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www.escortedaustraliatours.com A division of the Atlas Travel Network |
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Grand Australia and New Zealand A 20-Day tour starting from $6,100 |
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Live, experienced travel consultants available:
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About This Tour |
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| Tauck's ultimate 20-day New Zealand and Australia tour includes desert Outback, tropical rainforests, coral reefs, glacier-capped mountains, dramatic fjords, and cosmopolitan cities. Bring plenty of film to capture the amazing sights of the Great Barrier Reef, the dramatic waters of Milford Sound, and the setting sun on Uluru (Ayers Rock). From koalas to kangaroos, jet boat rides to formal garden tours, elegance in the Outback, and a Maori cultural experience, you get a full sampling of Down Under culture – plus private charter flights throughout New Zealand! Looking for an all-Australia or all-New Zealand Journey? Spotlight on Australia 2010 features the first 12 days of Grand Australia & New Zealand; Spotlight on New Zealand 2010, features the last 9 days of Grand Australia & New Zealand. 2010 Details. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
What's Included? |
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| • Taucks private business-class charter flights in New Zealand more sightseeing, less waiting |
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Sightseeing / Highlights |
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| Flying to Australia To ease the effects of jet lag, consider traveling to Australia a day early. Tauck can book your international flights for travel originating in the U. S., including arranging an additional night’s stay at the InterContinental Melbourne, The Rialto before your journey begins. Ask for details at booking. 1. Arrive Melbourne Tour begins: 6:00 PM, InterContinental Melbourne, The Rialto. A transfer is included from Melbourne Airport to the InterContinental Melbourne, The Rialto. Join us tonight for a welcome reception and dinner in the hotel. Meals D 2. Discover Melbourne’s Charm A cultural melting pot, Victoria’s capital city delights with an abundance of sights steeped in history and charm. See some of its landmarks today, including St. Patrick’s Cathedral, honoring its Irish heritage, the ANZAC Memorial, bustling Victoria’s Market and the Royal Botanic Gardens, hailed as the best in Australia. Melbourne is also home to the oldest tram network in the world; you’ll have an opportunity to experience this cultural icon firsthand during dinner tonight when you dine aboard the Colonial Tram Car Restaurant as it travels around the city. Meals BD 3. Alice Springs / Desert Outback Touch down in Alice Springs en route to Ayers Rock and an overnight in the Outback. A private “silver service” sunset champagne party at Uluru enchants with a spectrum of colors and intimate conversation. Meals BL 4. Uluru (Ayers Rock) / Kata Tjuta Learn about the sacred Aboriginal traditions associated with Uluru on a guided tour around the base of the rock; this massive sandstone monolith looms high above the desert floor and is a wonder to behold. This afternoon’s tour of the many-headed Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), so named for its 36 gigantic rock domes, explores mazes and crevasses associated with centuries-old legends and lore. Meals BD 5. Fly to Port Douglas Spend the morning at leisure, enjoying a last look at Uluru. Take off for Cairns and Port Douglas this afternoon, arriving at your beachfront resort in time for dinner. Meals BD 6. The Great Barrier Reef The biggest marine park in the world, the Great Barrier Reef is the only living structure on earth visible from the moon. Board the high-tech catamaran Quicksilver as you are whisked away to the Great Barrier Reef for a day of unforgettable experiences at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Swim and snorkel, or explore this dazzling underwater world via a semi-submersible. Meals BL 7. From the Rainforest to the Beach In addition to enjoying a prime location near the beach, your resort is close to some of the most naturally inviting places in the world. Join us this morning for a gondola ride through the mist-shrouded tropical rainforest, ending in the mountain village of Kuranda. Enjoy the remainder of the day as you wish, strolling along Four Mile Beach or experiencing a taste of daily life in the restaurants and boutiques of the lively town of Port Douglas. Meals B 8. Optional Balloon Ride / Sydney Early risers may choose to soar over the Atherton Tablelands on an optional hot air balloon ride* at dawn (additional cost of $165 per person), before joining us for our late morning flight to Sydney. Stay the next four nights in the heart of the city; your landmark hotel offers sweeping views of the Royal Botanic Gardens and Farm Cove. Meals BLD 9. City Sightseeing / Harbour Cruise Iconic sights like the Sydney Opera House become even more exciting when Tauck takes you inside on a personally guided tour this morning, followed by a private luncheon cruise around beautiful Sydney Harbour. City sightseeing continues as you see The Rocks, Kings Cross, and Bondi Beach, home to those famous Aussie surfers. Meals BL 10. Breakfast with the Koalas They dine on tender eucalyptus leaves while you partake of your favorite fare during today’s breakfast with the resident koalas at the Featherdale Wildlife Park. Your adventures continue on a journey to nearby Blue Mountains National Park. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Area, this natural wonderland is renowned for spectacular scenery. See the Dinosaur Tree, a virtual living fossil, and forested canyons dressed in ancient ferns, gum trees and cascading waterfalls. Champagne with the kangaroos enables you to view these marsupials in their natural environment! Meals BL 11. Sydney As You Wish Set off on your own today to do as you wish; Sydney is an easy destination to explore – the only hard part is deciding what to experience next! Meals B 12. Fly to Auckland, New Zealand Fly to Auckland, surrounded on all sides by water. The nation’s first capital until 1864, today it is New Zealand’s largest city. Your accommodations for the next two nights are at The Langham, Auckland, known for elegance, style, and attentive service; dine tonight at the hotel’s award-winning Partingtons restaurant, voted the best in the city. Meals BLD 13. Wonders of Waiheke Island A ferry ride away, Waiheke Island is paradise for nature lovers and wine connoisseurs, enticing with sugar-sand beaches, lush greenery, fertile farmland and some of the region’s top wineries. Tour the island and have lunch amidst the magical setting of Mudbrick Vineyard. The remainder of the day is spent at leisure back in Auckland. Meals BL 14. Rotorua and Maori Traditions Your destination today is Rotorua, set on the edge of one of the most concentrated volcanic areas in the world. Along with its rich geologic history and breathtaking beauty, Rotorua is rooted in centuries of Maori culture and farming traditions. Have lunch at Longlands Farm, a combination working farm and country garden, and visit the Te Puia Maori Cultural Center where a private welcome presentation includes Poi dancing and a moving demonstration of the Haka dance. Wander through an array of exhibits that showcase daily life in Rotorua, ranging from cultural arts to bubbling mud pots and thermal geysers. Meals BLD 15. Mussels on Marlborough Sounds Board Tauck’s exclusive private charter for a flight to Blenheim and the Marlborough Sounds on New Zealand’s South Island. Before its wine growing expertise captured the interest of world travelers, this region was sought after for its waterfront treasures and seafood pleasures. Experience a taste of life here on a wine and green-lipped mussel cruise that celebrates the bounty of land and sea. Fly on to the city of Wellington aboard Tauck’s private charter for two nights at an ideally located waterfront hotel. Meals BLD 16. Historic Wellington Wrapped around a naturally curved harbor, this exuberant city chronicles the history of New Zealand in its stately Parliament buildings, elegant homes and the five-story Te Papa Tongarewa National Museum. Heralded as one of the most stunning – and technologically advanced – interactive museums in the world, its world-class displays and motion simulators make the country’s history, arts and natural environment come alive before your eyes. Meals B 17. Mt. Cook / Queenstown Weather permitting, get a bird’s-eye-view of Mt. Cook from aboard our private charter as we fly to Queenstown. Your hotel enjoys a premier city-center address, overlooking Lake Wakatipu with its majestic mountain backdrop. Meals BLD 18. Shotover Jet Boat / Sheep Shearing An exciting morning ride through the storied gorges of the Shotover River Canyon on a Shotover Jet Boat* is followed by a leisurely cruise to Walter Peak Country Farm for afternoon tea and a sheep shearing demonstration. Meals B 19. Milford Sound / Christchurch Your early morning charter flies you to Te Anau for a scenic drive and a luncheon cruise on Milford Sound. Fly this afternoon to Christchurch, the final stop on your grand adventure “down under.” Say hooray to New Zealand and your fellow travelers at our farewell dinner. Meals BLD 20. Journey Home Tour ends: Christchurch. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Tauck’s hotel to Christchurch Int’l Airport. Allow 2 1/2 hours for flight check-in. Ask about booking an additional night’s stay; there’s a lot to see in Christchurch! Meals B | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Optionals & Add-Ons |
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Your Itinerary |
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| Day 1: Arrive Melbourne Tour begins: 6:00 PM, InterContinental Melbourne, The Rialto. A transfer is included from Melbourne Airport to the InterContinental Melbourne, The Rialto. Join us tonight for a welcome reception and dinner in the hotel. Meals D Overnight: InterContinental Melbourne, The Rialto, Melbourne, Australia Meals Included: Dinner Day 2: Discover Melbourne's Charm A cultural melting pot, Victoria's capital city delights with an abundance of sights steeped in history and charm. See some of its landmarks today, including St. Patrick's Cathedral, honoring its Irish heritage, the ANZAC Memorial, bustling Victoria's Market and the Royal Botanic Gardens, hailed as the best in Australia. Melbourne is also home to the oldest tram network in the world; you'll have an opportunity to experience this cultural icon firsthand during dinner tonight when you dine aboard the Colonial Tram Car Restaurant as it travels around the city. Meals BD Overnight: InterContinental Melbourne, The Rialto, Melbourne, Australia Meals Included: Breakfast, dinner Day 3: Alice Springs / Desert Outback Touch down in Alice Springs en route to Ayers Rock and an overnight in the Outback. A private “silver service” sunset champagne party at Uluru enchants with a spectrum of colors and intimate conversation. Meals BL Overnight: Sails in the Desert, Ayers Rock, Australia Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch Day 4: Uluru (Ayers Rock) / Kata Tjuta Learn about the sacred Aboriginal traditions associated with Uluru on a guided tour around the base of the rock; this massive sandstone monolith looms high above the desert floor and is a wonder to behold. This afternoon's tour of the many-headed Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), so named for its 36 gigantic rock domes, explores mazes and crevasses associated with centuries-old legends and lore. Meals BD Overnight: Sails in the Desert, Ayers Rock, Australia Meals Included: Breakfast, dinner Day 5: Fly to Port Douglas Spend the morning at leisure, enjoying a last look at Uluru. Take off for Cairns and Port Douglas this afternoon, arriving at your beachfront resort in time for dinner. Meals BD Overnight: Peppers Beach Club, Port Douglas, Australia Meals Included: Breakfast, dinner Day 6: The Great Barrier Reef The biggest marine park in the world, the Great Barrier Reef is the only living structure on earth visible from the moon. Board the high-tech catamaran Quicksilver as you are whisked away to the Great Barrier Reef for a day of unforgettable experiences at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Swim and snorkel, or explore this dazzling underwater world via a semi-submersible. Meals BL Overnight: Peppers Beach Club, Port Douglas, Australia Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch Day 7: From the Rainforest to the Beach In addition to enjoying a prime location near the beach, your resort is close to some of the most naturally inviting places in the world. Join us this morning for a gondola ride through the mist-shrouded tropical rainforest, ending in the mountain village of Kuranda. Enjoy the remainder of the day as you wish, strolling along Four Mile Beach or experiencing a taste of daily life in the restaurants and boutiques of the lively town of Port Douglas. Meals B Overnight: Peppers Beach Club, Port Douglas, Australia Meals Included: Breakfast Day 8: Optional Balloon Ride / Sydney Early risers may choose to soar over the Atherton Tablelands on an optional hot air balloon ride* at dawn (additional cost of $165 per person), before joining us for our late morning flight to Sydney. Stay the next four nights in the heart of the city; your landmark hotel offers sweeping views of the Royal Botanic Gardens and Farm Cove. Meals BLD Overnight: InterContinental, Sydney Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Day 9: City Sightseeing / Harbour Cruise Iconic sights like the Sydney Opera House become even more exciting when Tauck takes you inside on a personally guided tour this morning, followed by a private luncheon cruise around beautiful Sydney Harbour. City sightseeing continues as you see The Rocks, Kings Cross, and Bondi Beach, home to those famous Aussie surfers. Meals BL Overnight: InterContinental, Sydney Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch Day 10: Breakfast with the Koalas They dine on tender eucalyptus leaves while you partake of your favorite fare during today's breakfast with the resident koalas at the Featherdale Wildlife Park. Your adventures continue on a journey to nearby Blue Mountains National Park. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Area, this natural wonderland is renowned for spectacular scenery. See the Dinosaur Tree, a virtual living fossil, and forested canyons dressed in ancient ferns, gum trees and cascading waterfalls. Champagne with the kangaroos enables you to view these marsupials in their natural environment! Meals BL Overnight: InterContinental, Sydney Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch Day 11: Sydney As You Wish Set off on your own today to do as you wish; Sydney is an easy destination to explore - the only hard part is deciding what to experience next! Meals B Overnight: InterContinental Sydney, Australia Meals Included: Breakfast Day 12: Fly to Auckland, New Zealand Fly to Auckland, surrounded on all sides by water. The nation's first capital until 1864, today it is New Zealand's largest city. Your accommodations for the next two nights are at The Langham, Auckland, known for elegance, style, and attentive service; dine tonight at the hotel's award-winning Partingtons restaurant, voted the best in the city. Meals BLD Overnight: The Langham, Auckland, New Zealand Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Day 13: Wonders of Waiheke Island A ferry ride away, Waiheke Island is paradise for nature lovers and wine connoisseurs, enticing with sugar-sand beaches, lush greenery, fertile farmland and some of the region's top wineries. Tour the island and have lunch amidst the magical setting of Mudbrick Vineyard. The remainder of the day is spent at leisure back in Auckland. Meals BL Overnight: The Langham, Auckland, New Zealand Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch Day 14: Rotorua and Maori Traditions Your destination today is Rotorua, set on the edge of one of the most concentrated volcanic areas in the world. Along with its rich geologic history and breathtaking beauty, Rotorua is rooted in centuries of Maori culture and farming traditions. Have lunch at Longlands Farm, a combination working farm and country garden, and visit the Te Puia Maori Cultural Center where a private welcome presentation includes Poi dancing and a moving demonstration of the Haka dance. Wander through an array of exhibits that showcase daily life in Rotorua, ranging from cultural arts to bubbling mud pots and thermal geysers. Meals BLD Overnight: Duxton Hotel Okawa Bay, Rotorua, New Zealand Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Day 15: Mussels on Marlborough Sounds Board Tauck's exclusive private charter for a flight to Blenheim and the Marlborough Sounds on New Zealand's South Island. Before its wine growing expertise captured the interest of world travelers, this region was sought after for its waterfront treasures and seafood pleasures. Experience a taste of life here on a wine and green-lipped mussel cruise that celebrates the bounty of land and sea. Fly on to the city of Wellington aboard Tauck's private charter for two nights at an ideally located waterfront hotel. Meals BLD Overnight: Copthorne Hotel, Wellington, New Zealand Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Day 16: Historic Wellington Wrapped around a naturally curved harbor, this exuberant city chronicles the history of New Zealand in its stately Parliament buildings, elegant homes and the five-story Te Papa Tongarewa National Museum. Heralded as one of the most stunning - and technologically advanced - interactive museums in the world, its world-class displays and motion simulators make the country's history, arts and natural environment come alive before your eyes. Meals B Overnight: Copthorne Hotel, Wellington, New Zealand Meals Included: Breakfast Day 17: Mt. Cook / Queenstown Weather permitting, get a bird's-eye-view of Mt. Cook from aboard our private charter as we fly to Queenstown. Your hotel enjoys a premier city-center address, overlooking Lake Wakatipu with its majestic mountain backdrop. Meals BLD Overnight: Crowne Plaza Queenstown, New Zealand Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Day 18: Shotover Jet Boat / Sheep Shearing An exciting morning ride through the storied gorges of the Shotover River Canyon on a Shotover Jet Boat* is followed by a leisurely cruise to Walter Peak Country Farm for afternoon tea and a sheep shearing demonstration. Meals B Overnight: Crowne Plaza Queenstown, New Zealand Meals Included: Breakfast Day 19: Milford Sound / Christchurch Your early morning charter flies you to Te Anau for a scenic drive and a luncheon cruise on Milford Sound. Fly this afternoon to Christchurch, the final stop on your grand adventure “down under.” Say hooray to New Zealand and your fellow travelers at our farewell dinner. Meals BLD Overnight: Millennium Hotel Christchurch, Christchurch, New Zealand Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Day 20: Journey Home Tour ends: Christchurch. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Tauck’s hotel to Christchurch Int’l Airport. Allow 2 1/2 hours for flight check-in. Ask about booking an additional night’s stay; there’s a lot to see in Christchurch! Overnight: Meals Included: Breakfast |
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Dates & Prices |
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Specials |
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Tauck Tour Deals Traveling with a group of friends or family can add to the joy of any journey.
Book a group of 10 on any Tauck land journey or cruise and the 11th guest travels FREE.
Book a group of 8 on any Tauck Bridges family adventure and the 9th guest travels FREE Tauck Single Specials For those seeking singles tours, we are pleased to offer special values on select departures to our guests who choose to travel solo. You can travel with peace of mind, knowing that you are among like-minded travelers and will have all the day-to-day details handled for you! While everyone is welcome, on these select dates we offer special arrangements to those traveling solo at a reduced cost.
Tauck Single Specials in North America
Michigan's Lakes & Mackinac Island Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia San Fransisco, Sonoma & Napa Valleys
Tauck Single Specials in Europe
A Week in Ireland A Week in Spain Mediterranean Discovery Istanbul and the Black Sea Treasure of the Mediterranean Cruising Mediterranean Shores The Blue Danube Holland Belgium in Spring Strasbourg to Prague Serenade The Rhine and Moselle Budapest to Amsterdam by Riverboat Budapest to the Black Sea Classic Italy Bellissima Northern Italy Italian Lakes, Venice, Florence and Rome A Week in Paris and Provence
Tauck Singles Specials in Latin America
Panama Canal & Costa Rica |
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| Important Note: All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing. |
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