Day 1: Board your transpacific flight and skip a day as you cross the International Date Line.
Day 2: Board your transpacific flight and skip a day as you cross the International Date Line.
Day 3: Arrive in Nadi, Fiji.
Welcome to Fiji! Upon arrival, transfer to the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa. This afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the island. Visit VISEISEI VILLAGE, where the Fijian people first landed centuries ago, and the GARDEN OF THE SLEEPING GIANT to see a stunning private collection of tropical orchids. Then, stroll through a LOCAL MARKET to see the various crops grown on the island before visiting the largest Hindu temple in Fiji.
Day 4: Fiji.
Two full days at your leisure. Your Local Host will have suggestions for optional activities. (B)
Day 5: Fiji.
Two full days at your leisure. Your Local Host will have suggestions for optional activities. (B)
Day 6: Fiji.
Today, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Australia. (B)
Day 7: Cairns. Great Barrier Reef Cruise.
(Mon.) Board a fast catamaran for a CRUISE to Green Island, one of the many tropical islands on Australia’s famous Great Barrier Reef. Here you can choose to SNORKEL, take a GLASS-BOTTOM BOAT TOUR, or walk through the island’s cool rainforest. This afternoon, your Tour Director can assist you with a variety of optional activities, including crocodile spotting. Tonight, dinner will be held at TJAPUKAI ABORIGINAL CULTURAL PARK—an interactive and entertaining portrayal of the culture, dance, and folklore of this indigenous tribe. (B,D)
Day 8: Cairns–Melbourne.
(Tue.) This morning offers a special treat as we visit CAIRNS TROPICAL ZOO for your chance to meet Australia’s native animals. You’ll also enjoy breakfast in the park, a talk by a wildlife keeper, and the opportunity to have your picture taken with a koala! Later, fly to Melbourne, Australia’s second-largest city. Cosmopolitan yet relaxed, Melbourne is renowned for its shopping and streetside cafés. (B)
Day 9: Melbourne.
(Wed.) Today’s tour includes landmarks such as Parliament House and the Shrine of Remembrance, a tribute to Australia’s war heroes. Visit beautiful FITZROY GARDENS and then drive past the lush Royal Botanical Gardens. You’ll soon discover the differing architectural influences of this city as you see the Victorian Arts Centre and other buildings of significance. Also stop at one of the country’s leading OPAL COMPANIES to discover how the beautiful gems are mined. The afternoon is at your leisure. Tonight, consider an optional excursion to see the world-famous Penguin Parade, or for a unique dining experience, join an outing on a historic tramcar restaurant as it winds its way through the streets of Melbourne. (B)
Day 10: Melbourne–Sydney.
(Thu.) Fly to Sydney, one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Tonight, enjoy a sumptuous sunset DINNER CRUISE on one of Sydney’s most prestigious cruise ships. (B,D)
Day 11: Sydney.
(Fri.) Explore Australia’s largest city. Visit the SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see its amazing interior and theaters. Then, a great photo stop at Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair in the city’s BOTANICAL GARDENS, offering sweeping views of the harbor, Opera House, and Harbour Bridge. Feel like a local while touring the world-famous BONDI SURF BATHERS’ LIFE SAVING CLUB and enjoy a lifesaving demonstration! The balance of the day is free to enjoy all Sydney has to offer. (B)
Day 12: Sydney.
(Sat.) Today, enjoy a day at leisure for your own discoveries. Perhaps join one of our optional excursions to the Blue Mountains for a wilderness experience, or to Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s leading wine-growing regions. You can even climb to the top of Sydney’s Harbour Bridge! This evening, enjoy dinner at a waterfront restaurant with fantastic views of Sydney. (B,D)
Day 13: Sydney–Christchurch, New Zealand.
(Sun.) Haere Mai—welcome to New Zealand! The remainder of the day is at leisure in this internationally famed “Garden City.” (B)
Day 14: Christchurch.
(Mon.) Enjoy sightseeing with a drive up the winding Summit Road for views of Lyttelton Harbour, then past Christchurch’s old stone buildings, the charming Avon River, and acres of green parks. Visit the world-renowned INTERNATIONAL ANTARCTIC CENTER for an interactive look at Antarctica, including a chance to see Little Blue Penguins. The afternoon is at your leisure to explore this beautiful city. This evening, visit WILLOWBANK WILDLIFE RESERVE, where you will see wildlife unique to New Zealand, including the Kiwi. Then, learn about the South Island’s Ngai Tahu people during a MAORI CULTURAL PERFORMANCE followed by dinner. (B,D)
Day 15: Christchurch–Omarama–Queenstown.
(Tue.) Today, enjoy fantastic views as you journey through the snowcapped peaks, waterfalls, and rugged mountain scenery of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Stop at a SHEEP FARM in Omarama to learn more about one of the country’s major industries—sheep! Later, arrive in Queenstown, nicknamed the “Adventure Capital of the World.” (B)
Day 16: Queenstown. Cruise on Milford Sound.
(Wed.) More beautiful scenery today as you travel into FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK through the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. Boasting some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, this region of New Zealand has the elite status of belonging to UNESCO’s World Heritage Parks. CRUISE on the fiord with sheer rock walls rising thousands of feet from the water’s great depths. (B,L)
Day 17: Queenstown.
(Thu.) A full day at leisure for your own discovery. Consider an optional visit to a local vineyard and sample some of the prize vintages or maybe a thrilling jetboat ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers. Your Tour Director will have suggestions to help you plan your day to explore, shop, and enjoy optional activities. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner at Walter Peak, including a CRUISE aboard a vintage steamship on stunning Lake Wakatipu. (B,D)
Day 18: Queenstown.
(Fri.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)
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