Australia New Zealand Land & Cruise

Day 1-3

MINNEAPOLIS TO SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

Average flying time Los Angeles to Sydney is 13 hours.
G’Day and welcome to Sydney! Upon arrival transfer to your hotel; the balance of your day is at leisure to relax or explore Sydney on your own.

Day 4

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

After breakfast join your Sydney guide for a tour of this magnificent city. Drive under the famous ‘coat hanger’, the Sydney Harbour Bridge to Sydney’s famous architectural masterpiece, the Sydney Opera House. You’ll marvel at the beauty as you enjoy a guided tour inside the Opera House. Visit the Botanical Gardens for a private guided walking tour with leisure time to explore the historic ‘Rocks’ area where Australia was first founded with its maze of terrace houses, restored warehouses, pubs, restaurants and the Cirqular Quay.

Day 5

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

After breakfast his morning, you’ll visit the historical buildings of Macquarie Street – Parliament House, The Mint and Hyde Park Barracks. Alight at Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair for breathtaking views of the city and harbour. Proceed through cosmopolitan Kings Cross and exclusive garden suburbs to the Gap on the ocean headland at Watsons Bay. Return to the city via famous Bondi Beach and Paddington, the trendy Victorian suburb of restored terrace houses richly decorated with castiron lace. This afternoon, transfer to the cruise terminal and board the luxurious Majestic Princess. Ship departs at 6:30 pm.

Day 6

SCENIC CRUISING

Enjoy the view of the Australian Coast.

Day 7

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

Melbourne is a huge, sprawling city with something for everyone—culture, art, fashion, and friendly Australians. Melbourne also offers one of the world’s finest parks – the Royal Botanic Gardens. You may wish to experience the rugged forest gorges and fern gullies of the Blue Dandenong Range on a ride aboard Australia’s oldest operating steam railway. Explore the Yarra Valley, one of Australia’s premier wine regions. Stroll through Fitzroy Gardens to Cook’s Cottage and view the Shrine of Remembrance, honoring the men and
women who served in World War I.

Day 8

AT SEA

Day 9

HOBART, TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA

Seen from its fine deep-water harbor, Hobart spills over the lower reaches of the Derwent Valley as Mt. Wellington towers in the background. It is the gateway to Tasmania’s other scenic attractions and a range of shore activities lets you experience the best of both worlds. Take an optional tour to Bonorong Wildlife Conservation Center – View animals such as koalas, Tasmanian devils and wombats along with kangaroos and wallabies that roam free in their native habitat.

Day 10-11

CRUISING THE TASMAN SEA

Day 12

FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK SCENIC CRUISING

Known for the glacier-carved fiords of Doubtful and Milford sounds, Fiordland National Park is a masterpiece of tortured rock, rainforest and deep oceans. Spend the day cruising Fiordland National Park’s vast, remote wilderness.

Day 13

DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND

The American writer Mark Twain said: “The people here are Scots. They stopped here on their way to heaven, thinking they had arrived.” On the doorstep of the city, you will find incredible wildlife – the world’s rarest penguins, a mainland albatross colony, fur seals and sea lions. Cruise around Otago Harbor offering views of abundant wildlife. Take an optional excursion and experience

Day 14

AKAROA, NEW ZEALAND

A historic French and British settlement nestled in the heart of an ancient volcano. Explore the village with its colonial architecture, galleries, craft stores, and cafés. Explore the dramatic outer bays and soak in the magic of this area. Take an optional tour to Arthur’s Pass giving its name to the astounding alpine wilderness that is Arthur’s Pass National Park, the highest pass over the Southern Alps a popular destination via road and the Tranz Alpine Express railway. Or visit The Giant’s House originally know as Linton, a unique part of the history of Akaroa – nestled in a secluded valley, it was built in 1880 of native timbers and sits in a sculpture mosaic garden that’s colorful, exuberant, interactive, romantic, and full of surprises.

Day 15

AT SEA

Day 16

TAURANGA, NEW ZEALAND

Located in the Bay of Plenty, Tauranga is a thriving commercial centre with a passion for good food, wine and stylish shopping. Take an optional tour to the Wai-O-Tapu thermal valley, where the “Sacred Waters” include mud pools, geysers and volcanic lakes. Ride a gondola up Mt. Ngongotaha. Take an award-winning cultural journey back in time to the days when the proud Maori ruled New Zealand. Visit a traditional village as it comes to life with tribal chants and dances.

Day 17

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND-HOME

Today you will enjoy a sightseeing tour of the Queen City, Auckland. Highlights include the bustling downtown and waterfront areas, points of historic interest, a 360 degree panorama of this sprawling city from the summit of Mount Eden, an extinct volcano. Your coach will transfer you to the airport for your return flight home with wonderful memories of your Australia & New Zealand adventure.