Australia Vacations

Pacific Highlights
16 Days / 13 Nights from $3031

Destinations

Fiji, Sydney, Cairns, Melbourne

This Itinerary Features

Family, Groups, Adventure, Beach, Nature

Your Itinerary Includes

• International coach class air
• Internal coach class air in Australia
• All round trip airport transfers
• 3 nights Fiji on the Coral Coast
• 4 nights Sydney
• Blue Mountains full day tour
• 3 nights Cairns
• Great Barrier Reef day cruise with Ocean Spirit
• 3 nights Melbourne
• Phillip Island Little Penguin tour
• 2 lunches

Day-By-Day Itinerary

This itinerary can be fully customized; to tailor this package to your specific requirements please call one of our travel specialists at 1-800-22-SWAIN.


Day 1 Fly USA To Nadi

Day 2 You cross the International Dateline

The International Date Line is an imaginary line on the earth’s surface that approximately coincides with the 180th meridian (LONGITUDE), and separates the calendar date. Traveling east across the line takes the traveler back one day; traveling west, takes the traveler forward one day.

Day 3 Welcome to Nadi, Fiji

Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

The Fiji archipelago is at the cross roads of the South Pacific. In the days of sailing ships it was known as The Cannibal Isles and carefully avoided by mariners because of its fierce warriors and treacherous waters. However, in the age of jumbo jets and global travel Fiji has become the central hub of the exotic South Pacific. More than 85 flights land at Nadi on the main island of Viti levu every week. From there it is only a quick seven minute hop to one of the offshore island resorts, or less than an hour of flying time to Vanua Levu or Taveuni, the second and third largest islands, where then outside world is quickly left behind

Days 4-5 At leisure, Fiji

At your leisure to explore the beautiful natural beauty of Fiji and it's many surrounding islands. The big island of Viti Levu offers a wealth of tropical scenery, from rushing mountain rivers and waterfalls in the depths of the rainforest, to palm-fringed beaches where time seems to stop. This is where you can fish from the reef in the morning, picnic at the edge of a waterfall plunging into a rocky jungle pool at midday and eat native food cooked in an earth oven in the evening, and then dance to the beat in a swinging discotheque until long after midnight. Along with it's pristine tropical beauty, Viti levu offers several large towns and the bustling capital of Suva, a shopper's paradise and you will never have to travel more than a few hours to get anywhere on the island.

Day 6 Fly Nadi to Sydney

You will be transferred to the airport for your international flight to Sydney. Upon arrival you will clear customs and be met and transferred to your accommodation.

Day 7 Tour - Blue Mountains full day tour

On today’s Blue Mountains tour, the first stop is the Featherdale Wildlife Park, where you have the opportunity to have your photo taken with a koala, and to see Australian animals and reptiles, such as crocodiles, kangaroos, goannas and possums. Continuing into the Blue Mountains National Park, enjoy a stroll through the bush at Govetts Leap, and then visit historic Katoomba. Lunch at Terrafirma Gourmet has been included today.

During the afternoon, time is allowed for an optional ride on the world's steepest railway, the Skyway Cable Car or the Sceniscender Cable Car (rides at own expense). See scenic echo point, and learn about the 'blue haze' effect, giving the region its name. There are excellent photo opportunities of the Three Sisters rock formation, and spectacular views of Jamison and Megalong valleys. Return to the city via Sydney's Olympic Site, and enjoy a cruise along the Parramatta River.

Days 8-9 At leisure, Sydney

At your leisure to explore the city of Sydney. It’s been said that Sydney never sleeps. In daylight hours the city buzzes with life and remains active long after workers have left their offices. All-night pubs, cutting-edge dance clubs, and gay reviews could keep you out until dawn. Fancy a late-night meal or a final coffee - that’s not a problem. Be seen on trendy Oxford Street from Darlinghurst to Paddington or try the Woolloomooloo Finger Wharf, Surry Hills, the quay or the Rocks. It’s too many choices, not too few, that make the decision hard!

During your stay ideally you should take a harbor cruise around one of the most beautiful harbors in the world, maybe take a short trip to one of the wildlife parks to see the unique animals (koalas and kangaroos) Australia has, climb to the top of the Harbour Bridge for some awesome views, and after all that, enjoy the great restaurants that Sydney has to offer. The local chefs take full advantage of the fresh seafood and produce.

Day 10 Fly Sydney to Cairns

Transfer to the airport for your flight north to Cairns. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel.

Cairns is the gateway to Tropical Far North Queensland, a region of contrasts and surprises. It is home to the Great Barrier Reef, palm-fringed isolated beaches, Kuranda and the Atherton Tablelands, World Heritage listed rainforests and the sun burnt outback. This dynamic area serves as a diverse hub for many attractions and activities of the Tropical North. Apart from the major tourism attractions of the Reef & Rainforest, there are many adventure sports such as white water rafting and bungee jumping, as well as other activities such as golf and trail riding.

Day 11 Tour - Great Barrier Reef day cruise with Ocean Spirit

This morning, transfer to Cairns wharf and board the 'Ocean Spirit', a luxury 105ft sailing vessel - the largest of her kind in the world. Sail to Michaelmas Cay, known as the Isle of the Birds, a year round home to thousands of sea birds of some 14 different species. Its spectacular coral reef which thrives in the ideal conditions of clear, shallow, sunlit water is home to a variety of marine life including giant clams and brilliant fish.

Because Michaelmas Cay is a National Park the fish are so tame you can feed them from the beach and birds know they are safe to wander among you with their chicks.

Lunch is a buffet of seafood, hot and cold meats, roasted potatoes, salads and tropical fruit, freshly prepared in the spacious galley. We spend four hours at the reef with time for a variety of activities. You may wish to do a guided snorkeling tour with a graduate marine biologist, scuba dive with a qualified instructor (extra cost), or just laze on the beach. Enjoy a leisurely sail back to Cairns and afternoon tea, arriving back at the wharf around 4.30pm.

Day 12 At leisure, Cairns

The major centre in Tropical North Queensland is Cairns, a popular gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. The city is fringed by lush rainforests and, to the north and south, are miles of white sandy beaches and turquoise oceans teeming with marine life.

Day 13 Fly Cairns to Melbourne

Transfer to the airport for your flight to cosmopolitan Melbourne. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your accommodation.

Day 14 Tour - Phillip Island Little Penguin tour

See Port Phillip Bay and pass through bayside suburbs of Brighton and Frankston on the way to Phillip Island. Visit the koala sanctuary. An evening tour of the island includes coastal views of Seal Rock & the Nobbies. Then you witness the nightly ritual of the world famous Penguin Parade - see the fairy penguins march up the beach to their nests. Please note that photography of any kind (including video) is not allowed at the penguin parade. A stop is made in Cowes for dinner (own expense). Return to Melbourne around 11pm.

Day 15 At leisure, Melbourne

At your leisure to explore the very cosmopolitan city of Melbourne. The many attractions of the city vary from the spectacular parklands and gardens that surround the city, to the museums and festivals that are a continuing part of the city life. Excellent restaurants are on every corner and cater for every taste in the world.

Day 16 Fly Melbourne to USA

You will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.

Hotels

City Standard Superior Deluxe Sydney Park Regis Holiday Inn Darling Harbour Sydney Harbour Marriott Cairns Mercure Hotel Harbourside OR Coral Tree Inn Pacific International Sofitel Reef Casino Melbourne Mercure Hotel OR Travelodge Southbank Mercure Grand on Swanston Langham Hotel Nadi/Coral Coast Tambua Sands Outrigger on the Lagoon Sheraton Royal Denarau

Pricing

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

Standard Superior Deluxe Reference # 433651 433652 433653 Low Season $3031 $3632 $4241 Shoulder Season $3321 $3922 $4592 High Season $3601 $4202 $4872 Peak Season $3681 $4282 $4952 Single Supplement $730 $1423 $1992 All prices reflect a 3% discount for purchases made by cash/check.  There are no discounts for payment made by credit card. International Airfare Credit     Air credit pricing can be deducted from the overall package cost if you have already obtained/plan to obtain your international flights independently.  For this itinerary, the air credit includes the following flight segments: LAX-NAN-SYD//MEL-LAX     Low Season $1180 Shoulder Season $1400 High Season $1610 Peak Season $1670 Travel Seasons       Low Season 5/1–6/9/05 and 8/1–9/15/05 Shoulder Season 4/1–4/30/05; 6/10–7/31/05; 9/16–12/2/05 and 3/1–3/31/06 High Season 12/3–12/9 and 12/24–2/28/06 Peak Season 12/10–12/23/05

Terms & Conditions


*Prices are per person, twin/double share in USD. Travel may be restricted to certain days of the week and be available from one or multiple US departure points. Add on fares are available from most US cities and surcharges may be applicable for travel on particular days of the week. Seats are limited and may not be available on every flight. Hotels and tours remain subject to availability. US and Foreign Govt. taxes and fees, Passenger Facility Charges and the September 11th Security Fee of up to $10 per person, are not included. After ticketing changes may not be permissible in some circumstances, or a change fee may be applied. Cancellation penalties and other booking or alteration restrictions may exist. Please note that some air segments may be served by an associated carrier. Full payment for special deals may be required within a number of days of the reservation being made as nominated by your consultant at the time of booking (or 45 days prior to departure). Please note blackout dates may apply to Christmas, New Year and local special event periods. Prices indicated remain subject to change without notice. Group inquiries are welcome however specials remain subject to hotel and airline capacity control and therefore may not be applicable for group travel. The best deal available for group travel will always be given in lieu of the offer indicated. Unless otherwise indicated all travel must be completed by March 31, 2006 if not before. CST #2012413-20

FOR RESERVATIONS, SEE YOUR PROFESSIONAL TRAVEL AGENT.

PAYMENT INFORMATION
(Deposits and Final payments)

Independent Travel: Travelers must pay a $250 non - refundable deposit per person†. Final payment is due 45 days prior to departure.

Escorted Tours: Travelers must pay a $250 non - refundable deposit per person†. Final payment is due 45 days prior to departure.

Air Only: Full payment of fare is required at time of reservation.

†Certain special or customized itineraries may require an additional deposit in order to confirm reservation.

General:

Independent Travel: Deposit plus non - refundable insurance premium is required at time of making your reservation.

Escorted Tours: Deposit plus non - refundable insurance premium is required at time of making your reservation.

For late bookings within 30 days of departure, full payment is due immediately. An additional fee of $50 per person will be charged for rush handling.

All payments can be made by check or credit card.

Credit cards will be taken for deposit and insurance payment without signature but a signed Credit Card Authorization Form is required within 7 days of such payment, which will acknowledge that the customer has read, understands and agrees to the Terms & Conditions. To receive this form, call your travel professional.

CANCELLATION INFORMATION

Time prior to departure Cancellation Charges (per person)

Independent Travel:
46 or more days $250*
45 to 1 day 25% of tour cost*
On or after departure date 100% of tour cost

*Plus any charges assessed by land suppliers, cruise companies, and airlines.

Escorted Tours:
46 or more days $250*
45 to 15 days 25% of tour cost*
14 to 5 days 35% of tour cost*
4 to 1 day 60% of tour cost*
On or after departure date 100% of tour cost

*Plus any charges assessed by land suppliers, cruise companies, and airlines.

Air-only: Rules of carrier apply plus $100.
Special events: Based on contract

REVISIONS/CHANGES: A handling fee of $50 per person plus any fees charged by the supplier will be charged for any alterations or revisions to a reservation. Spelling corrections to clients’ names after tickets have been issued are subject to airline revision fees. A change of trip date will be treated as a cancellation and new booking and regular cancellation fees will apply.

TRIP CANCELLATION PROTECTION AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
The cost of this comprehensive program is as follows:

Tour Cost Premium
Up to $1000 = $89
$1,000-$2,000 = $119
$2,001-$3,000 = $179
$3,001-$6,500 = $299
$6,501-$8,000 = $439
Over $8,000 = $6.50 per $100

We also offer our PREFERRED BENEFITS PROTECTION PLAN as an upgrade to the Travel Protection Plan at an additional cost of $35 per person.

The plan is available for purchase within two days of your tour deposit. Please include payment for this plan together with your deposit for the tour. Premiums are non-refundable.

A summary Description of Coverage detailing the coverage, terms, conditions and exclusions is faxed to your or your Travel Agent upon making your booking. Please review it because certain limitations and exclusions do exist, including a pre-existing condition exclusion and exclusions for some conditions such as mental/nervous disorders. To waive out of the pre-existing exclusion, you must purchase the plan within 2 days of making your initial trip payment and be medically capable of travel on the day you purchase the plan. To receive more information, ask your Travel Agent for a Description of Coverage, or call the program administrator, BerkelyCare, at (800) 453-4066.

The travel insurance benefits are underwritten by Virginia Surety, policy number HTP-03181. The program provides limited health insurance benefits and does not provide basic hospital, basic medical or major medical insurance as defined by the NY State Insurance Department. The trip cancellation provision takes effect upon receipt of payment; all other provisions take effect upon departure. This coverage is provided in excess of all other valid and collectible insurance or indemnity and shall apply only after such other benefits have been paid.

This plan was designed and is administered by BerkelyCare, a division of Affinity Insurance Services, Inc., in all states except: AIS Affinity Insurance Agency, Inc. in CA/MN/OK: and AIS Affinity Insurance Agency in NH and NY.

You will receive a Certificate of Insurance with your final documents, which describes the coverages and exclusions in detail. If you do not wish to purchase this insurance, simply deduct it from your payment.