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DAY 01: ARRIVE SYDNEY Upon arrival, our representative will meet you at the Kingsford-Smith International Airport and transfer you to the Intercontinental Sydney for a three-night stay. Sydney is unquestionably Australia’s finest city, blessed with an enchanting harbor, golden beaches, beautifully preserved colonial architecture, sophisticated shopping, and fine dining. Enjoy a privately guided half-day city tour in the afternoon. Visit the city’s historical, cultural and scenic highlights, including the first settlement at the historic Rocks area, Macquarie Street, Kings Cross, Rose Bay and Bondi Beach. In addition, your tour guide will take you to the best site for sweeping panoramic views of Sydney Harbour and the Opera House. The balance of the day is at leisure. DAY 02: BLUE MOUNTAINS Depart today on a small group tour to the Blue Mountains, a World Heritage Site outside of Sydney that earns its name from the bluish mist that rises from its peaks. The drive out of Sydney winds through the Great Dividing Range of Australia to the entrance of the Blue Mountains National Park. Inside the park, visit ancient Aboriginal sites, scenic lookouts, rock formations, and check out the local plants and animals as your guide offers background and insight into the area. Stop in the little village of Leura before skirting around Cliff Drive to Katoomba, where you have a commanding view over the magnificent Jamieson Valley ( Australia’s Grand Canyon) and the Three Sisters. After enjoying a delicious barbecue lunch, resume your Blue Mountains adventure with a trip to a quiet hidden valley where kangaroo roam wild. Return to Sydney as twilight falls. (B,L) DAY 03: SYDNEY Today features a join in cruise on the sparkling Sydney Harbour. You will be picked up from your hotel and brought to the Aquarium Pontoon to board the yacht. Cruise under the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and float by the Opera House, Circular Quay, and the Rocks. Next sail past the extravagant private homes of Darling Point and Vaucluse, and then the national parks of Clarke and Shark Islands. Drop anchor in a calm bay and enjoy a drink while lunch is prepared; dine on prawns, sushi, and other assorted delicacies, washed down with Australian wine and beer. After dessert, begin the gentle sail back to the disembarkation point. You will be returned to your hotel after the cruise concludes. (B,L) DAY 04: SYDNEY - MELBOURNE After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Melbourne. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the Hotel Lindrum for a three-night stay. The rest of your day is at leisure to relax and explore Melbourne independently. (B) DAY 05: YARRA VALLEY EXCURSION Set out this morning with your guide to the eucalyptus forests of Warrandyte. Enjoy a short stroll with a chance to see the diverse birdlife and koalas that inhabit the forest. A short drive to Sugarloaf Dam will enable you to enjoy morning tea while spotting kangaroos relaxing in their natural habitat. From here, we’ll continue on to the Yarra Valley, where over fifty wineries are established, ranging from small family vineyards to large international establishments. Your vineyard and winery tour will be customized based on your particular interests, but you may want to stop in at the world famous De Bortolis, the historic Yering Station, Rochfords or the renowned Domaine Chandon before retuning to Melbourne this evening. (B,L) DAY 06: MELBOURNE Set out with your guide for a full day of private touring along the Great Ocean Road, one of Australia’s most scenic and spectacular areas. Set out through via Geelong for Lorne, where you’ll stop for a delicious fish and chips lunch at a favorite local spot before exploring this small, yet fashionable town on foot. Set off along the coast for an incredibly scenic ride to the picturesque fishing village of Apollo Bay, surrounded by rolling hills and the sea. After a look around, continue on through Otway National Park and on to the stretch of Great Ocean Road known as The Shipwreck Coast. This notoriously dangerous stretch of water shipwrecked eighty vessels in just forty years. Explore the various gorges as well as the stunning rock formations such as the twelve apostles before heading back to Melbourne for an evening at leisure. (B,L) DAY 07: DEPART MELBOURNE After a leisurely morning to explore independently or do some last minute shopping, you will be transferred to the airport this afternoon for your onward departure flight. (B) |