Australia & New Zealand

Cross the International Date Line in flight and “lose” a day.

Your flight continues to Australia.

Welcome to Australia! At an included welcome dinner, meet your fellow travelers.

Set off on a guided tour to admire the city’s beautiful 19th-century architecture, historic landmarks, and sprawling parks.

• Explore Carlton Gardens, home of the Royal Exhibition Building and the Melbourne Museum
• Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the Shrine of Remembrance
• Pass the Yarra River and the Sports and Arts Precinct, site of the Australian Open
• Stroll through Queen Victoria Market

Spend free time in Melbourne or add an excursion.

Enjoy a free day in Melbourne or add an excursion.

Fly to the Uluru region this morning, home to the iconic monolith which has been worshipped by indigenous Aboriginal tribes for 22,000 years. Here, journey through the desert to begin your exploration of the park.

• View Kata Tjuta, the weathered rock domes also known as the Olgas
• Watch the sunset over Uluru

Please note: Based on flight availability, the order of the itinerary is subject to change.

Spend a free morning in the Uluru region or add an excursion.

Return to magnificent Uluru National Park where you’ll meet with a guide at the Cultural Centre.

• Learn about the Anangu culture through the Centre’s exhibits featuring the best of Anangu arts and crafts
• Head out into the park and enjoy free time to walk the various trails (weather permitted)

Then, fly to Cairns, a coastal city in the state of Queensland, and transfer to your hotel in the Great Barrier Reef region upon arrival.

Please note: Based on flight availability, the order of the itinerary is subject to change. On some departures, visits to the Cultural Center may not be available.

Spend the day immersing yourself the northern coast’s lush landscapes and its aboriginal heritage.

• Head to the Mossman Gorge Rainforest for a private Dreamtime Walk with a local indigenous guide
• Walk along gentle trails through the surrounding rainforest as you visit cultural sites and pass traditional bark shelters
• Hear about the special bond the aboriginals have with the land as your guide points out food sources and traditional plants used for medicines
• Sit down for an included lunch before leaving Mossman Gorge

Afterwards, make your way to the UNESCO-listed Daintree National Park to discover a wealth of unique scenery and incredible wildlife.

• Cruise down the winding Daintree River in search of crocodiles and birds
• Relax and enjoy traditional afternoon tea while in Port Douglas
• Head toward Rex Lookout point, the pristine viewpoint of Trinity Bay, and pairs as a perfect backdrop to any photo

Please note: Travelers should feel comfortable getting in and out of ferries and boats. We recommend wearing a sturdy pair of walking shoes, and dressing accordingly based on the weather. In the case of inclement weather during the rainy season, if flooding occurs, today’s schedule may be replaced with a visit to the Tablelands.

Enjoy a full day at the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system.

• Head to Cairns Marina to board a catamaran and enjoy a cup of tea as you sail to the Outer Barrier Reef
• Dock your boat at a floating platform and learn about the reef’s unique ecosystem from a marine biologist
• View the coral’s colors from the underwater observatory, glass-bottom boat, or semi-submarine—or hop in the water with a snorkel
• Sit down for an included tropical buffet lunch aboard the boat
• Sip on some tea as you make your way back to the mainland

Please note: Snorkeling equipment is provided.

Spend a free day in the Great Barrier Reef region or add an excursion.

Enjoy a free morning in the Great Barrier Reef region or add an excursion.

Fly to Sydney today. Then, enjoy free time to explore the city at your leisure.

Please note: Depending on flight schedules, the Hot Air Balloon Ride excursion may be offered on during a previous morning while in the Great Barrier Reef region instead of the morning of day 11.

Join your Tour Director for a guided tour of one of the world’s most pleasant cities.

• Pass Darling Harbour and the Royal Botanic Gardens
• See the Rocks neighborhood and stop at Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair to take in views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge
• Soak in views of Bondi Beach and the Gap in Watsons Bay
• Enter the National Opal Collection
• Step inside the UNESCO-listed Sydney Opera House with a local guide

Spend a free evening in the city or add an excursion.

Enjoy a full free day in Sydney or add an excursion.

Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Say goodbye to Australia and fly to Queenstown, New Zealand this morning. Upon arrival, transfer to the town of Te Anau in the Fiordland National Park region.

Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Depart early this morning to see the breathtaking scenery of Fiordland National Park.

• Cruise across Lake Te Anau to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves
• Walk along subterranean boardwalks inside the caves to view glowworms
• Pass through beautiful beech forests and by glittering mirror lakes
• Climb to the Homer Saddle and drive through Homer Tunnel
• Sip on a glass of wine as you cruise around Milford Sound, in view of Mitre Peak

Please note: Travelers on tour from May through September will visit the Glowworm Caves in the morning. The Milford Sound cruise will take place in the afternoon.

Stop to explore the gold rush settlement of Arrowtown as you make your way to Queenstown.

Tonight, take the Skyline Queenstown Gondola 1,500 feet up to Bob’s Peak, which offers panoramic views of the landscape below. At the top, watch the sun set as you admire the Remarkables, Walter Peak, and Lake Wakatipu in the distance.

Please note: On departures from April-July 2023 travelers will visit the Queenstown Kiwi Park instead of Bob’s Peak due to gondola renovations.

Join your Tour Director as they introduce you to Queenstown this morning.

Spend free time in Queenstown or add an excursion.

Fly to Rotorua, located in the heart of the North Island’s Māori country.

Later, enjoy a free evening in Rotorua or add an excursion.

Please note: Based on flight availability, some departures may fly from Queenstown to Auckland and then transfer to Rotorua by bus.

Spend the day exploring the highlights of the Rotorua region.

• Ascend to the top of Mt. Ngongotaha via the Skyline Gondola, admiring views of impressive Lake Rotorua and the city below
• Once at the top, head to the tasting room and enjoy a wine tasting featuring Volcanic Hills winery
• Visit the village of Whakarewarewa, which is home to thermal springs and bubbling hot pools
• Join a local Whakarewarewa guide to learn about the lifestyle and traditions of the Māori people, who live in harmony with nature in the village
• Explore Rotorua's Government Gardens, a public park and site of great historical importance to the local Māori people

Tonight, make your way to a traditional Māori village for a private home-hosted dinner experience.

• Begin the evening with a whakatau, or welcome ceremony, by men and women of the village
• Enjoy a delicious dinner featuring regional specialties cooked using the area’s geothermal steam
• Take time to get to know the villagers daily life, culture, architecture, aspirations, and so much more during cultural discussion after dinner

Drive from Rotorua to Auckland this morning. Then, get to know Auckland, “The City of Sails,” with your Tour Director in the lead.

• See the city’s iconic spots such as Mount Eden, the Sky Tower and the Auckland Domain
• Visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum and learn the story of New Zealand and its people

Enjoy a full free day in Auckland or add an excursion. 

Later, celebrate your trip at tonight’s farewell dinner.

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your stay to explore Fiji.