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Sample
Itinerary - Australia
 A
WINE LOVERS’ TASTE OF AUSTRALIA GROUP ITINERARY
Day 1: FLY
LOS ANGELES TO SYDNEY
Qantas
Airways Coach Class
Day 2:
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. Without the date line, calendar confusion would
result for the traveler.
Day 3:
TRAVEL FROM SYDNEY TO THE HUNTER VALLEY REGION
What
better way to unwind after an International
Flight....you will be met on arrival at Sydney
International Airport and transferred by private vehicle
directly out to the Hunter Valley.
Hunter
Valley is approximately 2 hours drive North of Sydney.
It is Australia's oldest winemaking region with over
eighty wineries and cellar doors.
From
traditional wineries specialising in aged vintages to
stylish boutique cellar doors boasting fresh flavours.
Soak up the atmosphere and stories of The Valley whilst
tasting some of the Hunter's best.
Accommodation: 2 nights THE HUNTER RESORT – STANDARD
HUNTER ROOM Just two hours drive north of Sydney, the
Hunter Resort is nestled among its own vineyards,
incorporating a beautiful restaurant, wine tasting
cellars, and the Hunter Valley's largest winery. All
rooms have queen size beds and another double sofa bed,
or two twin beds. Recreational facilities at the Resort
include heated spa, swimming pool, tennis, table tennis,
volleyball, mountain bikes and walking tracks.
Day 4:
[B, L] THE COMPLETE HUNTER EXPERIENCE
You will
be transferred to the Hunter Resort where you will join
your 'Complete Hunter Experience'. It starts with
morning tea on the lawn of the Hunter Valley Resort. You
are then divided into smaller groups which rotate
activities on a half hourly basis, including:
A walking
tour of the vineyards, a tour by horse drawn carriage, a
tour of the winery where you can see where the wines are
made, right from the grapevine to the bottle. You then
have a chance to sample some of the wines in a wine
tutorial. This is a practical look at and tasting of
wines including different styles different techniques
and what to look for in terms of palate, bouquet and
colour. With your knowledge of wines growing by the
minute, there is but one final experience required to
totally cap-off the winemaking experience. Squelch! This
is about the best word to express the feeling of grapes
between bare toes as guests are given the opportunity to
experience the age-old tradition of pressing by foot!
Then it's
time for a 'tasting plate lunch' of 4 individual dishes,
each dish is 'married' to a premium Hunter Valley wine,
which has been especially selected to complement the
dishes. During the lunch our Cellarmaster will conduct a
tutorial which follows on from the days activities and
includes tasting, food matching and blending exercises.
Day 5:
[B] TRAVEL FROM THE HUNTER VALLEY REGION TO SYDNEY
We will
travel to Sydney by private vehicle. Afternoon and
evening is at your leisure.
Accommodation: 4 nights SYDNEY HARBOUR MARRIOTT – DELUXE
ROOM - CITY VIEW Located near Circular Quay, the Sydney
Harbour Marriott is perfectly positioned for enjoying
Sydney's major attractions. The world famous Opera
House, the magnificent harbour, the historic Rocks
district, art galleries and shopping are all close by.
The 550 spacious rooms feature five star inclusions such
as individually controlled air-conditioning, television
and 24 hour room service. Three restaurants and bars
cater to all tastes: Icons Brasserie is an innovative
restaurant renowned for it's seafood buffet, open flambe
kitchen and local cuisine. Enjoy a pint or two at the
Customs House Bar, a 150 year old traditional CBD
watering hole or visit Macquarie Lounge located in the
Atrium lobby which offers live evening entertainment,
light meals and cocktails. There is also a heated indoor
swimming pool, sauna, solarium, gym, massage and
professional beauty treatments to provide total
relaxation.
Day 6:
[B, L] SYDNEY FISH MARKET TOUR
Sydney
Fish Market offers the unique opportunity to experience
a vibrant, leading edge, working-market environment in
the heart of the city.
Sydney
Fish Market hosts the largest market of its kind in the
Southern Hemisphere and the world's second largest
seafood market in terms of variety outside of Japan,
with over 100 species per day. Each day, around 55
tonnes of seafood is auctioned and product is sourced
both nationally and internationally.
The tours
are conducted by a trained Sydney Fish Market tour guide
and explore all facets of the Market and its operations,
including a tour of the Auction floor, the sashimi
pavilion and crustacea pen.
An early
start this morning will ensure you will view part of the
live Auction and experience the full range of seafood.
The tour duration is approximately 1.5 hours.
HALF DAY
CITY TOUR OF SYDNEY After your fish market tour, join
your private coach for a tour of the city and
surrounding areas.
You will
visit the landmarks of Sydney including the Rocks area,
Mrs Macquaries Chair (great photo stop), the exclusive
harbourside suburbs of Vaucluse, Double Bay and Rose
Bay, onto Sydney Heads and the famous Bondi Beach.
At the
conclusion of your tour, your driver will drop you off
at Circular Quay, in time to join your Harbour Lunch
Cruise.
CAPTAIN
COOK LUNCHEON CRUISE Board the luxurious cruiser The
City of Sydney for a delightful lunch cruise on one of
the world's most beautiful harbours.
A lively
commentary on board provides you with a knowledge of
Australia's history as well as plans for its future.
The
buffet style lunch features fresh seafood including
Sydney rock oysters, ocean king prawns, succulent baked
fish and smoked salmon plus a wide range of non-seafood
and vegetarian items to satisfy every taste.
Depart
from Jetty 6 at Circular Quay at 12.30pm for the 90
minute excursion which includes lunch. The cruise is
shared (not a private charter).
At the
conclusion of your cruise you may wish to take a stroll
around the famous Rocks area and/or do some shopping.
Therefore we have not included a transfer back to your
hotel. Make your own way back at your leisure.
Day 7:
[B] SYDNEY DAY AT LEISURE
Sydney is
Australia's oldest and premier city, the economic
powerhouse of the nation and the country's capital in
everything but name. It's blessed with sun-drenched
natural attractions, dizzy skyscrapers, delicious and
daring restaurants, superb shopping and friendly folk.
Although
it's come a long way from its convict beginnings, it
still has a rough and ready energy, and offers an
invigorating blend of the old and the new, the raw and
the refined. You can explore the historic Rocks area in
the morning, then ride the monorail to reborn Darling
Harbour in the afternoon. While high culture attracts
some to the Opera House, gaudy nightlife attracts others
to Kings Cross.
Originally an Aboriginal settlement, Sydney has grown
from a brutal British penal colony to a vital,
self-regarding metropolis with thriving multicultural
and out-and- proud gay communities.
Day 8:
[B, D] Day at leisure in Sydney.
DINNER AT
WILDFIRE RESTAURANT Sydney toasts the arrival of
Wildfire, the city's hottest and most exciting world
class dining experience. Taking full advantage of its
awesome location and boasting world famous views of
Sydney Harbour and the Opera House, Wildfire instantly
won 'the best new Sydney Restaurant' by Vanity Fair
Magazine July 2002, and the coveted Wine List of the
Year 2002, 2003 from the Restaurant & Catering
Association NSW.
With a
sumptuous, ambient interior to rival the beauty of its
position, one of Sydney's largest open kitchens and
customised facilities for wood firing and grilling on a
grand scale, Wildfire delivers a totally sophisticated
and sensory dining experience.
Your
dinner includes a choice of three courses - an
appetizer, main course and dessert, plus tea & coffee.
There will be additional options listed on your menu
with supplementary costs that may be paid direct. Please
also note that all beverages are at your own expense.
We have
included round trip dinner transfers this evening. A
coach will transfer you to/from the restaurant.
Day 9:
[B] TRANSFER HOTEL TO SYDNEY AIRPORT
Please
wait in the main reception area of your hotel and you
will be transferred to Sydney Airport by private
vehicle.
FLY
SYDNEY TO HOBART
TRANSFER
HOBART AIRPORT TO HOTEL You will be met on arrival and
transferred to the Lenna Hotel, your accommodation for
the next 3 nights. Evening is at your leisure.
Accommodation: 3 nights LENNA OF HOBART-MOUNTAIN VIEW
ROOM Perched high on a hill overlooking Hobart's famous
waterfront, Lenna, with its huge iron gates and
sandstone archways, is one of Tasmania's best-known
landmarks. The stately mansion, which houses their
restaurant and reception area, was constructed in 1874,
whilst the adjacent accommodation wing provides a
welcoming combination of traditional elegance and modern
facilities.
The guest
rooms are large and comfortable with a tasteful mixture
of old and new providing all the facilities of a
prize-winning property. Lenna is only a few minutes walk
from the city, the journey taking visitors through the
picturesque arts and crafts center Salamanca Place and
the tranquility of Battery Point.
Ideally
located within historic Sullivans Cove, adjacent to
fashionable Salamanca Place and just a stone's throw
from the city centre and waterfront, Lenna is a quality
boutique hotel of rare ambience.
Day 10:
[B, D] JOIN YOUR 6 NIGHT TASMANIA TASTE BUD CHALLENGE!
HUON VALLEY VINEYARDS & A RIDE ON THE WILD SIDE!
The next
7 days/6 nights will be an experience you won’t forget.
We have created a unique tour of Tasmania that combines
sightseeing, adventure & the best bit – fabulous food &
wine! We have included a few friendly challenges into
the itinerary that are sure to create a bit of rivalry
and the trophy winner will be announced at the end of
the trip. This tour is also unique in that there will be
only 4 people to each 4-wheel drive vehicle and each
vehicle will have it’s own private guide!
Departing
the hotel just after midday in luxury 4WD vehicles, we
make our way down the beautiful Huon valley to some
little known small boutique vineyards such as Home Hill,
Hartzview and Panorama overlooking the stunning Huon
River. On arriving at an undisclosed destination in the
Huon valley, we will board Jet boats for a short and
exhilarating ride on the 'Wild Side', up the Huon River
to a private & secluded destination. You will be
presented with a score card, along with 5 different
wines, honey's and cheeses, that you will be required to
sample and identify - all samplings will be unlabeled
and be recognizable only by their taste. The samplings
will be listed on the score card, but you will be
required to match them up according to your taste as
your nominated choices!
On offer
throughout the afternoon is a comprehensive and
extensive array of more than 25 variations of subtle and
elegant wines from the deep Southern region of Tasmania.
Wines on offer include - Rieslings, Chardonnay both
(wooded and unwooded), Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Pinot
Gris, Pinot Noir, & Cabernet Sauvignon to name but a
few, so you can sip and sample your way through the
undulating Huon valley and throw in a ride on the wild
side before making our way back to Hobart in the late
afternoon.
Dinner
this evening will be a visit to The Ball & Chain Grill
that specializes in steaks, arguably one of the best
steak houses in Australia. How you order your steak is
precisely how you will get it, cooked to perfection with
side salads in a very laid back rustic atmosphere! (all
beverages are at your own expense)
Day 11:
[B, L, D] SIPPING & SAMPLING THE COAL RIVER VINEYARDS &
SECOND CHALLENGE
This
morning we will take a short stroll to Salamanca Market
from your accommodation for a few hours of retail
therapy. Recognized as one of the best craft markets in
Australia, as the water front transforms into a hype of
activity each Saturday morning.
Departing
Salamanca we make our way to Barilla Bay to sample the
best fresh Oysters in Australia, plucked and sucked
straight from the ocean to the plate and of course
accompanied by some superb Southern wines and other
tempting treats.
Departing
Barilla Bay we venture up the Coal River Valley, sipping
and sampling your way through the Historic town of
Richmond and the best Southeastern vineyards such as
Moorilla Estate where we will have lunch, continuing on
to other vineyards such as Meadowbank, Charles Reuben,
Stefano Lubiana, Palmara & Craigow to name a few, and of
course you will also be sampling numerous other Tassie
treats throughout the day which will include local
fruits and cheeses from all over Tasmania. In the late
afternoon we make our way back to your acommodation in
Hobart. Dinner will be at the Drunken Admiral, on
Hobart's water front (all beverages are at your own
expense), and perhaps time to indulge in some more
southern bounty in the galley.
Day 12:
[B, L, D] SEA, SAND & SUCCULENT SEAFOOD / BOTTLED
SUNSHINE FROM THE EAST COAST.
This
morning we depart for the sunny East Coast to sample
some of Tasmania's 'Bottled Sunshine'. The East Coast
region produces some of the richest Pinot Noirs found
anywhere in the world. It is also noted for its
Chardonnays, Cabernets and superb fresh seafood.
We will
visit several boutique vineyards as we venture up the
East Coast, such as Springvale, Coombend, Freycinet to
name a few. We will also make a brief stop in Swansea
for a coffee or some ice cream and fresh fruit at Kate's
Berry Farm. From here we travel around Great Oyster Bay
with crystal clear water and its astounding views of the
Hazards, majestic pink granite mountains situated in
Freycinet National Park, world renowned for the famous
Wineglass Bay.
Arrive
Freycinet Lodge and settle in to your cabin, or perhaps
a stroll along the beach before dinner.
In the
evening a table is reserved for you in the Lodge's fine
restaurant where perhaps you may wish to sample some of
Tasmania's renowned east coast seafood, oysters,
scallops, and rock lobster straight from the ocean.
Dinner will be presented with stunning views across the
magnificent Great Oyster Bay. (all beverages are at your
own expense).
Accommodation: 2 nights FREYCINET LODGE-FREYCINET CABIN
Freycinet Lodge is Tasmania's most spectacular major
Tourism destination. This environmentally sensitive
development lies inside Freycinet National Park on the
Freycinet Peninsula, a cluster of pink granite peaks
thrusting dramatically from the clear blue waters of
Tasmania's East Coast.
Freycinet
Lodge is a showcase development which has successfully
integrated luxury accommodation with the environment. It
has been thoughtfully created to work in harmony with
the natural beauty of the National Park. Well-appointed
cabins nestle in a secluded bush setting - the 4 star
cabins have a balcony, lounge area, private facilities,
and the beach is minutes away.
Freycinet
Lodge lies within a natural playground with an almost
limitless number of things to see and do. Fill your day
with bushwalking, rock climbing, sailing, fishing,
diving, playing golf or just relaxing with a book! A
games room and all weather tennis court are also
available to you.
Day 13:
[B, L, D] WINE GLASS BAY OCEAN CRUISE & BEACH-COMBERS
CHALLENGE.
Today you
will have the opportunity to either walk to Wine Glass
Bay (a 1.5 hour hike) where we will meet the cruise
boat. Or for the less energetic, take the cruise boat
from the Lodge around to Wine Glass bay where we'll join
for a picnic lunch and wine tasting on the Beach.
Lunch
will include fresh local oysters, wine, cheeses, fruit
and other delicacies from the East Coast. Along with
your 'Beach Combers Challenge' you may like to take a
gentle stroll along Wine Glass bay covered with sun
bleached sands and surrounded by pristine water. After
lunch and activities you will be transferred back to the
lodge by ocean cruise boat to freshen up and relax for a
while. For those up for a little more sightseeing, we'll
our way around to the Cape Tourville Lighthouse, for
some spectacular photo opportunities and views,
overlooking the rugged and pristine coastline of the
stunning East Coast of Tasmania.
In the
late afternoon we again engage in more leisure, pleasure
and indulgence, sampling your way through the award
winning wines and seafood banquet at a private and
remote location with Stunning views of the Hazards and
great Oyster Bay.
To
accompany dinner, guests will also be entertained with
some laid back country under down under entertainment
with live music before eventually making our way
reluctantly back to Freycinet Lodge to retire for the
evening.
Day 14:
[B, L, D] STRATHLYNN VINEYARD & STUNNING TAMAR VALLEY.
Today we
make our way up through Elephant Pass and the Midlands
of Tasmania noted for the finest micron wool in the
world, arriving in Launceston at approximately 11.00am.
We'll make a brief stop to stretch your legs and view
the many attractions of the third oldest City in
Australia.
From here
we make our way down the beautiful Tamar River to
Strathlynn vineyard where you will be introduced to some
superb award winning wines from the north, along with
the opportunity to sample the creations of one of
Australia's finest chef's, Daniel Alps, the resident
chef at Strathlynn.
From here
we will visit numerous more wine yards scattered
throughout the Tamar River such as Rosevears, St
Matthias & Holm Oak to name a few. Time permitting we
will also visit a few lesser known private boutique
vineyard's as well.
Making
our way back up the East Tamar and back to Launceston in
the late afternoon to your accommodation.
Later on
in the evening after freshening up, we will take an easy
10 minute stroll around the Tamar River to our Dinner
destination at the award winning Stillwater Restaurant
situated at the entrance of the spectacular Cataract
Gorge, Still Water is regarded as one of the best in
restaurants in Australia.
Accommodation: 2 nights PEPPERS SEAPORT HOTEL-CITYVIEW
ROOM Peppers Seaport Hotel is superbly located right on
the Tamar riverfront, just 5 minutes from the Launceston
CBD. The hotel is part of a major redevelopment of the
Seaport Dock area with restaurants, entertainment venues
and shopping facilities creating a new social hub for
Launceston. The hotel houses 60 guest rooms and suites
and an onsite restaurant and bar overlooking the river
or back over the historic town centre to the mountains
beyond.
The Hotel
takes its character from this thriving waterfront
location. Built on the site of an old dry dock it has
been designed in the shape of a ship, the interiors
reflecting the nautical history of the site. The public
areas are lined with old black and white photos of
Launceston harbour in reverse - a touch of history with
a stylish modern twist. The décor is luxurious and
contemporary nautical in style, using soft, light
colours, natural timbers and chromes.
Day 15:
[B, L, D] WILDERNESS & WILDLIFE, THE VINEYARD IN THE
BUSH & TROPHY PRESENTATION.
This
morning is at your leisure, to explore the attractions
and sites of Launceston and perhaps indulge is some
retail therapy, before we depart Launceston around
midday and make our way to the remote back blocks of
Tassie for a full on Gourmet game food bush barbeque &
spit roast.
You will
see and pass through a diverse range of magnificent
native forest of giant mountain ash, this particular
species of eucalyptus are the tallest flowering plant in
the world, standing guard over numerous other mixed
forest species.
Continuing our travels through stunning countryside and
beautiful forest we reach our dinner destination in the
afternoon, after a few little challenges in between,
time to settle in and start popping corks against a back
drop of Mt Ben Lomond and bush.
Dinner
will be cooked over the camp fire and also in a spit
roast in the traditional manner, and will consist of
original mouth-watering bush recipes and native spices,
we do more than just tempt your taste buds, and we
tantalise and challenge them with Tasmanian gourmet
cuisine.
You'll
enjoy a combination of exotic Tasmanian spit roast game
meats along with the conventional beef & lamb, Cheese
platters, and fresh fruits dips. All prepared, cooked
and served with nature, you'll be samping some of the
'Bush Chefs' own creations.
Chargrilled wallaby tenderloins with native pepper berry
& port sauce, salmon stuffed capsicum with Gherkin &
Brie, tassie three-spiced trout on a bed of garden fresh
salads with lemon myrtle dressing, and to finish off
perhaps Mountain burgers with pickle berry sauce and
sweet potatoes, followed by sweets.
And of
course all consumed with nature and accompanying
world-renowned Tasmanian cool climate wines and beers.
During
the course of the day and during dinner, you will be
issued with a few more final friendly challenges
followed by the score card tally, and trophy
presentation around the camp fire.
After
dark, we'll have close encounters with some of
Tasmania's unique nocturnal wildlife species by taking
the winery to the bush, with a jaunt in the back blocks
of Tassie!
Day 16:
[B] TRANSFER HOTEL TO LAUNCESTON AIRPORT
An early
transfer to Launceston Airport this morning, as you bid
a fond farewell to Tassie.
FLY
LAUNCESTON TO LOS ANGELES (VIA MELBOURNE) Cross the date
line and arrive home the same day you depart!
Welcome
Home!
…tempted
for more? Have a few more days to dive the Great Barrier
Reef, spend a night or two in the worlds oldest
rainforest or even hang out with wildlife in their
natural environment on Kangaroo Island? Side trips at
the end of the tour can be easily arranged – ask for
details.
B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner |
