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

Day 5 Wed. Country Homestay Option
We tour Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, viewing its boiling mudpools, hot springs and steaming geysers. See an agricultural show and sheep shearing display at the Agrodome, then continue to Rainbow Springs to view the rare flightless Kiwi bird. Later, you can choose to experience the charms of rural living with a genuine New Zealand country family. After sharing stories over a hearty home-cooked dinner, you can enjoy their hospitality for the night. Or, choose to stay and dine at the hotel. (BD)

Day 6 Thur. Rotorua, Christchurch
Enjoy free time to relax before joining a flight to Christchurch on New Zealand's scenic South Island. The friendly city of Christchurch is renowned for its elegant gardens, grand architecture and charming English heritage.
Accommodation: Christchurch, Crowne Plaza. (BD)

Day 7 Fri. Southern Alps, Franz Josef
Board the TranzAlpine Train for a journey through spectacular alpine scenery in the Southern Alps. We continue down the rugged west coast, where there's the opportunity to take a scenic helicopter flight, landing on Franz Josef Glacier (own expense).

Accommodation: Franz Josef Glacier Hotel, in a spectacular alpine setting. (BD)

Day 8 Sat. Queenstown, DINE AROUND
Witness truly magical alpine scenery as we drive over Haast Pass, then along the picturesque shores of lakes Wanaka and Hawea, to the stunning lakeside resort town of Queenstown. This evening, experience the dining freedom of APT's unique Dine Around Dinner, where you choose from a selection of Queenstown's finest restaurants.
Two Night Stay: Queenstown, Queenstown Gardens Hotel, right on the lakefront. (BD)

Day 9 Sun. Milford Sound Cruise
Absorb the beauty of Fiordland National Park today on our journey through beech forests surrounded by snow-capped mountains to beautiful Milford Sound. On arrival, enjoy a guided cruise along the full length of the sound, passing beneath sheer cliffs and tumbling waterfalls, and viewing the dominant grandeur of the famous mile-high Mitre Peak. The optional return flight to Queenstown provides a truly unforgettable aerial perspective of this untamed region (own expense). (BL)

Day 10 Mon. Queenstown, Mt Cook
This morning is at leisure before our afternoon journey to Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest peak. To one side is the mighty Tasman Glacier. Weather permitting, you can take in this spectacular sight during a ski-plane flight (own expense).
Accommodation: Mt Cook National Park, The Hermitage. (BD)

Day 11 Tue. Fly to Sydney, Australia
We travel via Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo and Burkes Pass, then through the picturesque plains of Canterbury to Christchurch, where we board our international flight bound for Sydney, Australia.
Three Night Stay: Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney. From your room, you have guaranteed views over Sydney Harbour and the Opera House. (BL)

Day 12 Wed. Sydney Sights, Sydney Harbour Cruise, Opera House Guided Tour
See Hyde Park, Kings Cross and Bondi Beach as we tour the city and its southern beaches. At midday, board a luncheon cruise on stunning Sydney Harbour, viewing the famous Harbour Bridge and Opera House. The rest of the day is free before another special treat this evening, a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House followed by dinner in a fine restaurant. (BLD)

Day 13 Thur. At Leisure in Sydney
Relax and enjoy cosmopolitan Sydney at your own pace today. Perhaps take an optional sightseeing tour to Canberra or the Blue Mountains (own expense). Stroll the famous Rocks area or visit the exclusive Queen Victoria Shopping Complex. Dinner tonight has been left free for you to further explore Sydney. (B)

Day 14 Fri. Melbourne, Fitzroy Gardens, Colonial Tramcar Dinner
A short flight brings us to Melbourne, the 'Garden City'. On arrival, we take in the attractions, including Victoria Market, Parliament House and the beautiful Fitzroy Gardens. Experience the sights and tastes of Melbourne this evening as we dine aboard the 1927 Colonial Tramcar Restaurant.
Two Night Stay: Melbourne, Sheraton Towers Southgate, luxury on the vibrant riverfront. (BD)

Day 15 Sat. At Leisure in Melbourne
You may choose a leisurely breakfast before stepping out to explore Melbourne. Stroll down to Southgate on the Yarra River, visit the city's shopping arcades or take a tour to the Great Ocean Road or the famous Penguin Parade at Phillip Island (own expense). (B)

Day 16 Sun. Alice Springs, Royal Flying Doctor Service, Telegraph Station
Join your morning flight to Alice Springs. On arrival, take a tour of this famous Outback town, located close to the very center of the vast Australian continent. Visit the base of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, see the old Telegraph Station and enjoy views of the town from Anzac Hill. Dine as you please this evening in one of the many restaurants close to the hotel.
Accommodation: Alice Springs Resort. (B)

Day 17 Mon. Camel Farm, Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta (Olgas), 'Sounds of Silence' Dinner
Try riding a camel this morning at a camel farm (own expense). Continue to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, where we visit Kata Tjuta (Olgas), 36 giant rocky domes dominating the western skyline. As the sun sets on Uluru (Ayers Rock), listen to the haunting sounds of the didgeridoo during the 'Sounds of Silence' dinner - an unforgettable desert experience dining on gourmet Australian delicacies. After dinner, an astronomer guides you through the stars of the great southern skies using powerful telescopes.
Accommodation: Ayers Rock Resort, Sails in the Desert. Absolute luxury in the heart of Australia. (BD)

Day 18 Tue. Base Tour of Uluru (Ayers Rock), Aboriginal Art, Tropical Cairns
Tour the base of Uluru (Ayers Rock), viewing the many caves and fascinating Aboriginal rock art. Visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre and Maruku Arts and Crafts Gallery, where you can purchase Aboriginal artifacts. This afternoon, we board a flight to the tropical city of Cairns.
Accommodation: Cairns, the superb Radisson Plaza Hotel at the Pier, situated right on the beautiful waterfront at Trinity Bay. (B)

Day 19 Wed. Dunk Island
We take a short drive south passing lush rain forest and pristine sandy beaches to Mission Beach, where we join a cruise to Dunk Island. Located in the clear blue waters of the Coral Sea, tropical Dunk Island is our home for the next two nights. This afternoon is free for you to relax and enjoy the facilities of the resort. Enjoy time to explore the island's palm-fringed beaches and lush rain forests, which teem with exotic flowers and birdlife.
Two Night Stay: Dunk Island, Garden Cabanas, on this idyllic tropical island. (BD)

Day 20 Thur. Great Barrier Reef Cruise
The beauty of the Great Barrier Reef is a sight to behold as we spend the whole day at beautiful Beaver Cay. You have the opportunity to swim and snorkel in the crystal waters or perhaps join the semi-submersible vessel to view colorful coral, giant clams and schools of tropical fish. (BLD)

Day 21 Fri. Pamagirri Aboriginal Dancers, Kuranda Railway, Cairns
Back on the mainland, we travel north along the scenic coastline and join the Skyrail Cableway, gliding over the canopy of the World Heritage-listed rain forest to Kuranda. See a performance by the renowned Pamagirri Aboriginal Dancers, cuddle a koala at the wildlife enclosure and browse the Kuranda Markets. In the afternoon, step aboard the Scenic Kuranda Railway for a train ride down the range, enjoying Royale Service all the way. Take in views of waterfalls and rain forest back to Cairns.
Accommodation: Cairns, Radisson Plaza Hotel. (BD)

Day 22 Sat. Los Angeles
Transfer this morning to the airport to board your morning flight to the United States, arriving in Los Angeles on Saturday afternoon. (B and BL)