12-Nights Australia Fly & Stay: Sydney, Rock and Reef Explorer from $6,049

Day 1: Depart from North America

Depart North America for your flight to Australia.

A day is lost as you cross the International Dateline en route to Australia.

On arrival at Sydney Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

In the afternoon Step inside the iconic Sydney Opera House and discover the extraordinary stories of one of the globe's most recognized landmarks. Throughout your experience, the passionate guide will take you inside theatres and foyers that are otherwise off-limits, while letting you in on some insider secrets pertaining to the history of the building and the people who were behind its creation. Following the tour, soak up the views while enjoying your choice of the main meal at the Opera Bar (an iconic Sydney venue focusing on Australian cuisines), House Canteen (a harbourside all-day hawker-style venue offering pan-Asian cuisine), or Midden by Mark Olive (Celebrates Ambassador Chef Mark Olive’s Indigenous Australian heritage with a menu focused on native Australian ingredients), accompanied by a refreshing beverage (either wine, beer, or soft drink). No reservations are required to dine and your meal and beverage is available before or after your tour.

Hotel: ParkRoyal Darling Harbour (4 Star Rating)

You'll always be in the centre of the action at the ParkRoyal Darling Harbour hotel, with a convenient location just minutes away from the city's top sights and attractions. The friendly, well-informed hotel associates at the ParkRoyal Darling Harbour, Sydney are always on hand to share their knowledge of the city's best-kept secrets with you. Explore the neighbourhood and feel the buzz of energy in the bustling Sydney CBD and surrounding areas. Go for a stroll and enjoy the amazing views at Cockle Bay, take in the city's history and culture at The Rocks, or enjoy some retail therapy at Harbourside and Pitt Street Mall. Once you're finished exploring, simply rest and relax in the comfort of the 340 rooms and suites at this premium Sydney hotel.

Meal(s): Dinner

Depart your hotel for an unforgettable Panoramic Sydney half day city sights tour. On tour you will visit the historic Rocks area and hear of early convict history. We continue through the financially focused Central Business District (CBD), and Macquarie Street. Marvel at 19th century sandstone architecture such as NSW Parliament House, Rum Hospital, Hyde Park Barracks and St Mary’s Cathedral. We will continue to Mrs Macquaries Point, to enjoy magnificent views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Then through Sydneys Eastern Suburbs, home to the rich and famous.

Travelling along the coves and shores of one of the world’s most impressive harbours, we will take a few stops for photo opportunities, including a panoramic photo of Sydney skyline. You will pass through areas such as Kings Cross, Double Bay, Rose Bay before arriving at Watsons Bay.Time permitting, you may have the option for a short coastal walk with views of the South Pacific Ocean and the entrance to Sydney harbour.

Travel on to famous Bondi Beach for a 30-minute stop. Visit the beachfront promenade, put your toes in the sand, enjoy a coffee or cool drink (at own cost). See bronzed Aussie lifesavers and surfers riding the waves of Bondi. Re-board the bus and continue on to Tamarama and Bronte beaches before returning to the city via Centennial Park and Paddington, a trendy district with its elegant terrace houses and boutique shops along Oxford Street.

Arrive at Circular Quay for your Sydney Harbour lunch cruise. Departing from the Eastern Pontoon @ 12 noon you will spend 2 relaxing hours discovering the secrets of one of the world’s most famous and spectacular natural harbours including icons such as Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, Sydney Botanical Gardens and more. We give you a chance to see the city from a new perspective and marvel at the sights that decorate its coastline. Owing to our educated live commentator, you will get to learn something new about Sydney, its history and about each of the sights that you can see from the deck.

The cruise concludes at 2.15pm at Circular quay and on arrival, make your way at leisure back to your hotel. Your cruise includes a full buffet lunch with a mix of hot and cold selections, and fresh seafood, as well as a beverage package.

Meal(s): Lunch, Breakfast

A full day to explore Sydney at you own pace.

Meal(s): Breakfast

The Blue Mountains National Park is one of seven national parks that make up the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. This wonderland of sandstone outcrops, deep ravines and hazy blue eucalypt forests boasts luxury retreats and stunning views. Today your guide will take you off the beaten track to visit remote lookout locations and discuss the history, flora and fauna of this magnificent region.

7:00 - 7:30 AM Depart from the hotel with AEA Luxury Tours. Our first stop of the day is at Calmsley Hill a working farm also home to Kangaroos, Emus, Wombats and Koalas. Enjoy morning tea and time to wander at leisure.

From Calmsley Hill we continue to ascend the Blue Mountains via the highway. We will visit one of a range of stunning outlooks of the Jamison Valley seeing beautiful vistas. Where possible this will be away from the crowds of tours that visit the mountains each day with other operators, thus our guests will enjoy a stress and hurry free environment taking in the views and information imparted by their guide.

Continuing on we arrive at Eaglehawk Lookout, a remote lookout points away from the crowds for views of the famous 3 Sisters. Whilst the Blue Mountains features so much more than this natural attraction you can't help but admire the unquestionable beauty of this amazing rock formation. The character of the Three Sisters changes throughout the day and throughout the seasons as the sunlight brings out the magnificent colors. Here your guide will discuss the legends behind this famous rock formation and time available for you to take some great photos.

We then make our way around the mountain towards the village of Blackheath and our lunch venue the Hydro Majestic. Here in this relaxed venue with stunning views. We enjoy a 2-course lunch with tea/coffee. All diets are catered for (excluding Kosher Meals). Beverages can be purchased at your own expense from the Bar.

The afternoon is spent visiting a selection of lookouts. Once you clap your eyes on the view from Govetts Leap you'll know why it's one of the most famous lookouts in Australia. The magnificent waterfall drops a whopping 180m to the base of the cliff. If you're not mesmerized by the dancing waves of water spray, you'll be transfixed by the sweeping views down the valley to the Grose Wilderness. We then stop briefly to enjoy a glass of sparkling wine or orange juice at the delightful Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens our last stop, where we enjoy the sweeping views across to Sydney before travelling down the Bells Line of Road to arrive back at your hotel approximately 4:30 - 5:00 pm.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Transfer from your hotel to the airport for the flight to Uluru.

On arrival, transfer to your hotel withy the afternoon at leisure.

This evening, enjoy an exclusive dining experience which combines the award-winning 'Sounds of Silence' dinner under the outback sky with the once-in-a-lifetime Field of Light art installation. With magnificent views of Uluru at sunset, a three-course bush tucker menu, a premium selection of Australian wines and beers, fascinating star talk and a self-guided walk through the Field of Light art installation, your 'A Night at Field of Light' experience is complete.

The evening begins with a convenient hotel pick-up and a transfer to the remote desert location with majestic views of Uluru. As the sun sets on the horizon to the music of a didgeridoo, enjoy gourmet canapes and chilled sparkling wine.

As darkness falls and the coloured lights of the 50,000 glass spheres gently come to life, join your table of fellow travelers for an exceptional three-course menu infused with bush tucker flavours. As the night ignites with countless stars, settle back and listen to our resident star talker decode the southern night sky.

The host will provide insights into the art installation that awaits you, before you are invited to immerse yourself in the Field of Light, its pathways glistening softly with rhythms of coloured light, beckoning you to explore. After dinner, guests are welcomed back at the dune viewing area to enjoy a sweet treat, hot chocolate or port whilst viewing the illuminated installation in the darkness.

Hotel: Desert Gardens Hotel (3 Star Rating)

Imagine waking up to a sunrise view of Uluru, blazing red under a sunny Outback sky. Desert Gardens Hotel boasts the only rooms with views of Uluru in Ayers Rock Resort. Perched within an oasis of native gardens, the hotel’s 218 elegant guestrooms provide a relaxing retreat from a day of adventure. Accommodation options are diverse, from deluxe rock view rooms to shady poolside rooms, each located under a canopy of towering gumtrees and garden beds dotted with native shrubs and flowers.

Meal(s): Dinner, Breakfast

Experience the tranquility of the pre-dawn land under a canopy of stars. Watch the amazing transformation of colours and life as the desert awakens with Uluru and Kata Tjuta as your backdrop. In the company of an expert guide, Desert Awakenings is designed to introduce you to the natural and cultural landscapes of this remarkable region.

This afternoon travel to Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) where your guide will reveal the many attributes of this diverse environment. Arriving at Walpa Gorge you will walk between the mighty conglomerate domes and hear how these 36 domes that makeup Kata Tjuta have evolved over millions of years. Your tour will return in time for a very special experience tonight.

Your Wintjiri Wiru experience begins deep in the desert. After a short journey from Ayers Rock Resort, take a gentle evening stroll through the desert along an elevated walkway until you reach the open-air theatre, set upon a dune top. You'll be greeted with delicious cocktails, infused with native ingredients while taking in the incredible views and watch on in awe as the sun slowly sets over Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Embark on a culinary adventure with a gourmet dinner hamper where native ingredients are combined with modern culinary techniques to create a masterpiece for the palette. With the heart of Australia as the backdrop, a story passed on for thousands of generations, now passes to you. Witness the ancient Mala story re-told like never before with ground-breaking technology. Choreographed drones, lasers, and projections will take flight, lighting up the night sky in a modern, artistic expression of an ancient, Anangu story. Feel a powerful connection to country as you listen to a traditional Inma soundtrack and narration in the local Pitjantjatjara language and immerse yourself in a living story.

Meal(s): Dinner, Breakfast

Transfer to the airport for the flight to Cairns in Tropical North Queensland.

On arrival transfer to the report town of Port Douglas, with the balance of the day at your leisure.

Hotel: Shantara Resort and Spa Port Douglas (4 Star Rating)

Shantara is an Adults only retreat… The perfect getaway where you will find an oasis of style and seclusion.

Shantara Resort Port Douglas is situated in one of Tropical North Queensland’s most desirable holiday destinations.

Shantara Resort combines beautifully appointed apartment accommodation, and luxury facilities with easy access to the magical Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. The perfect holiday base.

Join your coach transfer to the wharf this morning and board the vessel that will take you to a reef at the very edge of Australia's Continental Shelf, to an underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of colour and brilliance.

Agincourt Reef is a magnificent ribbon reef, where you can experience firsthand the magic that is the Great Barrier Reef. Choose to dive, snorkel, or stay dry and explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a semi-sub, only one-metre underwater. Watch the fish feeding from a unique underwater viewing platform and underwater observatory, or fly in a helicopter over the reef (at an extra cost).

Whichever way you choose; you'll bring home a lifetime of memories from this living natural wonder.

Hotel: Shantara Resort and Spa Port Douglas (4 Star Rating)

Shantara is an Adults only retreat… The perfect getaway where you will find an oasis of style and seclusion.

Shantara Resort Port Douglas is situated in one of Tropical North Queensland’s most desirable holiday destinations.

Shantara Resort combines beautifully appointed apartment accommodation, and luxury facilities with easy access to the magical Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. The perfect holiday base.

Meal(s): Lunch

Your tour begins with being met by your friendly accredited guide at your accommodation. After introductions, drive north along the magnificent scenic coastal route learning about the history of the area and admiring spectacular views of the coastline and the Azure waters of the Coral Sea.

The first stop is at the Majestic Daintree River for morning tea (tea, coffee & biscuits) before enjoying an informative River Cruise. Relax and enjoy the splendour only the Daintree Rainforest can offer as you learn of Estuarine Crocodiles, mangrove forests and endemic wildlife. Next, we make our way up over the Alexandra Range and pause for a panoramic view of World Heritage, Wet Tropics, and Tropical Rainforest merging with the azure colours of the Coral Sea. Your guide will take you on a journey through ancient Daintree Rainforest, whilst giving you an interpretation of flora and fauna. You will have ample time for photographs and questions as we search for the elusive, rare and totally unique Southern Cassowary and other wildlife species.

Enjoy lunch at a local cafe.

After lunch, continue along the 4WD Bloomfield Track through to pristine Emmagen Creek. Now it is time for a refreshing rainforest stream swim. We then make our way to Cape Tribulation Beach and stroll along the beach and boardwalk to the photographers' platform overlooking the mountains and coast where the 'Rainforest meets the Reef'.

Head back with a stop at the Daintree Ice-cream Company (ice cream at own expense).

Hotel: Shantara Resort and Spa Port Douglas (4 Star Rating)

Shantara is an Adults only retreat… The perfect getaway where you will find an oasis of style and seclusion.

Shantara Resort Port Douglas is situated in one of Tropical North Queensland’s most desirable holiday destinations.

Shantara Resort combines beautifully appointed apartment accommodation, and luxury facilities with easy access to the magical Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. The perfect holiday base.

Meal(s): Lunch

A full day to discover and enjoy Port Douglas at you own pace.

Hotel: Shantara Resort and Spa Port Douglas (4 Star Rating)

Shantara is an Adults only retreat… The perfect getaway where you will find an oasis of style and seclusion.

Shantara Resort Port Douglas is situated in one of Tropical North Queensland’s most desirable holiday destinations.

Shantara Resort combines beautifully appointed apartment accommodation, and luxury facilities with easy access to the magical Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. The perfect holiday base.

Today, transfer to Cairns Airport for your onward travels.