AAT Kings Escorted AAT Kings Escorted 2019-2020 | Page 44

44 Sydney Highlights of Australia & New Zealand   21 DAYS  MELBOURNE QUEENSTOWN   IMZB Melbourne Alice Springs Uluru Kata Tjuta Cairns Great Barrier Reef Sydney Auckland Rotorua Christchurch Franz Josef Glacier Queenstown Milford Sound A perfect mix of modern cities and ancient landscapes characterises this epic journey across two nations. The Great Barrier Reef and breathtaking Milford Sound complement a world of ancient Aboriginal tradition in Australia’s Red Centre and vivid Māori culture in Rotorua. From tropical Cairns to the towering mountain peaks of the land of The Long White Cloud, you’ll be amazed at every turn. HIGHLIGHTS • Discover Melbourne’s colorful hidden laneways and arcades • Enjoy an Aussie BBQ at Earth Sanctuary • Toast an Uluru sunset with sparkling wine • Discover rock art at Uluru (Ayers Rock) • Hike through Walpa Gorge at Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) • Create your own dot painting • Cruise and snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef • Dip your toes in the Pacific Ocean on Bondi Beach • Experience the Sydney Opera House on a guided tour • Join the O’Sullivans for lunch on their Waikato farm • Immerse yourself in rich Māori food, arts & culture • Travel on the TranzAlpine Train • Discover spectacular Milford Sound on a lunch cruise Day 1 Welcome to Melbourne Meet your Travel Director this evening at a Welcome Reception and dinner on board Melbourne’s famous Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. Get to know your new traveling companions as the beautifully- restored tram wends its way through Victoria’s cosmopolitan capital. Hotel: Crowne Plaza, Melbourne, 3 nights. DW Day 2 Melbourne Day 3 Melbourne Free Time Day 4 Melbourne – Alice Springs Explore Melbourne on a city sights tour this morning, then discover its gracious arcades, eclectic laneways and vibrant street art on a private walking tour. B Today is free for you to further explore the delights of Melbourne. Alternatively, you could take an optional trip along the renowned Great Ocean Road. B Fly to Alice Springs this morning, and visit the School of the Air and the headquarters of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. This evening, join the Falzon family for a home-cooked Be My Guest gourmet barbecue dinner, and later listen as they speak of their passion for ecology, astronomy and culture. Hotel: Mercure Alice Springs Resort. B BG Day 5 Alice Springs – Uluru Travel through the rugged West MacDonnell Ranges to Uluru. Sparkling wine is served this evening as you watch the sun set over the world’s largest monolith. Hotel: Desert Gardens Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort, 2 nights. B Day 6 Uluru & Kata Tjuta Day 7 Uluru – Cairns Day 8 Cairns Free Time Day 9 Great Barrier Reef Witness the magical Uluru sunrise, then tour the caves at the base of Uluru and marvel at the ancient rock art preserved there. Later, travel over red desert plains to Kata Tjuta, and take a walk through the towering domes of this majestic rock formation. Share a drink with your traveling companions as the sun sets over Kata Tjuta. B Join an Indigenous artist for a fun introduction to Western Desert Art. Your Anangu artist will provide cultural insights, explaining the meanings of local totems and help you paint your own artwork. In the afternoon, fly to Cairns. Hotel: Hilton Cairns, 3 nights. B Today is free for you to pursue your own interests in vibrant tropical Cairns. B Board a high-speed catamaran and cruise to the iconic Great Barrier Reef. You can go snorkeling (equipment provided), or view the coral and tropical fish from the underwater observatory and semi-submersible craft. Enjoy a tropical buffet lunch on board before you return to Cairns. Dine tonight at a restaurant on the waterfront. B L DW