EXPLORING AUSTRALIA WITH FIJI EXTENSION (PXQ2010)

Hotels


Sunshine Coast
Novotel Twin Waters (SF),

Cairns
Rydges Esplanade Resort (F),

Darwin
Crowne Plaza (SF),

Kakadu
Holiday Inn Gagudju Crocodile (F),

Ayers Rock
Desert Gardens Hotel (F),

Alice Springs
Lasseters Hotel (F),

Great Southern Railway
The Ghan train,

Adelaide
Majestic Roof Garden Hotel (F),

Melbourne
The Swanston Hotel, Grand Mercure (MF),

Hobart
Wrest Point Hotel (SF),

Sydney
The Menzies Sydney (SF),

Fiji Extension
Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa (SF)

Meals
American breakfast daily (B), 2 lunches (L), and 7 dinners, including a welcome dinner at the Sunshine Coast, an Outback barbeque in Alice Springs, and a special farewell dinner at a waterfront restaurant overlooking Sydney Harbour.

Day 1:
Board your transpacific flight and skip a day as you cross the International Date Line.

Day 2:
Board your transpacific flight and skip a day as you cross the International Date Line.

Day 3:
Arrive in Nadi, Fiji. Welcome to Fiji! Upon arrival, transfer to the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa. This afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the island. Visit VISEISEI VILLAGE, where the Fijian people first landed centuries ago, and the GARDEN OF THE SLEEPING GIANT to see a stunning private collection of tropical orchids. Then, stroll through a LOCAL MARKET to see the various crops grown on the island before visiting the largest Hindu temple in Fiji.

Day 4:
Fiji. Two full days at your leisure. Your Local Host will have suggestions for optional activities. (B)

Day 5:
Fiji. Two full days at your leisure. Your Local Host will have suggestions for optional activities. (B)

Day 6:
Fiji. Today, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Australia. (B)

Day 7:
Sunshine Coast. Excursion to Australia Zoo. (Wed.) Come face-to-face with many of Australia’s native animals at the AUSTRALIA ZOO. You’ll see a crocodile demonstration and witness the feeding of the koalas. (B)

Day 8:
Sunshine Coast–Brisbane–Cairns. (Thu.) Enjoy an orientation drive through Brisbane before your flight to Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Dinner is at your hotel. (B,D)

Day 9:
Cairns. Great Barrier Reef Excursion. (Fri.) Board a fast catamaran for a CRUISE to Green Island, one of the many tropical islands on Australia’s famous Great Barrier Reef. Here you can choose to SNORKEL, take a GLASS-BOTTOM BOAT TOUR, or walk through the island’s cool rainforest. This afternoon you may wish to upgrade to a full-day excursion on the Outer Barrier Reef. In the evening, consider a unique experience at the famous Flames of the Forest, where you enjoy tropical dining in an actual rainforest and authentic Aboriginal culture through storytelling and music (operates seasonally). Or you can enjoy a sunset cruise followed by a delicious dinner at a waterfront restaurant. (B)

Day 10:
Cairns–Darwin. (Sat.) Morning at leisure in this tropical paradise. Perhaps join our optional trip to Kuranda via the old scenic rail route. See magnificent scenery, lush rainforests, and twisting waterfalls from the comfort of a restored, historic mountain train. For the return journey you may choose to take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Or, take a tour to Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park—a fascinating portrayal of Aboriginal culture, dance, and folklore. Then, fly to the top end of Australia to Darwin, famous for its strategic importance during WWII. (B)

Day 11:
Darwin–Kakadu National Park. (Sun.) Today, see giant termite nests on the way to KAKADU NATIONAL PARK. Explore parts of nearly 7,300 square miles of unspoiled waterways with a rich heritage of Aboriginal culture and stop at the Bowali Visitor Centre to learn about Kakadu’s habitats. CRUISE waterways where you may view crocodiles, and walk ancient trails to see Aboriginal rock petroglyphs. An optional light-aircraft flight over the park should not be missed. Dinner tonight is at your hotel. (B,D) Note: During the wet season (December through April) it can be difficult to see crocodiles in the wild.

Day 12:
Kakadu National Park–Darwin. (Mon.) Depart your hotel this morning and stop at WINDOWS ON THE WETLANDS VISITOR CENTRE, an interactive display of Kakadu fauna. Return to Darwin for sightseeing. See the elegant colonial architecture of the city’s historic buildings that survived Cyclone Tracy in 1974. Visit the splendid BOTANIC GARDENS and beautiful East Point, an area rich in WWII memorabilia. Also visit the ART GALLERY to view fine collections of Aboriginal art. (B)

Day 13:
Darwin–Alice Springs–Ayers Rock. (Tue.) During a brief stop in Alice Springs, enjoy a visit to the SCHOOL OF AIR to learn how education services are provided to children living in the vast Outback. Then, visit the OLD TELEGRAPH STATION to discover how the locals live in this remote area and to learn the history of how the early settlers developed communication. On to Anzac Hill, a tribute to Australia’s and New Zealand’s war heroes. Afterward, fly to Ayers Rock. Travel to a popular lookout to enjoy views of the magnificent Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), a geological splendor of some 30 brilliant monoliths. There is time to take photos before returning for a TOUR around the base of Ayers Rock and to “Sunset Strip” for a drink and canapés and to witness the changing colors of the Rock. (B)

Day 14:
Ayers Rock–Alice Springs. (Wed.) For an unforgettable experience, rise early for an optional camel ride to watch the sunrise at Ayers Rock. Then, fly to Alice Springs and visit the ROYAL FLYING DOCTOR SERVICE to appreciate how medical service is provided to those in remote regions. The afternoon is at leisure. You may want to visit the Desert Park to learn more about the flora and fauna of the Australian desert. Tonight, enjoy a unique Aussie experience—an OUTBACK BARBEQUE that features a meal of typical campfire fare, fascinating tales of the Outback, and Aboriginal folklore. (B,D)

Day 15:
Alice Springs–Ghan Train. (Thu.) This morning, enjoy free time to relax. Later, a highlight of your vacation begins as you board the GHAN TRAIN for an overnight journey that offers a fascinating perspective of the Outback. (B,L,D)

Day 16:
Ghan Train–Adelaide. (Fri.) Arrive in Adelaide for a city tour along the wide tree-lined streets and well-manicured gardens. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. (B)

Day 17:
Adelaide. (Sat.) The day is at leisure. You may choose a full-day trip to Kangaroo Island, one of the world’s last unspoiled habitats. (B)

Day 18:
Adelaide–Barossa Valley–Melbourne. (Sun.) Today, drive to the BAROSSA VALLEY with its Bavarian villages, baroque Italianate chateaux, and stunning vineyard scenery. Breathe in the beauty of the Adelaide Hills in the leafy greenness of the quaint yet charming villages. Enjoy a sumptuous lunch and sample some of Australia’s premium wines at a LOCAL WINERY. Later this afternoon, fly to Melbourne, Australia’s second-largest city. (B,L)

Day 19:
Melbourne. (Mon.) Today’s tour includes landmarks such as Parliament House and the Shrine of Remembrance, a tribute to Australia’s war heroes. Visit beautiful FITZROY GARDENS and then drive past the lush Royal Botanical Gardens. You’ll soon discover the differing architectural influences of this city as you see the Victorian Arts Centre and other buildings of significance. For a unique dining experience, join an optional outing on board a historic tramcar restaurant as it winds its way through the streets of Melbourne. Later this afternoon, drive to Phillip Island to see a PENGUIN PARADE from an exclusive viewing platform. (B,D)

Day 20:
Melbourne–Hobart. (Tue.) Fly to Hobart, Tasmania, home of the famed Tasmanian Devil. (B)

Day 21:
Hobart. Excursion to Port Arthur. (Wed.) Today’s tour of the scenic Tasman Peninsula features the blowhole, the Devil’s Kitchen, and the Tasman Arch coastal formations. Visit PORT ARTHUR, where the first convicts arrived in the 1830s. A guided tour of the Penal Settlement shows you the ruins of the 4-story penitentiary and the model prison—grim reminders of Australia’s days as a penal colony. Also included is a short stop at a nearby WILDLIFE SANCTUARY to see the famous Tasmanian Devil, a rare marsupial wolf. (B)

Day 22:
Hobart–Sydney. (Thu.) Today, fly to Sydney, the largest city in Australia. The afternoon is at leisure for you to discover this exciting and beautiful city on your own. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for optional activities. (B)

Day 23:
Sydney. (Fri.) Today, explore one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Your tour includes a CRUISE on Sydney Harbour that highlights this bustling waterway and a guided tour of the SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travel to Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair in the city’s BOTANICAL GARDENS for a great photo opportunity of the harbor, Opera House, and Harbour Bridge. Tour the world-famous BONDI SURF BATHERS’ LIFE SAVING CLUB and enjoy a lifesaving demonstration! See some of the city’s original suburbs, followed by the historic Rocks area, home to Sydney’s original convicts. Also visit one of the country’s leading OPAL COMPANIES to discover how the beautiful gems are mined. The balance of the day is free. (B)

Day 24:
Sydney. (Sat.) Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps join our optional excursions to the Blue Mountains or to Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s leading wine-growing regions. You can even climb to the top of Sydney’s Harbour Bridge! Your Tour Director will help you make the most of this exciting city. Tonight, enjoy a special farewell dinner at a waterfront restaurant with fantastic views of the highlights of Sydney. (B,D)

Day 25:
Sydney. (Sun.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)

Don't miss our current specials: Save up to $1,100 per couple on 2010 Greece Cruise & Tour Vacations Save up to $1,100 per couple on 2010 Greece Cruise & Tour Vacation booked by August 31, 2010 It might be easier to list things that can’t trace their origin to Greece. When you travel to Greece, the cradle of western civilization, you will come to understand how these lands could have inspired humanity’s greatest strides. Today, the energy of Athens stands in sharp contrast with the pristine tranquility of the Greek islands. With one foot in the past and another in the future, Greece Cruise & Tour Vacations are sure to capture your heart and engage your mind. - Save $1,100 per couple on Splendors of Greece & Turkey Cruise & Tour - Save $1,100 per couple on Three Continents Cruise & Tour - Save $800 per couple on Jewels of the Aegean Cruise & Tour - Save $580 per couple on Aegean Legends Cruise & Tour *Book a select Globus Greece cruise & tour vacation to receive the discount. Book Footsteps of Apostle Paul for the $40 pp discount, Aegean Legends for $290 pp discount, Jewels of the Aegean for $400 pp discount and Splendors of Greece & Turkey or Three Continents for $550 pp discount. Must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between October 14, 2009 and November 1, 2010 for travel through November 6, 2010. Offer is combinable with other consumer offers. Applies to new 2010 bookings only, and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply. Standard Offers and Specials provided by Globus Tours Discount for young travelers Share the pleasure of a Globus vacation with your children and grandchildren and take advantage of a 10-percent discount on the land-only price. For eligibility, children must be under 18 years of age on the departure date and must be accompanied by an adult. On escorted vacations we don’t accept children under eight years old because we have found that they are too young to enjoy these vacations. Pay less for your second vacation We charge you vacation price for your first vacation in 2008, but for every additional Globus vacation you take in the same year, you pay US$35 under list. Our vacations are designed and scheduled so you can combine them almost any way you want. It’s fun to play the add-a-vacation game yourself or talk to your travel agent. Triple room reduction On most Globus vacations you receive a reduction when three people travel together and share the same accommodations. Triple room reductions, when available, are listed on the itinerary pages. A word of caution: Triple rooms usually are no larger than twin rooms and the third bed, if there is one, is often a rollaway put in a twin-bedded room. Avoid the single room supplement We do not take reservations on a “share” basis because we have found that strangers rarely enjoy sharing a room for the duration of their vacation. Avoid the single room supplement by traveling with a friend. It’s less expensive and much more fun!
YOU CAN BOOK THIS TOUR ONLINE. Click here to check rates and availability online, 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. Or, to speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.
Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
9/23/2010 - 10/17/2010	$6,629
10/7/2010 - 10/31/2010	$6,629
10/21/2010 - 11/14/2010	$6,629
11/4/2010 - 11/28/2010	$6,629
11/18/2010 - 12/12/2010	$6,559
12/2/2010 - 12/26/2010	$6,559
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

City Highlights


Sunshine Coast:
Visit the Australia Zoo; welcome dinner

Cairns:
Great Barrier Reef cruise with choice of activities

Darwin:
Orientation tour and visit to the Botanic Gardens and Art Gallery

Kakadu National Park:
Sightseeing tour; Yellow Waters Cruise; Windows on the Wetlands Visitor Centre

Ayers Rock:
Sightseeing tour around the base of the Rock and a sunset toast

Alice Springs:
Sightseeing tour; visit the School of Air, the Old Telegraph Station, and the Royal Flying Doctor Service; Outback barbeque; board the Ghan train

Adelaide:
Orientation tour; visit Barossa Valley; winery lunch and wine tasting

Melbourne:
Sightseeing tour; visit Fitzroy Gardens; witness the Penguin Parade

Hobart:
Excursion to Port Arthur; visit a wildlife sanctuary

Sydney:
Sightseeing tour; Sydney Harbour cruise; visit the Opera House, botanical gardens, Bondi Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club, and an opal company; farewell dinner

All Intra-Tour Flights

Price Details US
Single Room Supplement: $1465Triple rooms are not available.Extra nights per person in Sydney:in single room $161; in twin room $92Extra nights per person in Fiji:in single room $149; in twin room $862011 prices and itineraries are subject to change. Details will be available in August 2010.

Related Tours
PX|Exploring Australia

Save up to $1,100 per couple on 2010 Greece Cruise & Tour Vacations

Standard Offers and Specials provided by Globus Tours

Ratings & Reviews:

This tour has no reviews yet. Have you experienced this tour? Write a review.

Related Travel Articles

• Why Travel With Globus Tours
• See Europe :: Travel Safely and In Style, Escorted Tours
• Europe Language Tips
• Tours :: The Most Common Questions about Escorted Tours
• Kyoto, Japan
• The Globus Difference