2010 Spotlight on Australia - Featured Trip

If you only have two weeks to visit the "land down under," and desire a tour that is Australia-only, the first 12 days of Tauck's Grand Australia and New Zealand are just for you!

Pricing Starts at Only $5,790 Per Person - Double Occupancy -- Please Contact Us for Additional Pricing and Availability Options -- (800) 877-3778

Summary:
The must-see "golden triangle" of Australia is Sydney, Rock and Reef - and with Tauck, you'll experience Australia, not just sightsee. Highlights include a three-night stay at Peppers Beach Club in Port Douglas, an eco-cruise to the Great Barrier Reef; the finest hotels in the heart of Sydney and Melbourne; a private Sydney Harbour luncheon cruise; and a visit to the Outback including Uluru, the incomparable Ayers Rock, featuring a "silver service" cocktail party at sunset.

Dates:
January - March; September 15 - December

Tour Begins: Melbourne, Australia
Tour Ends: Sydney, Australia

Options:
Hot Air Balloon Option, Day 8 - Add $165 per person

Itinerary Highlights:

• Day 1 - Melbourne and the start of your Australia tour
  Tauck's Australia tour begins at 6:00 PM at the InterContinental Melbourne, The Rialto. A transfer is included from Melbourne Airport to the InterContinental Melbourne, The Rialto.
• Day 2 - Melbourne's Victorian charms
  You'll see a lot of Melbourne on a sightseeing tour of the city, including the High Victorian architecture of Parliament House, the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens and the ANZAC War Memorial - the Shrine of Remembrance.
• Day 3 - All about Ayers Rock, a highlight of any Australia tour
  Fly to Alice Springs en route to Uluru (Ayers Rock) for an two-night stay. Settle into your Outback resort and join us for a "silver service" champagne party at Uluru; while the celebration by itself is very special, wait until you experience it under the setting sun when the light bathes the mystical rock with a palette of ever-changing color.
• Day 4 - Aboriginal adventures in the Outback
  Aboriginal traditions define life in the Outback, especially at Uluru. Learn about the "dreamtime" legends associated with this massive monolith on a guided tour.
• Day 5 - Off to Queensland
  Spend a free morning at Uluru where you'll have an opportunity to do some more exploring. Your Australia tour continues with a flight north from the red desert to the tropical rainforests of Queensland. Arrive in Cairns and continue on to your resort in Port Douglas.
• Day 6 - Life at The Great Barrier Reef
  Spend a full day exploring one of earth's most incredible "living" sites, the Great Barrier Reef, on an eco-cruise accompanied by a marine biologist. Marvel at the colors and beauty of the coral and fish while swimming, snorkeling, or riding on a glass bottom boat or a semi-submersible watercraft that features enormous viewing windows.
• Day 7 - Tauck's Australia tour takes you to the rainforest
  Your resort is close to many natural wonders, including a mist-shrouded tropical rainforest. Ride a gondola through the lush jungle landscapes to the mountain village of Kuranda, before returning to the resort for some free time.
• Day 8 - Optional balloon ride and on to Sydney
  Soar over the Atherton Tablelands on an optional early morning balloon ride* (additional cost of $165 per person applies) or spend the morning at the resort at your leisure. Everyone takes off for Sydney late this morning for a four-night stay in the heart of the city. Your hotel is within walking distance of the Botanic Gardens, shopping and restaurants.
• Day 9 - Sightseeing in Sydney
  One of Australia's most famous iconic sights takes center stage today when you visit the Opera House on a personally guided tour. A luncheon cruise on Sydney Harbour is a fabulous way to unwind and relax, while getting a good look at some of this extraordinary city's landmark sites from the water. City sightseeing continues as you view The Rocks, Kings Cross and surfing heaven at Bondi Beach.
• Day 10 - Breakfast with Koalas
  Have breakfast with the koalas this morning at the Featherdale Wildlife Park, before heading off into the Blue Mountains National Park. A scenic wonderland surrounds you here, chronicling life that began centuries ago in ancient ferns and fossils, like the Dinosaur Tree, thundering waterfalls and forested canyons. Champagne with the kangaroos celebrates today's outdoor adventures in style!
• Day 11 - Sydney your way, all day
  There is so much to see in Sydney, and so many ways to do it, that the entire day is free to explore and dine as you please - Sydney's got it all. From museums to shopping, from Aboriginal art to an array of Australian and international dining options, you'll find many ways to spend the day and make it memorable!
• Day 12 - Farewell to the Australia tour
  Your grand Australia tour comes to an end as you bid a final farewell and board a flight across the Tasman Sea.