The Best of Australia and New Zealand

DAY 1: SYDNEY
Reception at Sydney airport and private transfer to the hotel. Accommodation in Sydney for 3 nights.

Sydney, being Australia's most iconic and famous city, is often wrongly assumed to be the country's capital when, in fact, that position belongs to Canberra. In any case, visiting it is practically a must, since it is home to the symbolic Sydney Opera House and is the iconic city of the land of kangaroos.

No matter what time of year you decide to visit, Sydney never ceases to enchant. It's common to find locals playing sports and staying active outdoors, taking advantage of the city's inviting atmosphere. With its tree-lined neighborhoods, efficient public transport and the constant and pleasant sea breeze, especially when in the Circular Quay region, Sydney is a city that promises an unforgettable experience.


DAY 2: SYDNEY
City regular half-day group tour, with an English-speaking guide, through the main attractions of Sydney, including the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, among others. Then, a mini-cruise across Sydney Bay, with lunch on board consisting of three à la carte contemporary Australian cuisine (drinks not included).


DAY 3: SYDNEY Free
day for independent activities.

Suggested optional activities (not included):

• Sydney Bridge Climbing. This group tour leads along the upper arch of the bridge via footbridges and stairs, to the highest point. The slope allows you to contemplate 360º views of the city.
• Private guided tour, lasting approximately 1 hour, to the Sydney Opera House, one of the most iconic performance buildings and one of the symbols of Australia. See more information for buying tickets for musical performances.
• Regular or private full-day tour to discover the Blue Mountains region, with a visit to the farm to observe kangaroos, emus, and koalas. This is a recommended activity during summer.
• Private sunset cruise across Sydney Bay, with selected alcoholic and non-alcoholic snacks and beverages.
• Scenic flight lasting 15 or 30 minutes in Sydney, aimed at contemplating the city's urban landscapes from an elevated perspective.
• Visit about 2 hours to an oyster farm in operation in the small village called Mooney Mooney, for a boat tour of the Hawkesbury River oyster rentals and a tasting of Borken Bay oysters.
• Regular half-day tour with a visit to three local breweries. The experience includes behind-the-scenes access to the production, tasting of different beer styles, and the accompaniment of an expert local guide.
• Walk lasting approximately 2 hours, in The Rocks neighborhood, a unique place in Sydney's colonial history. Opportunity to learn about the neighborhood's British history and heritage.

DAY 4: SYDNEY/HAMILTON ISLAND
Check-out at the hotel and private transfer to Sydney airport. Take a flight to Hamilton Island. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and accommodation for 3 nights, with breakfast.

Hamilton Island is one of Australia's most desirable destinations, nestled in the heart of the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef. With paradisiacal beaches, luxury resorts and activities such as diving, sailing and hiking, it is the ideal setting for an unforgettable vacation. A perfect getaway for couples, families, and nature lovers.

Accommodation suggestions:

Beach Club is an exclusive hotel for adults (18 years and over), with boutique charm and a tranquil environment. The two-story hotel offers 57 luxurious, stylishly decorated rooms, all with a private terrace or balcony, full bathrooms, and king or twin bed options. The 40m² Beach Club Room accommodates up to 2 people and offers stunning views of the palm trees, Catseye Beach or the Coral Sea.

A stay at the Beach Club includes:

• Breakfast;
• Transfers from the hotel itself;
• Use of catamarans, paddle skis, windsurfing and snorkel equipment;
• Shuttle service on the island;
• Access to the gym, spa, sauna, and tennis court rental;
• Access to the Beach Club lounge and pool.

Qualia is a luxurious, adult-only haven surrounded by nature on Hamilton Island. Overlooking the sea and surrounded by tropical gardens, it offers elegantly designed private pavilions, plunge pool or deck, and total integration into the landscape. Ideal for couples and travelers seeking tranquility, the resort has two sophisticated restaurants, a full spa, library and an atmosphere of absolute relaxation.

A stay at qalia includes:

• Breakfast;
• Transfers from the hotel itself;
• Non-alcoholic beverages offered by the hotel itself;
• A golf cart is available throughout the stay (international driving license is required for driving);
• Unlimited use of the island's scheduled shuttle service;
• Use of non-motorized vessels.

DAY 5: Hamilton Island Regular full-day
tour from Hamilton Island to the Great Barrier Reef. The experience includes a visit to selected spots in Bait Reef, with a minimum of 3 hours and 30 minutes on site. The journey takes place in a vessel equipped with two air-conditioned floors, lounge-like seats, a partially covered deck, showers with hot and cold water and a large platform that facilitates access to the sea. A snorkel guide will be available in the water for guidance and assistance if needed.

What to bring: swimwear and towel, UV t-shirt, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Includes: lunch, morning and afternoon tea, snorkel equipment, wetsuit/stinger suit rental, environmental management fee (EMC), and National Park fees.

For an additional fee, certified divers can choose to take two dives in place of the snorkel activity.

Important:

• Divers who haven't been diving in the last 12 months must participate in an upgrade program (Dive Refresher), at an additional cost.
• Those who haven't been diving for more than 5 years must participate in the PADI Reactivate program, also subject to an extra fee.
  Both programs take place at the Explore pool, located at the Hamilton Island Resort, the day before the tour.

It is recommended not to fly within 24 hours after the last dive.


DAY 6: Hamilton Island Free
day for independent activities.

Suggested optional activities (not included):

• 30-minute panoramic helicopter flight over the Whitsundays Islands, Hill Inlet, Heart Reef, and the outer barrier to the floating platform located on the Great Barrier Reef. It includes about 2 hours at Reefworld with tropical lunch, snorkeling, and coral watching from the underwater chamber. Return by catamaran to Hamilton Island.
• 35-minute scenic flight over the Whitsundays Islands, Hill Inlet, Heart Reef, and outer reefs to the Reefworld platform, with free time for snorkeling and exploration. Then a new flight to Whitehaven Beach, for rest time. Return by helicopter to Hamilton Island and transfer to the hotel.

DAY 7: Hamilton Island/MELBOURNE Private
transfer to Hamilton Island airport and boarding to Melbourne (flight not included). Upon arrival in Melbourne, private transfer to the hotel. Accommodation in Melbourne for 3 nights. Rest of the day free.

A cosmopolitan city that doesn't lose its charm and elegance: that's Melbourne. The second largest city in Australia and one of the country's business centers, Melbourne oozes culture, organization and has a very plural atmosphere.


DAY 8: MELBOURNE Regular full-day
tour of the Great Ocean Road (about 1 p.m.), considered one of the most beautiful coastal highways in the world, passing through beautiful beaches, including a stop at Apollo Bay, a quiet seaside city for picnic-style lunch, a walk in the Great Otway National Park ending with a visit to the ancient rock formations of the Twelve Apostles. During the journey, it is possible to observe animals such as whales, dolphins, bandicoots (small animals that inhabit Australia).

Note: The full-day Great Ocean Road tour (about 13h) can be taken on the reverse route, starting directly from the Shipwreck Coast via Colac. Then, visit the rock formations of the Twelve Apostles, returning via the coastal highway, stopping for picnic-style lunch and ending with a stop at Great Otway National Park, before returning to Melbourne. (this tour is only available with an English-speaking guide).


DAY 9: MELBOURNE Free
day for independent activities. This day includes admission to the Melbourne Skydeck, an observation deck that, 285 meters above the ground, offers incredible views of the city.

Suggested optional activities (not included):

• Regular or private half-day tour of Melbourne's main attractions, such as the famous Albert Park Circuit and others;
• Regular or private tour of Phillip Island (from 14:00 to 23:00) to visit the home of sea lions and observe a colony of penguins walking from the sea to their burrows. Includes dinner (excluding drinks).
• Regular or private full-day tour to the Mornington Peninsula countryside. Possibility to spend the afternoon hiking on one of the trails and tasting local wines and cheeses.

DAY 10: MELBOURNE/QUEENSTOWN
Transfer to Melbourne airport and boarding to Queenstown (flight not included). Arrival in Queenstown, reception and transfer to the hotel. Accommodation in Queenstown for 3 nights.

Queenstown is located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu in New Zealand's South Island and is a paradise for nature and adrenaline lovers.


DAY 11: QUEENSTOWN Regular full-day group
tour to the Milford Strait, passing through Fiordland National Park along Lake Wakatipo, including buffet lunch. In the Cleddau Valley, time for a mini-cruise, where you can see granite-covered walls, the majestic Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls, dolphins (with luck) and sea lions.

Return to Queenstown.

The return to Queenstown can be taken by twin-engine plane (optional and not included) to save time and be less tiring.


DAY 12: QUEENSTOWN Free
day for independent activities.

Optional activity suggestions (not included):

• In the evening, show up on account at the Skyline Gondola for an international buffet dinner, with an incredible view of the city at your feet.
• Go to Onsen Hot Pools, a spa with cedar hot tubs and views of the Shotover River Gorge, and 1-hour access to a hot tub, with capacity for up to 4 people, and complimentary snacks during the rejuvenating bath.
• Regular visit to the Lord of the Rings movie locations: Isengard, Ithilien, Lothlorien, Fanghorn Forest and others. Includes picnic-style lunch.
• Regular half-day tour to enjoy beer or wine tasting at three different locations in Queenstown and Gibbston Valley.
• Transfer by bus to the Shotover River for a typical New Zealand tour. The jet boat was developed in the 1950s by New Zealand farmer William (Bill) Hamilton to allow navigation on the shallow rivers of Canterbury. Soon the potential as an adventure activity was realized. The tour takes you through narrow river gorges, almost grazing on rugged rocks, gliding across the surface of the water channels that meander the braided rivers.

DAY 13: QUEENSTOWN/ROTORUA
Transfer to Queenstown airport to board a flight to Rotorua (flight not included). In Rotorua, reception and private hotel transfer. Accommodation in Rotorua for 2 nights.


DAY 14: ROTORUA In
the morning, regular half-day group tour with a visit to the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Reserve, the Lady Knox Geyser, the Waimangu Volcanic Valley, and the bubbling mud pools.

In the evening, visit to learn more about Maori culture (native to New Zealand) at the Te Puia Museum to learn more about the culture, watching a welcome ceremony and a dance and music show and tasting Hangi food, which is cooked underground.


DAY 15: ROTORUA - AUCKLAND Private
transfer from Rotorua to Auckland, via Hobbiton. It includes a guided tour of about 2 hours and 30 minutes of the location where the Hobbit County scenes were filmed in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies and stops to enjoy the New Zealand countryside, the Waikato region and small historic towns along the way. Includes lunch (without drinks).

In Auckland, hotel accommodation for 3 nights.


DAY 16: AUCKLAND
Presentation at the port of Auckland to board the ferry to Waiheke Island. Regular tour where you will be presented about the history, geography, people and culture of the island, in addition to discovering the main wineries and learning about the variety of wines. It includes a tasting of local wine or beer and lunch.


DAY 17: AUCKLAND Free
day for independent activities.

Suggested optional activities (not included):

• Visit the Sky Tower, which, at 328 meters, is the tallest artificial structure in New Zealand. From the top, there is a panoramic view of up to 80 km in all directions.
• Regular or private half-day city tour of Auckland, passing through Queen Street, the University of Auckland, the oldest park in the city called Domain, the elegant Ponsonby neighborhood, and the Auckland Harbour Bridge, among other points.
• Private guided tour of the Auckland Museum, to discover Aotearoa's rich cultural and natural heritage. The guided tour provides an opportunity to explore New Zealand's past.

DAY 18: AUCKLAND
Check-out at the hotel and private transfer to Auckland airport.


Remarks:

• Tours are subject to weather conditions.
• Check the mandatory safety belt during transfers and land tours.
• Child safety restrictions: There is a law in Australia where infant/child/booster seats must be used for children under 7 years of age. Check that the correct seats have been pre-booked on the shuttle, tour, or car rental services.