| Day |
Schedules and Accommodations |
1-2
[top] |
U.S. Gateway / In-Flight / Cross International Date Line
- Depart Home City to Los Angeles
- Depart Los Angeles Airport
- Cross International Date Line
|
3
[top] |
Sydney, Australia
- Arrive Sydney
- Transfer to hotel
- Arrive at hotel
- Welcome orientation and briefing
- Evening at leisure
Hilton Sydney  |
4
[top] |
Sydney
- Panoramic city tour of Sydney
- Evening at leisure
Hilton Sydney (B) |
5
[top] |
Sydney
- Day at leisure or Optional Featherdale Wildlife Park & Blue Mountains Tour, with lunch
- Evening at leisure
Hilton Sydney (B) |
6
[top] |
Sydney / Embark ship
- Morning at leisure, or choose to take the Optional Sydney Harbour Coffee Cruise Tour
- Transfer to ms Volendam
m/s Volendam (B,D) |
7
[top] |
At Sea
m/s Volendam (B,L,D) |
8
[top] |
Melbourne, Australia
During your full day in this diverse, sophisticated city, strike out on
an urban walk-about — visit one of the world’s oldest zoos or take in
360-degree views from the Melbourne Observation deck. For a true taste
of Australia, do a kangaroo watch or an Aboriginal Heritage Walk.
(B,L,D) |
9
[top] |
Burnie, Tasmania, Australia
You’ll have a “devil” of a time deciding what to do first here. The
parks, gardens, and old downtown are the pride of this key commercial
city. Not far away are the Gunns Plains Caves and local cheese-makers’
workshops.
m/s Volendam (B,L,D) |
10-11
[top] |
At Sea
m/s Volendam (2B,2L,2D) |
12
[top] |
Cruising New Zealand South Island coast
The stunning, glacier-carved coast of New Zealand’s South Island offers
terrific fjord cruising. Slip through this wonderland, crossing the
Dusky, Doubtful, Break Sea, and Milford Sounds. Behold the panorama of
mountains, glassy lakes, and waterfalls from a well-positioned deck
chair.
m/s Volendam (B,L,D) |
13
[top] |
Dunedin, New Zealand
Have fun exploring Dunedin, a “Kiwi” city with a Scottish heart.
Brimming with well-preserved charm, it’s a fine example of a Victorian
and Edwardian city. Use your full day to stroll the Botanic Gardens (a
treat when it’s winter at home!) or visit Larnach Castle.
m/s Volendam (B,L,D) |
14
[top] |
Christchurch, New Zealand
Lovely, orderly Christchurch has been likened to a slice of Olde England in the South Seas, complete with an Avon river, an anglican cathedral, and a Victoria Square. Although it's actually in one of the driest parts of New Zealand, it's renowned for its lovely Botanic Gardens.
m/s Volendam (B,L,D) |
15
[top] |
Picton, New Zealand
Picton, a tiny township at the end of Queen Charlotte Sound, has an
unparalleled setting. And, despite its size, Picton is a hub of
activity — it’s where the ferry runs between the North and South
Islands. This is a great starting point for exploring the South
Island’s wild beauty.
m/s Volendam (B,L,D) |
16
[top] |
Wellington, New Zealand
New Zealand’s capital features brightly painted wooden houses and a red
cable car that takes you up for fine harbor views. A must-see is the Te
Papa Tongarewa National Museum and Art Gallery. And keep your eyes
peeled for the beehive-resembling government offices!
m/s Volendam (B,L,D) |
17
[top] |
Napier, New Zealand
This “Miami Beach of the Southern Hemisphere” boasts art deco-style
buildings and a wide ocean beach fronting Hawke’s Bay. Here you’ll find
the world’s largest mainland gannet colony and what is arguably the
country’s most photographed monument, the Pania of the Reef statue.
m/s Volendam (B,L,D) |
18
[top] |
Tauranga, New Zealand
Tauranga, rich in Maori culture and healing hot springs, is a lovely
provincial city of pristine beaches, orchards, and fresh air. You can
cruise the open-air mall of the Mid City Center or learn about
kiwifruit cultivation.
m/s Volendam (B,L,D) |
19
[top] |
At Sea
m/s Volendam (B,L,D) |
20-22
[top] |
Auckland, New Zealand
You'll disembark the ms Volendam to start your three-night stay in this vibrant City of Sails, which straddles an
isthmus between two lovely volcano-ringed harbors. Orient yourself on an included panoramic tour — from Harbour
Bridge to Okahu and Mission Bays to Mt. Eden’s summit. The time is
yours to enjoy — maybe check out Albert Park or visit the Auckland City
Art Gallery.
Later in your stay, you may choose to enjoy the Optional Pride of Buckland Tour, the Optional Gannet Colony & Countryside Tour, the Optional Bush & Beach Tour, or all of them!
Crowne Plaza Hotel or Heritage Auckland
Stamford Plaza Auckland  (B) |
23
[top] |
Auckland / Return U.S. Gateway
You may choose to end your stay Down Under with an optional morning Must See Tour. All too soon, it's time to depart the airport in Auckland for Los Angeles. After arriving at the Los Angeles airport, you will continue to your home city.
(B) |
|