Australia

with New Zealand and Fiji

March 19, 2010  /   18-Day Trip

Price:

$6494 per person

Map

Itinerary

Days 1-2Fly to Fiji

(Fri. & Sat.) Board your transpacific flight and skip a day as you cross the International Date Line.

Days 3-5Fiji

Fiji is located at the crossroads of the South Pacific, where time stands still among palm-fringed beaches, fabulous coral gardens, and azure lagoons. Much of Fiji is still untouched by the outside world, and, in some places, life has changed very little for centuries. Whether you wish to explore the islands and cultures of this enticing archipelago or simply relax, Fiji offers an unforgettable experience.

Spend three nights at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa. Included in your stop are all transfers and breakfast daily. Services of Local Hosts are also available; they will provide you with any information that you require and will assist you with sightseeing to suit your interests.

Day 6Arrival in Cairns, Australia

(Sun.) G'day and welcome to Australia! Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special WELCOME DINNER at your hotel. (B,D)

Day 7Cairns. 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 8Cairns-Melbourne

(Tue.) Morning at leisure in this tropical paradise. For a truly amazing rainforest experience, consider our optional trip to Kuranda via the old scenic rail route. See magnificent scenery, lush rainforests, and twisting waterfalls from the comfort of a restored, historic mountain train. Later today, fly to Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city. (B)

Day 9Melbourne

(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. For a unique dining experience, join an optional outing on board a historic tramcar restaurant as it winds its way through the streets of Melbourne. Later this afternoon, visit a local WILDLIFE PARK to see koalas and kangaroos. Then, continue on to Phillip Island to see the world-famous PENGUIN PARADE from an exclusive viewing platform. (B,D)

Day 10Melbourne-Sydney

(Thu.) Fly to Sydney, one of the world's most beautiful cities. Your sightseeing this afternoon includes a visit to the SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE and its amazing interior and theaters, as well as a great photo stop at Mrs. Macquarie's Chair, located in the city's BOTANICAL GARDENS and 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! Today's highlight is a special dinner at a waterfront restaurant with fantastic views of Sydney. (B,D)

Day 11Sydney

(Fri.) A full day at leisure for your own discoveries. Perhaps join one of our optional excursions, including an adventure to the Blue Mountains for a wilderness experience or an excursion to the Hunter Valley, one of Australia's leading wine growing regions. You can even climb to the top of Sydney's Harbour Bridge! (B)

Day 12Sydney

(Sat.) Another day at leisure for your own discoveries. The choice is yours and your Tour Director will have suggestions to help you make the most of this exciting city. Tonight, enjoy a sumptuous sunset DINNER CRUISE on one of Sydney's most prestigious cruise ships. (B,D)

Day 13Sydney-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 14Christchurch

(Mon.) Enjoy sightseeing with a drive up the winding Summit Road for views of Lyttleton Harbour, then past Christchurch's old stone buildings, the charming Avon River, and acres of green parks. (B)

Day 15Christchurch-Queenstown

(Tue.) Today, enjoy fantastic views as you journey through the snowcapped peaks, waterfalls, and rugged mountain scenery of New Zealand's Southern Alps. Later, arrive in Queenstown, nicknamed the "Adventure Capital of the World." (B)

Day 16Queenstown. 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 17Queenstown

(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 18Homebound Flight

(Fri.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)

AIRPORT TRANSFERS

Airport transfers included.

Vacation Highlights

INCLUDED FEATURES

CAIRNS:
Aboriginal dinner and show; Great Barrier Reef cruise with choice of activities; Welcome Dinner

MELBOURNE:
Sightseeing tour; visit Fitzroy Gardens, an opal company, and wildife park; witness the Penguin Parade

SYDNEY:
Sightseeing tour; visit the Opera House, botanical gardens, and Bondi Surf Bathers' Life Saving Club; dinner cruise

CHRISTCHURCH:
Sightseeing tour

QUEENSTOWN:
Visit Fiordland National Park and cruise on Milford Sound; Farewell Dinner

ALL INTRA-TOUR FLIGHTS

INSIDE VISITS

Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.

STANDARD INCLUDED FEATURES

 Transportation, hotels, and other standard included features offered.

Accommodations

MEALS

American breakfast daily (B); 1 lunch (L); and 6 dinners (D), including a Welcome Dinner in Cairns, a dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour, and a special Farewell Dinner in Queenstown. On Tour PGQ: breakfast daily (B).

SUPERIOR HOTELS

CAIRNS Pacific International (F), MELBOURNE Novotel on Collins (SF), SYDNEY The Menzies Sydney (SF), CHRISTCHURCH Rydges Christchurch (SF), QUEENSTOWN Rydges Lakeland Resort (F), FIJI EXTENSION Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa (D)

Price:

$6494 per person

Deposit:  $750 per person / Final due Dec 15, 2009

Single Room Supplement:
$1258.
Extra Nights per person in Cairns:
in single room $158; in twin room $96; in triple room $93.

Extra Nights per person in Queenstown:
in single room $171; in twin room $97; in triple room $87.

Extra Nights per person in Fiji:
in single room $233; in twin room $128; in triple room $117.

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Additional Information:

All air schedules, taxes and fees are subject to change by the airlines at any time.
-Departure/arrival taxes and fares from other cities will be advised at the time of booking.

Not Included in the Vacation Price:
Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees including the September 11th Security fee up to $10 per person, Passenger facility charges up to $18 per person, Federal domestic flight segment fees up to $3.50 per segment and U.S. and International arrival and departure, and other government imposed fees up to $300 per person; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Tour or Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ships' crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted Globus menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); optional excursions; airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection premiums; all airline imposed baggage fees (including internal flights); and all other items of a personal nature.

Optional Excursions

Here's a list of optional excursions you can enjoy during your vacation. Whether it's a special dinner, a local show or a special behind-the-scenes glimpse into an historical site, optional excursions are wonderful way to enrich your vacation even further. Plus, they give you flexibility. We include the must-see sites and experiences, and we also understand that people take interest in different activities and may want to craft a more personal vacation by hand-picking optional excursions that appeal to them.

Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, group interests, and general feasibility for your vacation. The approximate value listed gives you a good, general idea of what you can expect to pay but may vary once you are on your vacation. Optional excursions can only be purchased when you're on vacation and are not sold in advance. Some information provided might be in a foreign currency, you can use our online currency converter for exchange rate information.

CITY: Cairns

Great Adventure Full Day Green Island & Great Barrier Reef Add-on
Upgrade your included half day Green Island tour to a full day to include the Outer Barrier Reef. Your day includes, 2 hours on Green Island & 3 hours at Great Barrier Reef pontoon. Includes hot and cold lunch, morning and afternoon tea, snorkelling equipment, a semi-submersible coral reef viewing tour, and a reef education presentation.
Approximate value: USD $134 per person

Skyrail Cableway - Charter
Travel in the comfort of a six-person gondola cabin and see magnificent views of the Macalister Range, Barron Falls and Barron Gorge. Alone, the views of the Coral Sea are worth the experience. A visit to the Rainforest Interpretative Centre is a must on the next stop. Visit Kuranda Village with its markets, aviaries, sanctuary and Rainforest Station.
Approximate value: USD $70 per person

CITY: Christchurch

The Antarctic Exhibition
Christchurch is the gateway to Antarctica for American scientific teams who come to work on the frozen continent. Here you will see how these teams survive in this rugged and distant outpost. Also enjoy the entertaining display of the bird and sea life that abound in Antarctica.
Approximate value: USD $27 per person

CITY: Fiji

Starlight Dinner Cruise & Cultural Show
Sip a champagne cocktail as we cruise into a Pacific island sunset. Enjoy an a la carte dinner, Fijian entertainment and warm hospitality.
Approximate value: USD $63 per person

Tivua Day Cruise
Set sail by tall ship to pristine Tivua Island, surrounded by 500 acres of spectacular coral reef. Sunbathe in the bowsprit, watch for dolphins playing in the bow wave and enjoy the music and entertainment. On arrival enjoy the beach, water activities, and a delicious luncheon before the return cruise.
Approximate value: USD $63 per person

Lunch Cruise
Two and a half hours of sightseeing around the inner Mamanuca Islands and Nadi Bay aboard the MV City of Nadi accompanied by a fascinating commentary on Fijian culture. Enjoy a two-course individual platter luncheon with coffee and tea. This cruise is an ideal combination with morning or afternoon shopping in Nadi.
Approximate value: USD $45 per person

CITY: Melbourne

Tramcar Restaurant
Dine aboard the converted 1927 tram that has become The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. It cruises the scenic streets of Melbourne and, to ensure a smooth ride while dining, stabilizers have been fitted so that not even a glass trembles as the tram glides along.
Approximate value: USD $61 per person

CITY: Queenstown

Panoramic Evening
Take a gondola ride to the summit of Bob's Peak. Enjoy a delicious dinner at Skyline Restaurant while absorbing the surrounding mountain scenery and the lights of Queenstown below.
Approximate value: USD $71 per person

Milford Sound To Queenstown One Way Flight
On this scenic flight, visitors are provided with a panoramic view of the fiord, mountains, glaciers, rivers, lakes and the lush native rain forests. The duration of this flight is 35 minutes and is subject to weather conditions.
Approximate value: USD $288 per person

Kawarau Jet Ride
Aboard your jetboat you have breathtaking views of the Remarkables Range and a chance for a closer look at homes on the shore. During your trip you'll learn about the river's gold rush history and see mining relics from the past. The highlight is the awesome Kawarau Jet Turn where your boat spins 360 degrees. After the trip, journey down under the lake to enjoy Queenstown's underwater observatory.
Approximate value: USD $76 per person

Queenstown Wine Trail Summer Sampler
Enjoy a tour of the world's most Southern Vineyards. Take time to relax on a fun and friendly tour at two vineyards in the Wakatipu Wine region. Trip includes an underground Wine cave tour along with a visit to a Cheese factory with tastings and a special menu lunch at one of the wineries visited.
Approximate value: USD $106 per person

CITY: Sydney

Sydney Tower Buffet
Dine in style at the Sydney Tower Restaurant. With panoramic views of the city, there is no better way to see Sydney.
Approximate value: USD $56 per person

Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb
Experience the awesome view of the world's most spectacular harbor in full daylight, viewing a breathtaking 360-degrees of Sydney from the coastline and often as far as the Blue Mountains, from atop of the Sydney Harbor Bridge. Begin this thrilling experience walking up the eastern side of the bridge's arch, over the summit and down the western side, walking across catwalks and ladders accessible by anyone of average mobility. Photo stops will be taken throughout this unforgettable experience by your climb leader. This tour is moderately exerting, highly exhilarating and exposed to the weather. All climbers receive a complimentary group photograph taken at the summit, with all climbers in the group receiving an identical photo. Prices vary between weekday and weekend or public holidays, and between day time, twilight, and night time climbs.
Approximate value: USD $180 per person

Jet Thrill Jet Boating
Heading out into the main harbor you will feel the need to hold on tight as your driver unleashes the power of the Jet Boat. Experience radical fishtails, awesome spins and amazing power brake stops. Head towards the Harbor Bridge to view the Opera House before heading back to the calmness of Cockle Bay.
Approximate value: USD $69 per person

Blue Mountains
Cross the Harbor Bridge and head toward the crisp, clean mountain top air of the Blue Mountains. In the distant you will view blue haze horizons overlooking awesome canyons with rainforest carpeting the valley floor. Waterfalls, sleepy hamlets and the rich warm small of the Australian bush make this a very special place for every visitor.
Approximate value: USD $125 per person

Canberra
Visit the nation's capital. A purpose built city, ultra modern, with imposing architecture yet a rural charm of lakeside, gardens and open spaces. This hi-tech city is the seat of Parliament and home of superb national monuments, museums and galleries.
Approximate value: USD $133 per person

Hunter Valley Wineries
Visit the world acclaimed Australian wines from the vineyards of the rolling hills and valleys of the Hunter region. Delight both the palate and the eye in this green and fertile land dotted with villages and over fifty wineries. The Hunter Valley is Australia's oldest commercial wine producing district with over 7000 acres under vine. Famous wine styles are semillon, shiraz, chardonnay, gewurztraminer, cabernet sauvignon and earthy pinot noirs.
Approximate value: USD $154 per person

Port Stephens Dolphin Watcher
Discover the beautiful coastline north of Sydney with its holiday villages, while sandy beaches and the sparkling Pacific Ocean. Observe alligators feeding and meet famous Australians - crocodiles, kangaroos and koalas in natural bush settings. Ride the wave crests with the Dolphins in azure waters of sheltered Port Stephens where forests, villages and stately homes meet with the sea. This quiet arm of the blue Pacific Ocean is home to a pod of nature's most lovable and intelligent marine mammals.