Ultimate South Pacific with the Legendary Ghan Train & Fiji

Day 1

ARRIVE IN MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA G’day – Welcome To Melbourne! Your hotel room is available for immediate check-in. A pre-night is not required for early check-in. Please schedule flights to arrive by 3pm in order to attend this evening’s welcome briefing and dinner. (D)

Day 2

MELBOURNE Toasts Of The Town Today’s sightseeing tour includes landmarks such as Parliament House and the Shrine of Remembrance, a tribute to Australia’s war heroes. Visit beautiful Fitzroy Gardens, then drive past the lush Botanic Gardens. You’ll discover the city’s differing architectural influences as you see the Victorian Arts Centre and other buildings of significance. Before returning to your hotel, indulge in a special high tea featuring mouth-watering treats, specialty teas, coffee, and a glass of champagne. (B)

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE with an optional excursion this evening to see the world-famous Penguin Parade on Phillip Island to experience the magic of little penguins returning home at sunset to one of the largest penguin colonies in Australia. Watch as these beloved fairy penguins waddle from the ocean to their burrows in the sand around you. You’ll get up close and personal from the special Penguins Plus grandstand. This and more options are available throughout your tour at MyGlobus. Your Tour Director and your GlobusGO mobile app have all the tips and guidance to enjoy your free time.

Day 3

MELBOURNE Cosmopolitan Cool Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore this multicultural and cosmopolitan city. Dine at a local restaurant and immerse yourself in Melbourne’s passionate food and wine scene or walk along Chapel and Brunswich Streets, famous for great shopping. (B)

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE in Melbourne with an optional excursion to sample award-winning wines in the Yarra Valley or drive along the spectacular Great Ocean Road to see the “Twelve Apostles.” This and more options are available throughout your tour at MyGlobus. Your Tour Director and your GlobusGO mobile app have all the tips and guidance to enjoy your free time.

Day 4

MELBOURNE–HOBART On The Waterfront Fly to Hobart, Tasmania, home of the famed Tasmanian devil. As the second oldest of Australia’s state capitals, Hobart has a wild convict past and a rich history still evident in its beautifully restored Georgian buildings and colonial cottages. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant. (B,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOTS Join your Tour Director for a walk in Hobart’s waterfront district. See beautiful historic buildings and hear wonderful stories about the hard-working convicts, explorers, and entrepreneurs that built this city. Afterward, enjoy dinner at a historic local pub that is full of wonderful memorabilia and features local seafood and produce.

Day 5

HOBART. EXCURSION TO THE TASMAN PENINSULA Devilish Fun Travel to the remote and rugged Tasman Peninsula. Make stops at the scenic blowhole, Devil’s Kitchen, and Tasman Arch coastal formations. Visit Port Arthur Historic Site, which began housing convicts in the 1830’s. Then visit the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo. Return to Hobart where your evening is at leisure. (B,L)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CONSERVATION HEROES The world’s largest carnivorous marsupial – the Tasmanian Devil. See a feeding presentation and learn how the Unzoo is helping save the endangered devils with natural habitat spaces. Stroll the bushland trail and see kangaroos, cheeky parrots, wallabies, echidnas, and nearly 100 bird species. Your admission helps preserve the Tasmanian devil.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT One of the country’s most important heritage sites, Port Arthur will bring to life Australia’s convict history. On your private guided tour, meet some of the people who have passed through this place, walk in their footsteps, and hear their stories. It was not just hardened criminals but women and children who found their way here as well. See 30 historic buildings, ruins, restored homes, and the beautiful heritage gardens.

Day 6

HOBART–ADELAIDE Sweet Adelaide Today, fly via Melbourne to South Australia’s capital city. Adelaide is home to world-class art, live music, major festivals, must-try restaurants, and sits at the gateway to amazing wineries. Upon arrival, take a brief orientation tour along the wide, tree-lined streets, and well-manicured gardens. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B)

Day 7

ADELAIDE. EXCURSION TO KANGAROO ISLAND The Wild Place Early this morning, depart Adelaide and travel by motorcoach and ferry to Kangaroo Island, one of the world’s last unspoiled habitats. Visit Seal Bay Conservation Park and Flinders Chase National Park, a sanctuary for native Australian animals, including kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas. Stop for a walk on Remarkable Rocks, with stunning views of the sea. Next, visit Admirals Arch, a unique rock formation and home to a colony of New Zealand fur seals. Return to Adelaide late this evening. (B,L)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS The stunning views of the Australian sea lion colony and the neighbouring coastline make Seal Bay an essential experience on Kangaroo Island. There are no enclosures or cases at Seal Bay. Instead, you will be taken into the heart of the colony on a private tour with a Park Ranger. You’ll learn how these endangered animals hunt, surf, rest, interact with their pups and defend their territory. This is a truly exception wildlife experience not to be missed. Keep your camera handy for some terrific photo ops!

Day 8

ADELAIDE–THE GHAN TRAIN All Aboard Mid-day departure on the Ghan train for an overnight journey and unique perspective of the Outback. (B,L,D)

LOCAL FAVORITE
NORTHWARD BOUND [LF] The Ghan is an Australian legend and the ultimate journey through the heart of Australia. It takes its name from the pioneering Afghan cameleers who blazed a permanent trail into the “Red Center of Australia” 150 years ago. Sit back and relax as you take in the changing scenery. Enjoy a meal in the restaurant car or a friendly conversation with fellow passengers from around the world in the lounge car. You’ll soon see why this train journey is on every Australians’ bucket list!

Day 9

THE GHAN TRAIN–MARLA–ALICE SPRINGS Into The Outback This morning you are invited to step off the train in the outback town of Marla. There’s time to stretch your legs as the sun light slowly bathes the surrounding outback. Take a moment to enjoy the stillness and sip on a steaming mug of coffee and snack on a breakfast sandwich. Reboard your train and get ready for the rest of the day’s adventures, or feel free to hop back into bed! Brunch is served onboard before arriving Alice Springs midday. Upon arrival, visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the Old Telegraph Station. This evening is at leisure. (BR)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
FLIGHT FOR LIFE The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) was established in 1928 to bring much needed medical care to the residents of the remote Outback. Learn the history of Reverend John Flynn, the founder, and hear the heroic tales of the birth and growth of the RFDS. Through the interactive displays you can experience what it’s like to fly with an RFDS pilot and the issues they have faced from dirt runways, inadequate maps, and more.

Day 10

ALICE SPRINGS–ULURU (AYERS ROCK) Rock Stars Today, travel through the heart of the Outback. Keep a lookout for red kangaroos, dingoes, camels and feral horses, known as “Brumbies.” Visit the magnificent Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), a geological spectacle of some 36 brilliant domes. Tonight, [LF] dinner is served under the sparkling Outback sky. (B,D)

LOCAL FAVORITE
HEAVEN & EARTH Your evening begins with canápes and chilled sparkling wine upon a dune top overlooking Uluru. As the sun sets and darkness falls, listen to the sound of a didgeridoo and sit down for an unforgettable dining experience. Enjoy a bush tucker inspired menu along with a selection of Australian wines and beers. Afterward, sit back and listen to a star talker decode the southern night sky. Before the end of the evening, you’ll be to locate the Southern Cross, signs of the zodiac, the Milky Way as well as planets and galaxies. From amazing scenery to delicious food and wide-open spaces, it’s sure to be a memorable evening!

Day 11

AYERS ROCK–ALICE SPRINGS–DARWIN Sunrise And Wheels Up For an unforgettable experience, you may choose to rise early for an optional camel ride to watch the sunrise at Uluru. Later, travel to Alice Springs for your flight to Darwin. (B)

NOTE:
Due to this remote location and limited flights, you may be booked on a connecting flight from Alice Springs to Darwin.

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE with an optional sunrise camel ride at Uluru (Ayers Rock). This once-in-a-lifetime experience envelopes you in the magic of early morning at Ayers Rock, where the shades from the emerging sunlight paint the massive stone formation, changing in hue with each second as the sun rises above the Outback. This and more options are available throughout your tour at MyGlobus.

Day 12

DARWIN Remembrance & Resilience Enjoy an orientation tour of the capital of the Northern Territory. See the elegant colonial architecture of the city’s historic buildings that survived Cyclone Tracey in 1974. Visit the splendid Botanic Gardens, beautiful East Point and spend time at the fascinating Darwin Museum. Tonight, you may wish to join the optional dinner cruise in Darwin Harbour. (B,L)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT In 1942, more than 188 Japanese aircraft attacked Darwin’s harbour and airfield. It was the first and largest foreign attack ever mounted on Australia. At the Darwin Museum, hear first-hand accounts from the men and women who survived the horror of that morning, learn about the Top End’s role in WWII through interactive displays, take a walk through the lush garden to see military vehicles, or climb to the top of the gun emplacement to check out the 9.2’ gun that it houses.

Day 13

DARWIN. EXCURSION TO KAKADU NATIONAL PARK Picturing History Journey to Kakadu National Park, Australia’s largest national park and a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE Site. The park is home to exceptional natural beauty and a unique biodome. Take a scenic cruise and then explore ancient Aboriginal rock petroglyphs at Nourlangie Rock and learn more about the history of the area at the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Return to Darwin late this evening. (B,L)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
EPIC RIDE Cruise the unspoiled waterways of the Yellow Water Billabong. Enjoy incredible scenery with the opportunity to spot water buffalo and an abundance of bird species such as Whistling Ducks, Magpie Geese, and Sea Eagles. Keep an eye out for crocodiles basking on the banks or even swimming alongside your boat. NOTE: During the wet season (December through April), it can be difficult to spot crocodiles in the wild.

Day 14

DARWIN–CAIRNS Aussie Adventures Today, fly to Cairns, “Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.” Check-in to your Cairns hotel for a 3-night stay. Cairns is known for its mild winters, great nightlife, and plenty of fun things to see and do. Consider exploring the Cairns Night Markets, where vendors sell a vast array of souvenirs, delicious foods, and the work of local artisans and designers. (B)

NOTE:
Due to this remote location and limited flights, you may be booked on a connecting flight from Darwin to Cairns.

Day 15

CAIRNS. EXCURSION TO THE OUTER GREAT BARRIER REEF Below The Surface Prepare for the experience of a lifetime when you board a catamaran and cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Explore this underwater world that is a brilliant kaleidoscope of coral and sea life. Return to Cairns late this afternoon. Your evening is at leisure. (B,L)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
BUCKET LIST. CHECK! The only living structure on Earth that can be seen from space, the Great Barrier Reef is a masterpiece of Mother Nature. Comprising over 3,000 individual reefs and spanning over 135,135 miles (350,000 square kilometres), your day at the Reef will be one to remember. After your scenic catamaran cruise, the day is yours to explore the Reef how you like. Choose to snorkel amid a dazzling array of fish and coral, take a semi-submersible watercraft tour, attend an informative presentation by a marine biologist, or just relax and enjoy the serenity of your surroundings.

Day 16

CAIRNS Ticket To Paradise A full day at leisure in this tropical paradise. (B)

ENCHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE with an optional trip to Kuranda via the old scenic rail route. You may also wish to take a 4 wheel-drive excursion into the Daintree Rainforest, stroll Cairn’s famous Esplanade home to shops and art galleries, or just sit back and relax at your resort’s pool. You can also cool off in the man-made Cairns Esplanade Lagoon; go for a swim, stick to the shore and build a sandcastle, or take a dip at night in the glowing water, lit by underwater lights. This and more options are available throughout your tour at MyGlobus. Your Tour Director and your GlobusGO mobile app have all the tips and guidance to enjoy your free time.

Day 17

CAIRNS–SYDNEY Koalas, Crocs & Roos, Oh My! This morning, enjoy a special visit to Koala Gardens. Afterward, fly to Sydney, the largest city in Australia. Sydney is home to first-class restaurants, grand shopping arcades, and top tourist attractions such as the Sydney Opera House and the Taronga Zoo. (B)

LOCAL FAVORITE
NATURAL WONDERS See Australia’s famous animals this morning with a visit to Koala Gardens. See kangaroos, wombats, quokkas, wallabies, gliders and of course the famous salt-water crocodiles. You’ll also have a chance to see koalas doing what they do best – eating, sleeping, and looking adorable. Before your visit ends, you’ll have a [LF] photo taken with a koala – the perfect souvenir!

Day 18

SYDNEY Spectacular Sydney Explore one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Visit the Sydney Opera House and travel to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair in the city’s botanic gardens for a great photo opportunity and sweeping views of the harbor and Harbour Bridge. Next, visit world-famous Bondi Beach with time to explore on your own. Return to Sydney and enjoy a cruise on Sydney Harbour to see some of the city’s best views. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEM The Sydney Opera House is one of the most well-known buildings in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The building was designed by Jorn Utzon, a Danish architect, and was finally completed in 1973, after sixteen years of construction, at a cost of over $100 million dollars. You’ll enjoy a private guided tour of the Opera House and see its interiors and theaters. Hear untold stories, be awed by the acoustics, and learn the history and future of this amazing hall beneath the sails.

Day 19

SYDNEY Sights & Bites Enjoy a full day at leisure. Tonight, join your Tour Director and fellow travel companions for dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE in Sydney with an optional excursion to Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s leading wine-growing regions. You can even climb to the top of Sydney’s Harbour Bridge for amazing views of the city and harbour below or walk in the footsteps of Australia’s early convicts, mischievous gangs, and locals of the past on the Rocks District Pub tour. This and more options are available throughout your tour at MyGlobus. Your Tour Director and your GlobusGO mobile app have all the tips and guidance to enjoy your free time.

Day 20

SYDNEY–CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND New Zealand Bound Fly across the Tasman Sea to New Zealand and the very English town of Christchurch. Known as the “Garden City,” Christchurch has many beautiful parks and gardens. You’re sure to enjoy the possibilities in this cosmopolitan city of theatre, modern art galleries, great shopping, and fantastic festivals. (B)

Day 21

CHRISTCHURCH–MOUNT COOK NATIONAL PARK Peak Perfection After an orientation tour of Christchurch, travel south to magnificent Mount Cook National Park, named after New Zealand’s highest peak. Weather permitting, you may wish to join a stargazing program this evening. The Mount Cook region offers some of the darkest skies in the world – perfect for viewing the southern night sky. (B,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Spend the evening at the historic Hermitage Hotel, located at the base of Mount Cook. The Hermitage is the perfect base to explore the natural wonders of Mount Cook and has a variety of dining options, unique activities, and genuine kiwi hospitality. Enjoy splendid views, fresh mountain air, and all the modern amenities of this first-class property.

Day 22

MOUNT COOK NATIONAL PARK–QUEENSTOWN Alpine Adventures Start the day with a visit to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre for unique insight into the history and culture of this region. Then, time to explore on your own before continuing to Queenstown, the “Adventure Capital of the World.” Tonight, why not experience one of Queenstown’s 150 bars, restaurants and cafes serving award-winning cuisine? (B)

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE in Mount Cook National Park with one of the many spectacular scenic walks or an optional scenic flight that lands on nearby Tasman Glacier. This and more options are available throughout your tour at MyGlobus. Your Tour Director and your GlobusGO mobile app have all the tips and guidance to enjoy your free time.

Day 23

QUEENSTOWN. EXCURSION TO MILFORD SOUND Fjords, Forests & Falls Today, travel into scenic Fiordland National Park. Boasting some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, this region of New Zealand has been named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was famously described by author, Rudyard Kipling, as the “eighth wonder of the world.” Late evening return to Queenstown. Please note that the excursion to Milford Sound may happen on Day 24 depending on weather and road conditions today. (B,L)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT Cruise on the fiord with sheer rock walls rising thousands of feet from the water’s great depths. Experience dense rainforest, towering mountains, glaciers and waterfalls. Have your cameras ready for marine life such as playful dolphins, seals, and penguins. It will be a day to remember as you experience New Zealand’s wild side at its absolute best!

Day 24

QUEENSTOWN Vineyards & Views A full day at leisure for your own discoveries. (B,D)

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE in Queenstown with an optional visit to a local vineyard and sample some of the prize vintages, or maybe a thrilling jetboat ride on the Kawarau and Dart Rivers. This and more options are available throughout your tour at MyGlobus. Your Tour Director and your GlobusGO mobile app have all the tips and guidance to enjoy your free time.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
EPIC RIDE This evening, take a scenic gondola ride to the top of Bob’s Peak where you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner and breathtaking views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the Remarkable Mountains. Make sure to have your camera ready for fantastic photo opportunities.

Day 25

QUEENSTOWN–ROTORUA Earthly Wonders Fly north to Rotorua, known for its geothermal activity as well as being the heart of the Māori culture. The city has a mass of attractions and experiences for everyone from adventure-seekers to those just looking to unwind. Enjoy a [LF] Hangi dinner this evening. (B,D)

LOCAL FAVORITE
CULTURE & TRADITION Journey back to a time of proud warriors and ancient traditions at Tamaki Māri Village. Tour the village and learn about Māori traditions and customs followed by a delicious Hangi dinner (roasted meats and vegetables cooked underground with hot stones). You’ll be entertained by master storytellers and singers, and you might even be asked to join in a Haka, the traditional war dance.

Day 26

ROTORUA Over The Rainbow This morning, enjoy a special visit to the National Kiwi Hatchery. Then, visit the Agrodome to learn more about one of the country’s major industries – sheep! Continue to Te Puia, Rotorua’s most prominent thermal area. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CONSERVATION HEROES Only about 5% of all Kiwi birds hatched in the wild survive to adulthood making them endangered. At The National Kiwi Hatchery, you’ll see conservation in action. Known as the national leader in hatching techniques and kiwi chick rearing, you’ll see each stage a kiwi chick goes through before being released into the national parks. 100% of your entry goes straight back to the Kiwi hatching program.

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE in Rotorua with an optional floatplane flightseeing excursion of this beautiful region, join a New Zealand family for dinner in their home, or indulge yourself in the relaxing hot springs, sumptuous spa treatments and massage therapies at the Polynesian Spa. This and more options are available throughout your tour at MyGlobus. Your Tour Director and your GlobusGO mobile app have all the tips and guidance to enjoy your free time.

Day 27

ROTORUA–WAITOMO–AUCKLAND The High Life Depart Rotorua and cross over the Mamakue ranges to the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Then, travel through the green pastoral region of Waikato to Auckland. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner. (B,D)

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES Join your Tour Director and fellow travel companions for a festive [LF] farewell dinner atop Auckland’s Sky Tower. Enjoy 360-degree views of the city and harbor below as the dining room rotates once every hour providing a unique experience. The perfect ending to your vacation!

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Your visit to Waitomo Glowworm Caves starts with a guided tour through the limestone chambers, delicate formations, and passages of the cavern. Next, discover an ancient world of 30 million years in the making and marvel at Mother Nature’s light display as you glide silently through the starry wonderland of the Glowworm Grotto. See the lights of thousands of these tiny creatures as they radiate their light in a subterranean world. The glowworm (Arachnocampa Luminosa) is unique to New Zealand making the Waitomo Glowworm Caves an absolute must-do.

Day 28

AUCKLAND–NADI, FIJI–CORAL COAST Island Bound Board your flight and fly to Fiji for three nights in this tropical paradise. Arrive in Nadi and transfer to your resort on the Coral Coast. Composed of more than 300 islands, you are sure to enjoy the laid-back lifestyle and friendly Fijians. From white sandy beaches to tropical rainforests and mountain peaks, there is lot to explore on land as well in the water. Fiji is known as the Soft Coral Capital of the world with the Great Astrolabe Reef surrounding its islands and atollsAn underwater adventure should be high on your to-do list and will not disappoint. The remainder of your day is at leisure. (B)

Day 29

CORAL COAST Sand & Sees This morning, cruise up the magnificent Sigatoka River to visit an authentic Fijian village. Return to your resort where the remainder of the day is yours to explore the beautiful beaches or perhaps sample some local cuisine. (B,L)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
EPIC RIDE Aboard a custom-built safari jet boat, you’ll be transported deep into the heart and soul of Fiji. As you journey up the river, hear the history of the region. Children from the villages that line the river and wave as you cruise past. When you reach the village, you are given a warm welcome by the villagers and then are escorted to the village Chief’s bure (house) or to the community hall. Take part in a kava ceremony, then tour the village before sitting down to a traditional Fijian lunch. Your visit ends with traditional Fijian singing and dancing. Don’t be surprised if you’re asked to join in! After heartfelt goodbyes, board your jet boat for the return trip. It’s sure to be a highlight of your time in Fiji. Bula!

Day 30

CORAL COAST Living On Island Time Today is at leisure. (B)

ENCHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE with daily activities offered at your resort. You may wish to take a dip in the pool, enjoy a Fijian handicraft demonstration, spend some time in the water with kayaks or paddleboards, or simply enjoy an amazing sunset with a cool drink. Your Local Guide will have suggestions for sightseeing, shopping, and dining.

Day 31

CORAL COAST–NADI Until We Meet Again! Transfer from the Coral Coast to the Nadi International Airport today where your vacation ends. (B)