Day 1: Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Day 2: Thursday, March 05, 2009 ~ Depart from Home
Today you board your Qantas flight and begin the adventure of a lifetime to Australia and New Zealand, known for their friendly and welcoming nature. Crossing the International Dateline, you lose a full day.
Day 3: Friday, March 06, 2009 ~ Cairns (Northern Beaches), Australia - Tour Begins
Your tour begins today in Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, renowned for tropical rainforests, warm weather, friendly people and beautiful beaches. Tonight, enjoy a special welcome dinner with your new mates. Today dinner will be included.
Day 4: Saturday, March 07, 2009 ~ Great Barrier Reef
«Board a high speed catamaran for an exciting exploration of the Great Barrier Reef.« From your base on Green Island, you are able to explore the reef in many ways. Enjoy a glass bottom boat ride, a stroll on the walking trail to take in the rainforest, relax on the beaches, or just watch the fish and sea turtles swim past from the pier. You can do as much or as little as you like to explore the magnificent coral gardens of the reef. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.
Day 5: Sunday, March 08, 2009 ~ Cairns - Sydney
«Learn about the unique history and lifestyle of the Aboriginal people during a visit to the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Center.« It is believed the Aboriginal people first arrived on the continent more than 30,000 years ago and their rich culture has been passed down generations through stories, dances, music and art. See an Aboriginal dance show, throw a boomerang or play a didgeridoo - a traditional instrument. Browse the renowned art gallery and visit the interpretation center which houses a collection of interesting artifacts. This afternoon you fly to the bustling city of Sydney, where the evening is yours to explore. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 6: Monday, March 09, 2009 ~ Sydney
This morning you will see Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks, Circular Quay, the Botanic Gardens, and the fashionable suburb of Paddington on a sightseeing tour of Sydney. You will also feel the power of one of the world’s most acoustically perfect architectural designs, the Sydney Opera House. In the evening you’ll enjoy a dinner cruise on beautiful Sydney Harbour during which you will be treated to spectacular views of Sydney’s greatest icons - the Harbour Bridge and world-famous Opera House. «Following the cruise, you return to the Opera House to enjoy a captivating and unforgettable performance!« Today dinner will be included.
Day 7: Tuesday, March 10, 2009 ~ Sydney
Today you visit one of Australia's greatest wildlife parks. Not only will you see koalas in their natural habitat, but you might also have the unique opportunity to pose for a photo with one of these adorable creatures while exploring this well-known sanctuary for Australia's wildlife. You will also have the chance to feed the kangaroos and pet a wombat. Later, enjoy an educational presentation on opals - learn how raw opals are processed from the dark mine shafts to artistic creations found in your favorite jewelry store. This evening, enjoy the friendly city at your leisure or join us for an optional tour.
Today breakfast will be included.
Day 8: Wednesday, March 11, 2009 ~ Sydney - Blue Mountains - Canberra
Journey this morning into the majestic Blue Mountains which reside just outside Sydney. Revel in the beauty of this World Heritage Site as you visit the famous Three Sister rock formation and Govett's Leap. Continue on to Australia's capital city, Canberra. Upon arrival, enjoy a panoramic city tour visiting Canberra's war memorial as well as the National Museum of Australia which interactively celebrates the land, nation and people of the country. The evening is yours to explore the city's shopping district and great eateries. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 9: Thursday, March 12, 2009 ~ Canberra - Melbourne
Depart this morning across southern Victoria. Travel past the snowy mountains and through the countryside, taking in the winelands and quaint villages. Arrive this evening in Melbourne - Australia's most stylish city. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 10: Friday, March 13, 2009 ~ Melbourne
Today you embark on a tour of Melbourne featuring Fitzroy Gardens, the Shrine of Remembrance and the Parliament House. Later, travel to Phillip Island, a nature reserve and home of the world’s largest colony of Little Penguins. The Little Penguin is protected on Phillip Island and a staff of rangers works diligently to study and protect them. A highlight is sure to be the adorable Little Penguin Parade during which hundreds of lovable birds waddle out of the sea and cross the beach to their burrows in the dunes. You will also visit the interpretation center where you will learn about the life of the Little Penguins and their significance to the area. Dinner is included on Phillip Island. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 11: Saturday, March 14, 2009 ~ Melbourne - Christchurch, NZ - Queenstown
You leave Australia behind and travel to New Zealand, arriving in the picturesque resort village of Queenstown. Become acquainted with your surroundings during a spectacular dinner at the Skyline Restaurant, which overlooks the appropriately named ‘Remarkable Mountains.’ Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 12: Sunday, March 15, 2009 ~ Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown
Today you will travel through beech forest into the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley via the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. «Enjoy
a cruise on the spectacular fjord of Milford Sound, experiencing breathtaking vistas at every turn.« Following your cruise you will
return to Queenstown. You may opt to return via a short optional flight
(weather permitting) for spectacular views of the Southern Alps. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.
Day 13: Monday, March 16, 2009 ~ Queenstown
Your day is at leisure. You may choose from several options to enhance your vacation. Shop in the charming village, relax and visit with new friends, or enjoy an optional ‘Safari of the Rings’ tour that takes you deep into the majestic landscape of the Lord of the Rings movies. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 14: Tuesday, March 17, 2009 ~ Queenstown - Mt. Cook
Traverse the spectacular countryside to New Zealand’s most famous national park, Mt. Cook. En route, enjoy a stop at a local fruit stand to gain an inside look at the produce of New Zealand. Mt. Cook is one of the most impressive mountains in the world. You may choose to view the massive glaciers and extensive snow-covered mountain top terrain on an optional glacier flightseeing tour (weather permitting), or perhaps enjoy the park during
a nature walk. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 15: Wednesday, March 18, 2009 ~ Mt. Cook - Christchurch
Today you will journey through the rolling Canterbury hillside en route to Christchurch. Located on the Avon River, this charming city is considered “the most English city outside of England.” Today breakfast will be included.
Day 16: Thursday, March 19, 2009 ~
Christchurch
A sightseeing tour highlights magnificent gardens, the Neo-Gothic Cathedral and the downtown park district. The remainder of your afternoon is at leisure. This evening you are invited to dine and make friends with a New Zealand family in their home. «This is sure to be an unforgettable evening during which you will learn about the customs of the “Kiwi’s” and enjoy a home cooked meal.«
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 17: Friday, March 20, 2009 ~ Christchurch - Picton - Wellington
Travel up the winding eastern coast to Picton where you will board the famous Interislander Ferry for one of the most scenic trips the world has to offer. Enjoy the spectacular scenery as you cruise through the Marlborough Sounds and cross the Cook Strait, arriving this evening in the capital city of Wellington. Nestled between a sparkling harbour and the rolling hills of the North Island, Wellington was first settled by Polynesians in the 10th century. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 18: Saturday, March 21, 2009 ~ Wellington
Today you will enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour of Wellington viewing the Beehive, New Zealand’s Parliament, historic St. Paul’s Church, and the government building, the largest wooden building in the Southern Hemisphere. Following the tour, you will visit the national museum
of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongawera Museum. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 19: Sunday, March 22, 2009 ~ Wellington - Napier
Journey into the region of Hawke's Bay today, arriving in the city of Napier. Rebuilt in the 1930s after a devastating earthquake, Napier boasts some of the greatest art deco architecture in the world. Enjoy an art deco tour of this great city upon arrival. «This evening, a fantastic winery visit and dinner will help you to discover the flavors of the region.« Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 20: Monday, March 23, 2009 ~ Napier - Rotorua
Rotorua, known as the geothermal wonderland and cultural capital of New Zealand, is your destination today. The evening is yours to explore this great city. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 21: Tuesday, March 24, 2009 ~ Rotorua
This morning visit Te Puia, New Zealand's premier Maori cultural and geothermal experience. You'll be truly
amazed by the landscape of erupting geysers, bubbling mud pools and other geothermal wonders! Here, the
Maori keep their customs alive by teaching the tribal youth the skills of traditional carving, weaving and
dancing. Take part in an interactive demonstration on the art of weaving and the importance of the Maori dress. You will also view the Kiwi bird and learn what New Zealanders are doing to try to remove the Kiwi from the endangered species list. Next, a visit to the Agrodome will give you insight into how wool, one of New Zealand’s premier products, is produced. You will see a sheep shearing demonstration here. This afternoon, visit a jade factory to see how the raw product is transformed into a fabulous gemstone. «This evening you will receive a traditional Maori welcome at a Hangi meal followed by a traditional performance of songs, dances and other cultural festivities.« Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 22: Wednesday, March 25, 2009 ~ Rotorua - Auckland - Tour Ends
Drive to Auckland where your tour ends. Today breakfast will be included.
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Roundtrip
Transportation from Central Illinois
-
Hotel
Transfers
-
Tours as
outlined in the itinerary
-
Meals as
described in itinerary
Fuel charges
in the amount of $250 are included and are
subject to change until final payment is
received.
|
Double
Occupancy |
Single Occupancy |
|
$6,399.00
 |
$7,699.00
|
|
Round Trip
Transportation from Central Illinois is included in the
cost of the trip. Other departure
cities are
available on request and adjustment will
be made.
First deposit of
$600 per person due upon reservation.
First come, first served. Final payment
due 1/3/2009.
|
Payment of a per person waiver insurance fee
guarantees full refund on all payments
(including deposit), except the waiver fee
itself, made to Collette Vacations for tour
service in case of cancellation for any reason
prior to the day of departure. Air inclusive
waiver insurance may be purchased only if you
purchase your airline tickets from Collette
Vacations.
Once on tour, if a passenger has to return home
early due to personal illness, illness or death
of a member of the immediate family,
(physician’s statement required), payment of the
waiver fee to Collette Vacations guarantees full
refund for any unused land services after
departure from the tour. Payment of the air
inclusive waiver guarantees your return
transportation, with no additional supplement,
utilizing your original airline tickets. In the
event you have purchased non-refundable airline
tickets, the air waiver does not apply.
The waiver insurance fees are fully refundable
up to 10/4/2008. Waiver insurance is
non-transferable and valid for each applicant
only. Waiver Insurance must be purchased at time
of deposit.
Collette Vacations can assume no responsibility
for and cannot be held liable for any wrongful,
negligent or unauthorized acts or omissions of
any travel agent or travel agency other than
that of Collette Vacations itself, and its own
employees.
The waiver insurance fees do not cover any
single supplement charges which arise from an
individual’s traveling companion electing to
cancel for any reason prior to departure. In
this case, the single supplement will be
deducted from the refund of the person who
cancels. Division of this charge between the two
passengers involved is solely their
responsibility. If insufficient funds are
deducted from the canceling client, the
traveling client will be charged the remaining
portion of the single supplement. The waiver
covers cancellation of your trip and does not
cover cancellation of the airline portion only.
The waiver insurance fees cover lost, damaged or
delayed baggage as well as medical expenses,
emergency medical attention and worldwide
travelers' assistance. See your booking agent
for details.
For
More Information Contact:
Janice
Liescheidt
or Marci McCarrey
+1 (866) 592-0455
+1 (309) 834-3734
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Photos shown are reflective of
the area(s) visited but may not be included in
the actual tour itinerary.
