Highlights of Australia
15 Days
from $6,315
Tour Code: AUH
Spend 15 leisurely days in the land down under searching out the beauties of the compelling island-continent of Australia. From Melbourne to Sydney, you'll enjoy sights that will last in your memory forever! From Melbourne, fly to the Outback and enjoy the cultural sights of Alice Springs and Ayers Rock, including the experience of a magnificent sunset at Ayers Rock followed by a sumptuous Barbeque Dinner under the stars.
Travel to Tropical North Queensland and spend 3 relaxing nights in Cairns, the Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy a full day reef cruise and take the opportunity to snorkel through this majestic natural wonder.
From Cairns, travel to Sydney for a fantastic three night stay in this cosmopolitan playground. Take a morning city tour that includes a Harbor Luncheon Cruise.
Stay in a fantastic selection of First Class accommodations throughout as well as 16 meals, including 12 Buffet Breakfasts, 2 Highlight Lunches, 1 Three-Course Dinner with tea or coffee and 1 Farewell Dinner.
To ensure a comfortable travel experience, our motorcoaches are equipped with large panoramic windows, reclining seats, air-conditioning and restroom facilities.
Tour price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.
***This tour is operated by our sister company.
Please Note: Visa required for this tour, please call for details.
Your Tour Price Includes
VIP Door-to-Door Transfer
Transfers you from your door step to select airports. Start your vacation in style with our outbound VIP Door-to-Door Town Car airport transfer service available on every tour from over 40 cities throughout the USA. Our service will collect your from you home and transfer you to your departure airport. We will arrange a pick-up time from your home that suits you, and your driver will meet you at your front door and assist with your bags before transporting you to the airport with ample time for check-in. |
Travel DocumentsGET travel wallet, Discover Australia & New Zealand booklet, and $100 Frequent Traveler Discount upon return for a future tour. |
| Inter-Tour Flights |
First Class HotelsHotels are an expensive element of any tour and certainly one of the most important. For our tours we reserve European Standard First Class Hotels (or best available) and all hotel rooms feature a private bathroom. You’ll enjoy our selection of hotels such as Radisson, Hilton and Sheraton. |
TransportationLuxury motorcoach with A/C, panoramic windows, reclining seats & emergency restroom. Airport arrival and departure transfers as noted in itinerary included with the purchase of combined air and land package. |
15 Meals12 Buffet Breakfasts, 2 Highlight Lunches, 1 Three-Course Dinner with tea or coffee and 1 Farewell Dinner Included. |
Professional Tour DirectorYour tour will be conducted by the most experienced Tour Directors in the business and will be with you throughout the tour. |
Included Tour Highlights
Discover MelbourneTour of Melbourne includes the Royal Botanic Gardens, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Parliament House and the Shrine of Remembrance. |
Travel to the Great Barrier ReefCruise on a high-speed catamaran to the Great Barrier Reef. View the colorful coral and tropical fish from a semi-submersible vessel. Enjoy a reef education presentation on this living wonder and a tropical buffet lunch on board the pontoon. |
School of the Air and Alice SpringsVisit the School of the Air and the panoramic views of Alice Springs. |
Cairns Free Day |
Royal Flying Doctor Service and Ayers RockVisit the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Watch the sunset at Uluru (Ayers Rock) this evening. |
Sydney City Tour and harbour cruiseSydney sightseeing includes views of the Harbor Bridge, Opera House, Darling Harbor and a cruise on Sydney Harbor. |
Ayers Rock and the OlgasWatch the sunrise at Uluru (Ayers Rock) then later view the sunset over the 36 domes of conglomerate rock, The Olgas. |
Optional Excursions
Optional excursions can be purchased upon arrival.
The list below is a sampling of excursions that may be offered by your tour director.
Melbourne - Penguins with Kangaroos & KoalasSee Port Phillip Bay and the prestigious bayside suburbs on your way to Phillip Island. Visit the Koala Conservation Centre, then observe the nightly ritual of the world famous Penguin Parade. Every day at dusk you can experience the natural wonder of the Little Penguins returning from a day of fishing. This unique scene is viewed from elevated stands under subdued floodlights. Koalas can be seen in their natural environment, and there is the opportunity to inspect the Visitor Information Centre to learn about the animals that inhabit Phillip Island. |
Cairns - Great AdventuresNo experience is necessary to take a fully supervised introductory dive and explore the reef and its amazing marine life. Snorkel tours are a great way to maximize your experience on the Great Barrier Reef with many magnificent sites to capture the excitement. Age and medical restrictions may apply to diving. |
Melbourne - Colonial Tramcar RestaurantDine and see the sights aboard the famous colonial Tramcar Restaurant. The restored 1927 trams are amongst the oldest in Melbourne. Included in your fare is a delicious meal, full bar service-including wine, beer, spirits and liqueur with dessert. |
Cairns - Cairns Night ZooEnjoy a delicious Aussie barbeque dinner of steak, sausages, chicken, fish, baked potatoes, fresh prawns and a selection of salads followed by dessert. Relax with a drink from our licensed bar. After dinner, our guides will provide you with a torch and lead you into the darkness to meet the creatures of the night. On clear nights our guides will take you star gazing. Follow our guides as they lead you safely through the crocodiles’ lair. See the croc eyes glow in your torchlight. In the Aussie bush, there’s always a chance you will cross paths with a ’Swaggie’ (an original Australian bushman). Join our hospitable Swaggie for billy tea and damper by the campfire. After complimentary cold beer or wine, join in the fun of some famous Aussie Bush Dances. Return hotel transfers included. |
Alice Springs - Overlanders SteakhouseThe Overlanders Steakhouse was established in 1971 to honour the men and women of Australia who ventured ’further out’ into the great outback of Australia. Explorers, miners, settlers, bush workers and the ’overlanders’ - the people involved in the largest movements of cattle in the history of Australia and the World. The first building, where the Steakhouse now stands, was the old, and original Alice Springs ’ Town Hall. Enjoy the signature ’Drovers Blowout’ menu, featuring four courses with a unique Australian theme. |
Cairns - Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural ParkVisit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park where the legends of the Dreamtime are brought to life. Three theaters, a museum, art gallery and a traditional Aboriginal camp combine to give a fascinating glimpse of the rich and ancient culture of the traditional inhabitants of the region. Try your hand at boomerang and spear throwing too! |
Alice Springs - Outback Bush BBQ DinnerEnjoy an evening around the campfire with a fine meal of prime central Australian beef. This fun filled evening under the stars in the atmosphere of an early cattle camp will long be remembered. Your evening includes a boomerang throwing demonstration, bush damper making, an informative insight into the early Aboriginal way of life, bush balladeer and star gazing at our clear outback skies. Return transfers to your hotel are included. |
Cairns - Tjapukai by NightJourney into dreamtime legend and discover the magic of Australia’s ancient indigenous culture. Immerse yourself in the traditions of Tjapukai ’The people of the rainforest’ through traditional and contemporary cultural performances. Includes a welcome drink and face painting upon arrival to ’initiate’ you into the Tjapukai tribe, solemn didgeridoo blessing, cultural performances, lake side fire making ceremony and an international buffet dinner. |
Alice Springs - Outback BallooningYour adventure begins with the balloons being inflated just as the sun lights up the rugged MacDonnell Ranges. Whilst floating gently in the air you will appreciate the vast remoteness, scenery and wildlife of the Australian outback. The tour includes your return transfers and a fresh cooked breakfast accompanied by champagne and tropical fruit juice cocktails. Please note this excursion is not recommended for the elderly or a less agile person. If you are unsure, please discuss your situation directly with Outback Ballooning. An aviation insurance levy of $25.00 per person is payable direct to Outback Ballooning. |
Cairns - Ochre Restaurant and CateringOchre Restaurant and Catering has created a whole new Australian Cuisine utilizing the abundant and, until recently, untapped traditional native fruits, berries, game meats and seafood, as well as the best of Australian Wines and Beers.
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Ayers Rock - Fixed Wing Scenic Flight - Ayers Rock & the OlgasExperience the beauty of these great Australian landmarks with an amazing aerial view. The incredible rock formations of The Olgas are a must-see from the air. |
Cairns - Habitat Cruises (3 hr cruise)Enjoy a calm water cruise on Trinity Inlet, while discovering the secrets of the mangroves, wildlife, history and culture of the harbour and its trade. See crocodiles and a variety of native birds in their natural habitat, and then get close-up to crocodiles during the Crocodile Farm Tour on Australia’s largest commercial crocodile farm. Enjoy a delicious morning or afternoon tea, while cruising back to Cairns via the sugar cane fields. |
Ayers Rock - Fixed Wing Scenic Flight - Ayers Rock, Olgas & Lake AmadeusFly over the Northern Territory’s largest salt lake and witness the amazing contrast of colours. Fully experience the Australian desert environment, with the possibility to see wild camels. |
Cairns - Cape Tribulation Day TourTravel to the Daintree River, crossing the river by vehicular ferry. Travel through dense rainforest before arriving at the Daintree Discovery Centre. Here you can take a closer look at life in the rainforest from the Rainforest Canopy Tower. There is time to walk along Cape Tribulation Beach before enjoying lunch. Enjoy a cruise through mangroves along the Daintree River before returning to your hotel. |
Ayers Rock - Fixed Wing Scenic Flight - Ayers Rock, Olgas & Kings CanyonSee it all! With its amazing sheer cliff walls and surrounding valleys, Kings Canyon is an awe-inspiring landmark best appreciated from the air. |
Cairns - Kuranda Rail, Skyrail & Tjapukai Day TourJoin the famous Kuranda Railway for a breathtaking journey on one of the world’s most scenic railways to the village of Kuranda. Stroll through the famous Kuranda markets. Return to the lowlands by the Skyrail Cableway which takes you above the rainforest canopy. Visit the award-winning Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, meet your indigenous guide and learn about this ancient culture through theatres, stage shows and demonstrations. You are then transferred back to your hotel. |
Ayers Rock - Helicopter FlightsExperience the spectacular views of Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (Olgas). Photograph these magnificent formations whilst listening to the commentary provided by your pilot.
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Cairns - Flames of the Forest Rainforest DinnerThe evening features two local indigenous brothers sharing some of their remarkable culture with you in a setting where they adventured as children. The rainforest setting is the natural, authentic backdrop for this spiritual and mystic culture, a performance unique to the Flames of the Forest, where you will learn about their timeless oral traditions in an intimate and personal setting. This evening of theater, tropical dining, authentic aboriginal culture explored through story telling and music is a must do for anyone interested in history, Aboriginal culture, the rainforest, meeting new people and great Australian food. |
Ayers Rock - Camel RideMeet your friendly camel and enjoy your ride from the Uluru Camel Depot to view sunrise or sunset over Ayers Rock. Return to the depot for billy tea and baked beerbread (sunrise) or a glass of sparking wine and nibbles (sunset). Return transfers to your hotel included.
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Sydney - The Blue Mountains & Wildlife DinnerTravel to the spectacular Blue Mountains. Opportunity to ride the Scenic Railway, Skyway Cable Car or the new Sceniscender (own expense). View the Three Sisters, a giant rock formation of Aboriginal legend. Visit Featherdale Wildlife Park, home to native Australian wildlife and birds. Travel through Homebush, the site of the 2000 Sydney Olympics on your return to Sydney. |
Ayers Rock - Motorcycle RideSee spectacular Uluru (Ayers Rock) from a legendary, late model Harley Davidson motorcycle. Expert riders will take you on a Pa’s Special (30 minutes) to the Uluru viewing point or you may prefer to cruise around Uluru (60 minutes), both with a photo stop. Return transfers to your hotel included. |
Sydney - Hunter Valley Wine TastingDepart the city via the Harbour Bridge and travel through the spectacular Hawkesbury district, stopping in historic Wollombi for morning tea. Enjoy private wine tastings at Lindeman’s Winery. Increase your knowledge of wine with an introductory DVD about the wine making process. Learn about styles, techniques and how to blend your own wine. Visit the home of Bluetongue Beer and enjoy a tasting paddle of available varieties (own expense). A smorgasbord lunch of tasting platters offering you a range of dishes is included, while the cellarmaster shows you how food ’marries’ with the wines. Enjoy boutique wine at its best with a tasting at Oakvale, one of Australia’s oldest working wineries. Enjoy the quaint village of Hunter Valley Gardens. View lush rolling hills and small wineries dotted across the landscape as you journey back to Sydney. |
Ayers Rock - Sounds of Silence DinnerDine under a million stars at the award winning Sounds of Silence Restaurant. Sip on a cool drink with the sound of a lone didjeridu filling the air, all with a view over Ayers Rock and the Olgas. Dinner includes a gourmet barbecue of Australian delicacies accompanied by fine Australian wines. Later enjoy a tour of the Southern night skies in a stargazing session. |
Sydney - Sydney Tower RestaurantIconic Sydney tower restaurant is the highest revolving restaurant in the southern hemisphere. It’s the ideal location to enjoy all Sydney has to offer from over three-hundred meters above the city center. Taking a leisurely seventy minutes to complete a full revolution, you are treated to a three-hundred and sixty degree panoramic view of Sydney whilst enjoying quality local and international cuisine from the self-select buffet. |
Cairns - Hot Air BallooningDeparting Cairns daily, enjoy a spectacular balloon flight over the Atherton Tablelands - the hot air ballooning capital of the southern hemisphere! See kangaroos and enjoy some of the most reliable and best priced ballooning in the world. After the flight enjoy a full hot and cold breakfast buffet and champagne. |
Sydney - Italian VillageWith amazing service and some of Sydney’s best modern cuisine, Italian Village is at the forefront of Australian dining. Ideally located in the Rocks, the restaurant is surrounded by 360 degree views of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. This price includes a 2 course set menu. |
Cairns - Scenic Helicopter Flight (10-minute ride)Experience the exhilaration of flying above one of the wonders of the world. Opal like formations of coral appear to float in the pristine blue waters, while the sun pierces through and enhances this natural beauty. Flying above such a vast array of marine life and spectacular colour provides irresistible photo opportunities. An aerial perspective of the Great Barrier Reef is a vision that stays with you long after you return home. A must see, must experience, option on your day at the reef. |
DAY 1 & 2 USA - Melbourne

VIP Door-to-Door Transfer to your local airport for your flight to Melbourne, Australia, flying over the international date line along the way.
DAY 3 Arrive Melbourne

On arrival at Melbourne Airport you will be transferred to your hotel (flights to arrive prior to 4pm) where you’ll have time at leisure. Perhaps take a walk to orientate yourself with the city. Tonight join your Tour Director and fellow traveling companions for a Welcome Drink.
DAY 4 Melbourne

See the Royal Botanic Gardens,
St. Paul’s Cathedral, Parliament
House, the Shrine of Remembrance
and much more on a sightseeing
tour.
Buffet Breakfast Included
DAY 5 Melbourne - Free Day

Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps
see the magnificent rock formations of the Twelve Apostles along
the Great Ocean Road or ride the
Puffing Billy steam train and visit a
winery. This evening, why not witness
the nightly ritual of the little
penguins returning from a day of
fishing on nearby Phillip Island?
Buffet Breakfast Included
DAY 6 Melbourne - Alice Springs

You will be transferred to
Melbourne Airport for your flight
to Alice Springs (flights to arrive
prior to 1pm). On your arrival
visit the School of the Air and take
in the panoramic views of Alice
Springs from Anzac Hill. Later,
you’ll join the Heaslip family for a
Highlight Afternoon Tea at Bond
Springs Station, nestled in the
MacDonnell Ranges west of Alice
Springs. Hear about their life
working on their 580 square mile
cattle grazing property.
Buffet Breakfast and Dinner Included
DAY 7 Alice Springs - Ayers Rock (Uluru)

Before departing Alice Springs
you’ll visit the Telegraph Station and
Royal Flying Doctor Service. Learn
how this marvelous
facility operates to
provide a mantle of
safety to the people
of the Outback.
En route to Ayers
Rock Resort call in
at an Indigenous
owned center to
view the art of the
Impanpa Aboriginal
Community and
later pause to view
majestic Atila (Mt.
Conner). This
afternoon is at
leisure to enjoy the
facilities at Ayers Rock
Resort. This evening savor
a complimentary glass of
wine while watching the sunset
at Uluru (Ayers Rock) from the
viewing area known as the ‘sunset
strip’. The subtle color changes are
quite amazing!
Buffet Breakfast Included
DAY 8 Ayers Rock (Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) Excursion Included)

Rise early to view Uluru (Ayers
Rock) at sunrise. Watch the first rays of sunlight creep across the
desert plains. Tour the caves at
the base of Uluru and hear stories
of the Aboriginal Dreamtime.
Later, visit the Uluru – Kata Tjuta
Cultural Centre, where you can
learn about Tjukurpa (Aboriginal law). This afternoon, you will
travel through the desert plains to
Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). The size
and grandeur of these 36 massive
domes of conglomerate rock will
amaze you. Walk through Walpa
Gorge and gaze down the central
valley of Kata Tjuta (the Olgas).
Marvel at a spectacular sunset with
complimentary sparkling wine at
Kata Tjuta (the Olgas).
Buffet Breakfast Included
DAY 9 Ayers Rock - Cairns

This morning enjoy some free time
at Ayers Rock Resort. Then you
will be transferred to Ayers Rock
Airport for your flight to Cairns.
On arrival you will be transferred
to your hotel. This afternoon
spend time at the Cairns Wildlife
Dome where you’ll encounter
unique Australian animals.
Buffet Breakfast Included
DAY 10 Cairns (Great Barrier Reef Excursion Included)

Board a high speed catamaran and
cruise out to the Great Barrier
Reef. Enjoy an informative reef
education presentation by a
marine naturalist. See a myriad
of coral and tropical fish from the
underwater observatory and the
semi-submersible craft. There is
the opportunity to go snorkeling
to view this natural living wonder
up close (equipment provided).
Enjoy a tropical buffet Highlight
Lunch, before you return to
Cairns in the late afternoon.
Buffet Breakfast and Highlight Lunch Included
DAY 11 Cairns - Free Day

Enjoy a full day at leisure. You
could take an optional excursion
to Kuranda on the Kuranda
Railway, with time to explore the
markets and ride on the Skyrail
Cableway above the canopy of the
rainforest. Or visit the award-winning
Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural
Park to experience the History,
Creation and Dance Theatres
where the legends of the Dreamtime
are brought to life.
Buffet Breakfast Included
DAY 12 Cairns - Sydney

You will be transferred to Cairns
Airport for your flight to Sydney.
On arrival at Sydney Airport you
will be transferred to your hotel
in Darling Harbour where you
will spend the next three nights.
The rest of the day is at leisure
to perhaps explore this beautiful
harbor city.
Buffet Breakfast Included
DAY 13 Sydney

This morning enjoy a guided
tour of the Sydney Opera House
and later see the Royal Botanic
Gardens, Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair
and Kings Cross. Afterwards,
you are off to Watson’s Bay and
the Gap, before stopping for a
walk along famous Bondi Beach
to feel the golden sand between
your toes. Return to the city
for a cruise on Sydney Harbor
including a Highlight Lunch on
board. Later, perhaps take a stroll
along the Opera House concourse and watch the world go by from
one of the cafés.
Buffet Breakfast and Highlight Lunch Included
DAY 14 Sydney - Free Day

Enjoy a full day at leisure in this
great city. Maybe shop for some
last minute souvenirs or take an
excursion to the Blue Mountains
and see some of Australia’s native
wildlife at Featherdale Wildlife
Park. Or join a tour to the Hunter
Valley, New South Wales’ premier
wine growing region or Canberra,
the nation’s capital. This evening
join your Tour Director and
newfound friends for a Farewell
Dinner at a local restaurant by
the water.
Buffet Breakfast and Farewell Dinner Included
DAY 15 Sydney - USA
This morning bid farewell to
Australia as you are transferred
to Sydney Airport for your flight
home.
Buffet Breakfast Included
of $400 per couple when you book by
February 10, 2012.
| Depart Return |
Land Only Price | Price includes savings of: | International Airfare |
|---|---|---|---|
Fri 02/10/12 |
$6,315 | $200 |
Call 1-866-847-3858 |
Fri 02/17/12 |
$6,315 | $200 |
Call 1-866-847-3858 |
Fri 03/02/12 |
$6,315 | $200 |
Call 1-866-847-3858 |
Fri 03/09/12 |
$6,315 | $200 |
Call 1-866-847-3858 |
$6,485 | $200 | ||
$6,485 | $200 | ||
$6,485 | $200 | ||
$6,655 | $200 | ||
$6,655 | $200 | ||
$6,655 | $200 | ||
$6,655 | $200 | ||
$6,655 | $200 | ||
$6,655 | $200 | ||
$6,655 | $200 | ||
$6,485 | $200 | ||
$6,485 | $200 | ||
$6,485 | $200 |
Departure Details
Departures are available November 2011 through December 2012.
November 2011 through March 2012 dates operate the 2011 itinerary, call for details.
Pricing Details
The prices above are for the land only portion of the tour and include the Early Booking Discount of $200 per person. In order to qualify for the discounts you must book and deposit by February 10, 2012.
Airfare is available at an additional cost from over 60 departure cities, call for an up-to-the-minute air quote from your hometown. When you book your Air & Land package together by you’ll save an additional $1,400 per couple!
Tour price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement or you can choose to participate in our room share program.
Single Room Supplement: from $1,815.
At times we offer discounted departures where the price has been discounted to reflect savings. Discounted rates are valid for new bookings only and are not combinable with any other offers.
Note: All inter-tour air related charges in economy class are included in the Land Only price shown based on accurate airfare as of August 19, 2011. At the time you purchase your tour the inter-tour air prices may be higher.
Please Note: Visa required for this tour, please call for details.
Please Note: This tour is operated by our sister company.
Day |
City |
Hotel |
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| 3-5 | Melbourne | Crowne Plaza Melbourne | |||||||||||||||
Crowne Plaza Melbourne
First Class Crowne Plaza Melbourne Location: On the banks of the Yarra River, this hotel is a relaxed walk from the city center, the Southbank Entertainment Complex, Melbourne Aquarium, Etihad Stadium and city shopping. Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
Location: On the banks of the Yarra River, this hotel is a relaxed walk from the city center, the Southbank Entertainment Complex, Melbourne Aquarium, Etihad Stadium and city shopping. |
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| 6 | Alice Springs | Chifley Alice Springs Resort | |||||||||||||||
Chifley Alice Springs Resort
First Class Chifley Alice Springs Resort Location: Low rise architecture and lush green lawns contribute to the relaxed atmosphere of this award-winning resort, situated on the banks of the famous Todd River with its magnificent river red gums. Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
Location: Low rise architecture and lush green lawns contribute to the relaxed atmosphere of this award-winning resort, situated on the banks of the famous Todd River with its magnificent river red gums. |
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| 7,8 | Ayers Rock | Desert Gardens Hotel | |||||||||||||||
Desert Gardens Hotel
First Class Desert Gardens Hotel Location: 6 km of the Ayers Rock Airport. Uluru, or Ayers Rock, is within a 20 minute drive and Kata Tjuta National Park is nearby. The Ayers Rock Resort Shopping Centre is within a five minute walk and offers shopping, food outlets and more. Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
Location: 6 km of the Ayers Rock Airport. Uluru, or Ayers Rock, is within a 20 minute drive and Kata Tjuta National Park is nearby. The Ayers Rock Resort Shopping Centre is within a five minute walk and offers shopping, food outlets and more. |
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| 9-11 | Cairns | Hilton Cairns Hotel | |||||||||||||||
Hilton Cairns Hotel
First Class Hilton Cairns Hotel Location: Nestled in the heart of Cairns, it is the perfect base from which to explore the world's most diversely beautiful tropical region. Situated at the beginning of Cairns' scenic boardwalk, close to the shopping, tourist and business districts, Hilton Cairns is only 10 minutes from Cairns International Airport. Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
Location: Nestled in the heart of Cairns, it is the perfect base from which to explore the world's most diversely beautiful tropical region. Situated at the beginning of Cairns' scenic boardwalk, close to the shopping, tourist and business districts, Hilton Cairns is only 10 minutes from Cairns International Airport. |
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| 12-14 | Sydney | Four Points by Sheraton | |||||||||||||||
Four Points by Sheraton
First Class Four Points by Sheraton Location: Located in Sydney’s central business district and overlooking Darling Harbour, we’re just a short walk from the major entertainment and shopping districts including Pitt Street Mall, Queen Victoria Building, and Chinatown. Take a stroll and explore! Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
Location: Located in Sydney’s central business district and overlooking Darling Harbour, we’re just a short walk from the major entertainment and shopping districts including Pitt Street Mall, Queen Victoria Building, and Chinatown. Take a stroll and explore! |
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Travel Tools
Terms and Conditions
How to Make Your Reservation:
After selecting your tour and departure date, simply call 1-800-552-5545 and a Travel Specialist will take your reservation over the phone. You can pay your $350.00 deposit by credit card, or alternately you can mail a check made payable to Grand European Tours to the following address: GRAND EUROPEAN TOURS 6000 Meadows Road, Suite 520 Lake Oswego, OR 97035 USA. Please make your reservations as early as possible since many of our tours are completely filled 4 to 6 months before departure.
Final Payment:
Upon receiving the $350.00 deposit per person, you will be sent a confirmation. VISA, MASTERCARD, American Express and DISCOVER CARD may be used for this deposit amount, however, final payment is preferred by check or money order and is due in our Oregon office 60 days prior to the departure date. If reservations are made less than 60 days prior to departure, payment in full is required at the time of booking. If final payments are not received on time, Grand European Tours (2003) Inc. may cancel the reservation and invoke the cancellation fee. For Highlights of South Africa tour and all River Cruises final payment is due 90 days prior to departure.
Pricing:
Land prices printed in this catalog are per person based on double occupancy. The Operator reserves the right to adjust prices due to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, imposed fuel surcharges, taxes, charges and levies imposed by any third party including government and its agencies. Should these change the price of your tour by more than 10% you may cancel without penalty within 7 days after we notify you of the increase.
Cancellations, Changes & Refunds:
If a cancellation in writing is received by Grand European Tours (2003) Inc. 30 days or less after your reservation has been made, your $350.00 deposit will be FULLY REFUNDED. *See Air Reservations section for specific change fee information for air reservations. For cancellations or changes thereafter but more than 61 days prior to departure there will be a $350.00 per person fee assessed. If you must withdraw or make a change 60 days or less prior to departure (90 days or less for River Cruises and Highlights of South Africa), the following fees will apply:
| Number of Days Prior to Departure | Cancellation/Change Land Tours – Per Person |
| 31 - 60 Days | 25% of tour cost |
| 15 - 30 Days | 50% of tour cost |
| Less than 15 Days | 100% of tour cost |
| Number of Days Prior to Departure | Cancellation/Change River Cruises – Per Person |
| 89 – 60 Days | 35% of the cost |
| 59 – 30 Days | 50% of the cost |
| 100% of the cost |
Air Reservations:
Air Add-On prices listed in this catalog were effective on August 19, 2011 and their availability is limited. At the time you purchase your tour, air prices may be higher. Air Add-On prices shown include September 11th Security fee, government fees, taxes and airline fuel surcharges based on destination and routing. The total price at time of purchase may vary slightly due to fluctuations in currency exchange. For the most competitive and up to date pricing from your departure city call our toll free number at 1-800-552-5545. Quoted air reservation prices are inclusive of all taxes and fees and are subject to change before payment is made in full. Air transportation is in economy class by scheduled airlines. Business class is available upon request. Some tours are not available from all of the airports. Requests for specific airlines, non-stop or direct flights and/or seat assignments are accepted as preferences only and cannot be guaranteed. Frequent flyer programs are under the control of the respective airlines. Your airline tickets will be electronically issued in lieu of paper tickets. Please note that your airline tickets and other tour documentation must bear your FULL name as it appears on your passport. Please note that airline reservations can only be made for dates less than 331 days out.
Airline Tickets Issued by Grand EuropeanTours:
The following charges apply for cancellations or changes to airline arrangements made by Grand European Tours: • Prior to Airline Ticketing: service fee of $50 per person • After Airline Ticketing: service fee of $75 per person plus any airline imposed penalties which may be up to 100% of the airline ticket value.
DOT Advisory:
The Department of Transportation requires us to inform you of the following conditions. The package price is subject to change as a result of increases in fuel surcharges and/or government taxes until it has been paid in full. You must consent to the possibility that, until you pay for your package in full, your price could go up. Once you have paid in full we would only pass along increases in government taxes if applicable at that time. You have 7 days from receipt of the first invoice to revoke your consent and request a refund, at which time we would cancel your booking.
Passports and Visas:
A valid U.S passport is required for traveling outside of the U.S.; including to Canada & Mexico. Passport application forms may be obtained from your local post office. All passports must contain at least 3 blank visa pages and must be valid for 6 months after the completion of your tour. Entry visa application forms will be sent prior to your departure for U.S. passport holders. Russia ($218*), China ($193*), Brazil ($220*) and Vietnam & Cambodia ($283*). An entry fee is required upon arrival at the airport in Egypt ($15*), Turkey ($20*) and Zimbabwe ($30*), these countries prefer payment in U.S. dollars rather than local currency. A per person Departure Tax is required at Costa Rica ($26*) and Peru ($31*) paid at the airport. A onetime Reciprocity Tax is required upon entry at the airport in Buenos Aires, Argentina ($140*) and Santiago, Chile ($131*); the fee can be paid in local currency, US Dollars, credit card or traveler check; the tax is valid for multiple entries for 10 years or until your passport expires. Australia requires an electronic visa ($0*) which is obtained at the time of airline ticket purchase. *All visa costs and entry/exit requirements can change at any time. Please visit travel.state.gov for current information. Individuals who do not hold a U.S. passport should contact CIBT/ZVS at 1-866-788-1100 to see if visas are required.
Travel Documents:
Approximately 15 days prior to the departure date you will receive a travel information package that will include your airline itinerary, travel tips, hotel list, baggage tag, travel wallet, etc. Visas, when required, will be distributed as soon as they are issued by the countries involved. Please note that your airline tickets and other tour documentation must bear your FULL name as it appears on your passport.
Tour Membership:
These tours require a blend of adventuresome spirit, physical fitness, walking ability, mental alertness, and a capacity for accepting situations as they exist and not, necessarily, as we would find them in America. If you have health concerns, we suggest that you contact your physician to help determine the suitability of one of these tours for you. We regret that we are unable to accept requests for special diets or itinerary variations. Disabled travelers requiring special attention or treatment on any tour must be reported when reservations are made. A companion who is able to provide the required assistance must accompany any person who is unable to travel independently or who needs any type of assistance.
Baggage:
Due to limited motorcoach storage capacity, each tour member is permitted one large suitcase not to exceed 50 pounds in weight nor 30”x22”x10” in dimension on European tours. Handling of this bag by hotel porters is included in the tour price. In addition, each person is allowed one small piece of carry-on size luggage that does not exceed the dimensions of 12”x11”x6” and is the complete responsibility of the tour member and must be taken on the motorcoach with you. Carry-ons with telescopic handles and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartments and therefore cannot be accepted as carry-on luggage for safety reasons. Please note, North America, Mexico and Egypt tours have smaller baggage dimensions which are noted in your pre-tour documentation. Grand European Tours (2003) Inc. does not assume any responsibility for loss or damage to baggage or passengers’ belongings. Please note: It is your responsibility to verify the baggage weight restrictions for the individual airlines that you will be traveling on as in some instances baggage is restricted. Airline baggage charges collected at check-in are not included and are at passengers own expense.
VIP Door-to-Door Transfer Service:
The VIP Door-to-Door Transfer service is available for all customers departing from the 41 airports highlighted on page 12 and living within a 25 mile radius from point of departure to your chosen airport. It is an outbound service only. Maximum passengers in one car can not exceed four. For bookings with more than four people, further vehicles may be necessary and further supplementary charges will apply. For any journeys greater than 25 miles a supplementary cost for additional mileage will apply and will be advised within 48 hours of booking if necessary. Mileage is based on journey information from www.mapquest. com. Should you not use the VIP Door-to-Door Transfer we will deduct $50 per person from your tour price (this must be advised at time of booking). Cancellation of service or changes must be made 72 hours before scheduled pick-up.
Early Departure or Extended Stay:
If you wish to depart early or extend your stay in Europe, flight and hotel arrangements can be made by contacting our Oregon office. Airport transfers are not included but may be purchased through GET. On most tours you can reserve up to 3 additional nights at the hotel where your tour starts and ends, however space may be limited and is subject to availability. Please call for our low cost rates and availability. Luggage handling and breakfast is not included on North American tour extensions.
Land Tour Only:
If you wish to make independent flight arrangements, you may still reserve the land portion of a tour. Hotel-airport transfers are subject to availability and flight details must be provided in writing at least 45 days prior to departure. See tour page for specific transfer times.
Airport Transfers:
Complimentary airport arrival and departure transfers are included in the tour price when you purchase our land/air package and operate at fixed times on the first and last day of your tour. See the individual tour pages for details. For those making their own flight arrangements or extending at GET hotels, transfers can be purchased; please call for details. London Heathrow Airport Arrivals: For tours commencing in London, we have included a free group shuttle to/from LHR for clients that have booked our combined land/air packages. For clients that have made their own flight arrangements GET has negotiated special rates for shuttle transfers from LHR to your London hotel (which must be booked through GET) at a price of $40 per person per single trip to/from LHR. London Gatwick Airport Arrivals: Clients arriving at LGW who have booked our combined land/air packages are provided with a Gatwick Express train voucher to Victoria Station, and will need to make their own way from Victoria Station to the tour hotel. For clients that have made their own flight arrangements we suggest you visit www.gatwickexpress. com for transfer information.
Smoking:
Please note that we do not permit smoking on our motorcoaches, however, frequent stops are made while touring.
Surface Travel & Sightseeing:
Ground arrangements are provided by Grand European Operations Ltd., a separate company, and include inter-city travel by private motorcoach with air-conditioning and an emergency restroom*, ferry, train, and ship as per the itinerary. Activities on days indicated in the itinerary as being “at leisure or optional” are left to your discretion. *Some exceptions apply.
Holidays:
During local or national holidays some museums, restaurants or sightseeing may be limited or not available. Alternatives will be offered wherever possible. At times, some itineraries may be operated in reverse; you will be advised at the time of booking. Nile River Cruises: due to the unreliability of domestic air scheduling, religious festivals and other unforeseen circumstances, the order of some itineraries may need to change at short notice; on occasion an alternative cruise boat of equal standing may be used.
Hotels:
The hotels reserved for our tours are rated as European Standard First Class. All hotel rooms provide a private bath (and/or shower) and toilet. These hotels are clean, comfortable and located so as to best facilitate guided sightseeing of the area. Hotels reserved for each tour are indicated in the Day-By-Day Itinerary. If, for any reason, it becomes necessary to use other hotels, they will be of a similar standard, where possible. We only contract non-smoking rooms. All accommodations, meals and services have been designated as first class in Russia, Eastern Europe and provincial areas though some tourism facilities are less developed than what might normally be expected in this category. Tours in North and South America use Standard First Class hotels
Single Rooms:
A limited number of single rooms are available at the supplement shown for each tour. While single rooms provide privacy, they are often smaller than twin-bedded rooms. We do offer the option to join our non-smoking Room Share Program (see page 13 for details). The Room Share Program is not available on tours/cruises to Greece, Egypt, Mexico, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Peru, South America, South Africa, China, Select London & Paris, Select London, Paris & Rome, all European River Cruises and all pre or post tour extensions.
Triple Rooms:
Triple room accommodations are available on a limited basis at a reduced price. Triple rooms usually consist of a twin-bedded room with an additional folding bed or cot for the third person. They may not be comfortable for three adults. Triple rooms are not available on cruises.
Meals:
WR=Welcome Reception. Breakfasts are served as: B=Breakfast, BB=Buffet Breakfast, CB=Continental Breakfast, SB=Scandinavian Buffet Breakfast, FB=Full Breakfast. Lunches (L) and three-course table d’hote (set menu) dinners (D), (FD) farewell dinners and (BD) buffet dinners are shown in the itinerary for each tour and are generally catered by the hotel in which you are residing. (HD)Highlight Dinner and (HL) Highlight Lunch will be catered at a local restaurant or special venue. (DA) Dine-Around dinners are catered at a selection of restaurants preselected by Grand European Tours. Please note in cases of early morning departures, FB may not be available. Please note that we are unable to accept requests for special menus to meet dietary or religious requirements.
Tour Price Does Not Include:
Beverages and meals not detailed in the itinerary. Personal expenses including passport and visa fees, alcoholic beverages, optional sightseeing tours, laundry, phone calls, traditional end of the tour gratuity to your Tour Director and Motorcoach Driver, tips to local city guides, crew tips and all other items of a personal nature, airport tax, service & security charges and port taxes. (Subject to change.) Travel Insurance is also not included but is highly recommended.
Consumer Disclosure Notice:
Please read the Terms and Conditions carefully, as your deposit and payment for a trip constitutes consent to all conditions and general information contained in this brochure.
Responsibility:
These trips are arranged by Grand European Operations Ltd. (“Operator”) in conjunction with Grand European Tours (2003) Inc. It has made the travel arrangements as agent for the transportation carriers and other suppliers of services connected with the tour (“suppliers”) all of which are independent contractors. The Operator in no way owns or operates the vehicles or facilities to be used during the trip, and does not guarantee or assume responsibility for the acts and/or omissions of suppliers, their employees, agents, etc. Transportation companies, airlines etc. are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not on board planes, transportation or conveyances. We rely on international convention which may apply to the services provided by us, our suppliers or agents with respect to any claim of any nature brought by you against us as a result of the provision of those services. International conventions which apply may include: Warsaw Convention 1929, (as amended by Hague Protocol and Montreal Protocol) in relation to air travel, or Montreal Convention; the Berne Convention for rail travel; Athens Convention 1974 for carriage by sea; the Geneva Convention for carriage by road and the Paris Convention 1962 for Hotels. We are to be regarded as having all benefit of these conventions on limiting our liability in relation to any claim for death, injury, loss, damage and delay to passengers and luggage. Enrollment in and payment for a tour shall constitute agreement and acceptance by the passenger of the terms and conditions set forth in this brochure which cannot be varied except in writing by an officer of the Company.
All bookings are accepted subject to the conditions imposed by suppliers and Operator, including airline, cruise line, rail, coach, hotel, restaurants, insurance and other companies, firms or persons concerned with the trip, and the Operator will make no refund in the event of their delay, cancellation, overbooking, strike, force majeure or for elements of the package not used by customer. If there is a difference between the Operator’s Conditions and those published by a supplier, the conditions of supplier shall apply. The Operator reserves the right to cancel a trip or change the itinerary whenever in its sole judgment conditions warrant, or if the Operator deems it necessary for your comfort, convenience or safety. Trips outside the USA require a valid passport. You are responsible for, and release the Operator from, passport, visa, vaccination requirements, and safety conditions in travel destinations. The Operator strongly recommends you purchase appropriate cancellation/medical/baggage insurance for the trip, which is available from the Operator. For medical information, call the Center for Disease Control at 800- 232-4636 or visit www.cdc.gov/travel, and for U.S. State Department travel advisories, call 202-647- 5225. The Operator reserves the right to decline to accept any person as a member of the tour, or to require any participant to withdraw from the trip at any time who presents a significant risk to the health or safety of himself or others which can not be eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level by the Operator’s reasonable accommodation. The Operator reserves the right to correct an error in the advertised price prior to your departure. Prices in this brochure are accurate at the time of printing and are subject to change without notice due to changes in market factors including but not limited to foreign currency and supplier cost fluctuations. Prices set forth in future brochures shall supersede the prices in this brochure. Airfare quotes, and Air Add-ons in this brochure are subject to airline capacity limitations and higher airfares may apply depending on seat availability at the time of reservation. A contract is made when your reservation and payment are accepted by the Operator at its office, and any dispute shall be governed by Oregon law and subject to the jurisdiction of Portland, Oregon. In calculating the cost of your trip, Operator has relied on your consent to these terms and in the absence of this release, the trip cost would have been higher. Operator reserves the right to substitute hotels of similar quality at any time or to make changes in itinerary of similar quality. Operator will not be responsible to any person for expense, loss of time, money or other circumstance resulting from a change in itinerary or change of tour arrangements. Operator also reserves the right to cancel a tour prior to departure, and in such cases all payments made to date will be refunded and shall constitute full settlement. If you purchase an airline ticket separately, ensure that your travel agent explains the conditions under which the ticket is issued, as the Operator assumes no responsibility for such airline ticket cancellation fees. Please understand that not all museums and attractions are open every day of the year. Operator reserves the right to vary the sequence of sightseeing and/ or to re-route the order of cities if that will enable you to visit all listed excursions. In either case, the itinerary content will be maintained to the extent possible and there are no refunds for any unused or unavailable excursions. Promotional offers subject to change. This brochure supersedes any other current brochure on the market.
Privacy Policy:
Occasionally we make portions of our mailing lists available to carefully selected companies. If you would prefer not to have your name and mailing address made available, please call us at 1-800-552-5545. To review our full privacy policy, visit our website at www.getours.com/privacypolicy.















