Perfect Tasmania

Arrive in Hobart, the capital of Australia's smallest state, where you'll meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers this afternoon (flights arrive prior to 3pm). You could recover from your journey or ease into the day with a leisurely walk around Constitution Dock, taking in the marina's colourful collection of yachts, motorboats and fishing trawlers. The finishing line for the annual Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, Constitution Dock's friendly, festive atmosphere is the perfect Tassie welcome. You could choose instead to take a stroll along the mighty Derwent River, before it empties into Storm Bay and the Tasman Sea. This evening, join your fellow travel companions for a Welcome Reception and dinner.

Wake up today to the sights, sounds and flavours of Hobart's Salamanca Market. Explore the colourful market stalls, potter through the historic sandstone warehouses, discovering innovative Tasmanian arts and crafts as you delight in the taste and aroma of freshly baked goods and local produce. Take a moment to sit back and relax at one of Salamanca's cafés, and watch the world pass you by with a cooling ale or locally produced cider in hand. This afternoon it's all aboard for a city sights tour of Tassie's capital. Stroll through the Botanical Gardens, then visit historic Battery Point, and see the Cascade Brewery before driving up to Mt. Nelson Lookout for panoramic views over the city.

This morning, journey west to Mt. Field National Park to see the magnificent tiered cascade of Russell Falls. Then take the winding road to iconic Lake St. Clair and 'Dive Into Culture' at The Wall in the Wilderness, a monumental sculpture hand carved in rare Huon pine. Continuing along the rainforest bordered road of World Heritage protected Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, you'll pass through the moonscape of the mining town of Queenstown before your final stop today at the seaside township of Strahan. Enjoy views of magnificent Macquarie Harbour, seven times the size of Sydney Harbour, from your hotel perched on the hillside.

A highlight today is your cruise on the Gordon River with a Local Specialist. Be awestruck by the dark waters, stained amber by Button-grass tannins, which reflect the untouched wilderness. Stop at Sarah Island and 'Dive Into Culture' gaining insights into a relic of Tasmania's convict history. You'll also see Hells Gates, the notoriously treacherous entrance to the harbour. This afternoon pass through the mining towns of Rosebery and Tullah as you travel to your hotel on the boundary of sensational Cradle Mountain National Park.

This morning you'll marvel at the inspiring beauty of Cradle Mountain National Park. Join your Travel Director for a visit to the Waldheim Chalet for insights into the early history of the Cradle Mountain area. Later, take a guided walk on the shores of Dove Lake. You may spot Bennett's wallabies, echidnas and pademelons grazing along the way.

After breakfast, take a walk with a Local Specialist through the Hellyers Road Whisky Distillery in Burnie, home to one of Australia's best single malt distilled whiskies. You'll then make your way east to 'Connect With Locals' at Mount Gnomon Farm, hidden high in the hills overlooking the picturesque seaside village of Penguin. Enjoy an exhilarating 'Be My Guest' experience with Local Specialist, fifth-generation Tasmanian farmer, Guy Robertson, as he shows you around his free-range farm, cider orchard and gardens, before sitting down to a farm-to-fork lunch in his beautiful barn. Continue to quirky Sheffield, the 'Town of Murals', then call in at the award-winning Ashgrove Tasmanian Farm and join a Local Specialist to try a selection of local cheeses. Soon you'll make your way through the Meander Valley to the historic city of Launceston, your stop for the next two nights.

Your first stop today is to the nearby wilderness of Launceston's Cataract Gorge. Continue your scenic drive to Josef Chromy Wines for lunch, wine tasting and vineyard views that stretch across the Tamar Valley, one of Tasmania's prettiest settings. The flavours of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay will ease you into a free afternoon to explore Launceston further, join an Optional Experience cruise on the Tamar River or simply relax at your hotel.

The floral undertones of lavender will linger long after your visit to Bridestowe Lavender Estate, producer of high-quality lavender since 1922. Treat yourself to some of its famous lavender ice-cream before continuing to Legerwood Carved Memorial Trees site. Spend lunchtime in St. Helens and then follow the picturesque east coast to Freycinet Lodge, overlooking Coles Bay.

Start the day with a short drive through dry eucalypt forests to Cape Tourville for a walk that will reward you with stunning views of brilliant blue water and golden beaches as far as the eye can see. Then, experience the stunning Freycinet Peninsula on a four-hour lunch cruise. This cruise with a Local Specialist will take you from the gentle shores of Coles Bay past towering pink granite cliffs to famous Wineglass Bay, a flawless crescent of dazzling white sand.

This morning you'll journey west and down through the Midlands, stopping for morning tea in the pretty, riverside town of Ross. Renowned for being the finest 19th-century village in Australia, you'll fall in love with its cobbled pathways, elm-lined streets and moreish scallop pies. Returning to Hobart, you'll stop in Oatlands, on the shores of Lake Dulverton, for a bite to eat. 'Make A Difference' this afternoon and 'Join Trafalgar' in a sustainability programme that allows you to give back to the local community by helping volunteers pot native plants and count seeds at a local not-for-profit nursery. The project encourages residents to grow native plants in their gardens instead of imported varieties. Later today you'll check into your hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure.

'Dive Into Culture' and explore Port Arthur Historic Site with a Local Specialist. Cross Eaglehawk Neck to the Tasman Peninsula and enjoy a cruise around the Isle of the Dead and a fascinating guided walk of Port Arthur's infamous convict prison. See rugged sea cliffs from Pirate's Bay Lookout and feast your eyes on the amazing vistas of Tasman's Arch, Devil's Kitchen and the Blowhole on the drive back to Hobart.

Today is yours, so feel free to explore all that Australia's most southern capital has to offer. Why not try one of our optional experiences? Perhaps cruise to Bruny Island and take in Australia's highest sea cliffs, listen to the awesome 'Breathing Rock', enter deep sea caves and feel the power of nature at the very point where the Tasman Sea meets the mighty Southern Ocean. Don't forget to join in the search for seals, dolphins, migrating whales and sea birds on an ocean cruise you'll never forget. Or visit the iconic Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), Australia's largest, privately funded gallery. As your epic encounter with Tassie comes to an end, join your fellow travellers at a Farewell Dinner in one of Hobart's popular restaurants.

This morning after breakfast, we say farewell to your newfound friends as your holiday comes to an end and you are transferred to Hobart Airport for your onward flight (flights anytime).