9 Days: Southern Splendors + I Love Tours [ST-MT2]
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Highlights & Inclusions
  • Accommodation - Melbourne (3 Nights), Hobart (3), Sydney (1)
  • US Domestic Flights are not included (Check Quote for Inclusion)
  • International Flights - Los Angeles to Melbourne, Sydney to Los Angeles
  • Australian Domestic Flights - Melbourne to Hobart, Hobart to Sydney
  • Shuttle Transfers - Melbourne Airport to Accommodation (Return), Hobart Airport to Accommodation (Return), Sydney Airport to Accommodation (Return)
  • Day Tours - Melbourne: Hidden Secrets of Melbourne Tours, Phillip Island & Penguin Parade with Exclusive Viewing Area; Hobart: Hobart City Tour, Tasman Island Wilderness Cruise and Tassie Devils
  • All other Day Tours listed are Optional (Not Included)
  • Visa Issuance for entry into Australia (additional US$15.00 per person)
  • F.I.T. (Free & Independent Travel, i.e. this is not an Organized Group Tour)
  • All Taxes and Fuel Levies (Except where noted)
  • Itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to suit your needs.
Itinerary Details
(Day 1) - US Domestic Flight, Hometown to Los Angeles (Check quote for inclusion)

Travel by domestic air to your destination.

If you request US domestic air pricing, this inclusion will be reflected in your quote.

(Day 1) - International Flight, Los Angeles to Melbourne

Departure from US arriving in Melbourne via Virgin Australia Boeing 777.

In-flight meal along with beverages served throughout the flight. Enjoy award-winning In-flight entertainment with individual seat back screens featuring movies, music and more. Upgrades to ‘The Business’ and Premium are available upon request.

Note: You lose one day crossing the International Date Line but don’t worry, you catch it up again on your return flight to the USA.

(Day 2) - Shuttle Transfer, Melbourne Airport to Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from the Airport to your vacation accommodation in Melbourne, Australia.

(Days 2 to 5) - 3 Nights Accommodation in Melbourne

Enjoy 3 nights at your 4-Star Melbourne accommodation.

Stay at this luxurious boutique hotel in the heart of Melbourne’s Central Business District! This hotel is a top-rated choice for travelers seeking a perfect blend of comfort and convenience. The modern rooms are tastefully decorated and come with all necessary amenities to make your stay unforgettable.
 
Guests can unwind in the sauna after a day of exploring the city. The fitness center is perfect for fitness enthusiasts looking to maintain their routine while traveling.
 
One of the standout features of this hotel is its dining options. The stylish restaurant offers a mix of international and Australian cuisine, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available. Start your day off right with a delicious breakfast, or indulge in a delectable dinner after a day of sightseeing.
 
With its prime location, you’ll be within easy reach of Melbourne’s famous landmarks, shopping districts, and entertainment areas. Experience the vibrant energy of the city, and return to the comfort of this fantastic hotel. Don’t just take our word for it, this hotel consistently receives high ratings and positive reviews from our clients. Come and experience the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and convenience!
 
Hotel Amenities
Free Wi-Fi, High Speed Wi-Fi, Gym, 24-hr Reception, Luggage Storage, Bar, Restaurant, Room Service, Onsite Parking, Laundry Service, Dry Cleaning
 
Preferred Room
Premiere King – 1 King or 2 Singles – Room Features: Mini Fridge, Air Conditioning, Shower Amenities, Hairdryer, Large flat screen smart TV.   
 
Need to know
Hotel subject to availability. If this hotel is not available, a similar hotel will be substituted. Room booked will be preferred unless otherwise listed on your quote.

(Day 2) - Afternoon Tour, Hidden Secrets of Melbourne Tours

Discover the secrets of creative Melbourne with this dynamic half day, small group, guided walking tour!

Join your passionate local guide, who is more of an aficionado, as they take you around the style capital of Australia. Your guide will show you all of Melbourne’s best salons, studios and hidden hotspots tucked away in the European-style lanes in the heart of the city. Discover shops where Melbourne’s celebrated food, coffee and art scene thrive, and are usually missed by tourists. You’ll practically become a local before lunch! On this half day indulgent walking tour, you’ll immerse yourself in the historical, architectural, cultural insights while exploring more than 30 exquisite boutiques. After your casual tour, make it a day by returning to your favorite spots visited in the city of marvelous Melbourne!

Operates
Monday – Saturday
Departs 2:00pm, Returns 5:00pm (approx.)
Tour departs and returns to Time Out Café in Federation Square

Includes
– City map with local offers and tour itinerary
– Trained local city tour guide
– Chocolate tasting
– Seated drink stop and drink choice

Need to Know
– Minimum of 4 guests required with a maximum of 8
– Not ideal for children ages 12 and under, special requests taken case by case
– Please bring with you a water bottle, sunscreen, extra cash for food and drinks, and wear weather appropriate clothing
– Runs in all weather – umbrellas will be on loan if required
– General level of fitness required. There may be stairs along the way
– Mobility accommodations available – please advise prior to booking

Upgrades
– Add lunch to your Lanes and Arcades Tour
– Cafe Culture Walk
– Progressive Degustation Walk

(Day 3) - Day Tour, Phillip Island & Penguin Parade with Exclusive Viewing Area - Full Day

Get up close with the remarkable penguins and wildlife of Phillip Island.

You’ll journey to the city’s most colourful attraction – the iconic Brighton Beach bathing boxes – for an opportunity to visit the beach and take some time to admire these historic landmarks. Continue your journey through Melbourne’s bayside suburbs on the way to Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park. Here, enjoy a guided wildlife walk where you have the opportunity to meet and hand-feed many species of native Australian animals. Learn about iconic species such as kangaroos, koalas, emus, and wallabies, as well as some of our lesser-known favourites including quolls, owls, bandicoots, and Tasmanian devils. Included in your visit here is the spectacular “Conservation in Action” wildlife show, which showcases several lesser-known Australian species in a series of interactive and engaging ranger presentations.

Continuing to Phillip Island, a visit to Point Grant and The Nobbies gives you an opportunity to enjoy views over Westernport Bay and Bass Strait, including Seal Rocks, home to Australia’s largest population of fur seals. Then it’s onwards to the main event, the Phillip Island penguin tour. Just after dark every night, the world’s smallest penguins waddle ashore after spending the day fishing out at sea. You’ll be truly enchanted as the stars of the show emerge from the surf and pass right before your eyes on their journey back to their homes. Your guide will ensure you get the very best vantage point to enjoy the Penguin Parade.

Operates
Daily except Christmas
Departs 11:00am – 12:00pm and Returns 9:00pm (approx.)
May through August Departs 10:00am to 11:00am and Returns 9:00pm to Midnight (approx.)

Includes
– Return deluxe coach transfers from accommodations
– Penguin Parade
– Brighton Beach
– Moonlit Sanctuary
– Nobbies and Seals
– Complimentary onboard wifi
– Expert commentary

Need to Know
Please wear comfortable outdoor clothing and bring snacks, a water bottle, sunscreen, money for lunch, and warmer clothing during the winter.

Upgrades
Underground & Guided Ranger

(Day 4) - Free Day to Explore Melbourne

Today you’ll have the day free to Explore Melbourne City’s vast shopping centres, markets and boutiques, maybe do some souvenir shopping.

Melbourne is a Multicultural City boasting many boutique cafes, wineries and extensive shopping. You’ll also find it very easy to get around on the trains and trams, especially within the inners of Melbourne.

Photo Credit: Tourism Victoria

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Yarra Valley Wine Tour

Enjoy the ultimate wine experience with this visit to 4 revered estates, complete with tastings and gourmet lunch.

You’ll be guided by a genuine Wine Expert who is there to entertain and educate you, not just dazzle you with wine snobbery!

Head to Greenstone which is beautifully situated on a single site in the picturesque Yarra Valley. The Winery and Cellar Door, nestled at the base of the Christmas Hills, have unparalleled views of the Estate vineyard and Great Dividing ranges. It is here that winemaking operations are carried out, making Greenstone one of the most progressive wineries in the valley.

Next, you’ll visit Balgownie Estate – clearly one of the most stylish venues in the Yarra Valley with wines to match. Balgownie Estate has a marvelous restaurant with fantastic views and great wines to taste at the cellar door. Enjoy a high-quality restaurant lunch with a glass of Balgownie Estate wine to compliment your meal.

Enjoy a boutique experience at Yering Farm with stunning views and rustic charm. Experience wines made with traditional methods in their cellar door, which showcases antique copper wine making tools used by pioneer wine makers.

End your tour at Soumah of Yarra Valley where the Yarra Valley cool climate focus allows this winery to specialize in wine styles and varieties typical to northern Italy and southeastern France. With awards for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and a passion for northern Italian varieties, you will be sure to find something pleasing while overlooking the rolling hills of the vineyard and the majestic Warramate Hills.

Operates
Daily
Departs 9:00am, Returns 5:00pm (approx.)
Tour does not operate on December 25th and 26th

Includes
– Return transfers from select Melbourne accommodations
– Guidance from a wine expert
– Tastings at up to 4 different wineries
– 1-course lunch with a glass of wine

Need to Know
– Children under 5 are not allowed
– Maximum of 8 participants per booking
– A personal water bottle is permitted, additional food and beverages will be available for purchase
– This experience can be catered to your dietary needs. Please advise of any special dietary requirements when completing your Traveler Information Form
– Tour may be changed or cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances and winery availability

Upgrades
– Upgrade to a 2 or 3 course lunch
– Private tours available

(Day 5) - Shuttle Transfer, Melbourne Accommodation to Airport

Travel by shuttle from your vacation accommodation to the Airport in Melbourne, Australia.

(Day 5) - Australian Domestic Flight, Melbourne to Hobart

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Melbourne to Hobart.

(Day 5) - Shuttle Transfer, Hobart Airport to Accommodation

Travel by coach from the Hobart Airport to your hotel.

The standard luggage limit of two items per passenger applies and each must be less than 20 kilos. Extra luggage (bikes surfboards golf clubs etc.) will be charged at the applicable rate. Please advise the shuttle company upon reservation confirmation so appropriate trailer size is available.

(Days 5 to 8) - 3 Nights Accommodation in Hobart

Travel to your accommodation in Tasmania, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 3 nights.

Renowned for spacious rooms and friendly hospitality, this property is centrally located within a stone’s throw of the city centre and just a block from Hobart’s waterfront. From here it’s just a gentle stroll to Salamanca Place and its legendary market, restaurants, harbour and waterside festivities, such as the annual Taste of Tasmania.

(Day 6) - Morning Tour, Hobart City Tour - Half Day

This tour is the perfect welcome to Hobart with a lot of useful information about Hobart and its history. A city of yachts and spinnakers; gardens and galleries; sandstone cottages and stately Georgian homes – a city built on the pain and toil of yesteryear English convicts.

Hobart is a city of yachts and spinnakers, gardens and galleries, sandstone cottages and stately Georgian homes. Enjoy it all on this very personalized tour. Your driver will keep you entertained with live commentary sharing local knowledge and experiences of life in Hobart and is on hand to answer any of your questions.

Drive along Sullivans Cove – Hobart’s birthplace, pass by Parliament House, the Georgian style warehouses of Salamanca Place and through charming and historic Battery Point. Travel to the suburb of South Hobart and stop at the Cascade Gardens with an option to walk and view the exterior of the historic Cascade Brewery building. Travel past the remains of the Female Factory – a one time female prison – featured in Bryce Courtenay’s novel The Potato Factory. Experience the city and parks, historic churches and buildings including the Hobart Town Hall, Penitentiary Chapel. Pass by Government House before crossing the Tasman Bridge to stop at Rosny Hill lookout for stunning views of Hobart, Sandy Bay and Mt Wellington. Enjoy some free time strolling through the exquisite Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens (own expense).

Operates
Daily
Departs 9:45am and returns 12:45pm (approx.)

Includes
– Expert commentary by knowledgeable guides
– Hobart City Tour
– Plenty of opportunites to hop off and take a photo, short walk, then back aboard in your same seat

Need to Know
Hotel drop off is not available after the tour.

Image Credit: Tourism Tasmania

(Day 7) - Full Day Tour, Tasman Island Wilderness Cruise and Tassie Devils

Experience the spectacular wildlife and scenery of Tasmania’s southern coastline with a full day cruise along the Tasman Peninsula and a visit to the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park!

Towering cliff walls, cascading waterfalls, frolicking dolphins, playful seals and sunbathing Tasmanian devils – this is not your regular sightseeing tour. This is a tour of Tasmania’s incredible natural beauty and wildlife.

Your full day tour will begin with a bus ride from Hobart to Port Arthur, so sit back and relax as your friendly bus driver shares their warm disposition and expert knowledge of the region along the way. Enjoy morning tea on Tasman Peninsula and prepare for a three-hour cruise wilderness cruise on our safe, fast and comfortable boats.

Marvel at the high cliff walls, spot dolphins and seals and if you’re lucky, you might spot a migrating whale! Be sure to bring a camera – you’ll want to capture these magnificent sights to look back on.

After your cruise you’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, and once you’ve had your hearty fill prepare for Tasmania’s iconic wildlife – Tasmanian devils!

Meet these endangered animals at the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park and learn about conservation efforts to protect this species. These iconic creatures are a must-see while on the island!

Operates:
Daily, except Christmas Day
Departs 7:45am, Returns 6:00pm

Includes:
– Morning tea
– Lunch
– Three-hour wilderness cruise
– Entry to Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park
– Return transfers from central Hobart to Port Arthur

Need to Know:
Please wear warm, comfortable clothing and non-slip shoes. Please bring a jacket, scarf, gloves and camera.

(Day 8) - Shuttle Transfer, Hobart Accommodation to Airport

Travel by coach from your hotel to the Hobart Airport.

The standard luggage limit of two items per passenger applies and each must be less than 20 kilos. Extra luggage (bikes surfboards golf clubs etc.) will be charged at the applicable rate. Please advise the shuttle company upon reservation confirmation so appropriate trailer size is available.

(Day 8) - Australian Domestic Flight, Hobart to Sydney

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Hobart to Sydney.

(Day 8) - Shuttle Transfer, Sydney Airport to Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from the Airport to your vacation accommodation in Sydney, Australia.

Travel via shuttle to your vacation accommodation in Sydney, Australia.

(Days 8 to 9) - 1 Night Accommodation in Sydney

Travel to your accommodation in Sydney, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 1 night.

Your accommodation is located on George Street, right in the heart of the city, with easy access to major attractions such as Sydney Harbour, Darling Harbour, Chinatown, and all the shopping of the CBD.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Sydney Opera House Tour (1 Hour)

On your vacation, participate in an inspiring tour of the Sydney Opera House.

This one hour tour outlines the intricate and controversial history of the Sydney Opera House along with details of the unique design of this architectural masterpiece. You will visit a number of the six performance venues, including the magnificent wood paneled Concert Hall and the Opera Theater as well as the new Utzon room. You will also visit the glass enclosed northern foyer areas which boast spectacular views of Sydney Harbour – a perfect photo opportunity.

Operates
Daily, Hourly 9am to 5pm
Does not operate Good Friday, Christmas, New Year’s Eve or Valentine’s Day 2024

Includes
One hour guided experience.

Need to Know
This tour has 300+ stairs – Low Impact. It is strongly encouraged that you leave bags at your hotel and avoid bringing any large items to the Opera House (anything larger than an 8×10″ sheet of paper). No luggage or large bags accepted. Videoing is not allowed. There are plenty of photo opportunities — your tour guide will advise you if photos are not to be taken at any point.

Upgrades
-Add a lunch, dinner or performance to your tour.
-Upgrade your experience with a private, backstage, or architectural tour.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Sydney Harbour Cruise Express Pass

Enjoy this 2 day unlimited ferry pass to explore the beautiful Sydney Harbour and the magnificent attractions that surround it!

Discover Sydney the local way with this 2 day unlimited ferry pass to travel the harbor. Stops along the way include Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, Watson’s Bay, Manly, Taronga Zoo, Clifton Gardens, and Shark Island. Enjoy the flexibility of exploring while you travel at your leisure soaking in the harbor air on your way to your next destination!

Hop off to enjoy these harbor attractions:
Circular Quay: Bounded by the Sydney Harbour Bridge and historic Rocks district to the west, and the Sydney Opera House and Botanic Gardens to the east, Circular Quay is a bustling ferry hub.
Taronga Zoo: Over 4,000 animals, including Australian native wildlife. Free daily seal and bird shows. Purchase the Zoo and Explorer combo and save.
Shark Island: It would be hard to find a more spectacular picnic spot. Stunning, 360-degree views of Sydney Harbour and a delightfully deserted national park for your own private getaway.
Watsons Bay: Local must-do `Watto’ is famous for its seafood, waterfront pubs, picnic spots, swimming beaches and spectacular headlands walks overlooking the Harbour and the Pacific Ocean.
Manly Beach: You don’t have to swim at this iconic beach to soak up the atmosphere. Shop at the Corso, dine at waterfront cafés, find your favorite gelato flavor or take a nature walk.
Darling Harbour: Start or finish your day at Darling Harbour, surrounded by restaurants, nightclubs and hotels at King Street Wharf, Barangaroo and Cockle Bay.
Clifton Gardens: Clifton Gardens is a beachside oasis in the affluent Harbour suburb of Mosman. The netted beach, long jetty and gentle waves makes it perfect for picnics, swimming and snorkeling.

Operates
Daily
Hours: Sunday & Thursday 12:00pm-7:30pm, Friday & Saturday 12:00pm-10:00pm, Monday – Wednesday (Select dates & times)
Does not operate on Christmas, December 26 – 27, New Year’s Day, January 26, April 25, June 12, and October 2.

Includes
2 Day unlimited ferry pass to travel Sydney Harbour

Need to Know
– Guided commentary is available through smart phone app. Download the app through your smartphone prior to boarding. Must use your own headphones.
– Additional cost to enter Fort Dension, Taronga Zoo, and Shark Island (closed February 10, 2023 and February 22, 2023)
– Please bring sunscreen, a water bottle, and wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes.

Upgrades
– Premium sightseeing tours
– Whale watching tours

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Rocks Aboriginal Dreaming Tour

Discover the natural and cultural history of Sydney through the eyes of the Aboriginal people who have lived here for thousands of years. Explore The Rocks, Sydney’s historic harbor precinct, on a guided walking tour uncovering the authentic Aboriginal heritage of Sydney Harbour and learn how modern Aboriginal people maintain their cultural practices in such a dynamic global city.

The Rocks Dreaming Aboriginal Heritage Tour is 100% Aboriginal owned and was developed by Aboriginal Elder, Margret Campbell, a Dunghutti-Jerrinjah woman. It is led by Aboriginal guides who share cultural knowledge and interpretation of Sydney’s Dreamtime symbology and creation, a living history passed down through generations. Learn how the Dreamtime ties within Sydney’s natural billion-year-old saltwater harbor and marine environment, sandstone strata, fresh waterways, flora, and fauna that continue to influence Aboriginal people’s thinking and lifestyle today in modern Sydney.

This 90-minute walkabout tour in The Rocks is a perfect introduction of Aboriginal culture. It highlights the perspective of Sydney’s Dreamtime heritage that is intimate, enlightening, and transformative.

Operates

Daily, on request. Does not operate on Christmas Day (December 25) and Good Friday.

Departs at 10:30am and returns 12:00pm, lasting approximately 1.5 hours (90 minutes).

Includes

– Local Aboriginal basic ceremonial greeting (good manners) that connect to Dreamtime Custodian Characters who Belong to Sydney Harbour’s saltwater sunrise and freshwater environment.
– Knowledgeable Aboriginal guides.
– Discover Aboriginals’ acknowledgement of “country” using Earth Mother’s traditional ochre paint.
– Discover everyday resources/equipment manufactured from natural environment – its origin source of cultural objects and materials harvested from landscape and handle small samples.
– Learn about the story of Aboriginal Dreamtime, it’s origin, history and how culture evolved.
– Understanding the connection of modern Sydney and the Aboriginal Dreaming in The Rocks Sydney.
 
Need to Know
– Tour participants are required to follow COVID19 safety measures as directed by guide
– Tour departs at Cadman’s Cottage courtyard area (110 George Street, The Rocks).
– The tour operates rain or shine
– Please wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a hat, and bring a bottle of water.

Upgrades
-Privates tours available

Insider's Tip: The Rocks

Located on the Harbour just a stroll away from the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge is the place where Sydney itself began, The Rocks!



Amidst the hustle and bustle of the Business District, this unique village features a centre with more than 70 shops, boutiques and galleries with everything from hand-made puppets, vintage clothing and accessories, antiques, art supplies, jewelry and some of Australia’s finest arts and crafts.




If hunger takes over there are a myriad of places to eat, from some of the finest restaurants to quaint cafes and casual eateries with many offering stunning views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. If quenching a thirst is what you’re after don’t forget to stop off at one of the 13 Heritage pubs serving local wines and beers!

On Saturdays and Sundays, be sure to check out the market held at the northern end of George Street. Perfect for gifts and souvenir shopping, it has more than 150 stalls selling quality crafts, home wares, jewelry and Australian-designed goods, all under a unique sail-like canopy.

With the transport to The Rocks serviced by the Explorer and just a five minute walk from the Circle Quay it is easy to get here. The Sydney Visitors Centre on the corner of Argyle & Playfair Streets at The Rocks: open 9.30am – 5.30pm every day of the year (except Christmas Day and Good Friday). Opening hours may vary on some public holidays.

Photo Credit: Tourism New South Wales

Insider's Tip: Australian Opals

Altmann & Cherny is a family owned jewellery business in Sydney with an international reputation for excellence in opals and is one of the World’s foremost Australian Opal authorities.

Australia is known as the country of origin for this splendid stone with 95% of the world’s precious gem opal found exclusively in Australia. The Australian opal displays all the colors of the rainbow; holding a spectrum of colors found in nature. It is these contrasts that make opals a truly fascinating and unique gemstone, with no two opals appearing exactly the same. In the Middle Ages the Romans considered opal a stone that could provide great luck, as it was believed to possess all the virtues of Emeralds, Sapphires and Rubies.

Established in 1948 in hopes of sharing this unique gemstone with the world, they have built a reputation of providing the highest level of quality, service and value for three generations. Their mantra has always been and will continue to be – “Excellence in service, quality and value.” So come share in this unique experience to learn more about Australian Opals at Altmann & Cherny!

Altman + Cherny
18 Pitt St., Sydney, NSW 2000 / Ph: 61 (02) 9251 9477

Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:30am – 5:30pm / Saturday & Sunday 10:00am – 4:00pm

(Day 9) - Shuttle Transfer, Sydney Accommodation to Airport

Travel by shuttle from your vacation accommodation in Sydney, Australia, to the Airport.

(Day 9) - International Flight, Sydney to Los Angeles

Departure from Sydney arriving in US via Virgin Australia Boeing 777.

In-flight meal along with beverages served throughout the flight. Enjoy award-winning In-flight entertainment with individual seat back screens featuring movies, music and more. Upgrades to ‘The Business’ and Premium are available upon request.

Note: You will be traveling back across the International Date line so you will gain a day. You actually arrive in the USA on the same day you leave Australia.

(Day 9) - US Domestic Flight, Los Angeles to Hometown (Check quote for inclusion)

Travel by domestic air to your destination.

If you request US domestic air pricing, this inclusion will be reflected in your quote.

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  • a) All prices are USD$/person (including all Taxes). Subject to availability and seasonality. Other Conditions Apply (see Terms and Conditions).
  • b) Land Content Only represents the pricing for the full itinerary as detailed, except the International Flights from the USA (and return) are NOT included.
  • c) An Infant (Lapchild) must be less than 2 years old on the date of departure. Infant must travel with at least one adult. An infant with a seat pays the price of a Child.
  • d) A Child must be aged between 2-11 years on the date of departure. Child must travel with at least one adult.