exchange Restaurant, Lobby Bar, convention and meeting rooms, on-site catering and a fitness centre.
Afternoon/Evening at Leisure
Tuesday, December 02, 2008 (B) Group Transfer, Hotel to Sydney Domestic Airport
Excess baggage can be stored at your hotel, for collection on your return stay. Please just bring an overnight bag with you for the next two nights in Cairns.
Please be waiting in the lobby of your hotel. You will be met by your driver and transferred to the airport by private vehicle.
Fly Sydney to Cairns
Flight is included in package price.
Flight details will be advised with final documentation.
Group Transfer, Cairns Domestic Airport to Hotel with Kuranda Touring Enroute
After collecting your luggage, please look for your driver who will be holding a sign with your group name on it. You will then commence a tour of Kuranda, Skyrail and Tjapukai followed by a transfer to your accommodation.
On arrival in Kuranda there is free time to explore the 'Village in the Rainforest' and to purchase lunch (own expense). Then board the Skyrail Gondola's where you travel at treetop level along the world's longest gondola cableway. Your gondola descends to the forest floor where you can take a stroll through the rainforest on the boardwalk, or visit the interpretive centre to learn more about this unique World Heritage-listed environment. Skyrail ends at Caravonica Lakes, where you will take a short walk to the fascinating Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park.
Discover this ancient culture through theatre, stage shows and demonstrations, providing an insight to Aboriginal culture and history, before boarding your coach for the transfer to your accommodation, arriving late afternoon.
Private group transfers and General Admission to Skyrail (one-way) and Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park are included in today's tour.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008 - Thursday, December 04, 2008, 2 Nights
The Lakes Cairns Resort & Spa
One Bedroom Apartment
The Lakes Cairns Resort and Spa is a 4.5 Star Resort offering the allure of the rainforest, the fascination of the Great Barrier Reef and the ultimate in atmosphere, comfort and ambience of tropical Australia's resorts.
Situated adjoining is the magnificent Botanical Gardens and Centenary Lakes, offering the most extensive natural experience, including exceptional boardwalks, botanical gardens and rainforest walks. This is all located five-minutes drive from downtown Cairns. A scheduled bus services picks up outside The Lakes regularly to drop off downtown and also returns (cost applies - approximately A$3 per person per ride).
At The Lakes the accent is on the strength of indoor-outdoor living, the focus of our suites is the generous Lanaii Verandahs, places for celebration and relaxation. Our Suites are fully furnished with the best. Kitchens feature modern European appliances, including gas cookers, large ovens, sizable microwave ovens, fridge-freezer, superior cutlery, plates, and cooking gear. The living areas highlight comfort, with quality chairs and sofas, elegant dining areas, and the hearty settings on the lanais.
At The Lakes, discover three superb swimming pools, colourful gardens, quiet zones and an alluring air of tropical living. Rejuvenate yourself, relax by the pool, take a long breakfast at Restaurant Lago or visit Reds Spa for the restoration treatment your weary body needs. Mind and Body fulfilment are their speciality.
Evening at Leisure
Wednesday, December 03, 2008 (B, L) Quicksilver Outer Reef Cruise – Full Day Tour
Shared Tour/Non-Exclusive
You will be collected from your accommodation this morning by shared vehicle. Start your day with a scenic drive to Port Douglas, where you board the Quicksilver for a fabulous full-day shared tour out to the Agincourt Reef, part of the spectacular Great Barrier Reef of Australia.
Agincourt is the most southerly link in the chain of ribbon-like outer reefs on the extreme edge of continental Australia. Here you will view some of the most beautiful reef life in Australia. The air-conditioned 30m Quicksilver cruises at 27 knots, reaching Agincourt in just 90 minutes.
Once there, you have the opportunity to snorkel, swim or scuba dive (extra expense) among the reef. You may also view the reef from glass-bottom boats & semi-submersible subs – a fantastic experience. Return to Cairns late afternoon. Round trip hotel transfers to Quicksilver’s departure point are included. Lunch is served on board the vessel.
Please remember to bring your camera, swimming costume and a towel, hat, sunscreen and a shirt for sun protection, cash and/or credit card for optional purchases on board such as souvenirs, underwater camera, optional tours, rental of stinger or wet suits, and drinks at the bar.
Evening at Leisure
Thursday, December 04, 2008 (B, D) Group Transfer, Hotel to Cairns Domestic Airport
Please be waiting in the lobby of your hotel. You will be met by your driver and transferred to the airport by private vehicle.
Fly Cairns to Sydney
Flight is included in package price.
Flight details will be advised with final documentation.
Group Transfer, Sydney Domestic Airport to Hotel
After collecting your luggage, please look for your driver who will be holding a sign with your group name on it. You will then be transferred from the airport to your city accommodation by private vehicle.
Thursday, December 04, 2008 - Friday, December 05, 2008, 1 Night Four Points by Sheraton Darling Harbour
Harbour View Room
Group Transfer, Hotel to 360 Bar & Dining
Please wait in the lobby of your hotel. You will be met by your driver and transferred to 360 Bar & Dining by private vehicle.
Dinner: 360 Bar & Dining
Tonight enjoy dinner at the stylish 360 Bar & Dining, which is the jewel in the crown of internationally famous Sydney Tower. Situated 88 stories and 305 metres above the city, the unique rotating floor system of 360 Bar & Dining takes you on a 90 minute panoramic journey around Sydney while you dine.
The stylish and sleek surrounds comprise hand carved, chocolate interiors; spectacular, illuminated tortoiseshell bar; and individually crafted pendant light sculptures to highlight the culinary sensation prepared by some of Australia's top chefs.
360 Bar & Dining is the perfect location for watching the sun set and the glittering lights of the Sydney night unfold.
Group Transfer, 360 Bar & Dining to Hotel
You will be met by your driver and transferred back to your hotel by private vehicle.
Friday, December 05, 2008 (B-Hotel/D-onboard ship) Morning at Leisure
Group Transfer, Hotel to Sydney Opera House
Following hotel check out, please wait in the lobby of your hotel. You will be met by your driver and transferred to the Sydney Opera House by private vehicle.
Sydney Opera House – The Essential Tour
The Sydney Opera House was designated as one of the most renowned facilities on earth with its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage list in June 2007. The Sydney Opera House is now listed alongside other such treasured venues such as the Taj Mahal, the Great Pyramids of Egypt and the Great Wall of China.
The 60 minute guided tour offers the opportunity to experience the Sydney Opera House in its daily operation. Visitors are guided into theatres, given a fascinating account of the history and the architecture of the building, and introduced to the excitement of Performing Arts in Australia.
Please note that this is a walking tour, and there are approximately 200 steps during the tour.
Group Transfer, Sydney Opera House to Overseas Passenger Terminal
Please be waiting outside of the Opera House. You will be met by your driver and transferred to the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Sydney Wharf in time to check in for your cruise on Holland America’s beautiful ms Volendam.
Holland America Cruise
Your cruise is a showcase of Australia & New Zealand. Sail the land “down under” and cruise past the Sydney Opera House and explore both Melbourne and Tasmania before leaving Australia for the lush green scenery of New Zealand. You will see New Zealand in-depth – a comprehensive exploration with seven ports of call on both the North and South Islands. Marvel in the scenic cruising Milford Sound and Queen Charlotte Sound offers. Visit Christchurch to perhaps stroll the Botanic Gardens – among the finest in New Zealand, or Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, framed around a magnificent harbour and set against steep, rugged hills.
Included onboard is a diverse choice of dining venues: the elegant Rotterdam Dining Room or the cooked-to-order specialties in the more relaxed Lido Restaurant, and there is always complimentary 24-hour room service. The popular reservations-only Pinnacle Grill (extra charge) features Sterling Silver Beef and fresh seafood. Also included are Broadway and Vegas-style shows, casino gaming, recent release movies, and unlimited use of fitness facilities. Exciting and informative optional excursions will be available in each port of call (additional cost).
Saturday, December 06, 2008 (B, L, D onboard ship) At Sea
These days are glorious opportunities to be completely spoiled by the Holland America crew. Have breakfast delivered to your stateroom, be pampered in our Greenhouse Spa, learn about great wines and fabulous food preparation at our wine bar and Culinary Arts Center or just relax in one of our teak deck chairs and watch the scenery go by. We invite you to indulge in Holland America’s award-winning service and the many onboard amenities designed for every age and interest.
For the days at port, an optional tour package is available at an additional cost. Please inquire for details and pricing.
Sunday, December 07, 2008 (B, L, D onboard ship) 7:00am – 6:00pm. Port of call: Melbourne, Australia
A genteel city of Victorian buildings, verdant parks and a vibrant multicultural heart full of galleries, restaurants, fashionable boutiques - no wonder Melbourne has been named the planet's most livable city.
Monday, December 08, 2008 (B, L, D onboard ship) 8:00am – 6:00pm. Port of call: Burnie, Tasmania, Australia
On "Tiny Tassie", as the Aussies affectionately call Tasmania; find flora and fauna unique to the island: the infamous Tasmanian Devil, the platypus, Huon pines more than 2,000 years old.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008 (B, L, D onboard ship) At Sea
Wednesday, December 10, 2008 (B, L, D onboard ship) At Sea
Thursday, December 11, 2008 (B, L, D onboard ship) 8:00am – 4:00pm. Scenic cruising Fiordland National Park via Dusky, Doubtful and Milford Sounds.
Nothing can prepare you for the majesty of Milford Sound, star of Fiordlands National Park.
New vistas mesmerize at each turn - towering Mitre Peak, plunging waterfalls, bottlenose and dusky dolphins, fur seals, Fiordland crested penguins. According to Maori legend, a demigod carved Fiordland, chopping away with enthusiasm and increasing skill. His crowning achievements: Milford, Doubtful and Dusky sounds.
Friday, December 12, 2008 (B, L, D onboard ship) 7:00am – 6:00pm. Port of call: Dunedin, New Zealand
Dunedin's Scottish heritage is everywhere, evident in its statue of poet Robert Burns, in the work of its kilt makers and whisky distilleries and in its ornate Victorian train station. Aye, there's even a castle that emphasizes the kinship.
Saturday, December 13, 2008 (B, L, D onboard ship) 7:00am – 6:30pm. Port of call: Christchurch, New Zealand
Are you in England or New Zealand? It's hard to tell in this city crowned by a neo-Gothic stone cathedral and set along the grassy banks of the Avon River. Nearby: the fertile Canterbury Plains and rugged high-country sheep stations.
Sunday, December 14, 2008 (B, L, D onboard ship) 7:00am – 5:00pm. Port of call: Picton, New Zealand
Set in the upper reaches of Queen Charlotte Sound, Picton is perfect in every way: climate, scenery and outdoor adventure. Picton is the gateway to the largest grape-growing and wine-producing region of New Zealand. After departing Picton this evening you will enjoy scenic cruising of Queen Charlotte Sound and Captain Cook Ship Cove.
Monday, December 15, 2008 (B, L, D onboard ship) 8:00am – 6:00pm. Port of call: Wellington, New Zealand
New Zealand’s friendly capital city features gaily painted old wooden houses and a red cable car that takes you up to the Wellington Botanic Gardens and a fine view of the harbor.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008 (B, L, D onboard ship) 7:00am – 2:00pm. Port of call: Napier, New Zealand
A city of vision, rebuilt in the striking, clean style of art deco after a devastating earthquake in 1931 and reinvented as a center for gourmet food and wines.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008 (B, L, D onboard ship) 8:00am – 8:00pm. Port of call: Tauranga, New Zealand
Site of fierce Maori wars, Tauranga today is a peaceful city in the heart of kiwifruit-growing country. Farther afield: Rotorua, with its spouting geysers and bubbling mud pools, the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves and nocturnal kiwi houses.
Thursday, December 18, 2008 (B, L, D onboard ship) 8:00am – 5:00pm. Scenic cruising past White Islands, Alderman Islands and Mercury Islands.
White Island is the perfect example of an active volcano. It breathes, it roars, it hisses, it's spectacular. The island is unique in a number of ways. The vent is below sea level but shielded from the sea by high crater walls. The volcanic structure of the island is thought to be two million years old.
The Alderman Islands are a small group of rocky islets to the southeast of Mercury Bay, off the coast of the Coromandel Peninsula on the North Island of New Zealand. The islands are a forested nature reserve hosting extremely rare species of birds and reptiles.
Friday, December 19, 2008 (B onboard ship)
7:00am. Final port of call: Auckland, New Zealand
You will disembark your cruise this morning, arriving in the "City of Sails," which boasts the greatest number of boats per capita of any city in the world. Here, too, are beautiful beaches, expansive parks and fascinating Polynesian culture.
Group Transfer, Auckland Wharf to Hotel with Sightseeing Enroute
Please look for your driver who will be holding a sign with your group name on it. You will then enjoy a relaxing private coach tour of Auckland.
Auckland is known as the 'city of sails', which you will appreciate after passing by the harbour and America's Cup Village. Your tour will take you to Mount Eden for 360 degree, panoramic views of the city (great photo opportunity). Visit the War Memorial Museum with its tremendous display of Maori artifacts and culture. The pride of place goes to a magnificent 25-metre long War Canoe.
We will also drive the beautiful Tamaki Drive, giving you a close up look at some of the million dollar homes that are situated around Auckland Harbour. To end your unique tour of the city, you will drive back through the beautiful suburb of Parnell. Here you will have time to take a walk and shop at the many boutiques along the way. At the completion of your tour you will be transferred to your city accommodation.
Entry to the War Memorial Museum is included in today's tour.
Friday, December 19, 2008 - Saturday, December 20, 2008, 1 Night
The Langham Hotel, Auckland
Executive Room
Situated in the heart of New Zealand's largest city, the Langham Hotel Auckland has 411 rooms, 10 meeting venues including the largest pillar-less hotel ballroom, 3 restaurants, 2 bars and sun-drenched Health Club. The air-conditioned rooms have all the amenities of a five star hotel including telephone, television, in-room videos, mini-bar, fridge and tea & coffee making facilities.
Just minutes walk from the hotel is Auckland's commercial centre, waterfront shopping, nightlife and the beautiful Domain - an extensive oasis of parks & gardens. Our complimentary city shuttle loops around town day & night - making IMAX, the biggest screen experience, the American Express New Zealand Cup Village, Sky Tower or fashionable High Street retail accessible from the hotel reception.
Afternoon/Evening at Leisure
Saturday, December 20, 2008 (B) Morning/Afternoon at Leisure
Group Transfer, Hotel to Auckland International Airport
Please be waiting in the lobby of your hotel. You will be met by your driver and transferred to the airport by private vehicle.
Fly Auckland to USA
Flights not included in package. Additional cost applies; please inquire for details.
Meal Codes:
B- Breakfast
L- Lunch
D-Dinner