AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND 20 Day Adventure

January 3-24, 2012  (depart US Jan 3 tour starts Jan 5)  

Looking to discover the amazing cities in Australia and New Zealand while minimizing the number of times you have to pack and unpack? If so, this vacation is for you! The highlight of this vacation is your 12-night cruise aboard Princess Cruises Diamond Princess visiting Melbourne, Christchurch, Tasmania, Dunedin, and Tauranga. You’ll also have plenty of time on board the ship to take advantage of the ship’s many amenities so you can relax, have fun, and enjoy yourself.

On this tour, you’ll see some of the scenic sights that make Australia and New Zealand famous. Visit the stunning Great Barrier Reef, with the world’s largest coral reef as well as over 1,500 species of tropical fish, rays, dolphins, and over 200 species of birds—the colors are astounding! You’ll also see Uluru (Ayers Rock), the most famous sight in the Australian Outback. Or how about Milford Sound in New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park? You’ll get the opportunity to cruise Milford Sound and immerse yourself in some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, with its sheer rock walls and majestic waterfalls. Photos and words simply cannot describe these natural wonders.

Magnificent scenery, relaxing cruising, cosmopolitan cities, sumptuous cuisine, and so much more await you on this cruise vacation. So grab your camera and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!

Note:
Departure starting on 12/10/2011: On this departure the cruise will be 13 nights instead of 12 nights making the vacation a total of 21 days. The additional port stop is in Wellington, New Zealand.

DAY 1  Arrive in Cairns, Australia

G’day and welcome to Australia! Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special welcome dinner. (Dinner)

DAY 2 Cairns. Great Barrier Reef Cruise

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. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. You may want to consider upgrading to a full-day cruise to the Outer Barrier Reef. (Breakfast)

DAY 3  Cairns–Alice Springs

Today we fly to the Outback. Here, visit the ROYAL FLYING DOCTOR SERVICE and the SCHOOL OF AIR to appreciate how medical and education services are provided to those living in remote regions. Then, on to Anzac Hill, a tribute to Australia and New Zealand war heroes. You will also visit the historic OLD TELEGRAPH STATION to discover the history of how early settlers developed communications. This evening, enjoy a truly unique Aussie experience—an OUTBACK BARBECUE that features a meal of typical campfire fare, fascinating tales of the Outback, and Aboriginal folklore. (Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 4  Alice Springs–Ayers Rock

Today, experience an ABORIGINAL “DREAMTIME” TOUR and learn more about this important native culture from your Local Guide. Later, fly farther into the Outback to the “Center of Australia.” In the afternoon, 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 to “Sunset Strip” to stop for a champagne toast in the Outback as you witness the changing colors of the rock. (Breakfast)

DAY 5  Ayers Rock–Sydney

Your Outback adventure continues this morning. For an unforgettable experience you may choose to rise early for an optional camel ride to watch the sunrise at Uluru (Ayers Rock). Then, enjoy a TOUR around the base of Uluru, learning of its significance in Aboriginal “Dreamtime” mythology. For an even more amazing view of Uluru, perhaps take an optional aircraft ride. Later on, leave the Outback and fly to Sydney, Australia’s largest city. (Breakfast)

DAY 6  Sydney

Today, explore one of the world’s most beautiful cities. 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. Then, take a guided tour of the SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by a visit to one of the country’s leading OPAL COMPANIES to discover how the beautiful gems are mined. You will also take a CRUISE on Sydney Harbour that highlights this bustling waterway and will tour the world-famous BONDI SURF BATHERS’ LIFE SAVING CLUB and enjoy a lifesaving demonstration! Along the way you will also see some of the city’s original suburbs and the historic Rocks area, home to Sydney’s original convicts. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. This evening your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner at a waterfront restaurant overlooking Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and Harbour Bridge. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 7  Sydney (Embarkation)

Most of today is free for your own exploration. This afternoon, transfer to the harbor and say goodbye to your Tour Director as you embark your Princess cruise ship. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 8  Cruising: At Sea

Take advantage of the onboard activities and facilities. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 9  Cruising: Melbourne

Explore the Victorian city of Melbourne. A selection of optional shore excursions is available, including a city tour and a wildlife park where you will see koalas and kangaroos, followed by wine tasting in the Yarra Valley. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 10  Cruising: At Sea

Take advantage of the onboard activities and facilities. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 11  Cruising: Hobart, Tasmania