Discovering Australia
February 20-March 2, 2008

Overview
Itinerary

Overview (Return to top)

Journey to Australia and discover why this fascinating country has captivated millions around the world. Your adventure begins in Cairns, gateway to two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the amazing Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics of Queensland, where rain forests are home to many rare animals and plants. Next, visit Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city and a center of culture and style. Then journey to Sydney, Australia's largest and oldest city. Based in three of Australia's most popular cities, this program provides excellent value by featuring daily optional excursions that highlight Australia's unique culture. It also offers travelers the flexibility to further customize their itinerary with the help of a dedicated concierge. Join us for a trip Down Under, an extraordinary experience you won't want to miss!

Priced from $2,495 plus air
Alumni Holidays, Inc.

For reservations or additional information, contact:
Jan Breitman [jbreitman@alumni.iastate.edu]
Iowa State University Alumni Association
Fisher-Nickell Hall
Ames, Iowa 50011-1370

Phone: (515) 294-6526 direct or (877) ISU-ALUM toll-free
Fax: (515) 294-9402

Itinerary (Return to top)

Day 1
Depart your gateway city for Cairns, Australia, aboard Qantas Airways or similar carrier.

Day 2
Cross the international date line in flight.

Day 3
Transfer by motorcoach to the Shangri-La Hotel. With the guidance of a local expert, discover the highlights of the neighborhood surrounding your hotel. This evening, gather with other travelers for a Welcome Reception at the hotel.

Day 4
Optional Excursion: The Great Barrier Reef. See this amazing reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, during a ride in a glass-bottom boat or take the opportunity to get an even closer view by going snorkeling. The reef, nearly 1,429 miles long, is home to 1,500 species of fish and 360 species of coral. Lunch is included on this full-day excursion.

Day 5
Optional Excursion: Wet Tropics of Queensland: Kuranda Rain Forest. The Wet Tropics are another of UNESCO World Heritage Site. Board a train to travel through the dramatic landscape of the rain forest. Enjoy leisure time exploring Kuranda, a rainforest village. Then take a gondola ride over the rainforest to the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park.

Day 6
An early flight takes you to Melbourne. Check into the Sofitel Melbourne.

Day 7
Optional Excursion: Aussie Farm Adventure. Take a panoramic tour of beautiful Melbourne on your way to Coliban Park, a sheep ranch. Join owner Duncan Barber on a tour of property. See a shearing demonstration and learn about Australia's wool industry. After a three-course lunch, accompany Barber to a secluded area of the property to watch kangaroos in their natural environment.

Optional Excursion: Wineries and Wildlife. Start the day at Healesville Sanctuary, home to Australia's unique animals: the koala, kangaroo, wombat and platypus. Continue through Australian wine country. After lunch at the Tarrawarra Estate, visit Domaine Chandon at Green Point, the Australian outpost of French champagne producer Chandon. This winery uses the methode traditionnelle to produce sparkling wines with characteristically Australian grapes.

Day 8
Optional Excursion: The Great Ocean Road. Travel through charming seaside towns and famous surfing beaches. Enjoy lunch and leisure time at Apollo Bay before continuing your drive through the Port Campbell National Park. Enjoy a panoramic tour of Melbourne before returning to your hotel.

Day 9
Today, fly to Sydney and check into the InterContinental Sydney.

Optional Excursion: Sydney Discovery Tour. See many of Sydney's landmarks, including the New South Wales Parliament House, the Sydney Mint, and Mrs. Macquarie's Chair for spectacular views of Sydney Harbour. See The Rocks, site of the first British settlement in Australia and now home to a trendy entertainment district. Continue to the extraordinary Sydney Opera House for a tour.

Day 10
Optional Excursion: Blue Mountains National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features eucalyptus forests, heathlands, rain forests, bogs and swamps. The diverse landscape is home to a variety of wildlife.

Day 11
Optional Excursion: Cruise of Sydney Harbour. This morning cruise will take you by the famous Sydney Opera House as well as magnificent waterfront homes and parklands.
The rest of the day is at leisure. Tonight, gather for a festive Farewell Reception.

Day 12
Today, depart for your return trip to your gateway city, arriving home the same day.

NOTE: Itinerary may change due to local conditions. Many excursions in this program involve an element of walking, as some of the finest attractions are located in areas not closely accessible by motorcoach.