Spotlight on Australia 2016

11 days
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USTOA

Small Group Tour
Tauck's 11-day Spotlight on Australia includes private charter flights throughout, Victorian Melbourne, the desert Outback, a rainforest resort stay in Queensland off the Great Barrier Reef, and four nights in Sydney for an insider experience "down under."

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Full day at Great Barrier Reef with eco-cruise to Agincourt Reef; traditional Tjapukai fire-making ceremony and warrior dance; visit with koalas and other wild Featherdale Wildlife Park
    • private harbour cruise & 'foodie' tour in Sydney; overnight stay at Uluru (Ayers Rock) in the Outback

What's this trip about?

    Tauck's 11-day Spotlight on Australia includes private charter flights throughout, Victorian Melbourne, the desert Outback, a rainforest resort stay in Queensland off the Great Barrier Reef, and four nights in Sydney for an insider experience "down under."

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Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityMelbourne, Australia
End CitySydney

Travel Themes

  • Cultural

Destinations

Attractions

  • Cairns
  • Great Barrier Reef
  • Melbourne
  • Sydney
  • Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Activities

  • Culture

Trip includes

    • Private charter flights throughout Australia Full-day swimming, snorkeling and marine life exploring on an eco-cruise to Agincourt Reef in the Outer Great Barrier Reef "Foodie Tour" in Sydney featuring visits and tastings at some of the city's local eateries and culinary landmarks Rainforest skyrail ride and crocodile farm visit A traditional Tjapukai fire-making ceremony, a warrior dance and a dinner celebrating Aboriginal traditions in North Queensland Visit with the resident koalas, kangaroos and other local wildlife at Sydney's Featherdale Wildlife Park Overnight stay in the Outback with daytime exploration of Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Aboriginal art workshop Private luncheon cruise of stunning Sydney Harbour Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted 21 meals (10 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners); gratuities to local guides, service charges, taxes, and porterage

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Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Melbourne
Tour begins: 5:30 PM, The Langham, Melbourne. A transfer is included from Melbourne Airport to The Langham, Melbourne; you'll enjoy a room overlooking the river. Join us for a welcome dinner as we say "g'day" to the Land of Oz. MEALS : D LODGING : The Langham, Melbourne PORTOFCALL : Melbourne

Day 2 Melbourne's Victorian charms
Brimming with Victorian-era charm, see Melbourne landmarks today, including a visit to the Melbourne Museum, a guided walking tour to discover the real city (and its amazing coffee) along its distinctive laneways, the Shrine of Remembrance, and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the sights at your leisure. MEALS : B LODGING : The Langham, Melbourne PORTOFCALL : Melbourne

Day 3 On to Uluru & Aboriginal art in the Outback
Take a morning 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." This afternoon, meet local Anangu artists who share their traditional Aboriginal art wit...
Day 4 Uluru to a skyrail & more in 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. After lunch, fly to Cairns in Queensland, gateway to the amazing Great Barrier Reef. Board a go...
Day 5 Cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Great Barrier Reef is the only living structure on Earth visible from the moon. Cruise today to the Agincourt Reef, at the edge of Australia's Continental Shelf, for swimming, snorkeling and marine views with superb underwater visibility. Relax this evening at your beachfront resort. MEALS : B, L, D LODGING : The Reef House PORTOFCALL : Cairns, Great Barrier Reef

Day 6 Fun in Queensland's rainforest and a Tjapukai evening
Have an amazing day in and around Port Douglas in tropical North Queensland! In Kuranda, explore the Koala Gardens and the Butterfly Farm. Learn everything you've ever wanted to know (and more) about crocodiles at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures with a tour, a special cro...
Day 7 Crocodiles & on to Sydney
Soar over the Atherton Tablelands on an optional early morning balloon ride* (additional cost of $229 per person applies) or spend the morning at the resort at your leisure. Everyone takes off for Sydney late this morning for a four-night stay in the heart of the city. Y...
Day 8 A Sydney Harbour cruise, the Opera House and more on city sightseeing
Sightseeing includes a guided visit inside Sydney's iconic Opera House, followed by a luncheon cruise on stunning Sydney Harbour. An orientation drive around Sydney offers you an overview of city sights, before you have the opportunity to discover what interests you most on your own. MEALS : B, L LODGING : InterContinental Sydney PORTOFCALL : Sydney

Day 9 Sydney's Featherdale Wildlife Park and a "Foodie" city tour
Rise early for a visit to Sydney's Featherdale Wildlife Park, home to local animal residents that thrive in a natural bush setting, including koalas, kangaroos and wallabies. Then taste your way through some very cool culinary nooks and crannies on a Sydney "Foodie Tour...
Day 10 Sydney as you please
Enjoy this laid-back and easy to-get-around-in city at your leisure, with historic sites, museums and beaches within easy reach, along with stylish shops and hip dining; meet us for a farewell reception and dinner at a local restaurant. MEALS : B, D LODGING : InterContinental Sydney PORTOFCALL : Sydney

Day 11 Journey Home
Tour ends: Sydney. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from the InterContinental Sydney to Sydney Airport. Please allow a minimum of 3 hours for flight check-in; ask about booking additional hotel nights. MEALS : B PORTOFCALL : Sydney

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,890
Price per day$445
Last Updated: 2/22/2018

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Tauck.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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It's easy to see the world's sights. To stand in long lines, push through the crowds, and generally have the same standard-issue vacation as everyone else. But that's not good enough for us, and it's not good enough for you. We believe that travel should be easy. It should be fun. It should be worth your time and the price you paid. It should re-energize and transform. And above all else, it should be beyond the ordinary. Because how you see the world matters.

In 1882, Herman Tauck arrived in New York City from Germany in search of the American dream. His determination and values were passed on to his son, Arthur Tauck, who would realize that dream. With ingenuity and an innovative spirit, Arthur started Tauck Motor Tours, a travel company that would give birth to a new industry. The first tour, through the back roads of New England, was created by this 27-year-old in 1925. It embodied the same successful formula used by Tauck today: do the right thing. Craft a life-enriching travel experience; provide it at a single all-inclusive price; ensure there is great value for money; and rely on recommendations of satisfied customers to build a following and grow the business.

Two elements that did change over the next 90+ years – and three generations of Taucks – were the scope of destinations served and the variety of modes of travel used. Today Tauck delivers life-enriching travel experiences to every corner of the globe, incorporating small cruise ships, premium riverboats, trains, helicopters and more. What started as a New England motor coach tour company has truly evolved into an extraordinary global travel company. The fourth generation of Taucks is now involved in the company. While remarkable in any business, this seamless continuity across generations speaks to shared vision and values.

Throughout its history, the concept of “family” at Tauck has gone far beyond those sharing the surname to include hundreds of valued employees, and hundreds of thousands of loyal guests. The story of Tauck is the story of a unique American family company celebrating a passion for travel – a story that will continue to inspire generations to come.

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What they’re known for
Fun group tours and cruises that are culturally-focused and great for families and seniors on vacation.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
tauck-NAA2016

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