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Australia and New Zealand Escape  Being auctioned live on November 7th, 2008 at Harrah’s Chester Casino Chester, PA 9 days/6 nights

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

• International coach class air from Los Angeles
• All round-trip private airport transfers
• 3 nights Sydney, Australia at InterContinental in a Harbor Bridge View room with Club Access
• Club Access includes:
  • Buffet Breakfast daily
  • Cocktail Hour daily
  • Dinner Snacks
  • Drinks
  • Morning Newspaper Delivered to Room
  • Separate Check-In Area
  • Turndown Service
  • Valet Service
• Sydney half day small group city tour with afternoon cruise on Sydney Harbour
• Trans-Tasman flight from Sydney to Queenstown
• 3 nights Queenstown, New Zealand at M Gallery St Moritz Hotel in a Lakeview Room
• Milford Sound nature cruise with picnic lunch
• 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches

Day by Day itinerary

**Please note this trip may be taken between January 15th and November 15th, 2009**

Day 1 Fly Los Angeles to Sydney

Day 2 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.

Day 3 Arrive Sydney
On arrival to Sydney, you will collect your luggage and clear Customs & Immigration before entering the arrivals hall.  Here, look for your driver holding a sign with your name on it, and transfer to the city by private vehicle. 

It is no surprise that when the British first arrived in Sydney they named the area Botany Bay. Even today, with a population of over 4 million people and a reputation for fun rather than flora, one is still surrounded by bush land in this bustling city. Native Waratah wind their way through the historic Rocks area, palm trees frame long stretches of pristine beach, and Eucalyptus embrace the harbors endless and beckoning bays.

It is Sydney's manmade wonders, however, that draw most visitors. The Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge are the most photographed icons on the continent. Choose a Seaplane Safari experience and enjoy a bird's eye view of the Opera House's signature sails. See the Harbor Bridge up close and personal by climbing the metal monolith and enjoy stunning 360 degree views of the glittering vista below with BridgeClimb. Whether it is an early morning visit to the largest fish market in the southern hemisphere or your very first surfing lesson on Bondi Beach, in this vibrant metropolis you will find no lack of energetic escapes and dynamic distractions.

Day 4 Afternoon In Sydney - Lunch, Sights & Cruise
Small Group Excursion
Sydney truly is one of the most beautiful cities in the world with its spectacular harbour setting, fascinating convict history, bustling downtown area and an exciting blend of architecture, ranging from convict built early colonial style reflecting our heritage, through to the world famous Sydney Opera House.

This is a very special small-group tour designed to give you a feel for this great city by showing you more than just the normal must-see 'tourist sites' Because we only use small luxury mini-vans, we will get behind the scenes to some fascinating city and suburban areas. Your driver is a very experienced private guide able to answer questions and discuss things of interest, with the knowledge and flexibility to cater for most interests.

You will be collected late morning from your hotel to see the highlights of downtown Sydney before venturing into some of the exclusive harbour-side residential areas where we stop for a 2-course lunch at the Vaucluse House Tea Rooms. Vaucluse House is one of Australias most historic houses and was home to the father of the Australian Constitution (note - Vaucluse House is closed Mondays, an alternative venue will be used).

From lunch we continue our sightseeing including the famous areas of Bondi Beach and Paddington before returning to the city to commence a leisurely cruise of magnificent Sydney Harbour aboard a sailing catamaran.

Your cruise ends at Circular Quay and Darling Harbour by 5pm, from where you make your own way to your hotel.

Day 5 At leisure, Sydney
Sydney, a dazzling, vibrant city built around one of the world's most beautiful harbors, with scores of sparkling beaches within easy reach of its cosmopolitan heart - that's Sydney, capital of New South Wales, Australia's largest and oldest city, where the first settlers landed in 1788.

Situated on Sydney harbor, adjacent to Circular Quay, The Rocks is the site of Australia's first European settlement. Colorful streetscapes and elegantly restored buildings house a variety of restaurants, entertainment venues and specialty shops.

Day 6 Fly Sydney to Queenstown
You will be met in the baggage claim area by a representative of 'Limousines of New Zealand' & transferred to your accommodation.

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 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 – bungee 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 8 Milford Sound Nature Cruise - Coach/Coach
Full Day - Coach & Cruise
Picnic Lunch
On boarding the 'Real Journeys' luxury glass roofed coach in Queenstown (hotel pick-up included), you are treated to a relaxing trip along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Te Anau.  After a morning tea break in Te Anau, where you have the option to purchase refreshments, the coach continues along the spectacular Milford Road. There is time for photo stops and short walks along the way, and the coach driver provides an informative commentary.

On reaching Milford Sound, board the vessel to cruise the full length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea with a nature guide.  The vessel provides excellent viewing opportunities and plenty of time is available to enjoy waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife.  Complimentary tea and coffee are available during the cruise.

Return to Queenstown is again by luxury coach, providing passengers with time to reflect on the beauty of the afternoon scenery.   Fly back options are available with all daytime and overnight cruises (weather permitting) for additional cost.  You may book this on the day or ahead of time prior to leaving for your trip.

Day 9 Fly Queenstown to Los Angeles (via Auckland)
Please wait in the lobby area of your hotel for your transfer driver from 'Limousines of New Zealand' for your private transfer to the airport.

Board your onward flights and depart for the USA.

Pricing

March of Dimes Charity – Australia and New Zealand Escape
9 days / 6 nights
Trip is valued at $7,000.00

Restrictions: Departure date may commence between January 15, 2009 and November 15, 2009. US Departure taxes, fuel surcharges and fees are additional (approx. $350 per person). Trip may be extended through Swain Tours at additional cost. Airfare and tour package is not exchangeable for alternate destinations or cash value. Frequent Flyer mileage cannot be accumulated with this trip. Any unused services have no cash value.

Being auctioned live at the March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction, November 7^th, 2008 at Harrah’s Chester Casino, Chester, PA.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.