November 2-17, 2013
Day 1: International flight
Overnight flight
Day 2: International Date Line
While flying to Australia, we will cross the International Date Line. We arrive in Australia on the “third day” of our journey, but the actual travel time, including a layover on the US west coast, will be about 25 hours. B, D
Day 3: Sydney, Australia
After time at the hotel to refresh, enjoy a guided city tour, including visits to Double Bay, Rushcutters Bay and more. Enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel this evening. B, D
Day 4:Sydney sightseeing
Sydney was the first British colony established in Australia and is now the most populous and cosmopolitan city in the country. Get a behind the scenes tour of the spectacular Sydney Opera House, enjoy a Captain Cook Harbour Cruise, visit Bondi Beach and more. B, D
Day 5: Sydney area sightseeing
Visit the spectacular Blue Mountains, located just outside Sydney and featuring spectacular sites Wentworth Falls, Three Sisters Rock Formation and Echo Point, and a Koala Bear sanctuary where we will also enjoy a BBQ lunch. Take a ride on the Katoomba Scenic Railway, the steepest cable-driven funicular railway in the world. B, L
Day 6: Sydney free day
The day is free to enjoy as you please. Explore Sydney, take a walk on the beach or take advantage of an optional day trip (additional expense) to Canberra (the capital city of Australia) to visit the Black Mountain Lookout, Gold Creek Station and Parliament House.
Day 7: Cairns, Australia
A three-hour flight brings us to Cairns, the gateway city to the Great Barrier Reef. After a short city-tour, check into our hotel for a 2-night stay. B, D
Day 8: Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Enjoy a full day cruise to explore the Great Barrier Reef, including the opportunity to snorkel. If snorkeling isn’t your cup of tea, view the amazing sights of the Reef from an underwater observatory. B, L, D
Day 9: Aboriginal Culture Park, Australia
Visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park to learn about the world’s oldest living culture, including didgeridoo playing, boomerang throwing and other aspects of this rain forest culture. B, D
Day 10: Cape Tribulation, Australia
A short ride brings us to the Daintree Rain Forest, the largest tropical rain forest in Australia, and a river cruise on the Daintree River. Continue to Cape Tribulation (named in 1770 by British navigator James Cook after his ship nearly sunk after hitting a reef), a remote settlement amidst the rain forest, for an overnight stay at the Ferntree Rainforest Lodge. A bridge finished in 2011 finally created year-round access to Cape Tribulation for the first time! B, D
Day 11: Christchurch, New Zealand
Return to Cairns for our flight to Christchurch, New Zealand. After a short city tour, retire to the hotel for the evening. B, D
Day 12: Christchurch sightseeing
Visit the Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Botanical Gardens and Mona Vale Gardens as we explore Christchurch, the largest city on the south island of New Zealand. B
Day 13: Queenstown, New Zealand
Travel to Queenstown, a picturesque town in southwest New Zealand on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and featuring stunning mountain views of The Remarkables and Cecil Peak, for a two-night stay. B, D
Day 14: Milford Sound, New Zealand
Enjoy a day trip to Milford Sound, a giant fjord system and one of the most spectacular sites in New Zealand. The steep canyon walls offer dramatic views of waterfalls and mountain peaks.
Day 15: Christchurch, New Zealand
Return to Christchurch where we will enjoy a farewell dinner before our flight home. B, D
Day 16: Sunday, November 17, 2013
While the return flight from Christchurch will entail a total of about 25 hours of travel time including layover, we will return to St. Louis on the night of the same day we depart because we will cross back over the International Date Line. B, D
Per person rates*
double $4936
single $5996
* Price DOES NOT include transcontinental airfare as it is unavailable at this time. We estimate it will be $2000, but the exact pricing will be available Spring, 2013. Price DOES include flight from Sydney to Cairns and Cairns to Christchurch.
For an extended visit to Asia, join us for a Princess Cruise from Singapore to Sydney October 15-November 4, 2013. Visit Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and Darwin and Brisbane Australia before joining the Sunrise Tour in Sydney on November 4, 2013. Please call for details.