^{Highlights of}Australia & New Zealand

Day 1

We will assemble at London Heathrow for our non-stop Qantas flight to Bangkok. Sit back and enjoy one of the world's most advanced in-flight entertainment systems on your personal seat back screen. Wine and other drinks with the compliments of Qantas.

(Meals: Dinner).

Day 2 - Bangkok, 2 nights

On arrival in Bangkok and after customs clearance, our waiting coach will transfer us to the first class Amari Watergate, situated in the heart of the city. This evening we shall gather for drinks so we may become better acquainted for our forthcoming travels together.

(Meals: Breakfast, Refreshments).

Day 3

This morning visit the grounds of the former Royal Palace, a spectacularly ornate building still used for ceremonial occasions. You will visit the temple of Wat Phra Keo, where you will witness some of the finest murals in Asia. Its emerald Buddha is Thailand's most holy image. Afterwards we visit nearby Wat Po, site of Bangkok's famous Reclining Buddha. The rest of your afternoon and evening are left totally at leisure to spend as you please.

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 4

At leisure in Bangkok prior to our mid afternoon departure to the airport. We make our way back to Bangkok airport in time for our flight, via Sydney to Christchurch.

(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 5 - Christchurch, 3 nights

Our estimated arrival into Christchurch is mid afternoon. On arrival we transfer to the Millennium Christchurch centrally located in Cathedral Square, in the heart of the city.

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 6

This morning we take a sightseeing tour of Christchurch. Included are a visit to the provincial Government buildings and the colourful botanical gardens situated in Hagley Park. At the Sign of the Takahe enjoy spectacular views over the city, the Canterbury Plains and the Southern Alps. Your afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy at leisure.

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 7

Today has been left completely free to enjoy the most English of New Zealand’s cities, renowned for its beautiful parks and gardens.

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 8 - Queenstown, 4 nights

Today we head south through the Canterbury Plains as we make our way to one of the farms in the Fairlie district where we take a farm tour before lunch. We continue via the Mount Cook lookout and over the Lindis Pass before reaching cosmopolitan Queenstown where we spend the next four nights at the first class Queenstown Lakeside, situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.

(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch).

Day 9

This morning we drive to nearby Arrowtown with its picturesque tree lined streets and miners cottages preserved as they were during the 19th century gold rush era. Perhaps visit Granny Jones Cottage, Arrowtown Jail and The Lakes' District Museum; alternatively relax with a Devonshire tea in one of Arrowtown's quaint tea rooms. This afternoon, explore Queenstown at your own pace.

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 10

Although today has been left at leisure you may wish to take an optional excursion (at an additional cost) to visit Milford Sound which could be one of your holiday's many highlights. Here you would take a launch trip on The Sound, viewing Mitre Peak and magnificent Bowen Falls. Stops are made en route to view various points of interest such as the Mirror Lakes and the Chasm.

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 11

Your final day in Queenstown has been left at leisure. Maybe take a thrilling ride on the famous Shotover Jet, take a four wheel drive safari over old mining tracks or perhaps just stroll around this lovely township. This evening we relive a bygone era cruising on Lake Wakatipu aboard the vintage steamer ‘Earnslaw’. We cruise to Walter Peak Homestead where we enjoy our evening meal before returning back to Queenstown.

(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 12 - Rotorua, 2 nights

This morning take our flight to the worldfamous thermal region of Rotorua, on New Zealand’s North Island. On arrival we transfer to the first class Millennium Rotorua, situated on the shores of Lake Rotorua. The rest of your day is at leisure to relax.

(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 13

Rotorua sightseeing today includes the famous Rotorua bath house and a visit to Te Puia including the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve with its boiling mudpools and spurting geysers. Afternoon at leisure. This evening our dinner is followed by an entertaining Maori concert.

(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 14 - Auckland, 2 nights

Our travels take us west to the Waitomo Caves where we take a guided tour of the Glow-Worm Grotto. We continue to Auckland where our home for the next two nights is the deluxe Sky City Grand.

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 15

Today has been left completely free for meeting friends, looking at New Zealand's largest and most populous city at your own pace, or merely relaxing with your fellow travellers.

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 16 - Sydney, 4 nights

Your morning is at leisure until we depart on our Qantas Airways flight to Sydney. On arrival we transfer to the Sydney Harbour Marriott, a luxury grade hotel perfectly located for enjoying Sydney’s major attractions. The world famous Opera House, Sydney’s magnificent harbour and the historic Rocks district are all just a short stroll away.

(Meals: Breakfast, Refreshments).

Day 17

Today's full day tour takes in some of Sydney's most spectacular sights. They include a guided tour of the famous Opera House, Bondi beach and a luncheon cruise around Sydney’s beautiful harbour.

(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch).

Day 18

A day left completely free to explore this wonderful harbour city at your own pace.

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 19

Your last day in Sydney is left free. Visit the shops, take a tour or just relax with your fellow travelling companions.

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 20 - Cairns, 4 nights

Our morning flight takes us to Cairns. Upon arrival we transfer to the deluxe Shangri-La Cairns situated directly on the waterfront. The rest of your day is at leisure.

(Meals: Breakfast, Refreshments).

Day 21

A day at leisure to relax by the pool side, or perhaps, an opportunity for some retail therapy! (Meals: Breakfast).

Day 22

A holiday to Australia would not be complete without a visit to the Great Barrier Reef. Today we have arranged an excursion which could be the highlight of your tour. Travel by catamaran to the Reef - the largest living organism in the world. Our catamaran will anchor next to a floating pontoon at Agincourt Reef where you will have plenty of opportunity to see the colourful marine life via the glass windowed underwater walkway, or closer still by using snorkelling equipment, which is provided for you. Lunch included.

(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch).

Day 23

Although today has been left free, it is hoped that we will arrange an optional tour to take us along the Kuranda scenic Railway through spectacular scenery, past Stoney Creek and Barron Falls to Kuranda Village. Once at Kuranda you will have free time to tour the village and visit the Kuranda Markets. The journey home down the Kuranda range will give us superb views of the Coral Sea.

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 24 - Alice Springs, 2 nights

Today our mid-morning flight takes us to Alice Springs in Australia’s Red Centre. On arrival we transfer to the first class Alice Springs Resort where your evening is left at leisure.

(Meals: Breakfast, Refreshments).

Day 25

This morning we shall arrange for those that so wish, an optional hot air balloon ride over Australia's outback (at an additional cost). A morning at leisure prior to an afternoon tour of this little town. Visits include the Royal Flying Doctor Base and the Old Telegraph Station, now a museum and site of the old springs from which Alice gets its name.

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 26 - Uluru (Ayers Rock), Overnight

This morning we travel to Ayers Rock. Known as Uluru by the Aborigines, Ayers Rock is the world’s largest monolith and an enduring symbol of Australia. During this afternoon’s tour we learn more of its myths and legends. Later we tour the nearby Olgas, a series of dramatic red rock domes sculpted by the elements. Finally, whilst enjoying a glass of wine, witness ever-changing colours and moods as the sun sets over Ayers Rock. Our accommodation tonight is the Sails in the Desert.

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 27 - Perth, 3 nights

This morning we make our way to the airport in time for our flight to Perth in Western Australia. Upon arrival we shall transfer to the Parmelia Hilton, a luxury grade hotel situated in close proximity to Perth's Swan River.

(Meals: Breakfast, Refreshments).

Day 28

This morning we have arranged a tour of Perth including the wonderful Kings Park. We return to our hotel early afternoon and the rest of your day is at leisure.

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 29

A day to spend as you please in this fabulous city.

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 30

An early afternoon transfer takes us back to Perth Airport in time to catch our Qantas flight via Singapore to London Heathrow.

(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 31

Before our arrival breakfast is served. It is time to say “Farewell” to our new-found friends, bringing our antipodean adventure to an end.

(Meals: Breakfast).