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The Plains of Africa

The Plains of Africa

by | Mar 17, 2016

 

 

 

The Plains of Africa

collette_logo_197x59

$5,334.00

From $5,334* pp | 13 Days •  33 Meals  *Rate is per person, land only, double occupancy. 

Enjoy Kenya’s scenic vistas and magnificent wildlife as you traverse the African plains on an intimate safari adventure.

  • 13 included game drives.
  • Experience unforgettable game viewing from your treetop lodge, The Ark.
  • Enjoy a traditional dinner in the bush with Masai entertainment.
  • Explore the farmhouse of Karen Blixen, author of Out of Africa.

Dreams are made of these Experiences

On a fascinating safari adventure, explore the scenic vistas and magnificent wildlife of Kenya. During your exploration, discover the thriving culture and natural wonders that make this one of the most popular African countries to visit. Numerous safari game drives bring you in search of the “Big 5”— lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros. You’ll also visit the Rothschild Giraffe Sanctuary. Your stay inside the beautiful Masai Mara game reserve features a traditional bush dinner with Masai dance performance and full day game drive. See all the stunning sights and gorgeous beauty of Kenya on this 14-day adventure.

Itinerary

Day 1. Nairobi, Kenya – Tour Begins
Explore Kenya’s wildlife and stunning natural vistas. Numerous game drives bring you in search of the “Big 5” (lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards and rhinos) on your safari adventure. Arrive in Nairobi, the safari capital of Africa, for your overnight stay. The Sarova Stanley launched into Kenya history in 1902 as Nairobi’s first luxury hotel and was home to the beginning of Nairobi’s first and only stock exchange.
icons_therma  High 24 Low 11   icons_hotel  The Sarova Stanley

 

Day 2. Nairobi – Aberdare National Park

Today we set off for the mountainous region of Aberdare National Park. This ecologically diverse area boasts lush valleys, and peaks reaching 14,000 feet. Arrive at your hotel situated on the slope of Mweiga Hill overlooking the park. Keep an eye out for the giraffes that welcome you to the lodge. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the amenities of the lodge; perhaps you’ll take a nature walk or enjoy a round of golf!

icons_food  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner   icons_therma  High 24  Low  13   icons_hotel  Aberdare Country Club

 

Day 3. Aberdare National Park – Shaba Reserve

Your morning drive brings you to Shaba National Reserve, home to some of Africa’s most exotic wildlife including Reticulated Giraffe and Grevy’s Zebra. Enjoy a game drive en route to your riverside lodge. After lunch, begin your search for the “Big 5.” Tonight, learn about the culture and traditions of the Samburu – an ethnic group related to the Masai.

icons_food  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner  icons_therma  High 24  Low  8   icons_hotel  Sarova Shaba Lodge

 

Day 4. Shaba Reserve – Samburu Reserve – Shaba Reserve

Bring your camera as you continue searching for the elusive “Big 5” on a journey through this rugged region. The striking contrast of sand, sky and bush will leave you breathless. Look for the spectacular local birdlife; over 350 species of birds are known to inhabit Shaba. Watch for the desert rose plant, splashing colour against its natural surroundings.

icons_food  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner  icons_therma  High  24  Low  8   icons_hotel  Sarova Shaba Lodge

 

Day 5. Shaba – Aberdare National Park

Return to Aberdare for an unforgettable experience in a treetop lodge. The national park received its name from Lord Aberdare, one of the founding members of the Royal Geographical Society. Before arriving, tour Nanyuki Spinners and Weavers, a women’s self-help project, and learn how their crafts have changed their lives. Tonight’s lodge overlooks a floodlit waterhole and salt lick, which attracts a host of wildlife all night long. Get an up-close look at the wildlife from the four viewing decks that provide an unmatched opportunity for game viewing from the comfort of the lodge. Sit back and let the animals come to you!

icons_food  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner  icons_therma  High  24  Low  13   icons_hotel  The Ark

 

Day 6. Aberdare National Park – Lake Nakuru

This morning, drive past the mountains via the spectacular Nyahururu waterfalls. Arrive at the floor of the Great Rift Valley. Continue your search for the “Big 5” on your afternoon game drive.

icons_food  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner     icons_hotel  Sarova Lion Hill

 

Day 7. Lake Nakuru

After your morning game drive, savour a traditional breakfast in the bush. Then have some time to relax and enjoy the amenities at the lodge. Your exciting afternoon game drive returns to the lodge before sunset.

icons_food  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner      icons_hotel  Sarova Lion Hill

 

Day 8. Lake Nakuru – Masai Mara Game Reserve

This morning, travel to the Masai Mara Game Reserve. The Masai Mara – an extension of the great Serengeti Plain – is considered the most stunning game viewing spot in all of Kenya: lions, giraffes, zebras, elephants and other wildlife reside here. Your tent provides all the deluxe amenities of a lodge, complete with the adventure of the wild. Visit a Masai village prior to your game drive. This evening, enjoy a traditional bush dinner featuring a Masai dance performance.

icons_food  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner   icons_therma  High  27 Low  13   icons_hotel  Sarova Mara Tented Camp

 

Day 9. Masai Mara

Your day holds a full-day game drive. Pause along the way to rest and enjoy a picnic lunch. Return to your hotel for sunset.

icons_food  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner  icons_therma  High  27  Low  13   icons_hotel  Sarova Mara Tented Camp

 

Day 10. Masai Mara – Nairobi

After breakfast, return to Nairobi and travel to Karen, on the outskirts of Nairobi, and visit the farmhouse of Karen Blixen, author of Out of Africa. Experience the local wildlife first-hand as you have the opportunity to feed the endangered Rothschild giraffes from a raised platform at the Giraffe Sanctuary.

icons_food  Breakfast & Lunch   icons_therma  High 24  Low  13  icons_hotel  The Sarova Stanley

 

Day 11. Nairobi – Amboseli National Park

This morning, depart Nairobi for Amboseli National Park, famous for its open plains where lions and elephants roam and the breathtaking snowcapped Mt. Kilimanjaro dominates the landscape. Enjoy an afternoon game drive.

icons_food  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner  icons_therma  High 27  Low  13   icons_hotel  Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge

 

Day 12. Amboseli

Further explore Amboseli with two game drives – your final chance to see the “Big 5.”

icons_food  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner  icons_therma  High 27  Low  13   icons_hotel  Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge

 

Day 13. Amboseli – Nairobi – Tour Ends

Return to Nairobi and visit the students at Tenderfeet Education Centre*, supported by the Collette Foundation. This school helps orphans and high-risk children in Riruta, a suburb of Nairobi. A day room has been reserved for you to freshen up. Your tour ends this evening in Nairobi.

icons_food  Breakfast

INCLUSIONS

small tick-red-icon Accommodation

small tick-red-icon Meals as per itinerary

small tick-red-icon Tour guide

small tick-red-icon Activities as stated

Please note: Accommodation is subject to change.

EXCLUSIONS

small x red icon  Flights

small x red icon  Meals not indicated on the itinerary

small x red icon Drinks

small x red icon  Optional activities

small x red icon Visas

small x red icon  Comprehensive travel insurance

small x red icon  Items of a personal nature – laundry, telephone, room service

small x red icon  Tips and gratuities

  • Kenya is 8 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.
  • The highest elevation you will experience on tour is in Kenya – 7,800 feet.
  • The currency in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KES).
  • In Kenya the electricity is 240 volts.
  • Why not consider a pre and post tour extension. Start and end your holiday rested.

To truly experience the programme and destination, you need to be able to participate in physical activities such as longer walking tours, walking over uneven terrain, climbing stairs and periods of standing. Some of the touring days may be longer, with select included activities occurring later in the evening.

March 2016.

Mar 3  – Mar 13.                $3,079

Mar 10  – Mar 20.              $2,829

Mar 17 – Mar 27.               $2,829

April 2016.

Apr 7 – Apr 17.                   $2,949

Apr 14 – Apr 24.                 $2,949

Apr 21 – May 1.                  $2,949

June 2016.

Jun 6 – Jun 26.                    $3,979

Jun 20 – Jul 1.                      $3,979

July 2016.

Jul 18 – Jul 29.                      $3,979

August 2016. 

Aug 8 – Aug 19.                   $4,299

Aug 15 – Aug 26.                 $4,299

September 2016. 

Sep 5 – Sep 16.                    $3,979

Sep 12 – Sep 23.                  $3,979

Sep 26 – Oct 7.                     $3,979

October 2016.

Oct 10 – Oct 21.                   $3,979

November 2016.

Nov 7 – Nov 18.                    $3,469

March 2017.

Mar 13 – Mar 24.                   $3,469

Mar 27 – Apr 7.                      $3,599

April 2017.

Apr 3 – Apr 14.                       $3,729

Apr 24 – May 5.                      $3,729

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The Plains of Africa

Spectacular South Africa

by | Mar 17, 2016

 

 

 

Spectacular South Africa

collette_logo_197x59

$3,534.00

From $3,534* pp | 13 Days •  22 Meals  *Rate is per person, land only, double occupancy. 

Tap into South Africa’s harmonious mix of cultures, cosmopolitan cities, magnificent wildlife and fertile wine country.

  • Search for the “Big 5” during your included open-air safari game drive.
  • Visit one of the oldest working ostrich farms in Oudtshoorn – the ostrich capital of South Africa – and learn about these fascinating animals.
  • See the breathtaking Drakensberg Mountains – the highest mountains in southern Africa – as you travel along the Panoramic Route.

The Spirit of South Africa

South Africa’s cosmopolitan cities, posh resorts, expansive desert, magnificent wildlife and fertile wine country combine with a harmonious mix of many cultures to create a beautiful mosaic to discover on this 14-day tour. Explore Soweto, birthplace of Nelson Mandela. Search out the “Big Five” during an open-air safari game drive. Visit the Featherbed Nature Preserve. Travel the lush Garden Route between the mountains and the balmy Indian Ocean. Visit a working ostrich farm. Relax among the vineyards in the winelands region. Indulge in a wine tasting and a wine pairing dinner. Relax during a leisurely three night stay in Cape Town, one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Itinerary

Day 1. Sandton, South Africa – Tour Begins
One country with a world of treasures, South Africa awaits your arrival. Breathtaking mountain scenery, winding coastlines, remarkable cultural diversity and abundant wildlife in its natural habitat comprise this incredible experience. Your journey begins in Sandton, a city established in 1969. Famous for its rich veins of gold and other valuable minerals, it is now the bustling cosmopolitan centrre of greater Johannesburg.

icons_therma  High 23 Low 9   icons_hotel  Southern Sun Katherine Street Sandton

 

Day 2. Sandton – Soweto – Sandton

Today your Tour Manager helps you discover the history of the languages you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases. A guided tour of Soweto – South West Township – showcases luxurious mansions and informal settlements as you learn about the historical significance of the area. Visit the Hector Pieterson Museum which commemorates the role of the country’s students in the struggle against apartheid. Experience the regional lifestyle when joining locals for lunch at a nearby Shebeen, or house tavern. This afternoon, have some time to ponder history at Liliesleaf, the location of Nelson Mandela’s arrest and the former centre and place of refuge of the liberation movement. Gather this evening with your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.

icons_food  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner    icons_therma  High  24  Low  11   icons_hotel  Southern Sun Katherine Street Sandton

 

Day 3. Panoramic Route – Kruger National Park

Travel through the spectacular Northern Drakensberg Mountain Range en route to Kruger National Park, the largest game reserve in South Africa. Scenic wonders surround you as you pass through the Blyde River Canyon, made mostly of red sandstone and known as one of Africa’s greatest natural wonders. Set against the triple mountain formation of the Three Rondovals, resembling traditional round houses of the indigenous people, the canyon is the third largest in the world. Along this magnificent route you will also see Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the dramatic natural cylinders shaped by millions of years of natural erosion caused by fast-flowing sand-filled waters. This evening, enjoy a traditional boma dinner under the stars, where you may sample some local game meat!

icons_food  Breakfast & Dinner   icons_therma  High  29  Low  16   icons_hotel  Protea Hotel Kruger Gate

 

Day 4. Kruger National Park – Safari Game Drive

Have your cameras ready for an unforgettable day of adventure and excitement! Enjoy a full-day open-air-vehicle safari game drive. A local expert leads you in search of the “Big 5” – elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino – and provides insight into these fascinating animals along the way. Watch carefully – you may also see a graceful impala, dazzling zebra or gorgeous giraffe. Relax with a picnic lunch surrounded by the natural beauty of Kruger National Park.

icons_food  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner    icons_therma  High  29  Low  16   icons_hotel  Protea Hotel Kruger Gate

 

Day 5. Kruger National Park – Johannesburg – Knysna

Travel back to Johannesburg to board your flight to George. Upon arrival, travel to the picturesque resort town of Knysna, in the heart of the Garden Route, to enjoy a 3-night stay.

icons_food  Breakfast  icons_therma  High  20  Low  14   icons_hotel  Log-inn Knysna

 

Day 6. Knysna

Today you visit nearby Featherbed Nature Reserve. Begin with a lagoon cruise out to the famous Knysna Heads which mark the entrance to the lagoon. Next, board a 4×4 vehicle and travel deep into the forest. Discover the local flora and fauna during a leisurely paced nature walk. Enjoy lunch amongst the ancient milkwood trees – so called because of their white latex sap — before your return cruise. This afternoon, visit Plettenberg Bay, a tranquil and charming town originally known as “Bahia Formosa” (or “Beautiful Bay”). Enjoy views of beaches, dramatic rock formations and lagoons. Later you return to Knysna.

icons_food  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner   icons_therma  High 20  Low  14   icons_hotel  Log-inn Knysna

 

Day 7. Knysna – Oudtshoorn – Knysna

This morning, your township tour will highlight the diversity of this community followed by a touching experience as you visit a school.* Learn about the efforts of the Collette Foundation and the local community to conquer the challenges of educating the children of the region. Travel to Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of South Africa. Enjoy a guided tour of one of the oldest working ostrich farms in the area, then enjoy a tractor safari through the farm viewing ostriches in various stages of development in the Lucerne fields. An outdoor barbecue lunch adds to an amazing day. Upon your return to Knysna, enjoy some time to independently explore the charming waterfront area.

icons_food  Breakfast  & Lunch   icons_therma High  20  Low  14   icons_hotel  Log-inn Knysna

 

Day 8. Knysna – Stellenbosch

Before leaving the Garden Route, enjoy a visit to the Aloe Ferox region where you will enjoy an aloe-tapping demonstration and a stroll in the indigenous gardens. Next, journey to the heart of the beautiful winelands region, known for its colourful mountains and endless vineyards. This evening, enjoy a wine pairing dinner.

icons_food  Breakfast & Dinner   icons_therma  High  22  Low  11   icons_hotel  Oude Werf Hotel

 

Day 9. Stellenbosch

Later this morning you set out on a walking tour of Stellenbosch – one the oldest European settlements in the region – with a local expert. The afternoon is at leisure to explore, visit a museum, or shop. Later, enjoy a wine tasting complemented by some local savouries.

icons_food  Breakfast   icons_therma  High  22  Low  11   icons_hotel  Oude Werf Hotel

 

Day 10. Stellenbosch – Cape Town

This morning, travel to Cape Town to enjoy a panoramic tour of this beautiful harbour-side city. Cape Town celebrates its noted architecture that fuses the traditions of the French, German and Dutch. Enjoy a thrilling ride on a cable car as it whisks you to an altitude of more than 3,000 feet, landing atop the aptly named – and flat-topped – Table Mountain. The views of Cape Town, Robben Island and Lion’s Head will leave you breathless. Return to the city via Table Bay, passing through the Malay Quarter with its mosques and minarets. Make a special stop at the Milnerton Lighthouse.

icons_food  Breakfast   icons_therma  High 21 Low  12   icons_hotel  Cullinan Hotel

 

Day 11. Cape Town

Explore the coastal scenery and charming towns that populate the Cape Peninsula. Travel out to Cape Point, stopping for a visit with the penguins at Boulders Beach. On your return, explore the fascinating and famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, home to over 5,000 species of plants native to South Africa.

icons_food  Breakfast  icons_therma  High 21  Low  12   icons_hotel  Cullinan Hotel

 

Day 12. Cape Town

The day is yours to explore Cape Town. Your Tour Manager is available to offer suggestions. This evening, experience a unique farewell to Africa as you enjoy a lesson on the Djembe Drums to learn the local beat. Then, experience a soothing hand washing ceremony before a communal African dining experience!

icons_food  Breakfast & Dinner  icons_therma  High 21  Low  12   icons_hotel  Cullinan Hotel

 

Day 13. Cape Town – Tour Ends

Your tour ends today in Cape Town.

icons_food  Breakfast

INCLUSIONS

small tick-red-icon Accommodation

small tick-red-icon Meals as per itinerary

small tick-red-icon Tour guide

small tick-red-icon Activities as stated

Please note: Accommodation is subject to change.

EXCLUSIONS

small x red icon  Flights

small x red icon  Meals not indicated on the itinerary

small x red icon Drinks

small x red icon  Optional activities

small x red icon Visas

small x red icon  Comprehensive travel insurance

small x red icon  Items of a personal nature – laundry, telephone, room service

small x red icon  Tips and gratuities

  • South Africa is 9 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.
  • Johannesburg has an elevation of 6,000 ft above sea level.
  • The currency of South Africa is the South African Rand.
  • In South Africa the electricity is 220/230 volts.
  • Why not consider a pre and post tour extension. Start and end your holiday rested.

This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, upstairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.

March 2016.

Mar 3  – Mar 13.                $3,079

Mar 10  – Mar 20.              $2,829

Mar 17 – Mar 27.               $2,829

April 2016.

Apr 7 – Apr 17.                   $2,949

Apr 14 – Apr 24.                 $2,949

Apr 21 – May 1.                  $2,949

June 2016.

Jun 6 – Jun 26.                    $3,979

Jun 20 – Jul 1.                      $3,979

July 2016.

Jul 18 – Jul 29.                      $3,979

August 2016. 

Aug 8 – Aug 19.                   $4,299

Aug 15 – Aug 26.                 $4,299

September 2016. 

Sep 5 – Sep 16.                    $3,979

Sep 12 – Sep 23.                  $3,979

Sep 26 – Oct 7.                     $3,979

October 2016.

Oct 10 – Oct 21.                   $3,979

November 2016.

Nov 7 – Nov 18.                    $3,469

March 2017.

Mar 13 – Mar 24.                   $3,469

Mar 27 – Apr 7.                      $3,599

April 2017.

Apr 3 – Apr 14.                       $3,729

Apr 24 – May 5.                      $3,729

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The Plains of Africa

Exploring New Zealand

by | Mar 17, 2016

 

 

 

Exploring New Zealand

collette_logo_197x59

$6,139.00

From $6,139* pp | 19 Days •  30 Meals  *Rate is per person, land only, double occupancy. 

Explore New Zealand’s many sides, including the geothermal landscape of Rotorua and the temperate glacial landscape of the Franz Josef Glacier.

  • Traverse the heart of the Southern Alps aboard the famous TranzAlpine train.
  • Get to know a local New Zealand family during a memorable authentic experience of dinner and the choice of an overnight farm stay.*
  • Enjoy a tasting and lunch at one of New Zealand’s stunning wineries.

Lose Yourself in this Kiwi Adventure

From the steaming geothermal vents of Rotorua, to the ice sheets and temperate rainforest of Franz Josef Glacier, to the genuine warmth of a farm stay with a local family, experience all of New Zealand’s many facets on this 19-day journey. Cruise Milford sound in dramatic Fiordland. Sip wine at regional vineyards in Otago and Marlborough. Stay in Dunedin, a little slice of Scotland in the South Pacific. Overnight at the foot of massive Mt Cook. Dine in a restored Christchurch mansion. Immerse yourself in the Maori culture. Witness the famous Haka war challenge, followed by a Hangi feast.

Itinerary

Day 1. Auckland, New Zealand – Tour Begins
Your tour opens in Auckland, the “City of Sails,” consistently rated one of the best places in the world to live. Auckland’s Polynesian population instills into its chic atmosphere the vibrant feel of the Pacific Islands. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.
icons_food  Dinner   icons_therma  High 22 Low 16   icons_hotel  Citylife Auckland

 

Day 2. Auckland – Bay of Islands

Come to know the best of Auckland during a panoramic city tour featuring the America’s Cup Village, the War Memorial, bustling Queen Street, the Auckland Harbour Bridge and spectacular views from the harbour side. Next, depart Auckland and travel north to the Bay of Islands, your home for the next two nights. This sun-soaked region boasts more than 144 islands and warm waters with abundant marine life. Visit the Waitangi Treaty House where Maori and British leaders signed the 1840 treaty establishing New Zealand as a nation.

icons_food  Breakfast & Dinner   icons_therma  High  22  Low  16   icons_hotel  Scenic Hotels Bay Of Islands

 

Day 3. Bay of Islands

We begin the day with a cruise through the bay’s famous Hole in the Rock and view the Cape Brett Lighthouse which stands nearly 500 feet above sea level at the edge of the Cape Brett Peninsula. The rest of the day is yours to independently explore Paihia – the quaint town known as “the jewel of the Bay of Islands.”

icons_food  Breakfast   icons_therma  High  22  Low  16   icons_hotel  Scenic Hotels Bay Of Islands

 

Day 4. Bay of Islands – Matamata – Farm Stay*

Leaving the sparkling waters of the Bay of Islands behind, head to Matamata in the agricultural heartland of the North Island. This idyllic landscape inspired the producers of the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films and is sure to inspire you when you visit Hobbiton, the only outdoor filming location still in existence, for a guided tour. Make yourself right at home this evening when a New Zealand farm family welcomes you into their household for the night!* This is sure to be an unforgettable experience as you make new friends, learn about the customs of the “Kiwis” and enjoy a home-cooked meal.

icons_food  Breakfast & Dinner    icons_hotel  Rural Tourism Home Stay

 

Day 5. Rotorua

Today, find yourself amid the dramatic geothermal landscape of Rotorua. With over one-third of its population boasting Maori roots, this city is known as the Maori capital of New Zealand. Visit Te Puia, New Zealand’s premier Maori cultural and geothermal experience. The National Carving School and National Weaving School are located here, passing on age-old customs by teaching the tribal youth these traditional skills. Enjoy the chance to view the Kiwi bird and learn what is being done in an effort to remove this marvellous creature from the endangered species list. Tonight, experience an authentic Hangi dinner celebration where you learn about the warm-hearted Maoris and their lives before European colonists arrived in Aotearoa (New Zealand) and since. Enjoy an immersive experience featuring authentic entertainment such as the poi dance and the famous “Haka” war challenge

icons_food  Breakfast & Dinner    icons_therma  High  21  Low  9   icons_hotel  Princes Gate Hotel

 

Day 6. Rotorua – Napier

Journey into the Hawke’s Bay region. After arriving in the city of Napier, which boasts some of the greatest Art Deco architecture in the world, enjoy a guided tour and learn why Napier took on such an eclectic design style. A visit to the New Zealand Wine Centre, housed in its own historic Art Deco building, will showcase some of the region’s renowned wines. This afternoon, take advantage of time at leisure to stroll the ocean front promenade and simply soak up the atmosphere.

icons_food  Breakfast    icons_therma  High  21 Low  13   icons_hotel  Scenic Hotel Te Pania

 

Day 7. Napier – Wellington

Travel through the rolling countryside of the North Island. The rural vistas and the rugged Rimutaka Range slowly give way to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city.

icons_food  Breakfast & Dinner    icons_therma High  18 Low  13   icons_hotel  Amora Hotel Wellington

 

Day 8. Wellington

During your panoramic sightseeing tour of Wellington, view the Beehive, New Zealand’s Parliament; historic St. Paul’s Church; and the Old Government Building – the largest wooden building in the Southern Hemisphere. Following the tour, visit the Te Papa Tongawera Museum, a fascinating centre dedicated to art, history and the Maori culture.

icons_food  Breakfast  icons_therma  High  18  Low  13   icons_hotel  Amora Hotel Wellington

 

Day 9. Wellington – Picton – Christchurch

Board a ferry and sail across Cook Strait to experience what has been called “the most beautiful ferry ride in the world.” Arrive in Picton on the South Island. Discover why the Marlborough area is one of the world’s best wine regions when you tour a local winery. Later, arrive in the historic city of Christchurch. Devastated by an earthquake in early 2011, see first-hand how the “Garden City” is recreating itself.

icons_food  Breakfast   icons_therma  High  19  Low  11   icons_hotel  Chateau On The Park

 

Day 10. Christchurch – Franz Josef Glacier Region

All aboard! Take in the marvellous snowcapped peaks and beautiful river gorges during your travels across the Southern Alps, winding your way past waterfalls and rugged mountains on the famous TranzAlpine train for a truly inspiring trip through this glorious scenery. Next, meet the skilled carvers who work with West Coast pounamu, New Zealand greenstone, at a local jade factory. You’ll end your day at the Franz Josef Glacier Region which offers travellers a rare opportunity to experience a living glacial landscape in a temperate environment.

icons_food  Breakfast  & Dinner   icons_therma  High 18  Low  10   icons_hotel  Scenic Franz Josef Glacier Hotel

 

Day 11. Franz Josef – Queenstown

Before departing Franz Josef, if the dynamic New Zealand weather cooperates, you may opt to see this beautiful glacier region from a bird’s-eye view during a flightseeing tour. En route to Queenstown, watch as the amazing landscape unfolds before your eyes as you pass through the rainforest, bordered by the Southern Alps and the twisting coastline. After crossing the Haast Pass, arrive in Queenstown, one of New Zealand’s prettiest towns.

icons_food  Breakfast & Dinner   icons_therma  High 19  Low  8    icons_hotel  Heritage Queenstown Hotel

 

Day 12. Queenstown

Enjoy a leisurely day of touring as we set off for the beautiful 19th-century gold rush settlement of Arrowtown. Take time to explore its quaint, historic streets. The Central Otago region is where some of New Zealand’s best wines are grown and produced. During a stop at a local winery, visit the underground storage cave – the largest in New Zealand – for a tasting of their award-winning wine. Follow this unforgettable experience with lunch at the winery’s fabulous restaurant. Later, return to Queenstown and enjoy some leisure time.

icons_food  Breakfast & Dinner   icons_therma  High 19  Low  8    icons_hotel  Heritage Queenstown Hotel

 

Day 13. Queenstown

A full day at leisure in Queenstown offers several options to enhance your dream trip. You may shop or people-watch in the village. Or, join the optional “Journey through Middle Earth” tour which takes you through the majestic Remarkable Mountains and the breathtaking Queenstown countryside showcasing many of the spots where the Lord of the Rings movies were filmed.

icons_food  Breakfast    icons_therma  High 19  Low  6    icons_hotel  Heritage Queenstown Hotel

 

Day 14. Queenstown – Milford Sound – Te Anau

En route to Milford Sound, enjoy the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley. You’ll travel through ancient beech forest via the Homer Tunnel. During a cruise of the breathtakingly beautiful Milford Sound you will see why this fjord is one of the most visited sights on the South Island. With rock faces that rise nearly 4,000 feet on either side, the scenery will take your breath away. Following your cruise, enjoy an overnight stay on the southern shores of Lake Te Anau, the largest lake on the South Island. Indulge in a special “Taste of Fiordland” dinner showcasing the bountiful local produce.

icons_food  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner    icons_therma  High 15  Low  6    icons_hotel  Distinction Te Anau Hotel Villas

 

Day 15. Te Anau – Dunedin

Travel to Dunedin, on the southeast coast of New Zealand. One of the earliest European settlements on the islands, Dunedin holds proudly to its Scottish heritage and traditions. Visit the Royal Albatross Centre, the only mainland breeding location in the world for these magnificent birds. Their epic wingspan can reach nearly 10 feet!

icons_food  Breakfast    icons_therma  High 15  Low  7    icons_hotel  Southern Cross Dunedin

 

Day 16. Dunedin

This morning’s panoramic drive reveals Larnach Castle and Baldwin Street, the world’s steepest public road. Later, you may choose to embark on an optional trip on the spectacular Taieri Gorge Railway. This line was begun in 1879 to serve the inland region of Otago and includes 10 tunnels and 35 bridges.

icons_food  Breakfast    icons_therma  High 15  Low  7    icons_hotel  Southern Cross Dunedin

 

Day 17. Dunedin – Mt. Cook Region

The Maori word for Mt. Cook is Aoraki, which means “cloud piercer.” Journey through New Zealand’s unspoiled wilderness and arrive at Mt. Cook National Park, where permanent ice fields and glaciers blanket the ragged peaks. This is where famed New Zealand mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary honed his skills before conquering Everest. You may choose to take a nature walk, enjoy an optional glacier flight seeing tour (weather permitting) or simply meditate on the beauty of the Southern Alps.

icons_food  Breakfast & Dinner    icons_therma  High 16  Low  8    icons_hotel  The Hermitage

 

Day 18. Mt. Cook – Christchurch

As you return to Christchurch this morning, pause to pay a visit to a working farm. Watch a skilled New Zealand “strong eye” sheep herding dog at work, followed by a sheep shearing demonstration. Get to know these New Zealand farmers over a home-cooked morning tea. Later, enjoy some free time to explore Christchurch on your own. Stroll the city’s magnificent gardens or learn its more recent history at the Quake City exhibition at the Re:Start Mall. Tonight, visit the region’s earliest home, Riccarton House, and enjoy a farewell dinner.

icons_food  Breakfast & Dinner    icons_therma  High 17  Low  8    icons_hotel  Chateau On The Park

 

Day 19. Christchurch – Tour Ends

After breakfast your tour comes to a close, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful holiday.

icons_food  Breakfast

INCLUSIONS

small tick-red-icon Accommodation

small tick-red-icon Meals as per itinerary

small tick-red-icon Tour guide

small tick-red-icon Activities as stated

Please note: Accommodation is subject to change.

EXCLUSIONS

small x red icon  Flights

small x red icon  Meals not indicated on the itinerary

small x red icon Drinks

small x red icon  Optional activities

small x red icon Visas

small x red icon  Comprehensive travel insurance

small x red icon  Items of a personal nature – laundry, telephone, room service

small x red icon  Tips and gratuities

  • All cities on this tour are 2 hours ahead of Australian Eastern Standard Time.
  • The highest elevation on tour is 2,500 feet above sea level.
  • The currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar.
  • New Zealand uses 230 Volts, Type I plug.
  • Why not consider a pre and post tour extension. Start and end your holiday rested.

This tour requires average physical activity. You should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven ground and cobblestoned streets.

March 2016.

Mar 3  – Mar 13.                $3,079

Mar 10  – Mar 20.              $2,829

Mar 17 – Mar 27.               $2,829

April 2016.

Apr 7 – Apr 17.                   $2,949

Apr 14 – Apr 24.                 $2,949

Apr 21 – May 1.                  $2,949

June 2016.

Jun 6 – Jun 26.                    $3,979

Jun 20 – Jul 1.                      $3,979

July 2016.

Jul 18 – Jul 29.                      $3,979

August 2016. 

Aug 8 – Aug 19.                   $4,299

Aug 15 – Aug 26.                 $4,299

September 2016. 

Sep 5 – Sep 16.                    $3,979

Sep 12 – Sep 23.                  $3,979

Sep 26 – Oct 7.                     $3,979

October 2016.

Oct 10 – Oct 21.                   $3,979

November 2016.

Nov 7 – Nov 18.                    $3,469

March 2017.

Mar 13 – Mar 24.                   $3,469

Mar 27 – Apr 7.                      $3,599

April 2017.

Apr 3 – Apr 14.                       $3,729

Apr 24 – May 5.                      $3,729

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The Plains of Africa

The Complete South Pacific

by | Mar 17, 2016

 

 

 

The Complete South Pacific

collette_logo_197x59

$11,474.00

From $11,474* pp | 25 Days •  38 Meals  *Rate is per person, land only, double occupancy. 

Dream Big. Explore the Outback in Australia and discover Mt. Cook in New Zealand on this grand tour of the South Pacific.

  • Learn about the education of the children in the Outback during a visit to the School of the Air.
  • Cruise the waters of Kakadu National Park where you are sure to see the fearsome saltwater crocodile and plentiful bird life.
  • See a Tasmanian Devil during a visit to the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park and learn about the efforts to save these great creatures.
  • Visit Te Puia, the premier geothermal experience in New Zealand’s Maori cultural capital, Rotorua.

Do It All Down Under

Meet a koala, enjoy a bush dinner in the Outback, cruise the pristine waters of Milford Sound – do it all on The Complete South Pacific, an unforgettable 27-day journey through Australia and New Zealand. Toast Uluru (Ayers Rock) at sunset with champagne. Spend two nights on the Australian island state of Tasmania and visit the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Centre. See the Penguins of Phillip Island commute home. Explore the waters of Kakadu National Park, home of the fearsome saltwater crocodile. Discover the colourful world of the Great Barrier Reef. Marvel at New Zealand’s majestic fjord, Milford Sound. Spend two nights in Rotorua, a geothermal wonderland. Enjoy a home stay and dinner with a New Zealand family. Throughout your adventure explore Aboriginal and Maori traditions.

Itinerary

Day 1. Cairns, Australia – Tour Begins
Your tour opens in Cairns – the tropical gateway to one of the world’s most spectacular natural attractions and a World Heritage site – the Great Barrier Reef. Established as a marine park in 1975, the reef is a haven for thousands of species of sea life, as well as turtles and birds.
icons_food  Dinner   icons_therma  High 29 Low 22   icons_hotel  Pacific International Cairns

 

Day 2. Great Barrier Reef

The most biologically diverse ecosystem in the world awaits as you board a sailing catamaran for an exhilarating Great Barrier Reef excursion. Explore the spectacular reef along Michaelmas Cay. The choice is yours: during the excursion you can choose to explore the shores of this small sand island on the outer reef; or, perhaps you would prefer snorkelling to see the vibrant sea life up close. Back on board, a marine biologist will have an informative presentation and you will even enjoy a fish feeding presentation.

icons_food  Breakfast & Lunch  icons_therma  High  29  Low  22   icons_hotel  Pacific International Cairns

 

Day 3. Cairns

Board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for an unforgettable morning ride over the rainforest canopy. Embrace the opportunity to explore the forest floor up close with access to specially designed boardwalks. Your evening is at leisure to enjoy your tropical surroundings.

icons_food  Breakfast   icons_therma  High  29 Low  22   icons_hotel  Pacific International Cairns

 

Day 4. Cairns – Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Fly to Uluru (the Aboriginal name for Ayers Rock) in the heart of the Australian Outback. Tour the sandstone domes known as Kata Tjuta and the beautiful area surrounding the base of “The Rock.” Later, witness a stunning sunset over a glass of champagne as the Rock’s hues change dramatically with the setting sun.

icons_food  Breakfast   icons_therma  High  26  Low  12   icons_hotel  Sails In The Desert

 

Day 5. Uluru – Alice Springs

A short flight over the “Red Centre” brings you to Alice Springs. Learn how people once communicated in the remote Outback during a sightseeing tour that includes a stop at the Old Telegraph Station, dating back to the 1800’s. Visit School of the Air to find out more about the educational system of the Outback. There’s a chance of witnessing a class in session! Become locally invested this afternoon as you have the opportunity to meet the young Aboriginal group, Drum Atweme. Supported by the Collette Foundation,* Drum Atweme is a musical group comprised of at-risk youth from the local community. Tonight, continue your cultural immersion with a memorable bush dinner set against the backdrop of this unique desert environment.

icons_food  Breakfast & Dinner  icons_therma  High  28  Low  13   icons_hotel  Doubletree By Hilton Alice Springs

 

Day 6. Alice Springs – Darwin – Kakadu National Park

Access the history and culture of the Aboriginal people during a “Dreamtime Tour” where your specialist guide shares stories of creation and everyday Aboriginal life. You’ll even taste native cuisine. Later, board your flight to the city of Darwin on the northern edge of Australia and drive into the heart of Kakadu National Park.

icons_food  Breakfast & Dinner     icons_hotel  Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel

 

Day 7. Kakadu National Park

Today, enjoy the natural beauty of the “Top End.” Kakadu National Park is home to wallaroos and wallabies, monitors and lizards, crocodiles and birds of every imaginable variety. Witness artwork dating back thousands of years as you view Nourlangie Rock. During your afternoon cruise, be on the lookout for crocodiles as they bask in the sun, as well as waterfowl such as jabiru, egrets, herons and eagles.

icons_food  Breakfast & Dinner     icons_hotel  Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel

 

Day 8. Kakadu National Park – Darwin – Melbourne

Transfer to Darwin for your flight to the beautiful Victorian city of Melbourne.

icons_food  Breakfast  icons_therma  High  20  Low  11   icons_hotel  The Swanston Hotel Grand Mercure

 

Day 9. Melbourne

Enjoy a city tour featuring Fitzroy Gardens, the Shrine of Remembrance and bustling Victoria Markets. Take some time at leisure to explore Melbourne independently. Later, travel to Phillip Island, a renowned nature reserve and home of the world’s largest colony of Little Penguins. Protected and studied by rangers, hundreds of them waddle out of the sea and cross the beach to their burrows in the dunes. At the interpretation centre, you have a chance to learn about the lives of the Little Penguins and their significance to the region before enjoying access to the exclusive Penguins Plus viewing area.

icons_food  Breakfast   icons_therma  High  20 Low  11   icons_hotel  The Swanston Hotel Grand Mercure

 

Day 10. Melbourne – Hobart

A flight to Hobart, Tasmania brings you to Australia’s second-oldest city. The rugged and pristine beauty of the island of Tasmania provides the backdrop to your two-night stay.

icons_food  Breakfast & Dinner   icons_therma  High 18  Low  8   icons_hotel  Grand Chancellor Hobart

 

Day 11. Hobart

This morning brace yourself as you meet the Tasmanian Devil at the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Center! Learn about this unique marsupial, its fight for survival, and the efforts in place to save it from extinction. Later, take a guided tour of the Port Arthur Historic Site, the best-preserved example of Australia’s original penal colonies and home to stabilized ruins and restored buildings dating back to 1833. En route, witness the spectacular coastal rock formations known as Tasman Arch, Devil’s Kitchen and the Blow Hole.

icons_food  Breakfast  icons_therma  High 18  Low  8  icons_hotel  Grand Chancellor Hobart

 

Day 12. Hobart – Sydney
Return to mainland Australia today and arrive in the bustling city of Sydney. Enjoy a tour of Sydney, birthplace of modern-day Australia. Highlights include Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks, Circular Quay, the Botanic Gardens, and the fashionable suburb of Paddington. Marvel at one of the world’s most fascinating architectural wonders during a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House. This evening’s dinner choice is yours as you choose from a variety of local restaurants along bustling Darling Harbour.
icons_food  Breakfast & Dinner   icons_therma  High 23 Low 14   icons_hotel  Menzies Hotel

 

Day 13. Sydney

Enjoy a day of leisure as you discover the wonders of Sydney by using your free time to pursue your own interests. Stroll through the city streets, visit the historic Rocks area, or simply relax.

icons_food  Breakfast  icons_therma  High  23  Low  14   icons_hotel  Menzies Hotel

 

Day 14. Sydney

This morning you visit Koala Park for an up close and personal opportunity to learn about the different types of wildlife native to the land down under. You’ll walk amongst wallabies, indigenous birds, kangaroos, dingoes and other creatures. Experience the koala habitat where you can take your picture with a koala! Next, enjoy a unique experience as you learn first-hand about opals during a special presentation at the National Opal Collection. As you say your farewell to Australia, chat with new friends and take in the sights during a delightful dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour. Marvel at the scenic vistas the harbour has to offer including Sydney’s magnificent skyline and iconic attractions: the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

icons_food  Breakfast & Dinner   icons_therma  High  23 Low  14  icons_hotel  Menzies Hotel

 

Day 15. Sydney – Queenstown, New Zealand

Leave Australia behind and fly to one of the world’s best-kept secrets – New Zealand! Arrive in gorgeous Queenstown.

icons_food  Breakfast & Dinner  icons_therma  High  16  Low  6   icons_hotel  Heritage Queenstown Hotel

 

Day 16. Queenstown – Milford Sound – Queenstown

En route to Milford Sound, enjoy the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley. You’ll travel through ancient beech forest via the Homer Tunnel. During a cruise of the breathtakingly beautiful Milford Sound, you’ll see why this fjord is one of the most visited sights on the South Island. With rock faces that rise nearly 4,000 feet on either side, the scenery will take your breath away. Following your cruise, you return to Queenstown. You may choose to return via a short optional flight (weather permitting) for spectacular views of New Zealand’s Southern Alps.

icons_food  Breakfast & Lunch  icons_therma  High  16  Low  6   icons_hotel  Heritage Queenstown Hotel

 

Day 17. Queenstown

Queenstown offers limitless diversions set amidst breathtaking Alpine scenery. Shop in the charming village centre or enjoy an optional and exhilarating jet boat ride on the Shotover River. Or, perhaps you will join the optional “Journey through Middle Earth” tour which takes you through the majestic Remarkable Mountains and the breathtaking Queenstown countryside showcasing many of the spots where the Lord of the Rings movies were filmed.

icons_food  Breakfast    icons_therma  High  16  Low  6     icons_hotel  Heritage Queenstown Hotel

 

Day 18. Queenstown – Arrowtown – Mt. Cook National Park

Begin your day with a visit to the beautiful turn-of-the-century gold rush settlement of Arrowtown. Next, follow the Kawarau River and cross Lindis Pass before arriving in New Zealand’s most famous national park, Mt. Cook. There will be time to enjoy the Alpine paradise of Mt. Cook – a larger-than-life experience. You may choose to take a nature walk, enjoy an optional glacier flightseeing tour (weather permitting) or simply meditate on the beauty of the Southern Alps.

icons_food  Breakfast & Dinner     icons_therma  High  16  Low  8    icons_hotel  The Hermitage

 

Day 19. Mt. Cook – Christchurch

This morning, travel to the historic city of Christchurch. Devastated by an earthquake in early 2011, see first-hand how the city known as “the Garden City” is recreating itself. Enjoy some free time to explore. Stroll the city’s magnificent gardens or learn its more recent history at the Quake City exhibition at the Re:Start Mall.

icons_food  Breakfast   icons_therma  High  17  Low  8   icons_hotel  Rydges Latimer Hotel

 

Day 20. Christchurch – Picton – Wellington

On your journey to Picton, admire the coastal views, scenic river valleys and vineyards. From there, sail across Cook Strait to experience what has been called “the most beautiful ferry ride in the world.” Your final destination is Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city.

icons_food  Breakfast & Dinner   icons_therma  High  16 Low  12   icons_hotel  Novotel Wellington

 

Day 21. Wellington

During your panoramic sightseeing tour of Wellington, view the Beehive, New Zealand’s Parliament; historic St. Paul’s Church; and the Old Government Building – the largest wooden building in the Southern Hemisphere. Following the tour, visit the National Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongawera, a fascinating centre dedicated to art, history and the Maori culture.

icons_food  Breakfast    icons_therma  High 16  Low  12    icons_hotel  Novotel Wellington

 

Day 22. Wellington – Rotorua

Depart for the dramatic geothermal landscape of Rotorua. With over one-third of its population boasting Maori roots, this city is known as the Maori capital of New Zealand. Make yourself right at home this evening when a New Zealand family welcomes you into their home for the night!** This is sure to be an unforgettable experience as you make new friends, learn about the customs of the “Kiwis,” and enjoy a home-cooked meal.

icons_food  Breakfast & Dinner   icons_therma  High 15  Low  4   icons_hotel Millennium Hotel Rotorua

 

Day 23. Rotorua

This morning, visit Te Puia – New Zealand’s premier Maori cultural and geothermal experience. Witness how the Maori keep their culture alive by teaching the tribal youth traditional carving and weaving. Enjoy the chance to view the Kiwi bird and learn what is being done in an effort to remove this marvellous creature from the endangered species list. Next, meet the skilled carvers who work with pounamu, New Zealand greenstone, at a local jade factory. Then, visit the Agrodome where you will see a sheep shearing demonstration and learn about the importance of agriculture to the nation.

icons_food  Breakfast    icons_therma  High 15  Low  4    icons_hotel  Millennium Hotel Rotorua

 

Day 24. Rotorua – Auckland

Travel through the majestic countryside of the North Island, arriving in New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland, “The City of Sails.” A panoramic city tour features the America’s Cup Village, the War Memorial, vibrant Queen Street, the Auckland Harbour Bridge, and spectacular views from the harbour side. Join your fellow travellers this evening at a local restaurant for a farewell dinner where you will toast the end of a wonderful trip!

icons_food  Breakfast & Dinner   icons_therma  High 17  Low  12    icons_hotel  Mercure Auckland

 

Day 25. Auckland – Tour Ends

After breakfast your tour comes to an end in Auckland and we say goodbye.

icons_food  Breakfast

INCLUSIONS

small tick-red-icon Accommodation

small tick-red-icon Meals as per itinerary

small tick-red-icon Tour guide

small tick-red-icon Activities as stated

Please note: Accommodation is subject to change.

EXCLUSIONS

small x red icon  Flights

small x red icon  Meals not indicated on the itinerary

small x red icon Drinks

small x red icon  Optional activities

small x red icon Visas

small x red icon  Comprehensive travel insurance

small x red icon  Items of a personal nature – laundry, telephone, room service

small x red icon  Tips and gratuities

  • New Zealand is 16 hours ahead; Cairns is 14 hours ahead; Melbourne and Sydney are 15 hours ahead; Alice Springs/Ayers Rock are 14.5 hours ahead of EST.
  • The highest point on this tour is 2,500 feet above sea level.
  • The currency in Australia is the Australian Dollar, and in New Zealand, it is the New Zealand Dollar.
  • Australia and New Zealand use 230 Volts. Both are Type I plugs.
  • Why not consider a pre and post tour extension. Start and end your holiday rested.

This tour requires average physical activity. You should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven ground and cobblestoned streets.

March 2016.

Mar 3  – Mar 13.                $3,079

Mar 10  – Mar 20.              $2,829

Mar 17 – Mar 27.               $2,829

April 2016.

Apr 7 – Apr 17.                   $2,949

Apr 14 – Apr 24.                 $2,949

Apr 21 – May 1.                  $2,949

June 2016.

Jun 6 – Jun 26.                    $3,979

Jun 20 – Jul 1.                      $3,979

July 2016.

Jul 18 – Jul 29.                      $3,979

August 2016. 

Aug 8 – Aug 19.                   $4,299

Aug 15 – Aug 26.                 $4,299

September 2016. 

Sep 5 – Sep 16.                    $3,979

Sep 12 – Sep 23.                  $3,979

Sep 26 – Oct 7.                     $3,979

October 2016.

Oct 10 – Oct 21.                   $3,979

November 2016.

Nov 7 – Nov 18.                    $3,469

March 2017.

Mar 13 – Mar 24.                   $3,469

Mar 27 – Apr 7.                      $3,599

April 2017.

Apr 3 – Apr 14.                       $3,729

Apr 24 – May 5.                      $3,729

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A Taste of the South Pacific

A Taste of the South Pacific

by | Mar 16, 2016

 

 

 

A Taste of the South Pacific

collette_logo_197x59

$5,264.00

From $5,264* pp | 11 Days •  16 Meals  *Rate is per person, land only, double occupancy. 

This South Pacific adventure takes you from the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef to stunning Sydney Harbour and on to a Fijian paradise.

  • Take in the sights during a delightful dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour.
  • Discover the underwater rainbow of coral and fish as you explore the Great Barrier Reef from aboard a glass bottom boat.
  • Relax during a three-night stay at a beautiful Fijian resort.

Tropical Splendour and Cityscapes

Set out on an adventure that brings together the epic highlights of Australia with the tropical paradise that is Fiji. Explore the Great Barrier Reef. Visit Hartley’s Croc Farm and see crocodiles in their natural habitat. Delve into another way of life at the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Come to know the exciting city of Sydney during your included city tour, harbour dinner cruise and fascinating guided tour Sydney Opera House. You will also have a full day to explore the city on your own. Discover Nadi’s scenic hinterland and visit the Garden of the Sleeping Giant begun by famed Hollywood actor Raymond Burr. On this trip you even have the chance to meet a few of the local koalas. Finally, complete your trip with three nights in beautiful Fiji.

Itinerary

Day 1. Cairns, Australia – Tour Begins
Your tour opens in Cairns, the tropical gateway to one of the world’s most spectacular natural attractions and a World Heritage site – the Great Barrier Reef. Established as a marine park in 1975, the reef is a haven for thousands of species of sea life, as well as turtles and birds.
icons_food  Dinner   icons_therma  High 31 Low 23   icons_hotel  Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

 

Day 2. Great Barrier Reef

Set out on a high speed catamaran for an exciting excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. This is an immense series of 2,800 coral reefs which are home to amazingly diverse marine life. Explore the reef from your base on Green Island. Enjoy a glass bottom boat ride,* stroll the island walking trails, relax on the beaches, snorkel or just watch the fish and sea turtles swim past from the pier. For a more adventurous encounter with the reef, optional scuba diving and an outer reef tour are also available. Whichever way you choose, you’ll see some of the world’s most fascinating marine and plant life.

icons_food  Breakfast & Lunch   icons_therma  High  31  Low  23   icons_hotel  Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

 

Day 3. Cairns

Today, visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park to meet Australia’s original inhabitants. See the traditional dances, learn how to play a didgeridoo or even throw a boomerang. Browse the renowned art gallery and visit the interpretation centre which houses a collection of interesting artifacts. Visit Hartley’s Croc Farm for a chance to get up close and personal with crocodiles in their natural habitat! Boardwalks take you on a path of adventure through rainforests and woodlands to see animals such as wild birds, reptiles and wallabies. You also have the chance to meet some of the local koalas and have a private talk with a wildlife naturalist to learn more about these cuddly creatures. Take a dramatic cruise on the lagoon looking for crocodiles before enjoying a delicious Aussie barbecue.

icons_food  Breakfast & Dinner   icons_therma  High  31  Low  23   icons_hotel  Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

 

Day 4. Cairns

Spend your day at leisure enjoying the tropical surroundings. Or, explore the rainforest canopy this morning with an optional ride on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway; make a few stops on the ascent to experience the beauty of this World Heritage site and experience the forest floor from specially-designed boardwalks.

icons_food  Breakfast   icons_therma  High  29 Low  22  icons_hotel  Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

 

Day 5. Cairns – Sydney

Today you fly to the bustling city of Sydney, first settled by English colonists in 1788.

icons_food  Breakfast & Dinner  icons_therma  High  23  Low  14   icons_hotel  Novotel Rockford Darling Harbour

 

Day 6. Sydney

This morning enjoy a city tour of Sydney. Highlights include Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks, Circular Quay, the Botanic Gardens and the fashionable suburb of Paddington. Discover one of the world’s most fascinating architectural sights as you take a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House, poised majestically on Sydney Harbour. Next, learn how raw opals mined from the depths of the earth are transformed into beautiful works of art at the National Opal Centre. The evening is free to explore Sydney at your leisure. The opportunities are endless!!

icons_food  Breakfast   icons_therma  High  23  Low  14   icons_hotel  Novotel Rockford Darling Harbour

 

Day 7. Sydney

Come to know the exciting city of Sydney during a day of independent exploration. You may take advantage of an optional tour to Koala Park for an up close and personal chance to learn about the different types of wildlife native to the land down under. Walk amongst wallabies, indigenous birds, kangaroos, dingoes and other creatures. Experience the koala habitat where you can even take your picture with a koala! Or perhaps you’ll choose to walk around the city and do some shopping…or find a local café and relax. Tonight, experience the best of Sydney. As you say your farewell to Australia, chat with new friends and take in the sights during a delightful dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour. Marvel at the scenic vistas the harbour has to offer including Sydney’s magnificent skyline and iconic attractions: the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

icons_food  Breakfast & Dinner    icons_therma High  23  Low  14   icons_hotel  Novotel Rockford Darling Harbour

 

Day 8. Sydney – Nadi, Fiji

Today you arrive in the beautiful tropical paradise of Fiji to complete your South Pacific experience. Fijians are warm and friendly, with a welcoming, vibrant culture. For centuries, Fiji’s expansive sandy beaches and clear ocean waters have drawn travellers and explorers alike.

icons_food  Breakfast   icons_therma  High  29  Low  23   icons_hotel  Sofitel Fiji Resort Spa

 

Day 9. Fiji

Your day is free to explore everything that your reso

icons_food  Breakfast   icons_therma  High  29  Low  23   icons_hotel  Sofitel Fiji Resort Spa

 

Day 10. Fiji

Enjoy another day in paradise. Your Tour Manager will help you get the most out of your time. Join your fellow travellers this evening at a farewell dinner where you will toast the end of a wonderful trip!

icons_food  Breakfast & Dinner   icons_therma  High 29  Low  23   icons_hotel  Sofitel Fiji Resort Spa

 

Day 11. Fiji – Tour Ends

Today, journey into Nadi’s scenic hinterland to the Garden of the Sleeping Giant. This garden, started by famed Hollywood actor Raymond Burr, now houses one of the largest and most varied orchid collections in the world. Travel to Viseisei Village – the legendary landing site of the first Fijians – where you will enter the village and have a chance to peruse the local handicraft displays. See the work that the Collette Foundation** is supporting in the local community at Koroipita. You will also make a stop in the bustling township of Nadi to experience the modern style of Fiji living. This evening, depart for home with treasured memories of your jaunt through the South Pacific.

icons_food  Breakfast

INCLUSIONS

small tick-red-icon Accommodation

small tick-red-icon Meals as per itinerary

small tick-red-icon Tour guide

small tick-red-icon Activities as stated

Please note: Accommodation is subject to change.

EXCLUSIONS

small x red icon  Flights

small x red icon  Meals not indicated on the itinerary

small x red icon Drinks

small x red icon  Optional activities

small x red icon Visas

small x red icon  Comprehensive travel insurance

small x red icon  Items of a personal nature – laundry, telephone, room service

small x red icon  Tips and gratuities

  • Based on Eastern Standard Time – Cairns is 14 hours ahead; Sydney is 15 hours ahead; and Fiji is 16 hours ahead.
  • The highest point on this tour is approximately 450 ft.
  • The currency in Australia is the Australian Dollar, and in Fiji, it is the Fijian Dollar.
  • Australia and Fiji use 230 Volts. Both are Type I plugs.
  • Why not consider a pre and post tour extension. Start and end your holiday rested.

This tour requires average physical activity. You should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven ground and cobblestoned streets.

March 2016.

Mar 3  – Mar 13.                $3,079

Mar 10  – Mar 20.              $2,829

Mar 17 – Mar 27.               $2,829

April 2016.

Apr 7 – Apr 17.                   $2,949

Apr 14 – Apr 24.                 $2,949

Apr 21 – May 1.                  $2,949

June 2016.

Jun 6 – Jun 26.                    $3,979

Jun 20 – Jul 1.                      $3,979

July 2016.

Jul 18 – Jul 29.                      $3,979

August 2016. 

Aug 8 – Aug 19.                   $4,299

Aug 15 – Aug 26.                 $4,299

September 2016. 

Sep 5 – Sep 16.                    $3,979

Sep 12 – Sep 23.                  $3,979

Sep 26 – Oct 7.                     $3,979

October 2016.

Oct 10 – Oct 21.                   $3,979

November 2016.

Nov 7 – Nov 18.                    $3,469

March 2017.

Mar 13 – Mar 24.                   $3,469

Mar 27 – Apr 7.                      $3,599

April 2017.

Apr 3 – Apr 14.                       $3,729

Apr 24 – May 5.                      $3,729

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