Adventure Down Under - Itinerary
Australia and New Zealand offer both the magnitude of an expansive, breathtaking landscape, and the warm intimacy of welcoming friendship. Begin in Auckland, “The City of Sails.” In Christchurch, explore Cathedral Square; and in Dunedin (old Gaelic for “Edinburgh”) trek up the world’s steepest street, Baldwin Street. At Fiordland National Park, sail among fjords and icy-blue lakes, and then cross the Tasman Sea to Hobart, capital of Australia’s heart-shaped island Tasmania.
Continue to the melting pot that is Melbourne, home to residents from some 200 countries. In Sydney, savor the sight of the incredible harbor and world-famous Opera House. Fly to Nadi, the gateway to Fiji, with its clear ocean waters. Venture into the rainforest to see giant ferns, hanging vines, and ancient trees on a picturesque Waterfall Tour. This magnificent natural setting exudes a mystical tranquility, providing a fittingly relaxing end to your Adventure Down Under.
The sequence of touring and days may be altered to adjust to religious holidays, special closings of sites, air schedule changes, etc. Hotels listed subject to availability. Meal inclusions may vary by departure.
DAY 1 - LITTLE ROCK/TRANSPACIFIC
Departure from Little Rock to Los Angeles, where we connect with our transpacific flight to Auckland. (meals aloft)
DAY 2 - IN ROUTE
We continue our journey, crossing the international date line on our way to Auckland. (meals aloft)
DAY 3 - AUCKLAND
We arrive in New Zealand's largest city - Auckland, "The City of Sails," early this morning and transfer to our hotel, the Heritage Auckland, where we are greeted with a full cooked breakfast and then have the day at leisure. Auckland and its suburbs spread generously over a narrow isthmus between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea. Extinct volcanic cones characterize the landscape, while an unending procession of sails on the harbor typify the relaxed outdoor lifestyle enjoyed by its largely European and Polynesian population. (B)
DAY 4 - AUCKLAND
Following breakfast at the hotel, we tour Auckland. We ride up a glass-front elevator to the observation desk at the Sky Tower where we enjoy breathtaking views 50 miles in any direction. We also visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum, which tells the story of New Zealand. The Museum’s galleries showcase the country's natural, cultural, and social history - from flora and fauna to New Zealand's war history to the arts, crafts, and relics of its people. Early this afternoon, we transfer to the pier where we board our cruise ship, the Sapphire Princess. We depart this evening on our 12-day journey to Sydney, Australia. (B,D)
DAY 5 - TAURANGA
We spend today in Tauranga. Water-skiing, wind surfing, and deep-sea fishing abound in Tauranga Harbor. Or, venture to Rotorua with its healing, natural mineral springs. You'll enjoy expressive native art, song, and dance in this center of Maori culture. (B,L,D)
DAY 6 - AT SEA
True to her name, Sapphire Princess is a jewel on the seas - filled with innovative features and luxurious amenities. Participate in your choice of on-board activities: browse the world-class art collection, shop in duty-free boutiques, relax in a hot tub, sun yourself on the deck with a book from the ship’s library, exercise in a state-of-the-art gym, or pamper yourself in the spa; and at mealtimes take advantage of the ship’s variety of dining options. (B,L,D)
DAY 7 - CHRISTCHURCH (LYTTELTON)
We pull into port in Christchurch this morning. Roam the heart of the city's Cathedral Square, steeped in 19th-century English flavor. Or, you may wish to float down the meandering Avon River, or tour the stately Christ Church Cathedral. (B,L,D)
DAY 8 - DUNEDIN (PORT CHALMERS)
Uncover the city's Scottish heritage - Dunedin is the old Gaelic name for Edinburgh as you meander its octagon-shaped streets with their quaint Victorian buildings. (B,L,D)
DAY 9 - FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK
Cruise the majestic home of the Fiordland crested penguin, 14 fiords and five icy-blue lakes in southwest New Zealand's breathtaking World Heritage Area. (B,L,D)
DAY 10 - AT SEA
On-board activities. (B,L,D)
DAY 11 - AT SEA
On-board activities. (B,L,D)
DAY 12 - HOBART (TASMANIA)
Discover Hobart, the state capital of Australia's heart-shaped island, Tasmania. Explore the colonial village of Battery Point, the country's oldest theater - Theatre Royal - and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. (B,L,D)
DAY 13 - AT SEA
On-board activities. (B,L,D)
DAY 14 - MELBOURNE
Experience the melting pot that is Melbourne, as you travel from Chinatown to Little Italy. Australia's financial and commercial heart also offers one of the world's finest parks, the Royal Botanic Gardens. (B,L,D)
DAY 15 - AT SEA
On-board activities. (B,L,D)
DAY 16 - SYDNEY
Today we arrive in Sydney, the "capital of the Pacific rim," which offers sights like the world-famous Opera House, the incredible harbor, and the golden sands of Bondi Beach. The views are superb from the nearby Blue Mountains or Sydney's own Harbor Bridge. After disembarking from the ship this morning, we transfer to our hotel, the Rydges Jamison. (B)
DAY 17 - SYDNEY
Today we have a half-day tour of this vibrant city, ending at the Circular Quay, the hub of Sydney Harbor. From there, we embark on a leisurely luncheon cruise that takes us right around the harbor, seeing the harborside beaches and beautiful waterfront homes, with a friendly commentary from the experienced tour hostess. Following the cruise, we walk to the Sydney Opera House for a guided tour. The remainder of the day is at leisure with overnight at our hotel. (B)
DAY 18 - SYDNEY/NADI
Today we transfer from our hotel to the airport for our flight to Nadi, the gateway to Fiji. Fiji retains all the primitive cultural fascination of the South Pacific, and the expansive sandy beaches and clear ocean waters are world-famous. We arrive this evening and transfer to our hotel, the Hideaway Fiji, for overnight in our oceanview rooms. (B, meals aloft)
DAY 19 - NADI
After breakfast, we venture into the rainforest, taking in the sights and sounds of this tropical paradise setting on our picturesque Waterfall Tour. We see giant ferns, wild red ginger and ancient trees with amazing root systems and hanging vines as we soak in the mystical tranquility of this magnificent natural setting. (B,L)
DAY 20 - NADI/USA
Today is at leisure in Fiji. This evening we transfer to the airport for our return flight to Los Angeles. Turning back the clock, we cross the international date line and arrive back in the States on the same day, continuing on to Little Rock this evening. (meals aloft)
