DAY 1

Melbourne and the start of your journey "down under"

Tour begins: 6:00 PM, The Langham Melbourne or Park Hyatt Melbourne. A transfer is included from Melbourne Airport to The Langham Melbourne or Park Hyatt Melbourne. Your journey begins with a welcome cocktail reception followed by dinner at the hotel.

Dinner

DAY 2

Melbourne's Victorian charms

You'll see a lot of Melbourne on a sightseeing tour of the city, including a guided walking tour to discover the real city (and its amazing coffee) along its distinctive laneways. The rest of the day and evening are yours to spend as you please in Melbourne; enjoy lunch and dinner as you please.

Breakfast

DAY 3

On to Uluru (Ayers Rock) & the Outback

Take a morning private charter flight to the heart of Australia's desert Outback, arriving at Ayers Rock (Uluru) for lunch and an overnight stay at Sails in the Desert in the country's "Red Centre." In the evening, the light of the setting sun bathes the mystical rock with a palette of ever-changing color... and you'll enjoy the natural "show" with canapés and champagne overlooking the monolith.

Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 4

Explore the mysteries of Uluru, then fly to Queensland

Aboriginal traditions define life in the Outback, especially at Uluru (Ayers Rock); learn about the "dreamtime" legends associated with this massive monolith on a guided tour this morning. Fly via private charter to Cairns in Queensland, gateway to the amazing Great Barrier Reef. Board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, taking you over and through the rainforest canopy; disembark in the mountain village of Kuranda. Continue on to Silky Oaks Lodge, your luxury eco lodge on the Mossman River adjacent to Daintree National Park, to begin a three-night rainforest resort stay.

Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5

Cruise to the Great Barrier Reef

Spend a full day exploring one of Earth's most incredible "living" sites, the Great Barrier Reef – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only living structure on Earth visible from the moon. Activity choices include a catamaran cruise to the Agincourt Reef; an adventure boat trip for scuba divers and snorkelers; or a relaxing spa day at the lodge. Enjoy a leisurely dinner and evening at your resort.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6

Optional balloon ride and a day at leisure

Early risers may choose to soar over the Atherton Tablelands on an optional hot air balloon ride* at dawn (an additional charge per person; see pricing details). The rest of the day is free to spend as you wish at your rainforest resort and spa, or explore the area as you please. Enjoy dinner tonight at the lodge.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7

Crocodile adventures and on to Sydney

It's all about crocodiles at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures; have a meet and greet with a crocodile and blue tongue lizard and snake... plus visit a private enclosure where you might come across Eastern Grey Kangaroos, Agile Wallabies, Pademelons, Koalas, Wombats and more. You'll also have an opportunity to hold a koala and have your photo taken... attend a tour and feeding presentation... and take an exclusive boat cruise on the lagoon. After lunch, fly to Sydney via private charter for a three-night stay in the city's heart at InterContinental Sydney, in guest rooms overlooking Sydney Harbour.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8

Sydney Opera House, a Sydney Harbour cruise, and sightseeing

Begin the day with a visit to one of Australia's most famous iconic sights, the amazing Sydney Opera House, and a private tour.  Next, a private cruise on Sydney Harbour – complete with morning tea – is a fabulous way to introduce yourself to this extraordinary city, taking a good look at some of its landmark sites from the water. Sydney sightseeing continues as you view highlights on a city tour, then spend the rest of the day exploring as you please. Dinner this evening will be a "dine-around" from your choice of several select local restaurants.

Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9

Walking tour of "The Rocks" & the time spent as you please

Historic and legendary, discover Sydney's popular neighborhood of "The Rocks" this morning – a story beginning with the arrival of the Britain's "First Fleet" in 1788 and continuing to the present day. Afterwards, return to your hotel; the remainder of the day and evening are yours to spend as you wish in remarkable Sydney.

Breakfast

DAY 10

G'day to Australia, hello to New Zealand

Bid Australia a fond farewell this morning and board a flight across the Tasman Sea, bound for New Zealand Note: Your tour price does not include the Sydney – Wellington trans-Tasman flight on Day 10, which must be purchased with your international air ticket. First stop is Wellington, New Zealand's intimate waterfront capital with an impressive artistic and cultural edge. Accommodations for the next two nights are Club Rooms at InterContinental Wellington; enjoy a 3-course dinner at the hotel this evening.

Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 11

Wonders of Wellington

Discover Wellington on a tour that begins city center with a cable car ride up to the city's Botanic Garden to see the award-winning rose garden and great views of the city, harbour, and Parliament Buildings. Next up is Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand's national museum, where you'll have a guided orientation to its five floors focusing on the country's exceptional nature, art, history, the Pacific and Maori culture. Touring its exhibits is like actually experiencing thousands of years of New Zealand's history in person, as motion simulators and interactive exhibits include you in the journey. The remainder of the day is free to explore Wellington as you please.

Breakfast

DAY 12

To Blenheim & the Marlborough Sounds

Tauck puts a charter plane at your service today for a flight to Blenheim on New Zealand's South Island, and a two-night stay in the heart of the Marlborough wine country. Upon arrival, head off on a visit to the Marlborough Sounds. Besides producing great wine, this region is one of the most beautiful and picturesque areas in the country, and boasts delectable freshly caught seafood, including green-lipped mussels; sample them, along with local wines, on a luncheon cruise that celebrates New Zealand's bounty. Following your cruise, drive to Chateau Marlborough in Blenheim where you'll enjoy dinner at your leisure this evening.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 13

Farm life, a winery lunch & "Dinner with the Warbirds"

A memorable day in the Blenheim area begins with a visit to a working private farm for a sheep shearing demonstration and sheep dog experience; morning tea at the homestead with the farmer and his family; and a walk through their extensive gardens. Continue on to Brancott Winery for a wine tasting and three-course lunch with matching wines at the Brancott Heritage Centre, then return to the hotel for some free time. Join us this evening for a Tauck Exclusive event: a visit to the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre – which displays an incredible collection of World War I and II aircraft and memorabilia owned by film director Sir Peter Jackson – for "Dinner with the Warbirds," featuring a tour of the museum's "Knights of the Sky" and "Dangerous Skies" exhibitions, and a three-course dinner showcasing seasonal Marlborough produce and a selection of quality Marlborough wines.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 14

Fly to Queenstown

Today, depart Blenheim and fly off aboard Tauck's charter to beautiful Queenstown, on the shores of Lake Wakatipu – with the magnificent Southern Alps as a backdrop. The city prides itself as the gateway for outdoors adventure, water experience, and culinary and wine discoveries. An afternoon visit brings you for a visit – and lunch – at a renowned winery well-known for its production of Pinot Noir. The winery – and bistro – is situated in an iconic stone building with stunning views of breathtaking mountains and sparkling Lake Hayes. Return to Queenstown, where the remainder of the day is free for you to explore as you choose.

Lunch

DAY 15

"Lord of the Rings" or cruise Milford Sound

You'll have a choice today of exploring Milford Sound or doing a "Lord of the Rings" off roading experience – a Queenstown adventure safari via 4WD, filled with breathtaking "Lord Of The Rings" filming locations. Local guides bring the magic of Tolkien's Middle-earth to life with rare facts and thrilling tales; visit filming locations such as the Misty Mountains, the Pillars of the Kings (Argonath) and more, as well as taking a journey along a historic gold mining road. Alternatively, take a dramatic drive through the unparalleled scenery of New Zealand's Fiordland National Park, then set off aboard a private boat (with a naturalist onboard) for a scenic nature luncheon cruise among the sheer cliffs and glacier-hewn inlets of beautiful Milford Sound. Return to your hotel late afternoon, and enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening.

Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 16

Adventures by jet boat & helicopter in Queenstown

Even if you're not all that adventurous, today's thrilling high-speed jet boat ride* through the rapids and narrow gorges of Skippers Canyon on the Shotover River – followed by a helicopter ride* – will be memorable highlights. Head back down the mountain via Skyline gondola to spend the rest of the day and evening as you wish in Queenstown.

Breakfast

DAY 17

Charter flight to Auckland

Travel via Tauck's private charter flight from Queenstown to Auckland today for a three-night stay, arriving in time for lunch at a local restaurant. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore Auckland as you please; following dinner at your hotel, your evening is free.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 18

Wine tasting & lunch on Waiheke Island

Depart from Auckland's Ferry Terminal and head to nearby Waiheke Island, a mecca of farmland, forest and beaches – and vineyards; enjoy some sightseeing and a unique wine tasting and lunch at Mudbrick Vineyard. Ferry back to Auckland where the remainder of the day is free to spend as you please.

Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 19

Sail aboard an America's Cup Yacht, Maori cultural presentation & time to explore as you please

First up this morning, discover the secrets behind the world-famous America's Cup sailing competition when you become part of the team aboard an America's Cup yacht and set sail in the waters surrounding Auckland. Visit the Auckland Museum where you'll attend a Maori cultural presentation, then the afternoon is spent as you please exploring what interests you most in Auckland. Join us this evening for a farewell cocktail reception and dinner at your hotel in the heart of the city, a fitting finale to an incredible odyssey Down Under.

Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 20

Journey home

Tour ends: Auckland. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from The Sofitel Auckland at Viaduct Harbour to Auckland Airport. You should allow three hours for check-in at the airport.

Breakfast

The Langham, Melbourne

Sails in the Desert

Silky Oaks Lodge

InterContinental Sydney

InterContinental Wellington

Chateau Marlborough

Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa