Day 1 (for travel until 31 Mar 20)
Arrive in Melbourne
Today you’ll arrive in Melbourne where you’ll meet with your tour guide and group. You’ll enjoy a reception dinner in a riverside restaurant. It's a great opportunity to get to know everyone in a unique setting.
Overnight: Crowne Plaza Melbourne (dinner with wine included)
Day 2-3
Melbourne
Across days two and three you’ll explore Melbourne firstly taking a walking tour around the main sights of the city before enjoying some free leisure time where you can take it in at your own pace. You can go on optional excursions including a trip to a winery in the Yarra Valley, take a trip along the Great Ocean Road to see the famous Twelve Apostles monoliths or simply relax and experience some of Melbourne's well known food and culture.
Overnight: Crowne Plaza Melbourne (two breakfasts included)
Day 4
Alice Springs
Today you’ll fly to Alice Springs in the morning. Something of an outpost city for a long time, The Alice (as it’s known to locals) has blossomed into vibrant modern town. When you arrive you’ll visit the School of the Air, Royal Flying Doctor Service where you’ll learn about medical care is given to people living in the outback. Later you’ll enjoy a special Be My Guest home-cooked barbeque dinner at Earth Sanctuary World Nature Centre. You'll hear about the stories of ecology, culture and astronomy and also about their sustainable lifestyle - you may even get to sing-a-long to the didgeridoo and guitar, an even to remember!
Overnight: Mercure Alice Springs Resort (breakfast and Be My Guest dinner included)
Day 5-6
Uluru/Kata Tjuta
On day five you’ll travel through the Red Centre to reach Ayers Rock Resort, enjoying all the landscape and stopping off in places along the way including the majestic Atila (Mt. Conner). The afternoon is free for you to explore and enjoy the resorts facilities. By evening you can enjoy sparkling wine while you watch the sunset over Uluru – a truly magical sight.
In the morning rise early for the equally beautiful sunrise, you’ll then take a tour of the caves near the base of the rock. In the afternoon of day six you’ll travel across the desert plains to Kata Tjuta (known as The Olgas). Here you’ll enjoy another breathtaking sunset with sparkling wine.
Overnight: Desert Gardens Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort (two breakfasts included)
Day 7-9
Cairns/Great Barrier Reef
On the morning of day seven you will join an indigenous artist for a fun introduction to Western Desert Art. You’ll then fly to Cairns where you’ll spend the next three nights.
Day eight is a full free day in Cairns where you can choose from a number of different activities including a train ride into the beautiful nearby countryside - village in a rainforest on the Kuranda Railway and returning on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway with some spectacular views riding above the canopy of the rainforest. You could also take a day trip to Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park or Hartey's Crocodile Adventures to encounter native animals.
On day nine you’ll be heading out on a high-speed catamaran to one of Australia’s most stunning natural attractions, the Great Barrier Reef. Here you can go snorkelling and take in the astounding beauty of the reef from an underwater perspective on your semi-submersible craft. Enjoy a tropical buffet lunch onboard before returning to Cairns in the afternoon and dining in a restaurant overlooking the waterfront.
Overnight: Hilton Hotel Cairns (three breakfasts, one lunch and one dinner with wine included)
Day 10-12
Sydney
On day ten you’ll have free time to perhaps spend some time in the Cairns Wildlife Dome before taking a flight south to Sydney – arguably the country’s most famous city. Here you’ll settle into your hotel with an evening at leisure.
Over the next two days you’ll explore the city and surrounds, first with a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House before visiting legendary Bondi Beach followed by a lunch cruise on the iconic Sydney Harbour. You’ll also enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Sydney on your own terms, there's lots to do and see, your tour guide will gladly give advice on the best attractions or day trips to take. Enjoy dinner with your tour guide on the waterfront tonight.
Overnight: Intercontinental Hotel Sydney (three breakfasts, one lunch and one dinner with wine included)
Day 13-14
Auckland
On day 13 you’ll transfer to Sydney Airport for your trip to Auckland. On arrival you’ll be transferred to your hotel and then enjoy a dinner at your hotel with your new tour guide for New Zealand. The next day you’ll take a morning sightseeing tour around the city followed by a cruise on Waitemata Harbour. In the afternoon explore at your leisure the sights of the city taking in Bastion Point, the War Memorial and Viaduct Harbour.
Overnight: Stamford Plaza Auckland (two breakfasts and one dinner with wine included)
Day 15
Rotorua
Today you’ll continue on from Auckland towards Rotorua stopping off for a sumptuous country style Be My Guest lunch at the beautiful Waikato farm of Lance and Bridgette O'Sullivan, New Zealand horse racing royalty. This evening you’ll have the chance to enjoy a traditional Maori Hangi feast and experience the heart-pounding wero (challenge) from a Maori warrior during a Powhiri.
Overnight: Millennium Hotel Rotorua (breakfast, Be My Guest lunch and dinner included)
Day 16
Christchurch
Today you’ll visit the beautiful Rainbow Springs NaturePark with a local guide - you may even spot a kiwi! Continue on to Te Puia where a Maori guide will lead you through a geothermal wonderland before you fly to Christchurch and check in to your hotel.
Overnight: Distinction Christchurch Hotel (breakfast included)
Day 17
Franz Josef
Today is one of the most scenic days of the train. You’ll board the world famous TranzAlpine train and take a rail journey across the Southern Alps to Arthur’s Pass. Stop at Hokitika, known for its beautiful greenstone (jade) before heading onwards along the coastal road to reach Franz Josef Glacier where you’ll have the opportunity to take a jaw-dropping scenic flight (weather permitting).
Overnight: Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef (breakfast and dinner with wine included)
Day 18-20
Queenstown/Milford Sound
On day 18 you’ll travel through the rainforest to the stunning Lake Wanaka - visit the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown before arriving into Queenstown for an orientation tour. Here you’ll spend three nights with plenty of time to take in the sights and enjoy the best of the adventure capital of the world.
On day 19 you’ll travel from your base in Queenstown to Milford Sound through the rainforests of Fiordland National Park where you’ll take an afternoon cruise and enjoy the true natural wonder – this is definitely one of the highlights of the whole trip.
On day 20 you can choose from a range of including activities including a Shotover Jet ride (most thrilling in the world), play a round of golf, take a wine tour in the Valley or a minibus tour through Skippers Canyon, among others.This evening enjoy a farwell dinner at the Boatshed with some spectacular views of the mountain range that surrounds Lake Wakatipu.
Overnight: Millennium Hotel Queenstown (three breakfasts, one lunch and one farwell dinner included)
Day 21
Depart Queenstown
Today you’ll have breakfast and then be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
(Breakfast included)
Day 1 (for travel after 1 Apr 20)
Arrive in Melbourne
Today you’ll arrive in Melbourne where you’ll meet with your tour guide and group. You’ll enjoy a reception dinner in a riverside restaurant. It's a great opportunity to get to know everyone in a unique setting.
Overnight: Crowne Plaza Melbourne (dinner with wine included)
Day 2-3
Melbourne
Across days two and three you’ll explore Melbourne firstly taking a walking tour around the main sights of the city before enjoying some free leisure time where you can take it in at your own pace. You can go on optional excursions including a trip to a winery in the Yarra Valley, take a trip along the Great Ocean Road to see the famous Twelve Apostles monoliths or simply relax and experience some of Melbourne's well-known food and culture.
Overnight: Crowne Plaza Melbourne (two breakfasts included)
Day 4
Alice Springs
Today you’ll fly to Alice Springs in the morning. Something of an outpost city for a long time, The Alice (as it’s known to locals) has blossomed into vibrant modern town. When you arrive, you’ll visit the School of the Air, Royal Flying Doctor Service where you’ll learn about medical care is given to people living in the outback. Later you will join the Falzon family for a home cooked Be My Guest gourmet barbecue dinner.
Overnight: Mercure Alice Springs Resort (breakfast and Be My Guest dinner included)
Day 5-6
Uluru/Kata Tjuta
On day five you’ll travel through the Red Centre to reach Ayers Rock Resort, enjoying all the landscape and stopping off in places along the way including the majestic Atila (Mt. Conner). The afternoon is free for you to explore and enjoy the resorts facilities. By evening you can enjoy sparkling wine while you watch the sunset over Uluru – a truly magical sight.
In the morning of day 6 rise early for the equally beautiful sunrise, you’ll then take a tour of the caves near the base of the rock. In the afternoon of day six you’ll travel across the desert plains to Kata Tjuta (known as The Olgas). Here you’ll enjoy another breathtaking sunset with sparkling wine.
Overnight: Desert Gardens Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort (two breakfasts included)
Day 7-9
Cairns/Great Barrier Reef
On the morning of day seven rise early and depart the resort in total darkness for a short drive to Bruce Munro’s renowned Field of Light. Later, join an indigenous artist for a fun introduction to Western Desert Art. You’ll then fly to Cairns where you’ll spend the next three nights.
Day eight is a full free day in Cairns where you can choose from a number of different activities including a train ride into the beautiful nearby countryside - village in a rainforest on the Kuranda Railway and returning on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway with some spectacular views riding above the canopy of the rainforest. You could also take a day trip to Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park or Hartey's Crocodile Adventures to encounter native animals.
On day nine you’ll be heading out on a high-speed catamaran to one of Australia’s most stunning natural attractions, the Great Barrier Reef. Here you can go snorkelling and take in the astounding beauty of the reef from an underwater perspective on your semi-submersible craft. Enjoy a tropical buffet lunch onboard before returning to Cairns in the afternoon and dining in a restaurant overlooking the waterfront.
Overnight: Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina (three breakfasts, one lunch and one dinner with wine included)
Day 10-12
Sydney
On day ten you’ll have free time to perhaps spend some time in the Cairns Wildlife Dome before taking a flight south to Sydney – arguably the country’s most famous city. Here you’ll settle into your hotel with an evening at leisure.
Over the next two days you’ll explore the city and surrounds, first with a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House before visiting legendary Bondi Beach followed by a lunch cruise on the iconic Sydney Harbour. You’ll also enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Sydney on your own terms, there's lots to do and see, your tour guide will gladly give advice on the best attractions or day trips to take. Enjoy dinner with your tour guide on the waterfront tonight.
Overnight: Intercontinental Hotel Sydney (three breakfasts, one lunch and one dinner with wine included)
Day 13-14
Auckland
On day 13 you’ll transfer to Sydney Airport for your trip to Auckland. On arrival you’ll be transferred to your hotel and then enjoy a dinner at your hotel with your new tour guide for New Zealand. The next day you’ll take a morning sightseeing tour around the city followed by a free afternoon to explore at your leisure the sights of the city taking in Bastion Point, the War Memorial and Viaduct Harbour.
Overnight: Stamford Plaza Auckland (two breakfasts and one dinner with wine included)
Day 15
Rotorua
Today you will discover the native flora and fauna at Rainbow Springs Nature Park. This evening you’ll have the chance to enjoy a traditional Maori Hangi feast and experience the heart-pounding wero (challenge) from a Maori warrior during a Powhiri.
Overnight: Millennium Hotel Rotorua (Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 16
Queenstown
Enjoy free time this morning before boarding your flight to Queenstown.
Overnight: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown (Breakfast included)
Day 17
Milford Sound
On day 17 you’ll travel from your base in Queenstown to Milford Sound through the rainforests of Fiordland National Park where you’ll take an afternoon cruise and enjoy the true natural wonder – this is definitely one of the highlights of the whole trip.
Overnight: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown (Breakfast and lunch included)
Day 18
Queenstown
The day is yours at leisure, why not choose from a range of activities such as a Shotover Jet ride (most thrilling in the world), playing a round of golf, taking a wine tour in the Valley or a tour tour through Skippers Canyon, among others. This evening enjoy a highlight dinner at The Boatshed with some spectacular views of the mountain range that surrounds Lake Wakatipu.
Overnight: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown (Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 19
Queenstown – Franz Josef
Visit the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown before indulging in delicious stone fruit at Cromwell and then journey over the Haast Pass and along the coastal road to Franz Josef Glacier.
Overnight: Te Waonui Forest Retreat (Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 20
Franz Josef – Christchurch
Stop at Hokitika, known for its beautiful greenstone (jade) for a demonstration by a master jade carver. You’ll board the world famous TranzAlpine train for an unforgettable journey across the Southern Alps to Christchurch.
Overnight: Distinction Christchurch Hotel (Breakfast included)
Day 21
Christchurch
Join Isabelle and Tim Weston at their home, Britten Stables for Be My Guest morning tea. The former horse stables were restored by the couple and transformed into the exquisite home it is today. Spend the last evening with your group for a Farewell Dinner.
Overnight: Distinction Christchurch Hotel (Breakfast, Be My Guest morning tea and Farewell dinner included)
Day 22
Depart Christchurch
Today you’ll have breakfast and then be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
(Breakfast included)
