GLOBUS 2012: GREAT ADVENTURE DOWN UNDER (PT)
28 days from Cairns to Queenstown or 30 days incl. travel
When you think of a fantastic vacation, what comes to mind? Cosmopolitan cities with sumptuous cuisine, lively nightlife, fantastic shopping, and intimate cafes? Or maybe you think of spectacular scenery and unique wildlife? Or maybe you want to learn about native cultures and historical events? If so, this trip to Australia and New Zealand is sure to be the perfect vacation for you! In Sydney, visit the Sydney Opera House and explore the cobblestone streets of the Rocks, the harborside area where the first convicts settled. In Melbourne, shop til you drop at its many boutiques, and enjoy watching the wild Little Penguins emerge from the sea and waddle across the beach in the Penguin Parade. Enjoy the charming villages and sample wine in the Barossa Valley outside Adelaide. In Rotorua, visit Te Puia, Rotorua's most prominent thermal area, and in Queenstown, enjoy the many activities offered in this 'Adventure Capital of the World.' If you're interested in spectacular scenery, you'll be thrilled with the magnificent sights offered throughout this tour. You've seen photos of the Great Barrier Reef-now's your chance to snorkel in it. You've seen photos of Uluru (Ayers Rock)-now's your chance to walk around it. You've heard of Australia's Ghan Train, traveling through the very center of Australia-now's your chance to ride it. You've heard of the famous Tasmanian Devil-now's your chance to see one. On this tour, you'll also learn about the native cultures and way of life. See Aboriginal rock petroglyphs in Kakadu National Park; enjoy a Maori concert in New Zealand; and learn how education and medical services are provided to those living in the remote regions of the Outback. From the cosmopolitan cities to the remote regions, whatever you desire, this vacation is sure to delight-it's a vacation of a lifetime!
HOTELS
CAIRNS Novotel Cairns Oasis (F), DARWIN Crowne Plaza (SF), KAKADU NATIONAL PARK Holiday Inn Gagudju Crocodile (F), AYERS ROCK Desert Gardens Hotel (F), ALICE SPRINGS Lasseters Hotel (F), GREAT SOUTHERN RAILWAY The Ghan train, ADELAIDE Majestic Roof Garden Hotel (F), MELBOURNE The Swanston Hotel, Grand Mercure (MF), HOBART Wrest Point Hotel (SF), SYDNEY The Grace (SF), AUCKLAND SKYCITY Hotel (SF), ROTORUA Novotel Rotorua Lakeside (SF), DUNEDIN Scenic Hotel Dunedin City (F), MOUNT COOK The Hermitage (MF), QUEENSTOWN Novotel Queenstown Lakeside (F)
HOTELS
CAIRNS Novotel Cairns Oasis (F), DARWIN Crowne Plaza (SF), KAKADU NATIONAL PARK Holiday Inn Gagudju Crocodile (F), AYERS ROCK Desert Gardens Hotel (F), ALICE SPRINGS Lasseters Hotel (F), GREAT SOUTHERN RAILWAY The Ghan train, ADELAIDE Majestic Roof Garden Hotel (F), MELBOURNE The Swanston Hotel, Grand Mercure (MF), HOBART Wrest Point Hotel (SF), SYDNEY The Grace (SF), AUCKLAND SKYCITY Hotel (SF), ROTORUA Novotel Rotorua Lakeside (SF), DUNEDIN Scenic Hotel Dunedin City (F), MOUNT COOK The Hermitage (MF), QUEENSTOWN Novotel Queenstown Lakeside (F)
Details
- Tour Operator
- Globus
- Offer
- Offer valid through 3/31/2012
- Duration
- 28 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Cairns | 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. (D) |
| Day 2 | Cairns | 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. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure. You might consider upgrading to a full-day excursion to the Outer Barrier Reef. In the evening, consider a unique experience at the famous Flames of the Forest, where you enjoy tropical dining in an actual rainforest and authentic Aboriginal culture through storytelling and music (operates seasonally). Or, consider a sunset cruise followed by a delicious dinner at a waterfront restaurant. (B) |
| Day 3 | Darwin | This morning, enjoy a special visit to CAIRNS TROPICAL ZOO for your chance to meet Australia's native animals. You'll also enjoy breakfast in the park, a talk by a wildlife keeper, and will have the opportunity to have your picture taken with a koala! Afterward, you may choose to join 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. For the return journey you may choose to take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Or, take a tour to Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park-a fascinating portrayal of Aboriginal culture, dance, and folklore. Then, fly to the top end of Australia to Darwin, famous for its strategic importance during WWII. (B) |
| Day 4 | Kakadu National Park | Today, see giant termite nests on the way to KAKADU NATIONAL PARK. Explore parts of nearly 7,300 square miles of unspoiled waterways with a rich heritage of Aboriginal culture and stop at the Bowali Visitor Centre to learn about Kakadu's habitats. CRUISE waterways where you may view crocodiles, and walk ancient trails to see Aboriginal rock petroglyphs. An optional light-aircraft flight over the park should not be missed. Dinner tonight is at your hotel. (B,D)Note: During the wet season (December through April) it can be difficult to see crocodiles in the wild. |
| Day 5 | Darwin | Depart your hotel this morning and stop at WINDOWS ON THE WETLANDS VISITOR CENTRE, an interactive display of Kakadu fauna. Return to Darwin for sightseeing. See the elegant colonial architecture of the city's historic buildings that survived Cyclone Tracy in 1974. Visit the splendid BOTANIC GARDENS and beautiful East Point, an area rich in WWII memorabilia. Also visit the ART GALLERY to view fine collections of Aboriginal art. (B) |
| Day 6 | Ayers Rock | During a brief stop in Alice Springs, enjoy a visit to the SCHOOL OF AIR to learn how education services are provided to children living in the vast Outback. Then, visit the OLD TELEGRAPH STATION to discover how the locals live in this remote area and to learn the history of how the early settlers developed communication. On to Anzac Hill, a tribute to the war heroes of Australia and New Zealand. Afterward, fly to Ayers Rock. Travel to a popular lookout to enjoy views of magnificent Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), a geological splendor of some 30 brilliant monoliths. There is time to take photos before returning for a TOUR around the base of Uluru (Ayers Rock) and to 'Sunset Strip' for a drink, canapes, and to witness the changing colors of the rock. (B) |
| Day 7 | Alice Springs | For an unforgettable experience, rise early for an optional camel ride to watch the sunrise at Uluru. Then, fly to Alice Springs and visit the ROYAL FLYING DOCTOR SERVICE to appreciate how medical services are provided to those in remote regions. The afternoon is at leisure. You may want to visit the Desert Park to learn more about the flora and fauna of the Australian desert. Tonight, enjoy a unique Aussie experience-an OUTBACK BARBECUE that features a meal of typical campfire fare, fascinating tales of the Outback, and Aboriginal folklore. (B,D) |
| Day 8 | Ghan Train | This morning, enjoy free time to relax. Later, a highlight of your vacation begins as you board the GHAN TRAIN for an overnight journey that offers a fascinating perspective of the Outback. (B,L,D) |
| Day 9 | Adelaide | Arrive in Adelaide for a city tour along the wide tree-lined streets and well-manicured gardens. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. (B) |
| Day 10 | Adelaide | The day is at leisure. You may choose a full-day trip to Kangaroo Island, one of the world's last unspoiled habitats. (B) |
| Day 11 | Melbourne | Today, drive to the BAROSSA VALLEY with its Bavarian villages, baroque Italianate chateaux, and stunning vineyard scenery. Breathe in the beauty of the Adelaide Hills in the leafy greenness of the quaint yet charming villages. Enjoy a sumptuous lunch and sample some of Australia's premium wines at a LOCAL WINERY. Later this afternoon, fly to Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city. (B,L) |
| Day 12 | Melbourne | 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 Botanic Gardens. You'll soon discover the differing architectural influences of this city as you see the Victorian Arts Centre and other buildings of significance. 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, drive to Phillip Island to see a PENGUIN PARADE from an exclusive viewing platform. (B,D) |
| Day 13 | Melbourne | Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore this multicultural and cosmopolitan city. Dine at a local restaurant and immerse yourself in Melbourne's passionate food and wine scene-or walk along Chapel and Brunswick Streets, famous for great shopping. Take a trip outside of town to sample award-winning wines in the Yarra Valley or drive along the spectacular Great Ocean Road to see the 'Twelve Apostles.' (B) |
| Day 14 | Hobart | Fly to Hobart, Tasmania, home of the famed Tasmanian Devil. (B) |
| Day 15 | Hobart | Today's tour of the scenic Tasman Peninsula features the blowhole, the Devil's Kitchen, and the Tasman Arch coastal formations. Visit PORT ARTHUR, where the first convicts arrived in the 1830s. A guided tour of the Penal Settlement shows you the ruins of the 4-story penitentiary and the model prison-grim reminders of Australia's days as a penal colony. Also included is a short stop at a nearby WILDLIFE SANCTUARY to see the famous Tasmanian Devil, the world's largest carnivorous marsupial. (B) |
| Day 16 | Sydney | Today, fly to Sydney, the largest city in Australia. Upon arrival, tour the world-famous BONDI SURF BATHERS' LIFE SAVING CLUB and enjoy a lifesaving demonstration! The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure for you to discover this exciting and beautiful city on your own. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for optional activities. (B) |
| Day 17 | Sydney | Today, explore one of the world's most beautiful cities. Travel to Mrs. Macquarie's Chair in the city's BOTANICAL GARDENS for a great photo opportunity of the harbor, Opera House, and Harbour Bridge. Then, take a guided tour of the SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by a visit to one of the country's leading OPAL COMPANIES to discover how the beautiful gems are mined. Afterwards, a CRUISE on Sydney Harbour will show you the highlights of this bustling waterway. Along the way you will also see some of the city's original suburbs and the historic Rocks area, home to Sydney's original convicts. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B) |
| Day 18 | Sydney | Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps join our optional excursions to the Blue Mountains or to Hunter Valley, one of Australia's leading wine-growing regions. You can even climb to the top of Sydney's Harbour Bridge! Your Tour Director will help you make the most of this exciting city. Tonight, enjoy a special dinner at a waterfront restaurant with fantastic views of the highlights of Sydney. (B,D) |
| Day 19 | Auckland | Today, fly across the Tasman Sea to beautiful Auckland, situated on an isthmus between two magnificent harbors. This evening, enjoy dinner in the SKY TOWER, offering sweeping views of the city. (B,D) |
| Day 20 | Auckland | This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city, then spend the afternoon at your leisure in the 'City of Sails.' (B) |
| Day 21 | Rotorua | Leave Auckland and travel through the green pastoral region of Waikato to the famous WAITOMO GLOWWORM CAVES. Experience a guided tour through the limestone chambers and passages of the cavern. Take a silent boat trip through Glowworm Grotto as you glide quietly beneath the lights of thousands of glowworms suspended from the cave ceiling. In the afternoon, continue over the Mamaku Ranges to Rotorua. Enjoy a traditional HANGI DINNER this evening followed by an authentic MAORI CONCERT. (B,D) |
| Day 22 | Rotorua | This morning, start with a visit to the AGRODOME to learn more about one of the country's major industries-sheep! Continue on to RAINBOW SPRINGS to view native bush and wildlife, including a walk through the kiwi bird enclosure. Last stop is TE PUIA, Rotorua's most prominent thermal area with New Zealand's largest geyser, boiling mud pools, and silica terraces. The afternoon and evening are at your leisure. You may wish to board a floatplane for flightseeing of this beautiful area, join a New Zealand family for dinner in their home, or indulge yourself in the relaxing hot springs, sumptuous spa treatments, and massage therapies at the Polynesian Spa. (B) |
| Day 23 | Dunedin | Today, fly to Dunedin, one of the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere. Upon arrival, enjoy a quick orientation tour to see the historic sights of the city, including St. Paul's Cathedral and a photo stop at the Dunedin Railway Station with its old Flemish Renaissance-style structure. (B,D) |
| Day 24 | Mount Cook | Motor north and west to magnificent MOUNT COOK NATIONAL PARK, named after New Zealand's highest peak. Stop at the SIR EDMUND HILLARY ALPINE CENTER for unique insight into the history and culture of this region. Weather permitting, you may choose an optional ski-plane flight that actually lands on the 18-mile-long Tasman Glacier-or a thrilling helicopter ride. (B,D) |
| Day 25 | Mount Cook | Motor north and west to magnificent MOUNT COOK NATIONAL PARK, named after New Zealand's highest peak. Stop at the SIR EDMUND HILLARY ALPINE CENTER for unique insight into the history and culture of this region. Weather permitting, you may choose an optional ski-plane flight that actually lands on the 18-mile-long Tasman Glacier-or a thrilling helicopter ride. (B,D) |
| Day 26 | Queenstown | 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 been honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. CRUISE on the fjord with sheer rock walls rising thousands of feet from the water's great depths. (B,L) |
| Day 27 | Queenstown | A full day at leisure for your own discoveries. Consider an optional visit to a local vineyard and sample some of the prize vintages, or maybe a thrilling jet-boat 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, enjoy breathtaking scenery in every direction as you CRUISE Lake Wakatipu on board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw. On arrival at Walter Peak you will be served dinner at the Colonel's Homestead. (B,D) |
| Day 28 | Queenstown | Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B) |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- US$ Price Details
Dates and Prices do not include air travel.Participation in this tour requires purchase of the following flights from Globus, not included in pricing: (1) roundtrip air from your U.S. gateway and intra-tour air segments, starting at $4137 (based on Los Angeles, departure in March, 2012); or (2) intra-tour air segments only. Required intra-tour air segments are: Cairns/Darwin; Darwin/Ayers Rock; Ayers Rock/Alice Springs; Adelaide/Melbourne; Melbourne/Hobart; Hobart/Sydney; Sydney/Auckland; Rotorua/Dunedin. When planning your trip, please allow two extra days before tour date for travel between the USA and the South Pacific. Air prices were effective on August 10, 2011 and their availability is limited. At the time you purchase your tour, air prices may be higher. Prices based on double room occupancy.Single Room Supplement: $2500Triple rooms are not available.Extra Nights per person in Cairns:in single room $231; in twin room $104.Extra Nights per person in Queenstown:in single room $164; in twin room $88.2013 prices and itineraries are subject to change. Details will be available in August 2012.
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-We may be able to provide you with flight arrangements from your gateway city.
-Additional accommodations before or after your vacation may be available at our low prices.
Additional Information:
-Departure/arrival taxes and fares from other cities will be advised at the time of booking.
-Vacation departures, itineraries and prices are subject to change.
Guaranteed air-inclusive prices:
Air is only available to passengers traveling from the United States and only available when booked in conjunction with a land vacation. An additional $250 non-refundable deposit is required for air booked in conjunction with any land vacation (i.e., air-inclusive vacation.) However, once your airfare is confirmed and Avalon Waterways has received your full air and land deposit, your air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed.
We also accept your reservation on a land-only basis:
While booking your vacation air-inclusive gives you various advantages, you can also choose the land-only option. But remember, airlines' special fares generally apply to very brief periods. (Our low air-inclusive fares apply throughout the year.) Plus, to get these 'deals' you often are required to pay full fare at the time of booking.
Taxes & fees
Taxes and fees are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full land and air deposit are received.
Applicable Taxes and Fees (Airfare & Charges Not Included in the Price)
Air-Inclusive Vacations
Air-inclusive prices provided online include a September 11th fee up to $10, passenger facility charges of up to $18, Federal domestic flight segment fees of up to $3.50 per segment and U.S. and International arrival and departure and other government imposed fees between $200-$375 depending on your itinerary. The total airfare price, the base airfare price, and the applicable government taxes and fees are broken-out line-by-line and shown while booking online and on the invoice after your travel is booked.
Not Included In Your Vacation Price (Air-Inclusive, Land-Only or Cruise-Only)
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: 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 menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); additional excursions and activities not listed as 'included' in the itinerary; airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection premiums; excess baggage fees; and all other items of a personal nature.
Tours
GLOBUS 2012: GREAT ADVENTURE DOWN UNDER (PT)
From $8,299.00 (USD)
When you think of a fantastic vacation, what comes to mind? Cosmopolitan cities with sumptuous cuisine, lively nightlife, fantastic shopping, and intimate cafes? Or maybe you think of spectacular scenery and unique wildlife?
