Thu, Jan 22: Board overnight flight to Sydney, Australia.

Fri, Jan 23: Cross the International Date Line.

Sat, Jan 24: Arrive in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. This morning, a sightseeing tour of Sydney includes stopping for panoramic views of the city and of the Pacific Ocean at Watson’s Bay. Arrive at famous Bondi Beach for a brief stop before visiting Paddington to view its restored 19^th-century Colonial Terraces. Check in to the Radisson Blu Hotel Sydney for a two-night stay. (Meals: Lunch)

Sun, Jan 25: This morning, see the Sydney Opera House on a private guided tour. Afterward, proceed to Circular Quay for a lunch cruise through Sydney Harbor. Enjoy stunning harbor views with comprehensive commentary and a delicious buffet lunch. (B,L)

Mon, Jan 26: Today is yours to explore! Wonder through the historic laneways of The Rocks neighborhood, visit the Olympic Park, relax on one of Sydney’s famous beaches. (B)

Tue, Jan 27: Fly to Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Check in to the Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort for a three-night stay, located close to shops, dining, and a wharf overlooking the Coral Sea. (B)

Wed, Jan 28: Travel in comfort on the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway as it meanders through ancient rainforests and on to Kuranda, the famous “Village in the Rainforest.” Learn about the history of this engineering triumph while taking in the breathtaking scenery. In Kuranda you’ll have time to explore the village and browse through the markets. Board the Skyrail for a 90-minute ride as it spans an ancient tropical rainforest. At the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, immerse yourself in  Aboriginal culture performances with authentic music, dance, storytelling, and interactive activities such as boomerang demonstrations. (B,L)

Thu, Jan 29: Spend a full day on the Great Barrier Reef. Take an exhilarating catamaran to a stunning coral reef location. Access the reef from an all-weather activity platform. Lunch is served, and changing rooms and showers are available. Snorkel in the sheltered coral lagoon, scuba dive, or see the reef from a semi-submersible or glass-bottom boat. (B,L)

Fri, Jan 30: Depart by air for Uluru (Ayers Rock). Transfer to the Sails in the Desert Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort’s premium hotel, and check in for three nights. Later, travel through the desert to enjoy the award winning, A Night at Field of Light experience. With Uluru as your backdrop, enjoy canapes while viewing an unforgettable sunset. As darkness falls, the colored lights of 50,000 glass spheres gently sparkle to life. Feast on authentic Australian delicacies complimented by Australian wines. A stargazer guide takes you on a tour of the spectacular nighttime sky. (B,D)

Sat, Jan 31: Rise early to watch as the gradual rising sun changes the colors of Uluru. Return to the resort for breakfast then travel back to Uluru to tour the rock’s base. The 2,800-foot rock seems to change continually as the light moves across it. Take an informative guided walk into Mutitjulu waterhole and view Aboriginal rock paintings, learn about flora, fauna, and Aboriginal history. Stop at the Cultural Centre before returning to the resort. Late this afternoon, travel through the desert to The Olgas (Kata Tjuta) — 36 massive red rock domes. Enjoy a glass of wine while viewing the Uluru sunset. (B)

Sun, Feb 1: Fly to Melbourne, known as Australia’s cultural capital. It has been recognized as a UNESCO City of Literature. Upon arrival, enjoy a city tour and visit Cooks Cottage. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city. (B,L)

Mon, Feb 2: Today spend a relaxing morning exploring the city before heading out for a trip to Phillip Island, home of the largest colony of fairy penguins in the world. View koalas, seals, native birds, and pelicans in their native habitat. This evening, enjoy up-close viewing of the little penguins as they waddle along the most popular pathway at the Penguin Parade. (B,D)

Tue, Feb 3: This morning, fly to Queenstown, South Island, New Zealand. Check in to the Novotel Queenstown Lakeside on the shores of Lake Wakatipu for the next three nights. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B)

Wed, Feb 4: In the morning, enjoy a highlights tour of Queenstown. Start with a ride on the Skyline Gondola and travel to the top to Bob’s Peak for breathtaking views. Then drive through the wine-growing region around the Kawarau River and watch the Bungy Jump at Kawarau Bridge. Visit historic Arrowtown, once a spot for goldmining. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Queenstown on your own. This evening, gather back as a group for an included cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the steamer TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station. The captain will provide commentary as you sail. Upon arrival at Walter Peak High Country Farm, walk through the beautiful gardens and enjoy a buffet dinner with wine at the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant. Watch a sheepdog demonstration or just relax in the bar before returning to Queenstown for the night. (B,D)

Thu, Feb 5: Transfer to Milford Sound via the Fiordland National Park, with stops en route. The scenic cruise on Milford Sound journeys the full length of the sound out to the Tasman Sea, with stops at various points and offering excellent viewing of dramatic waterfalls, rainforest, mountains, and wildlife. Lunch is included on board. Take the scenic drive back to Queenstown after a mesmerizing day! (B,L,D)

Fri, Feb 6: Fly to New Zealand’s North Island and arrive in Rotorua, the center of an extensive thermal region, with geysers, bubbling mud pools, and steaming, sulfurous lakes. Take a brief highlights tour on the way to your hotel. Drive along the Rotorua lakefront, through the city center and the beautiful Government Gardens. Check in to the Millennium Rotorua Hotel for one night. Later in the afternoon, transfer to Te Puia and the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, and the Maori Arts & Crafts Institute. Your Maori guide will escort you to the Maori Pa village site and the institute, where young Maoris are taught the intricacies of traditional carving. Visit the geothermal reserve and view the boiling mud pools and geysers. The evening is filled with a traditional Powhir (welcome) and Wero (challenge). Enjoy a performance of Maori songs and dances followed by an authentic Maori hangi (buffet dinner) with food prepared in a stone-lined fire pit. (B,D)

Sat, Feb 7: Visit Waitomo Caves, an impressive underground series of caves that includes the Cathedral and the Tomo, a deep limestone shaft. Then take a boat trip through the spectacular Glowworm Grotto. The roof sparkles with the lights of glowworm larvae that reflect off the water. Lunch is a country style buffet at Crosshills Farm. Drive to Auckland, the world’s biggest Polynesian city, with 190 different ethnicities. The city has a lively arts and culture scene, a wide range of food and craft markets, vineyards, and outstanding restaurants. Spend three nights at the centrally located Cordis Auckland. (B,L,D)  

Sun, Feb 8: Discover Auckland on a sightseeing tour. Visit the Sky Tower for extensive views of the city and surroundings. The tower is the tallest manmade structure in New Zealand and offers incredible views in every direction. Drive along the waterfront of Tamaki Drive to Orakei and Mission Bay,  the inner-city suburb of Parnell and the gardens of the Auckland Domain. Transfer to the Viaduct Harbor for a harbor cruise on the Pride of Auckland sailing yacht. The coffee cruise sails under the Auckland Harbour Bridge and around the beautiful harbor. You’ll have an opportunity to try your hand at steering and trimming the sails, or just sit back, relax, and enjoy the views of the harbor and city. (B)

Mon, Feb 9: Spend the day exploring Waiheke Island, located just a short ferry ride away from Auckland. Sip fine wines at this popular holiday destination and relax as vintners share their knowledge of the island and take in the views. Enjoy a Farewell Lunch with the group before returning to Auckland. (B,L)  

Tue, Feb 10: In the morning, transfer to the airport in Auckland for your flight home. Return the same day. (B)