Day 1 | ARRIVE IN CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA–PORT DOUGLAS |
| Upon arrival in Cairns, transfer to Port Douglas, a beachside town surrounded by rainforest and the Coral Sea. |
Day 2 | PORT DOUGLAS |
| Spend the day as you wish. Relax by your resort’s pool, or shop for souvenirs at the unique boutiques and galleries in Port Douglas. Other activities to consider: fishing, strolling on a sandy beach, a memorable sunset sail, or trying some of the downtown area’s many great restaurants and bars. Your Local Host will have suggestions. (B) |
Day 3 | PORT DOUGLAS. EXCURSION TO THE OUTER GREAT BARRIER REEF |
| Today, prepare for the experience of a lifetime when you board a catamaran for a cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Explore this underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of color and brilliance. Choose to snorkel, take a semi-submersible watercraft tour, or attend a presentation by a marine biologist. Late this afternoon, arrive back in Port Douglas. (B,L) |
Day 4 | PORT DOUGLAS |
| A full day at leisure. You might enjoy a trip into the Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest living rainforest, and to beautiful Cape Tribulation. Other possibilities: hiking, or exploring nearby Mossman Gorge to learn more about the region’s Aboriginal people. (B) |
Day 5 | PORT DOUGLAS–CAIRNS–SYDNEY |
| Transfer to Cairns for your flight to Sydney. The remainder of the day is at leisure to start exploring this exciting city. (B) |
Day 6 | SYDNEY |
| This morning, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour that includes a photo stop at the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, and a visit to stunning Bondi Beach, one of Sydney’s most beautiful beaches. The remainder of the day is yours to explore this vibrant city. Your Local Host will have suggestions for additional sightseeing, dining, and shopping. (B) |
Day 7 | SYDNEY |
| Today, you can explore on your own or choose from a selection of optional activities. You may wish to climb to the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge for unrivaled views; spend the day in Hunter Valley, sampling some of Australia’s best wines; or join a guided backstage tour of the Sydney Opera House. (B) |
Day 8 | SYDNEY |
| Another day to do as you wish in this beautiful city. You may want to enjoy a cruise on Sydney Harbour and admire stunning views of the city from the water; visit Taronga Zoo to see some of Australia’s native animals, such as koalas, kangaroos, and platypuses; shop for souvenirs; or relax on nearby Manly Beach. (B) |
Day 9 | SYDNEY–MELBOURNE. |
| Today, fly to the Melbourne. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B) |
Day 10 | MELBOURNE. |
| Your morning guided sightseeing tour includes Federation Square, St. Patrick’s Park, Queen Victoria Market (when open), Albert Park Lake, the Shrine of Remembrance, and St. Kilda Beach. Your tour ends at the Eureka Skydeck for awe-inspiring views of Melbourne from the Southern Hemisphere’s highest viewing platform. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B) |
Day 11 | MELBOURNE. |
| Enjoy a full day at leisure for independent activities. You may want to join an excursion to Phillip Island to watch the world-famous Penguin Parade, travel the spectacular Great Ocean Road, or the famous lanes and arcades of the city. (B) |
Day 12 | MELBOURNE. |
| Your stay in Melbourne ends with breakfast this morning. (B) |