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Premier Escorted


Tour Code: E28
Tour Duration: 28 Days

Premier Escorted is a 28 Day tour from North America that is Fully Escorted in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. Your APT Tour Director will meet you on arrival "Downunder", introduce you to your fellow travelers, and escort you from beginning to end on your unforgettable South Pacific adventure.

Cities you will visit while on tour include Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch, Greymouth, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Franz Josef Glacier, Sydney, Melbourne, Alice Springs, Ayers Rock, Cairns, Fitzroy Island, Darwin, Kakadu National Park, Hobart, Port Arthur Fiji and more.

 
Tour Highlights
 
Sightseeing Highlights
• Cruise spectacular Milford Sound between soaring jagged peaks
• Tour Uluru (Ayers Rock), viewing caves, sacred sites and ancient rock paintings
• Explore the magnificent Great Barrier Reef on a full day cruise
• Visit Port Arthur Historic Site, Tasmania
• See Australian and New Zealand wildlife
• Explore Kata Tjuta (Olgas) on a guided walk
• View spectacular Franz Josef Glacier
• Board the TranzAlpine Train for a scenic rail crossing of the Southern Alps
• Cruise on Sydney Harbour, viewing the landmarks of the Sydney Opera House, Fort Denison and the Harbour Bridge
• Take a guided boat tour of Waitomo Caves
• Join a town tour of Alice Springs, including the base of the Royal Flying Doctor Service
• City sights tour of Melbourne
• Enjoy Royale Service as you travel through rain forest on the Kuranda Scenic Railway
• See the Pamagirri Aboriginal Dancers perform
• Tour World Heritage Kakadu National Park
• Enjoy the Auckland city sights tour
• Join the Jumping Crocodile Cruise
• Nourlangie Rock Aboriginal art site
• Tour Tasmania's capital, Hobart

Superior Accommodation
• Spend two nights in Queenstown
• Harbor views for three nights at Sydney's Shangri-La Hotel
• Two nights at Sheraton Towers, Melbourne
• Stay at Sails in the Desert, a first-class hotel just minutes from Uluru (Ayers Rock)
• A three night stopover in Cairns
• Relax with three nights in tropical Fiji
• Centrally located hotels in key locations
• All hotel porterage and tipping included

Finest Dining - 46 Meals Included
• Dine Around Dinner, Queenstown
• Be welcomed as a guest at a traditional Maori Hangi and cultural performance
• Camp Oven Outback dinner, Alice Springs
• Colonial Tramcar Restaurant, Melbourne
• 27 hot breakfasts (B); 6 lunches (L)
• 13 dinners, Freedom of Choice Dining - multi-choice menus or buffets (D)
• Restaurant tipping included

Feature Benefits
• Tour prices include all touring as listed plus all air from North America and within Australia, New Zealand and Fiji
• Friendly and professional Tour Director and Driver/Guide at your service
• Luxury motorcoaches featuring large panoramic windows, reclining seats with foot rests and rest room

Cultural Touring Experiences
• Free travel kit including stylish travel bag

Click map to view full size

Legend:
 •  B = Breakfast  •  L = Lunch  •  D = Dinner 

Itinerary
(Departure dates and pricing below itinerary)
 
Day 1 Sun. Los Angeles
This evening board your flight bound for Auckland, New Zealand. (D)

Day 2 Mon. In Flight
Cross the international dateline and 'lose' a day.

Day 3 Tue. Auckland
Meet your Tour Director on arrival in the North Island city of Auckland. Make an early morning check-in at your hotel before an afternoon of sightseeing. Gather this evening for a special Welcome Dinner hosted by your Tour Director.
Accommodation: Auckland, Crowne Plaza. (BD)

Day 4 Wed. Rotorua, Traditional Feast
This morning we take a guided boat tour of the glow-worm grotto at Waitomo Caves, then continue to the Rotorua thermal region where we are guests at a traditional Hangi (feast) and cultural performance.
Two Night Stay: Rotorua, Royal Lakeside Novotel. (BD)

Day 5 Thur. Country Homestay
Tour Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, then travel to Rainbow Springs, a trout farm and sanctuary for rare New Zealand birds. See a shearing display and choose to experience life with a country family, enjoying a home-cooked meal and their hospitality for the night. Or, stay and dine at the hotel. (BD)

Day 6 Fri. Queenstown, DINE AROUND
A relaxed morning before flying to Queenstown. This evening, enjoy our Dine Around Dinner where you choose from an array of restaurants.
Two Night Stay: Queenstown, Queenstown Gardens Hotel, in the heart of this year-round resort. (BD)

Day 7 Sat. Milford Sound Cruise
Today brings a memorable experience as we travel to Fiordland National Park. On arrival, cruise the length of Milford Sound, sailing below famous Mitre Peak and spectacular waterfalls. (BL)

Day 8 Sun. Queenstown, Franz Josef
Travel through superb scenery to New Zealand's west coast and the beauty of Franz Josef Glacier. There is an opportunity to take a scenic helicopter flight, landing at the head of the glacier (own expense).
Accommodation: Franz Josef Glacier Hotel. (BD)

Day 9 Mon. TranzAlpine Train
On arrival in Hokitika this morning, see native greenstone (jade) jewelry and artifacts, then board the TranzAlpine Train for a rail journey through spectacular Southern Alps scenery.
Accommodation: Christchurch, Crowne Plaza. (BD)

Day 10 Tue. Fly to Sydney, Australia
Board a flight across the Tasman Sea to the harbor city of Sydney, Australia.
Three Night Stay: Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney. From your room, you have guaranteed views over magnificent Sydney Harbour and the Opera House. (BL)

Day 11 Wed. Sydney Harbour Cruise
Take a morning sightseeing tour followed by a luncheon cruise on Sydney Harbour. See the sights that make Sydney so recognizable, including the Harbour Bridge and Fort Denison. This afternoon enjoy a guided tour of the famed Sydney Opera House sitting on the shores of the harbor. (BL)

Day 12 Thur. At Leisure in Sydney
Today is yours to enjoy the many delights of Sydney at leisure. The historic Rocks area is just a short stroll away. Perhaps take a sightseeing tour to Canberra or the Blue Mountains (own expense). (B)

Day 13 Fri. Tropical Cairns
A morning flight takes us to Cairns. Enjoy a guided tour of this tropical city on arrival.
Three Night Stay: Cairns, the superb international Radisson Plaza Hotel at the Pier. (BD)

Day 14 Sat. Great Barrier Reef Cruise
An unforgettable experience as we spend the day on the Great Barrier Reef. At Moore Reef, you can swim or snorkel amid the tropical fish, or ride aboard a glass-bottom boat over the colorful coral. (BL)

Day 15 Sun. Skyrail, Pamagirri Dancers, Kuranda Scenic Railway
Ride the Skyrail Cableway above the rain forest, arriving in Kuranda. See the Pamagirri Aboriginal Dancers, visit the wildlife enclosure to view koalas and wander the village at your own pace. This afternoon, ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway through rain forest down the mountain range to Cairns, enjoying the luxury of Royale Service all the way. (B)

Day 16 Mon. Cairns, Darwin
Explore Cairns at leisure, with time to stroll along the Esplanade. Join your flight to Darwin.
Accommodation: Darwin, Saville Park Suites. (B)

Day 17 Tue. Darwin, Kakadu National Park, Jumping Crocodile Cruise, Nourlangie Rock
Tour Darwin, then travel into World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park. See a variety of birdlife and crocodiles leaping from the water on our guided Jumping Crocodile Cruise. This afternoon, view ancient Aboriginal art at Nourlangie Rock.
Accommodation: Kakadu National Park, Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn. (BD)

Day 18 Wed. Darwin, Alice Springs
Wander through Bowali Visitor Centre, Kakadu, for a greater appreciation of this remarkable area. Then it's on to Darwin for our flight to Alice Springs.
Two Night Stay: Alice Springs Resort. (B)

Day 19 Thur. Alice Springs Town Tour
This morning, take a tour of Alice Springs. See the School of the Air, the organization that provides schooling to children in remote Outback towns. Visit the base of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the historic Telegraph Station, view the West MacDonnell Ranges and enjoy panoramic views over the township from atop Anzac Hill. This afternoon is at leisure before our special Camp Oven Outback dinner. (BD)

Day 20 Fri. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Kata Tjuta (Olgas), Ayers Rock Resort
Travel southwest to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, home of Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (Olgas). We stop to explore the giant red domes of Kata Tjuta before continuing to Ayers Rock Resort. Tonight, dine at the resort or you can enjoy the unique experience of dining in the desert at the 'Sounds of Silence' (additional cost, please enquire).
Accommodation: Ayers Rock Resort's premier hotel, Sails in the Desert. Absolute luxury in the Outback. (BD)

Day 21 Sat. Uluru (Ayers Rock), Melbourne
This morning, choose to climb Uluru (Ayers Rock) or take a leisurely walk around its base, viewing ancient rock art and caves. This afternoon, fly to Melbourne.
Two Night Stay: Melbourne, Sheraton Towers Southgate, on the vibrant riverfront. (B)

Day 22 Sun. Melbourne Sightseeing, Colonial Tramcar Lunch
A sightseeing tour of Melbourne starts our day, including Victoria Market, Parliament House and the beautiful Fitzroy Gardens. We then join the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant for lunch. Enjoy fine cuisine and wines as we travel the city streets and exclusive suburbs of South Yarra and Toorak. (BL)

Day 23 Mon. Fly to Hobart in Tasmania, Port Arthur Historic Site
Board a morning flight to the city of Hobart, the capital of Australia's island state of Tasmania. We then journey across a narrow strip of land to the Tasman Peninsula. See the rock formations of the Tessellated Pavement, Tasman's Arch and Devil's Kitchen before arriving at Port Arthur Historic Site. We join a fascinating guided tour of the site, learning of its tragic convict past and visiting the church, penitentiary and guard tower. Reboarding the motorcoach, we return to Hobart.
Two Night Stay: Hobart, Wrest Point Hotel Casino. (B)

Day 24 Tue. Hobart, Richmond
This morning we tour this charming harborfront city, including colorful Salamanca Place and the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. Take in panoramic views over the city from Mt Wellington. Continue to Richmond, a quaint Georgian village classified by the National Trust. Explore the village, brimming with antique and craft shops, and inviting cafes and restaurants. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (BD)

Day 25 Wed. Hobart to Fiji
Our flight today takes us to the beautiful Fiji islands. Arrive in Nadi and transfer to your luxurious hotel.
Three Night Stay: Nadi, Sheraton Royal Denarau Resort. Your home in this island paradise. (B)

Day 26 Thur. At Leisure in Fiji
The day is totally at your leisure to enjoy this beautiful island. Swim in the crystal-clear waters, take a dip in the pool, join an optional cruise to an outer island (own expense) or simply relax in the stunning surrounds of this tropical hideaway. (B)

Day 27 Fri. Fiji Island Tour
Soak up the soothing warmth of Fiji this morning as we explore the island. Enjoy time to stroll amid the exotic orchids of The Garden of the Sleeping Giant. Visit the legendary Viseisei village to discover the rich history of Fiji on a memorable guided tour. Stop at Vuda lookout for breathtaking views and great photo opportunities. Explore the sites of Nadi town at leisure before returning to your hotel. (BD)

Day 28 Sat. Los Angeles
Enjoy a late morning checkout before your evening flight to the United States. Arrive in Los Angeles Saturday afternoon. (B and BL)

 

Departure Dates and Price (Back to beginning of itinerary)
 
Premier Escorted
Tour Code: E28

Fully inclusive air/land tour prices include all international and domestic airfares in Australia and are based on flights starting and  finishing in Los Angeles (US$) and Vancouver (Cdn$).
 

 Departure Dates US$ Cdn$
2004
Jan 11;
Feb 22;

Please call or email for current prices.

Mar 7;    
Oct 10;
Nov 7.
   
2005
Jan 16;
Feb 13;
   
Mar 6.    

-Many dates are guaranteed - ask when booking.

-For departures after March 2005 please inquire.
-Single Supplement may apply.
-Land Only tour prices available upon request.
-Special add-on airfares from US and Canadian cities available upon request.
-Air taxes and departure taxes not included.
Additional Information

If fewer than 20 guests, days 25-28 will be unescorted by APT Tour Director.

 

 

 
For reservations call
Australia Escorted Tours
toll free at 1-888-333-6607
or email: res@aetours.com

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