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  Australia - down under - the world's largest island

Australian Escapade

Come explore a country that is renowned for its pioneer spirit, exotic wildlife and unusual terrain. All this, plus one of the friendliest cultures found anywhere.

13 days • Air & Land   -  11 days • Melbourne/Sydney   -  Fully Escorted

Includes:

• All flights if Air and Land package is purchased.
• All transfers throughout the tour
• Services of a professional tour director
• Accommodation in superior first class and first class hotels with private facilities
• Pre-registered room in Melbourne to accommodate your early arrival
• 10 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), and 5 dinners (D) including: dinner aboard the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant, Melbourne; and a farewell dinner, Sydney
• Complete sightseeing program as detailed in the day-by-day itinerary including admission charges where applicable Fitzroy Gardens; Yarra Valley; Alice Springs and Ayers Rock; Great Barrier Reef; Wildlife Park; cruise on Sydney Harbour; Sydney Opera House
• All local taxes
• Flight bag and portfolio of travel documents

Itinerary

Day 1, Tue. DEPART LOS ANGELES.

Board your overnight flight to Melbourne, Australia.

Day 2, Wed. EN ROUTE.

During your flight, cross the International Dateline.

Day 3, Thu. ARRIVE MELBOURNE.

Upon arrival, you are transferred to your hotel which has been pre-registered so you can check-in right away. The balance of the day is free in this lovely Victorian city.

Day 4, Fri. EXPLORE MELBOURNE.

This morning, meet your tour director and traveling companions for an in-depth tour of the city. See Victorian architecture on your morning sightseeing that includes Melbourne University, Parliament House, Queen Victoria Market and Captain Cook’s Cottage in Fitzroy Gardens. Your afternoon is free. Dinner tonight aboard a converted 1927 tram that has become the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant, traveling along the scenic streets of Melbourne. (B,D)

Day 5, Sat. YARRA VALLEY EXCURSION.

Day 6, Sun. MELBOURNE / ALICE SPRINGS.

Head to the airport this morning for the scenic flight to the vast red land of the Outback. This afternoon’s sightseeing tour includes a visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Overland Telegraph Station and Panorama Guth. Enjoy an evening Bush Dinner in a traditional outback setting, and listen to classic Australian music while you dine under the stars. (B,D)

Day 7, Mon. ALICE SPRINGS / AYERS ROCK (ULURU).

A leisurely drive to Ayers Rock where you’ll drive around the Olgas, 36 giant red rock domes which dominate the Western sky. Later, enjoy a short walk to the base of the Olga Gorge. This evening, you visit the "Sunset Strip" for a glass of champagne while watching the subtle color changes as the sun sets over Ayers Rock. (B,D)

Day 8, Tue. AYERS ROCK / CAIRNS.

Rise early this morning to view the grandeur of Ayers Rock. Hikers may have the opportunity to climb to the top of the Rock. Tour the caves at its base and hear an explanation of the Aboriginal Dreamtime Legends. This afternoon, fly to Cairns, the gateway to the Barrier Reef. Dinner tonight is at a favorite "locals" restaurant. (B,D)

Day 9, Wed. BARRIER REEF EXCURSION.

Today board the "Big Cat" for your leisurely journey to the edge of the Barrier Reef. You can unwind and experience your day with supervised snorkeling trips, glass bottom boat rides, semi-submarine coral viewing tours, underwater observatory, or scuba diving. Your outing includes an Aussie BBQ lunch. Late this afternoon, return to Cairns for a relaxing evening on your own. (B,L)

Day 10, Thu CAIRNS / SYDNEY.

A free morning so why not join the optional outing to Kuranda via train. There is free time to explore this "village in the rainforest" or board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and glide over the rainforest canopy. This afternoon board your flight to Sydney. (B)

Day 11, Fri. SYDNEY.

This morning, visit a wildlife park to see some of Australia’s unusual fauna – kangaroos, koalas, wombat and emus. Next, a luncheon cruise on Sydney Harbour. See offshore views of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Fort Denison and beautiful waterfront homes. Afterwards, take a guided tour of the world famous Sydney Opera House. (B,L)

Day 12, Sat. SYDNEY.

Free day to relax, shop or sightsee. Perhaps join an optional tour to the Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley, or one of the many other choices available. Tonight, reminisce with your fellow travelers at a farewell dinner at one of Sydney’s well known restaurants. (B,D)

Day 13, Sun. SYDNEY / LOS ANGELES.

Transfer to the airport late this morning for your homebound flight. Cross the International Dateline and arrive in Los Angeles the same morning. (B)

Hotels:

MELBOURNE - Novotel on Collins (F)

ALICE SPRINGS - Rydges Plaza (SF)

AYERS ROCK - Desert Gardens (F) or Sails in the Desert (SF)

CAIRNS - Pacific International Hotel (F)

SYDNEY - Sebel Pier One (SF)

Tour BQAZ – Departures & Prices Per Person

Single room supplement: $760. Triple room reduction per person: $130.

No guaranteed share.

The “land only” price does not include any air sectors.

The above “air & land” inclusive price includes all international flights from/to Los Angeles and domestic air within Australia. To cover various departure and arrival taxes, $130 per person (subject to change) will be added to your air inclusive invoice.

* These departures are subject to itinerary and price modifications. Details will be available Sep 2003.

Please do not hesitate to call us to inquire about your Australia travel needs