australia2

Day 1, Thursday - USA/Sydney

Depart on Air Pacific trans-Pacific flight for Sydney, Australia.

Day 2, Friday - En Route

Cross the International Date Line.

Day 3, Saturday - Sydney

Arrive in Sydney, and transfer to your hotel. (Four Points By Sheraton Hotel/Radisson Plaza Hotel)

Day 4, Sunday - Sydney

After breakfast at the hotel, join a morning tour to a wildlife park to see Australia's unique native fauna up close. Then board Captain Cook's lunch cruise on the spectacular Sydney Harbor. After lunch, continue on the city tour that includes Sydney's birthplace (The Rocks), the Sydney Opera House, and Mrs Macquaries Chair. Travel through trendy Paddington and Double Bay to famous Bondi Beach. (B/L)

Day 5, Monday - Sydney

A full day of leisure to explore Australia's Olympic city. (B)

Day 6, Tuesday - Sydney/Cairns

Fly to Cairns and transfer to your hotel. (Rydges Tradewinds Hotel/Cairns International Hotel) (B)

Day 7, Wednesday - Cairns/Great Barrier Reef

Enjoy an exciting day on the Great Barrier Reef, including morning tea as you cruise to Agincourt Reef, where you are treated to an informative presentation by a marine biologist and a lavish tropical smorgasbord lunch. All snorkeling equipment with a qualified snorkeling advisor on hand and underwater observatory coral viewing are included. (B/L)

Day 8, Thursday - Cairns

Board the Kuranda Scenic Train to enjoy breathtaking views over the rainforest canopy. Visit Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, where you can enjoy dance performances, a museum and lunch. (B/L)

Day 9, Friday - Cairns/Alice Springs

Take a morning flight to Alice Springs. As time permits, city tour highlights include the Old Telegraph Station, the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Strehlow Centre and Anzac Hill Lookout. (Crowne Plaza Hotel, garden view/mountain view) (B)

Day 10, Saturday - Alice Springs/Ayers Rock

Travel past vast Outback cattle stations on your way to Ayers Rock, sacred to the Aboriginal people of Australia. Upon arrival, visit the Olgas and explore the massive rock domes. As the sun sets over Ayers Rock, witness (and photograph) the striking color changes that take place in this majestic natural park of Australia. (Desert Gardens Hotel/ Sails in the Desert Hotel) (B)

Day 11, Sunday - Ayers Rock/ Melbourne

After sunrise, you have an opportunity to climb Ayers Rock and later see some of the many caves that surround the base. In the afternoon, fly to Melbourne and transfer to your hotel. (Grand Mercure Swanston Hotel/Sofitel) (B)

Day 12, Monday - Melbourne

A half-day city tour includes the famous Queen Victoria market, the Shrine of Remembrance, the peaceful King's Domain Gardens and Royal Botanic Gardens, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the Royal Exhibition Buildings. Drive down Collins Street, the ultimate shopping strip and business center, and see the world-renowned Melbourne Cricket Ground. (B)

Day 13, Tuesday - Melbourne/USA

Depart via Air Pacific flight to the US and arrive home the same day. Or, take New Zealand Extension (below) or Fiji Extension. (B)