Aussie Odyssey
Epicurean and Landmarks Extravaganza
12-Day International Trip
Aussie Odyssey
Embark on a Spectacular 12-Day Journey Down Under!
Join us as we explore the diverse wonders of Australia in a thrilling 12-day escapade. Our adventure begins in the vibrant city of Melbourne, where we'll spend four nights immersed in its dynamic culture. Marvel at the lush landscapes of Rayners Orchard and the scenic beauty of Yarra Valley. Indulge your taste buds on a Foodie Walking Tour and witness the enchanting Penguin Parade.
Next, our journey takes us to Cairns for three nights of tropical bliss. Here, we'll dive into a Cairns Culinary Adventure and explore the majestic Great Barrier Reef, a true natural wonder.
Our final destination is the iconic Sydney, where we'll spend four nights. Highlights include a luxurious Penfolds Dinner Cruise along the stunning Sydney Harbour, an in-depth Opera House Tour, and an unforgettable Progressive Dinner. A Degustation Dinner will provide the perfect culinary finale to our Australian adventure.
From the grazing food experiences and encounters with wildlife in Melbourne to the breathtaking art at the Sculpture Park and the diverse marine life of the Great Barrier Reef, this trip promises an unforgettable blend of culture, cuisine, and natural beauty. Prepare for an Australian journey like no other!
12-Day International Trip
Aussie Odyssey
Experience the best of Australia on a 12-day tour from Melbourne's culinary delights and Yarra Valley, to Cairns' Great Barrier Reef, and Sydney's iconic Opera House. Indulge in gourmet dining, explore vibrant cities, and enjoy unique wildlife encounters. Book your unforgettable Australian adventure now!
$11,860 Single Occupancy
$9,580 Double Occupancy
or call 1-888-426-1993
Trip Details
Price
Double $9,580, Single $11,860
$500 deposit due at time of booking; payment plans available
Trip Length
12-Day; 11-Night International Trip
Dates
17th of February, 2025 to 28th of February 2025
Meeting Point
Meet on February 17th, 2025 at Melbourne International Airport. You will be provided instructions to access the private transfer to the tour hotel.
Ending Point
Trip concludes on February 28th, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. A private transfer to the airport is provided.
Group Size
Minimum Group Size of 12; Maximum Group Size of 24
Included
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Accommodation: 11 Nights 4 Nights Intercontinental Rialto, Melbourne - King Rooms 3 Nights Hilton Cairns - Guest Rooms 4 Nights Sofitel Sydney Wentworth - Classic Rooms
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Meals: Breakfast Daily
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Meals: 6 Dinners as indicated.
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Meals: 5 Lunches as indicated
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Porterage: Porterage at all hotels
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Local Guide: Fully escorted and narrated tour by friendly English speaking local guides and escorts.
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Airport Transfer: Secure airport transfers in upon arrival and departure in Australia
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Motorcoach: Motorcoach transportation for the duration of the tour.
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Activities: All entrance fees for excursions to cultural sites and food artisan visits
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Gratuities: All gratuities to tour guide, escort and driver
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Airfare: Domestic Airfare within Australia
- Taxes and service charge
Not Included
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Airfare: International Airfare is not included. We are available to assist with your airfare arrangements or you may make your own arrangements.
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Airport Transfer: Parking at the airport / transfer to / from the airport from your home.
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Meals & Alcohol: Meals and alcoholic beverages, except those noted in the itinerary.
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Personal Expenses: Personal expenses such as laundry or phone calls are not included.
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Passport: Passport or Visa fees are not included.
- Visa costs - AN ETA can be obtained by US citizens. Please see websites URL below for Australia
- https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/electronic-travel-authority-601#Overview
- Travel Insurance
Itinerary
- Set sail aboard the beautiful 32-meter sailing catamaran, Ocean Spirit, to experience Michaelmas Cay’s unique reef environment – a pristine sand cay surrounded by fringing reef and a protected sanctuary for migratory seabirds. Your cruise will combine motor and sailing, depending on the day’s conditions.
- Be active and enjoy all the included activities – snorkel in the cay’s protected shallow waters, cruise in the semi-sub for a diver’s view of the reef, watch the fish feeding presentation and observe the island birdlife. Throughout the day, the “beach buggy shuttle” will transfer you between Ocean Spirit and the beach. To protect this renowned bird sanctuary, access to the cay is limited to the roped beach area. If you prefer a more leisurely day on the Great Barrier Reef, relax on the beach or onboard Ocean Spirit’s spacious decks. The choice is yours!
- LAKE BARRINE NATIONAL PARK & HERITAGE TEA HOUSE – FULL BREAKFAST A mere 1 hour drive from Cairns via the scenic Gillies Highway brings you to the cool atmosphere of the Atherton Tablelands, where you will come across a beautiful, enchanting natural lake hidden in World Heritage Rainforest. Lake Barrine is something special as it is actually a water filled crater left by a volcanic eruption approximately 10,000 years ago. Here we enjoy a delicious breakfast of local produce and enjoy a special ‘Lake Barrine’ coffee or local tea at the charming 80 year old lakeside teahouse amongst beautiful terraced gardens overlooking the Lake.
- A RAINFOREST BOUNTY MORNING TEA – Next stop we are heading to the scenic outskirts of the Historic rural town of Malanda to a private property to taste their signature condiments utilising locally grown Davidson (Ooray) plum, lemon aspen (rainforest citrus), lillypilly (rainforest berries) and rainforest (Boonjie) tamarind in traditional artisanal recipes infused with the unique qualities of Australian rainforest fruits. We also get to taste a native fruit cocktail and whilst overlooking the delightful Johnston River from their River Pavilion.
- AUSTRALIAN PLATYPUS PARK -GOURMET LUNCH – We take a wonder down to see the Platypus in this magnificent setting then sit down to enjoy flavoured handcrafted smoked products, combined with a unique blend of local Australian native herbs and spices. These tasty treats are all produced in-house using only the freshest quality ingredients and include Crocodile, Red Claw (Yabby) and Kangaroo with fresh local salads topped off with a ‘Tarzali Lakes’ boutique beer, Dragon Fruit cider, Lemon Myrtle tea and some tastings of the Murdering Point Winery range
- GALLO DAIRYLAND CHEESE PLATTER & CHOCOLATE TASTING – We now head towards the historic village of Atherton. Driving through this thriving hub, a patchwork of amazing farmland and rolling green hills appear before us. We are on our way to a fully operational dairy farm spread across 1000 acres of rich red volcanic soil with delicious handcrafted chocolates and a gourmet cheese factory. Here we will have a selection of their delicious cheeses and irresistible Swiss style filled chocolates that are a work of art whilst gazing out over the picturesque landscape. Meet some friendly animals before heading back to Mareeba through a variety of diverse crops.
- THE HUMPY NUT WORLD TROPICAL FRUITS & NUTS TASTING – We now head through a patchwork of amazing farmland, diverse crops and rolling green hills for a tasting and shopping treat. We stop at ‘The Humpy’, the best place to go to for freshly harvested Atherton Tablelands produce straight from the growers. From vegetables to tropical fruits and hundreds of different varieties of nuts, dried fruits locally produced jams and sauces. Here we get to taste some seasonal fruits and many different flavours of hot local peanuts and macadamia nuts.
- MT UNCLE DISTILLERY LIQUEURS & SPIRITS TASTING – Then just down the road we arrive at Australian Distiller of the year 2017, Mount Uncle Distillery, North Queensland’s first and only distillery. Here we taste some of their Award winning liqueurs and spirits. Then take a wander round this stunning property nestled in coffee and banana plantations, with beautiful gardens and friendly animals.
- EMERALD CREEK ICECREAMERY – Our last stop is Emerald Creek Ice creamery a family-owned business Positioned on 2.15ha on the Kennedy Highway between Mareeba and Kuranda. Their Ice-cream is made on-site in their factory using pure cream and full cream milk. Sorbets (dairy free, full fruit) also made on-site using local Tablelands fruit. Set on the balcony of their property we enjoy a cup of Jaques coffee and delicious scones with homemade strawberry and blueberry jam and cream and have a tasting of ice cream or sorbet unique to them.
- Begin your day with a deeply enriching 90-minute walkabout with an Aboriginal guide in The Rocks. This tour is not just a walk; it’s a journey into the Dreamtime, the culture of Aboriginal People.
- Experience the rich tapestry of the Aboriginal people’s saltwater heritage within Sydney Harbor. Your guide will unravel the authentic history of land and water use, and the profound spiritual connection to the adjoining waterways and foreshores.
- Discover the seamless blend of Dreamtime Southern X text into Sydney’s modern landscape and learn how contemporary Aboriginal society thrives in the heart of cosmopolitan Sydney. This tour is an enlightening exploration of belonging to Country, drawing wisdom from the world’s oldest living cultures.
- Venture inside the iconic sails of the Sydney Opera House on a one-hour guided tour. Marvel at this architectural and engineering masterpiece, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site celebrated worldwide.
- Uncover the inspirations and challenges behind Danish architect Jorn Utzon’s revolutionary design. Explore the majestic theatres and foyers, feel the world-famous shell tiles, and marvel at the engineering marvels hidden within this living, breathing structure.
- Your tour extends beyond the public areas, offering rare vantage points and insights into the creation and ongoing legacy of the Sydney Opera House.
- Take some time on your own to enjoy lunch at your leisure, exploring local eateries and savoring Sydney’s diverse culinary offerings.
- Continue your day with a visit to the iconic Bondi Beach. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, take in the stunning coastal views, and perhaps dip your toes into the famous waters.
- As dusk settles, embark on a culinary journey through the trendy streets of Surry Hills. Your dining adventure begins at Eileen’s Bar, a cozy spot nestled amidst grand Victorian terraces.
- Stroll down Crown Street, where the pulse of Surry Hills comes to life. With a diverse array of cuisines from Italy, France, and the Middle East, Surry Hills is a gastronome’s delight. Savor the elegance of restored pubs, on-trend cafes, and restaurants, each offering a unique dining experience.
- Let the relaxed vibe of Surry Hills envelop you, as you indulge in a 4-course progressive dinner, a celebration of flavor and community in this fashionable neighborhood.
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