13 Days /12 Nights
For the Independent Traveler
Departures: Daily
from $7345 per person, double occupancy
Nights at Destination: Hobart (2), Freycinet (1), Melbourne (3), Hayman (3), Sydney (3)
Experience the "Best of Australia" as you visit many highlights of this wonderfully diverse country. You'll see Tasmania, Australia's unique island state, the Great Barrier Reef and Australia's major cities, Melbourne and Sydney. Enjoy both natural beauty and cosmopolitan culture from coastline to skyline.
Lyall Hotel and Spa
The chic Lyall Hotel and Spa is located in fashionable South Yarra amid the city's finest shops and restaurants, and offers an intimate ambience and exceptional service. The hotel's 40 suites each include a terrace, separate living area and kitchen. The Lyall also offers a champagne bar and spa for the ultimate in urban pampering. Tasmania is an unspoiled paradise. Explore the beauty of this unique island while you stay within Freycinet National Park, overlooking Great Oyster Bay and close to stunning Wineglass Bay.
Hayman, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, is a private island offering a resort experience of adventure, indulgence and natural beauty.
InterContinental Sydney is a world-renowned, premier hotel destination centrally located near the harbor and Circular Quay. As you enter the marble foyer, elegance and luxury combine to create a unique hotel experience. Built around the restored Treasury Building, this prominent Sydney property features 509 stylish guest rooms. Spacious and full of light, they provide outstanding views of the city, Sydney Harbor, Royal Botanic Gardens and Circular Quay. Private check in service, complimentary buffet breakfast, cocktail hour, canapes and the spacious outdoor deck with views stretching from the iconic Harbor Bridge to the Pacific Ocean are just a few of the spectacular features of the rooftop Club InterContinental Lounge.
Included
12 nights accommodation Private car transfersFreycinet and Port Arthurguided touringMelbourne tramcar dinner & deluxe city sightseeing tourDeluxe Yarra Valley winery visit Great Barrier Reef excursion by helicopterDeluxe Sydney city sights tourBlue Mountains 4WD tourClub level accommodation in Sydney12 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 dinnerNot Included:
Note: International and domestic airfare not included.
All prices, itineraries and routings are subject to change. Please call your Travel Agent for our current prices.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Tasmania
Transfer to the historic Henry Jones Art Hotel, on the harbor in Hobart. Day is at leisure. Overnight: Henry Jones Art Hotel, Deluxe Spa Harbor Suite for 2 nights.
Day 2: Port Arthur sightseeing tour
Your guide will meet you at your hotel this morning for a guided tour of Port Arthur, Australia's famous penal settlement. Travel around the historic birthplace of this fascinating city to the historic convict village of Richmond. After a light lunch your guide will personally escort you around the ruins of the Port Arthur settlement, telling you tales of the hardships suffered by the convicts. The day ends with a short cruise around the harbor. (B,L)
Day 3: Hobart - Freycinet
Today, discover Hobart, the historic Battery Point and across the Tasman bridge to Richmond. Visit St. Johns Church, the old jail and grand old homes, and Tasmania's heritage village of Ross. Lunch at the famous Wool Center, then head toward the coast and magnificent Freycinet National Park. Overnight: Freycinet for 1 night* (B,L)
Day 4: Freycinet - Melbourne
Begin today with a guided walk to Cape Tourville, for outstanding views of the Tasman and Freycinet Peninsula. Travel around Great Oyster Bay to Swansea and Kate's Berry farm. Enjoy panoramic views of Freycinet National Park over morning tea. Venture down the coast through rich farming areas before returning to Hobart. Transfer to the airport to connect with your flight to Melbourne (airfare not included). Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to the boutique Lyall Hotel and Spa. Day at leisure. Overnight: Lyall Hotel and Spa, 1 Bedroom Deluxe Suite for 3 nights (B)
Day 5: Sightseeing/Tramcar Dinner
Your experienced guide takes you in a luxury air-conditioned vehicle to see the Australian Open Tennis Center and shopping strips of upmarket Toorak Road and Chapel Street, South Yarra and funky Prahran. Morning tea is by the banks of the Yarra River and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Visit the Italian district of Lygon Street and bustling Queen Victoria Markets. Tonight, dine aboard the historic Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. (B,D)
Day 6: Yarra Valley Wineries & Koalas
With your guide, you will travel to see the diverse birdlife and koalas in the forest of Warrandyte.
Tour the Yarra Valley, home to over 50 established wineries, varying in size from family vineyards to internationally acclaimed wineries. Visit a historic winery for winetasting and browse an art display. After lunch at Rochford Winery, enjoy more tastings at a boutique winery before returning to your hotel. (B,L)
Day 7: Melbourne - Hayman Island
Transfer to Melbourne Airport to board your flight to the Great Barrier Reef (airfare not included). On arrival you will be taken to the marina to board the Luxury Cruiser to Hayman (launch not included) to experience one of Australia's finest resorts. Overnight: Hayman, Beachfront for 3 nights (B)
Day 8: Great Barrier Reef & Helicopter Flight
Fly to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world's seven natural wonders. At Reefworld, snorkel and swim through brilliant schools of tropical fish and marine life. Return to Hayman by helicopter. (B)
Day 9: Relax at Hayman Island
Spend today at leisure enjoying all the activities available at Hayman. The resort has numerous recreational activities free of charge. There are also optional tours and sports activities available. (B)
Day 10: Hayman Island - Sydney
Return by cruiser to Great Barrier Reef Airport and fly to Sydney (airfare not included). You will be met and transferred to InterContinental Sydney. Evening at leisure. Overnight: InterContinental Sydney, Club Harbor View Room for 3 nights (B)
Day 11: Sydney Sightseeing
Enjoy a guided half-day tour of Sydney. Travel by luxury vehicle and see the famous city sights-including the Opera House and Bondi Beach-as a private guide provides commentary. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. (B)
Day 12: Blue Mountains Luxury 4WD Tour
Travel by 4WD vehicle into the Blue Mountains. Stop for an Australian barbecue lunch, then continue on to Katoomba Village. View the Three Sisters formation from an exclusive vantage point. Enjoy afternoon tea in a littleknown hidden valley, then view wild kangaroos roaming the area (conditions permitting). Return to Sydney late afternoon. (B,L)
Day 13: Depart Sydney
Transfer to Sydney Airport to connect with your onward flight (airfare not included). (B)
Day : City - Area - Hotel
Day - 1, 2, Hobart - Henry Jones Art Hotel
Day - 3, Freycinet - Freycinet
Day - 4, 5, 6 Melbourne - Lyall Hotel and Spa
Day - 7, 8, 9 Hayman Island - Hayman Island Resort
Day - 10, 11,, 12 Sydney - InterContinental Sydney
