Days 1-2 — Depart the U.S. for Cairns, Australia

Fly to Australia, losing a day as you cross the International Date Line.

Days 3-5 — Australia's Far North—Cairns, Kuranda, and The Great Barrier Reef

Arrive in Cairns, transfer to your hotel, and gather for a welcome dinner. The next day, enjoy a lecture and a private tour of the Cairns Wildlife Dome, where you’ll have a chance to observe koalas, kangaroos, cockatoos, and more. Ride the historic Kuranda Railway from the coast up through World Heritage-listed Barron Gorge National Park, traversing tunnels and canyons on your way into the lush mountains. Stroll through picturesque Kuranda, and board the world’s longest gondola cableway for a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest canopy. Then spend a day exploring the Great Barrier Reef, where more than 2,800 coral reefs make up one of the world’s richest marine ecosystems. On a full-day excursion to Michaelmas Cay, go swimming and snorkeling or climb into a semi-submersible vessel for a closer look at the reefs. (2B,1L,1D) 

Days 6-7 — Alice Springs and The Outback

Fly to Alice Springs, the capital of the Outback. At Anzac Hill, take in expansive views and see the monument to the Australian and New Zealand soldiers who fought in the World Wars. Visit the Royal Flying Doctors Service, the first comprehensive aerial medical organization in the world, then tour the School of the Air, which provides education to children in remnote communities scattered across the Outback. Relax around a campfire, enjoy musical entertainment, and look for the Southern Cross and other constellations at a traditional “bush” dinner. Venture into more rugged terrain the next day on a visit to the camp of the Walpiri Aboriginal people, and learn about their ancient culture on a “Dreamtime” tour. Visit Simpsons Gap, an Aboriginal spiritual site, and explore Standley Chasm. (2B,1L,1D)

Day 8 — Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

This morning, depart by coach for Uluru (also known as Ayers Rock). Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is a World Heritage site and home to the Anangu Aboriginal peoples. Take a walking tour of the otherworldly Olgas rock formations and watch the sun set over Uluru, the fabled sandstone monolith that rises 1,114 feet above the plain. (B,D)

Day 9 — Uluru and Sydney

This morning explore the base of Uluru and delve into local culture at a nearby museum. Then fly to Sydney, arriving late in the afternoon. (B,D).

Days 10-11— Sydney

Take two full days to immerse yourself in fascinating Sydney. Admire the views of the iconic Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge during a luncheon cruise on Sydney Harbour. Spend time at Featherdale Wildlife Park, where koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, and dingoes roam freely amid ten acres of rain forest, eucalyptus, and gardens. Dine in the popular Rocks District at the Waterfront Restaurant, known for its outstanding seafood and beautiful harbor views. (2B,1L,1D)

Day 12 — Sydney and Christchurch, New Zealand

After a late morning tour of the Sydney Opera House, enjoy a free afternoon to discover the city on your own. In the evening, board a flight to Christchurch, New Zealand’s “Garden City.” (B) 

Day 13 — Christchurch and Mt. Cook National Park

This morning’s orientation tour features the acclaimed Botanic Gardens and “Re:START Mall,” the vibrant civic area built from the rubble of the 2011 earthquake. Journey south by motorcoach to Mt. Cook National Park, stopping en route at a working farm in Geraldine. Here, learn about wool handling and classing while witnessing a sheep-shearing demonstration, and watch trained sheepdogs skillfully muster Suffolk sheep. Learn about red and white deer farming and tour the working deer sheds and yards. Arrive at Mt. Cook in the Southern Alps, a stunning landscape of turquoise lakes and snowcapped mountains, and settle into your hotel before dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 14 — Aoraki Mount Cook

Set out for Mount Cook Village and visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Center. Meander through the Hillary Gallery, commemorating Sir Edmund’s achievements, including the first ascent of Mount Cook’s difficult south face. After time in the village for lunch on your own, this afternoon is at leisure to discover Aoraki Mount Cook as you wish. (B,D) 

Day 15 — Mount Cook and Queenstown

Travel through New Zealand’s lush fruit-growing region to Queenstown, stopping in the former gold mining town of Arrowtown. Enjoy a wine tasting and savory lunch at a renowned winery before continuing to the famed Kawarau Bridge where in 1988 AJ Hackett invented bungee jumping. Reach the “adventure capital” of Queenstown in mid-afternoon. (B,L,D)

Day 16 — Milford Sound

Set out on a rewarding, full-day excursion to the World Heritage-listed Milford Sound. Glide through the breathtaking fjords on a nature cruise, watching for wildlife, waterfalls, and spectacular scenery.  Enjoy lunch on board. This afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to return to Queenstown on a scenic flight, taking in magnificent aerial views of New Zealand’s dramatic fjordlands. (B,L)

Day 17- — Queenstown

Today is yours to pursue your own interests in Queenstown. You may consider a hike, a stroll along Lake Wakatipu, a day of wine-tasting, or any of the many adventure activities offered in the city. Your Travel Director will have recommendations. (B) 

Day 18 — Queenstown and Rotorua

Fly from Queenstown to Rotorua on the North Island. This geothermal landscape of geysers, bubbling mud pools, steaming thermal springs is a center of Maori culture. Take a panoramic tour of this city on the shores of Lake Rotorua. This evening visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve and Maori Cultural Centre for a traditional hangi dinner and Maori performance. (1B,1D) 

Day 19 — Rotorua

Venture along the leafy paths of Rainbow Springs Nature Park for a closer look at native flora, fauna, and birdlife. Tour the onsite National Kiwi Trust, and learn firsthand how injured kiwis—New Zealand’s flightless national bird—are rescued and  rehabilitated here. (B)

Days 20-21 — Rotorua and Auckland

Venture into  Ruakuri Caves to see the thousands of glowworms illuminate underground grottoes. Late this afternoon arrive in Auckland, the “City of Sails,” set atop more than 50 volcanic hills. Take a half-day city tour featuring the Aukland War Memorial Museum, Auckland Harbour, and the America’s Cup Village. Tonight celebrate your adventure at a farewell dinner. (2B,D)

Day 22 — Depart for the U.S.

Early this morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Los Angeles (via Sydney) where you connect with the return flights home. (B)