An Australian Journey

11 days/ 8 nights from $2860 (land only) – a savings of $185 per person

To take advantage of this offer, call 1 800 329 0906 and use promo code SWSP12933.

Highlights

Destinations
Sydney, Ayers Rock, The Ghan train, Darwin

Your Itinerary Includes

Round trip airport/train station transfers
2 nights Sydney at the Four Seasons in an Opera View Room
An Afternoon in Sydney – lunch, sights and cruise
2 nights Uluru at Desert Gardens in a Standard Room
Kata Tjuta Encounter
Sounds of Silence Dinner in the Desert
Spirit of Uluru sunrise tour
1 night The Ghan train from Alice Springs to Darwin in Gold Service
3 nights Darwin at Mantra Pandanas in a City View Room
Litchfield National Park tour
2 breakfasts 2 lunches 1 dinner

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Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1 Fly USA to Sydney

Day 2 Cross The International Dateline

Day 3 Arrive Sydney, Australia
On arrival to Sydney, you will collect your luggage and clear Customs & Immigration before entering the arrivals hall. Here, look for your driver holding a sign with your name on it, and transfer to the city by private vehicle.

It is no surprise that when the British first arrived in Sydney they named the area Botany Bay. Even today, with a population of over 4 million people and a reputation for fun rather than flora, one is still surrounded by bush land in this bustling city. Native Waratah wind their way through the historic Rocks area, palm trees frame long stretches of pristine beach, and Eucalyptus embrace the harbors endless and beckoning bays.

It is Sydney's manmade wonders, however, that draw most visitors. The Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge are the most photographed icons on the continent. Choose a Seaplane Safari experience and enjoy a bird's eye view of the Opera House's signature sails. See the Harbor Bridge up close and personal by climbing the metal monolith and enjoy stunning 360 degree views of the glittering vista below with BridgeClimb. Whether it is an early morning visit to the largest fish market in the southern hemisphere or your very first surfing lesson on Bondi Beach, in this vibrant metropolis you will find no lack of energetic escapes and dynamic distractions.

Day 4 Afternoon In Sydney - Lunch, Sights & Cruise
You will be collected late morning from your hotel to see the highlights of downtown Sydney before venturing into some of the exclusive harbour-side residential areas where we stop for a 2-course lunch at the Vaucluse House Tea Rooms. Vaucluse House is one of Australias most historic houses and was home to the father of the Australian Constitution (note - Vaucluse House is closed Mondays, an alternative venue will be used).

From lunch we continue our sightseeing including the famous areas of Bondi Beach and Paddington before returning to the city to commence a leisurely cruise of magnificent Sydney Harbour. Your cruise ends at Circular Quay and Darling Harbour by 5pm, from where you make your own way to your hotel.

Day 5 Fly Sydney to Ayers Rock
You will be transferred by private vehicle from your city property to Sydney Airport.

All flights into Ayers Rock are met by an AAT Kings courtesy shuttle, which will transfer you from the airport to your property at Ayers Rock Resort. A voucher is not required for this service.

If Sydney is the pulse of Australia, then Uluru is its heart. Rising over a thousand feet from the pancake flat earth, Uluru is a magnificent monolith which holds deep cultural significance for the Aboriginal people. It casts its spell as soon as you see it glowing in the distance, and you'll find yourself looking for glimpses of it's rusty peaks throughout your stay.

Kata Tjuta & Dinner in the Desert
The Olgas and Dinner in The Desert enables you to discover the magnificence of Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) as well as experiencing the internationally renowned Sounds of Silence dinner. The tour departs in the early afternoon for the domes of Kata Tjuta (Olgas), where your guide will walk you through Olga Gorge describing the Geology and Aboriginal Plant use in the area.

Leaving the rocky moonscape of Olga Gorge, you will return to the resort approximately half an hour before your Sounds Of Silence Dinner pick up.The Sounds of Silence dinner is an outback dining experience to remember, with Desert Oaks framing the view, the sounds of the didgeridoo, the taste of outback cuisine, the 'sounds of silence' and the night skies.

Day 6 Spirit of Uluru
This is a vehicle based tour around Uluru (Ayers Rock), providing the opportunity to witness the spectacular sunrise and absorb Uluru's natural history and deep significance to the Anangu people. Short walks will bring you close to this wonderful and powerful place, viewing rock art, waterholes and appreciating the unique flora and fauna of Uluru. There is time to amble, to absorb images and to gain an insight into Uluru's remarkable presence. The final step is to the Uluru and Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. This is a small group tour (max 22) with Discovery Ecotours. Light breakfast included - morning tour duration of around 4 hours.

Day 7 Fly Ayers Rock to Alice Springs
On arrival you will be transferred from the airport to Alice Springs Train Station.

The Ghan Train (Alice Springs to Darwin)
Join the Ghan Train for a legendary journey on a legendary train. The Ghan is internationally recognized as one of the world's most famous long distance trains. Named after the Afghan camel drivers who did so much to open up the heart of Australia last century, this magnificent train is of great historical significance to the nation.

The journey from Alice Springs to Darwin takes 24 hours – so relax and watch the vast Australian Outback unfold as you journey from the desert of our 'Red Centre' to the tropical 'Top End'. We suggest you pack a smaller overnight-style bag for this trip as cabin space is limited – you may then check your main luggage to go in the baggage compartment. The Ghan departs Alice Springs 4pm Mondays, to arrive Darwin at 4pm on Tuesdays. NB: As a result of Government legislation, all train travel in Australia is totally smoke free.

Day 8 Arrive Darwin
On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel by private vehicle.

Darwin is the bustling tropical capital of the Northern Territory. The city clusters around the beaches of one of Australia's finest harbors Darwin Harbor, the playground of dolphins, sea snakes, turtles and cruising yachts. Visitors to Darwin enjoy a relaxed, tropical lifestyle, with wonderful sunsets, city streets shaded by palms, bamboo, mango trees and masses of flowering tropical shrubs. With its beautiful buildings and close proximity to Kakadu National Park, Darwin is a great starting point for a Top End adventure.

Darwin is a cosmopolitan blend of culture, creativity and coveted countryside. Although popular as a base for trips to neighboring areas such as the untamed fishing haven of Cape Don, Darwin’s city center is a destination in itself. Why not fish for the elusive and tasty Barramundi in Darwin’s huge harbor, which is twice the size of Sydney’s? Explore the region’s ethnic diversity while dining on local cuisine and shopping at Parap markets. Soak up the scent of frangipanis while watching the sun set over Darwin’s divine Mindil Beach.

Day 9 Litchfield National Park Tour
Leaving Darwin behind, we travel south on the Stuart Highway towards Litchfield National Park, which is one of the Northern Territory's newest parks. On our way to Batchelor, we pass old wartime airstrips. Inspect the township and see the miniature castle built by an expatriate Czech. Close by is the Rum Jungle Mine, where Uranium was extracted from 1953 to 1971.

We make a stop at nearby Rum Jungle Recreational Lake, situated amidst palms and rainforest. Entering Litchfield National Park, we make the rocky climb into the Tabletop Range. As we enter the area, you will come across countless termite mounds. You will have the opportunity to take many interesting photos, particularly of the group of magnetic termite mounds, which resemble giant tombstones.

Tour departs Darwin early morning, returning by approx 6:00pm. Please note that a packed lunch is included as part of your tour.

Day 10 At leisure, Darwin
Today is at your leisure, no arrangements have been made.

Day 11 Fly Darwin to Sydney
Please meet your driver in the hotel lobby for your private transfer to the airport. Please inform the Concierge you are waiting for this transfer.

The Ghan departs Adelaide on Sunday and Wednesday. The Ghan departs Alice Springs on Thursday and Monday. The itinerary can be arranged in reverse – The Ghan departs Darwin on Wednesday and Saturday.

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Hotels

For more information about the hotels visited in this itinerary please click the hotel name below.

City	Standard	Superior	Deluxe	Luxury

Sydney	-	-	Four Seasons	-

Uluru	-	Desert Gardens	-	-

Train	-	-	The Ghan (Gold Service)	-

Darwin	-	Mantra Pandanas	-	-

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Pricing

To determine pricing for your tour select the appropriate travel season and desired accommodation level from the table below.

	Standard	Superior	Deluxe	Luxury
Reference #	-	-	SWSP12933	-

4/1/10-6/30/10	-	-	$2860	-

7/1/10-11/30/10	-	-	$2960	-


Single Supplement

From $2250


Add International Airfare

Routing: LAX-SYD-AYQ//DRW-(via SYD)-LAX

4/1/10-4/30/10				$1699

5/1/10-6/8/10				$1399

6/9/10-7/23/10				$1799

7/24/10-9/21/10				$1399

9/22/10-10/31/10				$1799

11/1/10-11/30/10				$2099

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Terms & Conditions

Prices are per person/double occupancy and exclude airfare. Must book by 6/30/10 for travel through 11/30/10. Prices listed reflect discount/savings. Hotels and tours remain subject to availability. Valid on new reservations only. Please note blackout dates apply and prices remain subject to change without notice. If adding international air as listed above, U.S and Foreign Govt. taxes and fees of up to $170, Passenger Facility Charges and the September 11th Security Fee of up to $10 per person are additional. Conditions apply. CST#2012413-20 See our Complete Terms and Conditions.

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