Sydney, Australia


PRE: SYDNEY: CULTURAL IMMERSION

Immerse yourself into the history of Sydney with this four-day program. Experience Aboriginal culture through the land, and it’s history through the arts. Meander through Australia’s great outdoors as you discover its forests, gardens, and sea.

DAY 1

After flying into the Sydney International Airport, you will be met after Customs and luggage claim and transferred to your hotel, where you will spend the next three evenings. Check in is at 3:00pm. Although all efforts will be made to have your room available upon your arrival, this cannot be guaranteed. Should you have an early arriving flight you may wish to book an extra night so your room is ready upon arrival. You also have the option of leaving your belongings with the Concierge so you can start exploring the city until your room is ready.

The remainder of the day will be at your leisure, allowing you to do whatever you wish. You might settle in at the hotel or consult with the hospitality desk for suggestions on what to see nearby. If you’ve never experienced it, this may be the perfect opportunity to take in a performance at the iconic Sydney Opera House.

Your hotel is centrally located in the heart of Sydney’s retail and business districts. It makes a great base for exploring the iconic attractions, boutique shopping, fine restaurants, cafés and nightlife that define Australia's capital.

Your room includes Club Lounge Access with these amenities: Private access floor, complimentary food including continental breakfast and hors d'oeuvres, high-Speed Wi-Fi, complimentary cocktails, complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, complimentary business services, complimentary pressing of 2 garments per stay.

Meals are on your own today.

DAY 2

Following breakfast this morning, board your luxury coach to Circular Quay. Here you will ride a classic fast ferry to Goat Island. Known to Aboriginal people as Me-Mel, this island is the largest in Sydney Harbor and boasts magnificent views of this incredible city. Your Indigenous experience will commence with a traditional welcome ceremony before having the opportunity to observe and participate in a performance workshop.

Next, you will enjoy a tour around the island as your guide showcases the native flora and explains the uses of traditional artefacts during a demonstration workshop. You will appreciate the history surrounding this island and its importance to the local Aboriginal community.

Upon your return to Circular Quay, re-board your coach and travel to Australia’s most famous beach, Bondi. Here you will enjoy lunch at North Bondi RSL, overlooking the golden sand and crashing waves of Bondi Beach. Take advantage of some free time to stroll through the local area, indulge in some boutique shopping or simply sit by the shore as your senses soak up the sun, sand and sea.

Continue this afternoon to the Art Gallery of New South Wales. A spectacular collection of Aboriginal art resides here, and you will be taken on a private tour with a guide specializing in these unique pieces. Following your experience, discuss your days learnings with your group as you enjoy a light afternoon tea at the gallery’s café.

Across the road from the gallery you will find The Royal Botanic Garden; a lush green oasis in the heart of the city. Opened in 1816, this heritage-listed garden is 30-hectares in size and is the oldest scientific institution in Australia. You will have the remainder of the afternoon at leisure to connect with nature as you walk through the garden pathways, while discovering hundreds of plant varieties as the sounds of local birds and wildlife surround you. The garden also leads to the harbor foreshore where you can choose to relax and watch as the sun sets beyond the horizon.

The remainder of the evening is yours to enjoy on your own.

Dinner is on your own.

DAY 3

After breakfast, board your coach for a journey to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Further enhance your Aboriginal knowledge during this three-hour cultural tour. Walk the land of this World Heritage Listed forest as your traditional guide explains how ancestors cared for the land. Come across caves with historic engravings and learn how to read this cultural art as you listen to dreamtime stories.

You’ll have the opportunity to ask your guide any questions following the tour as you enjoy a BBQ lunch featuring Australian meats and fish, salads and freshly made Damper with tea and coffee.

Your journey continues to Broken Bay, home to the finest Pearl Farm on the east coast of Australia. Explore the Shellar Door before a cruise to the close-by farm on the Hawkesbury River. Here, you will harvest some pearls and learn to grade your findings following your return. Conclude your day with an oyster tasting before the drive back to your hotel and an evening at leisure. Dinner is on your own.

DAY 4

Following breakfast at the hotel, check-out and reunite with your tour guide for a short transfer to The Rocks – a historic area of Sydney's city center located in the shadows of the Sydney Harbor Bridge. Wrap up your Cultural Sydney program with one final tour here, this time, a walk around the district that will uncover the hidden gems and stories known to the Aboriginal people of this area.

In time, you will transfer to the port and board the cruise ship.

Land Program Details Step by Step

•The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. Program times are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.

•Itineraries with the up-to-date details will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive a final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review the letter and your final itinerary carefully for further amendments.

•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.

•Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.

Extra Nights

•If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be met as per the flight details provided and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is 3:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast, as well as activities, are on your own until day 2 of the program.

•If you have an early-arriving flight, you may wish to book an extra night as your room will not be ready for occupation until approximately 3:00pm.

•If you book extra nights on your own, transfers are not included.

DAY 1

AM Arrive at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport.

You are met outside customs by a group leader or driver and transferred to your hotel to spend the afternoon and the evening at your leisure.

Check in time at your hotel is 3pm. Although every effort will be made to have rooms available sooner, this cannot be guaranteed.

Overnight at the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park or similar hotel

Meet and Greet and transfers

•Final cruise documents will be emailed 21 days prior to sailing. The local ground agent’s telephone number will be on page 1, if you can’t locate the meet-and-greet representative upon arrival. Be aware that the representative may be assisting others and may not be in sight when you first exit Customs and the luggage claim area.

•Look for someone holding a sign with the cruise line logo and possibly your name. If in doubt, ask the airport staff to direct you to the meeting area for transfers or to page our representative.

•Meet and Greet and transfers are arranged for guests arriving on Day 1 of a land program or for extra nights booked through the cruise line and are arranged based on the flight details received by guests at least 14 days before sailing. Guests arriving independently before the program start date will not have a transfer included.

•If we have not received your flight details or your flights have changed, and the Destination Services Land Team has not been notified, then a transfer cannot be provided, and guests will be responsible for getting to the land program hotel at their own expense. Please immediately contact our Reservations Department for any flight changes before departure.

DAY 2

From 6:30am Breakfast included at the hotel

9:00am Guests depart by coach for Circular Quay and board ferry to Goat Island

9:30am Me-Mel (Goat Island) Tour

11:30am Guests depart Circular Quay and transfer to Bondi Beach

12:15pm Lunch at North Bondi RSL and time to explore independently

2:00pm Transfer to Art Gallery of New South Wales

2:45pm Aboriginal Art Tour and afternoon tea

4:15pm Free time to explore Royal Botanic Garden or return to hotel for afternoon/evening at leisure

Dinner on own

Overnight at the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park or similar hotel

DAY 3

From 6:30am Breakfast included at the hotel

8:30am Depart for Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park

10:00am The Basin Track Aboriginal Site Tour and BBQ lunch

1:30pm Depart Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park for Broken Bay

2:45pm Broken Bay Pearl Farm Tour and Oyster Tasting

5:15pm Return to hotel

6:00pm Arrive back at the hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at own leisure

Dinner on own

Overnight at the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park or similar hotel

DAY 4

From 6:30am Breakfast included at the hotel

9:45am Check-out and transfer to The Rocks

10:30am Dreamtime Rocks Walking Tour

12:00pm Transfer to the ship for embarkation

Expected Weather:

The approximate temperature will be 18°C - 26°C or 64°F - 79°F

What to Bring:

Guests should bring layered clothing as although this is summer, nights near the harbor can get cool

Good walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, camera, chargers, and a jacket in case of cooler temperatures.

Currency:

AUD

USD are not accepted here

Electricity:

Australian electricity voltage for domestic use is 220-240 volts. We recommend bringing a universal travel converter for electric devices.

Documents and Visa Requirements:

All guests must have an Australian tourist visa to enter the country. Guests should check with their embassy for entry requirements for their nationality. A valid passport is also required.

Hotel addresses:

Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park

161 Elizabeth Street, Sydney NSW 2000

Phone: +61 2 9286 6000

*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotel listed in this program.

Program Includes for guests:

•Transfer from airport to hotel on Day 1

•All touring mentioned above

•3 nights at the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park or similar hotel (Grand Executive Hyde Park Room with Club Lounge access)

•Porterage

•Three breakfasts

•Two lunches with non-alcoholic beverages

Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.

Program Excludes for guests:

•Any meals or beverages not listed above

•Gratuities for drivers and guides

•Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service

•Visa Fees

Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing, hats, sunglasses, and flat comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.

Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program. Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released. Arrangements for accommodation and transfers will be at the expense of guests.

More Details
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to availability.

PRE - CULTURAL SYDNEY - 2022-24

Immerse yourself into the history of Sydney with this four-day program. Experience Aboriginal culture through the land, and it’s history through the arts. Meander through Australia’s great outdoors as you discover its forests, gardens, and sea.

DAY 1

After flying into the Sydney International Airport, you will be met after Customs and luggage claim and transferred to your hotel, where you will spend the next three evenings. Check in is at 3:00pm. Although all efforts will be made to have your room available upon your arrival, this cannot be guaranteed. Should you have an early arriving flight you may wish to book an extra night so your room is ready upon arrival. You also have the option of leaving your belongings with the Concierge so you can start exploring the city until your room is ready.

The remainder of the day will be at your leisure, allowing you to do whatever you wish. You might settle in at the hotel or consult with the hospitality desk for suggestions on what to see nearby. If you’ve never experienced it, this may be the perfect opportunity to take in a performance at the iconic Sydney Opera House.

Your hotel is centrally located in the heart of Sydney’s retail and business districts. It makes a great base for exploring the iconic attractions, boutique shopping, fine restaurants, cafés and nightlife that define Australia's capital.

Your room includes Club Lounge Access with these amenities: Private access floor, complimentary food including continental breakfast and hors d'oeuvres, high-Speed Wi-Fi, complimentary cocktails, complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, complimentary business services, complimentary pressing of 2 garments per stay.

Meals are on your own today.

DAY 2

Following breakfast this morning, board your luxury coach to Circular Quay. Here you will ride a classic fast ferry to Goat Island. Known to Aboriginal people as Me-Mel, this island is the largest in Sydney Harbor and boasts magnificent views of this incredible city. Your Indigenous experience will commence with a traditional welcome ceremony before having the opportunity to observe and participate in a performance workshop.

Next, you will enjoy a tour around the island as your guide showcases the native flora and explains the uses of traditional artefacts during a demonstration workshop. You will appreciate the history surrounding this island and its importance to the local Aboriginal community.

Upon your return to Circular Quay, re-board your coach and travel to Australia’s most famous beach, Bondi. Here you will enjoy lunch at North Bondi RSL, overlooking the golden sand and crashing waves of Bondi Beach. Take advantage of some free time to stroll through the local area, indulge in some boutique shopping or simply sit by the shore as your senses soak up the sun, sand and sea.

Continue this afternoon to the Art Gallery of New South Wales. A spectacular collection of Aboriginal art resides here, and you will be taken on a private tour with a guide specializing in these unique pieces. Following your experience, discuss your days learnings with your group as you enjoy a light afternoon tea at the gallery’s café.

Across the road from the gallery you will find The Royal Botanic Garden; a lush green oasis in the heart of the city. Opened in 1816, this heritage-listed garden is 30-hectares in size and is the oldest scientific institution in Australia. You will have the remainder of the afternoon at leisure to connect with nature as you walk through the garden pathways, while discovering hundreds of plant varieties as the sounds of local birds and wildlife surround you. The garden also leads to the harbor foreshore where you can choose to relax and watch as the sun sets beyond the horizon.

The remainder of the evening is yours to enjoy on your own.

Dinner is on your own.

DAY 3

After breakfast, board your coach for a journey to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Further enhance your Aboriginal knowledge during this three-hour cultural tour. Walk the land of this World Heritage Listed forest as your traditional guide explains how ancestors cared for the land. Come across caves with historic engravings and learn how to read this cultural art as you listen to dreamtime stories.

You’ll have the opportunity to ask your guide any questions following the tour as you enjoy a BBQ lunch featuring Australian meats and fish, salads and freshly made Damper with tea and coffee.

Your journey continues to Broken Bay, home to the finest Pearl Farm on the east coast of Australia. Explore the Shellar Door before a cruise to the close-by farm on the Hawkesbury River. Here, you will harvest some pearls and learn to grade your findings following your return. Conclude your day with an oyster tasting before the drive back to your hotel and an evening at leisure. Dinner is on your own.

DAY 4

Following breakfast at the hotel, check-out and reunite with your tour guide for a short transfer to The Rocks – a historic area of Sydney's city center located in the shadows of the Sydney Harbor Bridge. Wrap up your Cultural Sydney program with one final tour here, this time, a walk around the district that will uncover the hidden gems and stories known to the Aboriginal people of this area.

In time, you will transfer to the port and board the cruise ship.

Land Program Details Step by Step

•The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. Program times are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.

•Itineraries with the up-to-date details will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive a final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review the letter and your final itinerary carefully for further amendments.

•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.

•Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.

Extra Nights

•If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be met as per the flight details provided and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is 3:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast, as well as activities, are on your own until day 2 of the program.

•If you have an early-arriving flight, you may wish to book an extra night as your room will not be ready for occupation until approximately 3:00pm.

•If you book extra nights on your own, transfers are not included.

DAY 1

AM Arrive at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport.

You are met outside customs by a group leader or driver and transferred to your hotel to spend the afternoon and the evening at your leisure.

Check in time at your hotel is 3pm. Although every effort will be made to have rooms available sooner, this cannot be guaranteed.

Overnight at the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park or similar hotel

Meet and Greet and transfers

•Final cruise documents will be emailed 21 days prior to sailing. The local ground agent’s telephone number will be on page 1, if you can’t locate the meet-and-greet representative upon arrival. Be aware that the representative may be assisting others and may not be in sight when you first exit Customs and the luggage claim area.

•Look for someone holding a sign with the cruise line logo and possibly your name. If in doubt, ask the airport staff to direct you to the meeting area for transfers or to page our representative.

•Meet and Greet and transfers are arranged for guests arriving on Day 1 of a land program or for extra nights booked through the cruise line and are arranged based on the flight details received by guests at least 14 days before sailing. Guests arriving independently before the program start date will not have a transfer included.

•If we have not received your flight details or your flights have changed, and the Destination Services Land Team has not been notified, then a transfer cannot be provided, and guests will be responsible for getting to the land program hotel at their own expense. Please immediately contact our Reservations Department for any flight changes before departure.

DAY 2

From 6:30am Breakfast included at the hotel

9:00am Guests depart by coach for Circular Quay and board ferry to Goat Island

9:30am Me-Mel (Goat Island) Tour

11:30am Guests depart Circular Quay and transfer to Bondi Beach

12:15pm Lunch at North Bondi RSL and time to explore independently

2:00pm Transfer to Art Gallery of New South Wales

2:45pm Aboriginal Art Tour and afternoon tea

4:15pm Free time to explore Royal Botanic Garden or return to hotel for afternoon/evening at leisure

Dinner on own

Overnight at the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park or similar hotel

DAY 3

From 6:30am Breakfast included at the hotel

8:30am Depart for Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park

10:00am The Basin Track Aboriginal Site Tour and BBQ lunch

1:30pm Depart Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park for Broken Bay

2:45pm Broken Bay Pearl Farm Tour and Oyster Tasting

5:15pm Return to hotel

6:00pm Arrive back at the hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at own leisure

Dinner on own

Overnight at the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park or similar hotel

DAY 4

From 6:30am Breakfast included at the hotel

9:45am Check-out and transfer to The Rocks

10:30am Dreamtime Rocks Walking Tour

12:00pm Transfer to the ship for embarkation

Expected Weather:

The approximate temperature will be 18°C - 26°C or 64°F - 79°F

What to Bring:

Guests should bring layered clothing as although this is summer, nights near the harbor can get cool

Good walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, camera, chargers, and a jacket in case of cooler temperatures.

Currency:

AUD

USD are not accepted here

Electricity:

Australian electricity voltage for domestic use is 220-240 volts. We recommend bringing a universal travel converter for electric devices.

Documents and Visa Requirements:

All guests must have an Australian tourist visa to enter the country. Guests should check with their embassy for entry requirements for their nationality. A valid passport is also required.

Hotel addresses:

Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park

161 Elizabeth Street, Sydney NSW 2000

Phone: +61 2 9286 6000

*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotel listed in this program.

Program Includes for guests:

•Transfer from airport to hotel on Day 1

•All touring mentioned above

•3 nights at the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park or similar hotel (Grand Executive Hyde Park Room with Club Lounge access)

•Porterage

•Three breakfasts

•Two lunches with non-alcoholic beverages

Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.

Program Excludes for guests:

•Any meals or beverages not listed above

•Gratuities for drivers and guides

•Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service

•Visa Fees

Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing, hats, sunglasses, and flat comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.

Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program. Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released. Arrangements for accommodation and transfers will be at the expense of guests.

More Details
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to availability.

PRE: BLUE MOUNTAINS: SCENIC JOURNEY

Travel two hours from Sydney to the magical, World Heritage, Blue Mountains. Enjoy stunning vistas and breathtaking scenery as it unfolds around you when you visit Scenic World, Mt. Tomah Botanical Gardens and King’s Tableland. Also enjoy an informative and easy hike with a National Park Ranger who will relay Dreamtime stories of the Aboriginals who first settled in this area.

DAY 1

Upon arrival to Sydney International Airport, you will be greeted by a private chauffeur who will transfer you to your hotel in the heart of the Sydney city centre.

Check in is at 3:00pm. Although every effort will be made to have rooms available before this time, this cannot be guaranteed. Guests may leave their luggage with the bell captain and use the facilities of the hotel or venture out into the city should your room not be available upon arrival. Alternatively, guests may purchase an extra night to guarantee a ready room upon arrival.

Meals are on your own today.

DAY 2

Following a hearty breakfast at your hotel you will begin your adventure to the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains National Park. Your guide will meet you this morning at the Harrington Street Entrance (Level 3) of your hotel, and give you an introduction to the best of what the Blue Mountains has to offer.

Your first stop of the day is at Calmsley Hill City Farm; a working farm also home to Kangaroos, Emus, Wombats and Koalas. Enjoy morning tea here and time to wander at your leisure.

From Calmsley Hill City Farm we continue to the Blue Mountains via the Bells Line of Road. Our journey has us travelling via Richmond, Windsor and Kurrajong before passing by the beautiful orchards of Bilpin. We arrive mid-morning at the Mt. Tomah Botanical Gardens. Sitting at 850 meters above sea level, the Mt. Tomah Botanical Gardens are the most elevated gardens in Australia. You can enjoy an expertly curated walk through the gardens and interpretation centre.

A scenic drive through the picturesque Mt Wilson as we make our way around to Blackheath, stopping enroute to enjoy stunning views from Govetts Leap Lookout.

Our lunch venue is the historic Hydro Majestic Hotel with stunning views across the valley. Here in the gorgeous Boilerhouse Café (or similar), we enjoy a 2-course lunch with one beverage per person.

From here, it is then on to Scenic World, renowned for providing the ultimate Blue Mountains adventure - from native birdlife and mountain fresh air, to breathtaking views of the World Heritage-listed region including the Three Sisters, Katoomba Falls and Jamison Valley. Your options here include taking a journey on the world's steepest incline railway, glide between clifftops on the glass-floored Skyway suspended 270 metres in the air, descend into the ancient Jamison Valley by Cableway or explore Jurassic rainforest along the 2.4 kilometres walkway - the longest boardwalk in Australia.

After this amazing day, you will arrive at Lilianfels Resort & Spa, perched at the edge of the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains.

DAY 3

Begin your day with breakfast at your hotel prior to departing for a visit to the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park, home of the famous Three Sisters in Katoomba.

Upon arrival you will be joined by a Ranger who will share stories and explain the ancient traditions of one of the world’s oldest living cultures. You will even have a chance to taste the local Bushtucker. For those that want to stretch their legs, you can join the ranger for a short hike and take in the sights and smells of the Australian bush. Learn about bush foods and medicines and even taste the local Bushtucker which was used as sustenance by the Indigenous and Aboriginal Australians.

Return to your hotel via the picturesque town of Leura where you will have some time to explore the village at leisure before arriving back at Lilianfels Resort and Spa in the late afternoon. The evening is at your leisure and dinner is on your own.

DAY 4

Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel before boarding your vehicle for the journey back to Sydney and your awaiting ship. En-route, travel past the beautiful orchards of Bilpin and Kurrajong and as you travel down the Mountains, phenomenal views of Sydney will unveil themselves.

Land Program Details Step by Step

•The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. Program times are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.

•Itineraries with the up-to-date details will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive a final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review the letter and your final itinerary carefully for further amendments.

•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.

•Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.

Extra Nights

•All extra nights booked through the cruise line are confirmed at the hotel that is used on the FIRST NIGHT of your land program

•If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be met as per the flight details provided and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is 3:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast, as well as activities, are on your own until day 2 of the program.

•If you have an early-arriving flight, you may wish to book an extra night as your room will not be ready for occupation until approximately 3:00pm.

•If you book extra nights on your own, transfers are not included.

DAY 1

Arrive at the Sydney International airport outside customs where you will be met and transferred to your hotel

3:00pm - check-in at your hotel.

Although every effort will be made to have rooms available as soon as possible, this cannot be guaranteed unless

an extra night is purchased.

Overnight at the Four Seasons or similar hotel

Meet and Greet and transfers

•Final cruise documents will be emailed 21 days prior to sailing. The local ground agent’s telephone number will be on page 1, if you can’t locate the meet-and-greet representative upon arrival. Be aware that the representative may be assisting others and may not be in sight when you first exit Customs and the luggage claim area.

•Look for someone holding a sign with the cruise line logo and possibly your name. If in doubt, ask the airport staff to direct you to the meeting area for transfers or to page our representative.

•Meet and Greet and transfers are arranged for guests arriving on Day 1 of a land program or for extra nights booked through the cruise line and are arranged based on the flight details received by guests at least 14 days before sailing. Guests arriving independently before the program start date will not have a transfer included.

•If we have not received your flight details or your flights have changed, and the Destination Services Land Team has not been notified, then a transfer cannot be provided, and guests will be responsible for getting to the land program hotel at their own expense. Please immediately contact our Reservations Department for any flight changes before departure.

DAY 2

6:30am Breakfast at your hotel

7:30am Guide pick-up in the hotel lobby

8:30am Arrive at Calmsley Farm

10:15am Tour of Mt. Tomah Botanical Gardens

12:30pm Lunch at the Boilerhouse Café, Hydro Majestic Hotel

2:30pm Arrive at Scenic World and experience all it has to offer

3:30pm Visit remote lookouts

5:00pm Arrive at Lilianfels Resort and Spa and check in

Remainder of the day at leisure, dinner on your own

Overnight at Lilianfels Resort and Spa or similar

DAY 3

7:00am Breakfast at your hotel

7:30am Meet your guide in the Lilianfels Resort and Spa lobby

8:30am Arrive at Blue Mountains National Park

8:40am Ranger experience - Bushtucker, Dreamtime stories and tracking, short hike

12:00pm Picnic lunch

1:00pm Return to hotel via Leura

1:30pm Free time in Leura

2:30pm Return to your hotel – afternoon and evening at leisure

Dinner on own

Overnight at Lilianfels Resort and Spa or similar

DAY 4

7:00am Breakfast at your hotel

8:45am Hotel check out

9:00am Drive to Sydney and the port via Bilpin and Kurrajong

11:30am Approximate arrival at the ship for embarkation

Expected Weather

Maximum of 20-24ºC (68-75.2ºF), Minimum of 9-13ºC (48.2-55.4ºF)

What to Bring

Comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for daytime use. For nighttime bring along a jacket or sweater, and long pants. Be sure to bring a camera for all of the scenic stops!

Local Currency

Australian Dollars (AUD)

Electricity

Adaptors will not be provided at this hotel, you will need to bring the appropriate socket adaptor. Please be advised that Australian outlets operate at 230V – 50Hz, whereas North American outlets tend to operate at 120V-60Hz. Ensure that your electronic appliances are compatible with 230V-50Hz or use electronics with a voltage converter.

Luggage information

There are no luggage restrictions for this tour with the exception of excessive luggage (should you have greater than 4 suitcases per person, a larger transfer vehicle will be required, and a surcharge would apply)

Documents and Visa Requirements

Please check with your local embassy for necessary documents and visa requirements for travel in Australia.

Hotel addresses:

Four Seasons

199 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000

Phone: +61 2 9250 3100

Lilianfels Resort and Spa

5-19 Lilianfels Avenue, Katoomba NSW 2780

Phone: +61 2 4780 1200

*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.

Program Includes:

•1 night at the Four Seasons Hotel in Sydney or similar hotel (run of house room)

•2 nights at Lilianfels Resort and Spa or similar hotel (run of house room)

•3 breakfasts and 2 lunches

•Transfers and tours including entrance fees per the itinerary

Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.

Program Excludes:

•Any meals or beverages not mentioned in the tour program

•Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service, spa services etc.

•Gratuities for drivers and guides

•Early check-in

Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing, hats, sunglasses, and flat comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.

Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program. Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released. Arrangements for accommodation and transfers will be at the expense of guests.

More Details
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to availability.

PRE - SCENIC BLUE MOUNTAINS- 2022-24

Travel two hours from Sydney to the magical, World Heritage, Blue Mountains. Enjoy stunning vistas and breathtaking scenery as it unfolds around you when you visit Scenic World, Mt. Tomah Botanical Gardens and King’s Tableland. Also enjoy an informative and easy hike with a National Park Ranger who will relay Dreamtime stories of the Aboriginals who first settled in this area.

DAY 1

Upon arrival to Sydney International Airport, you will be greeted by a private chauffeur who will transfer you to your hotel in the heart of the Sydney city centre.

Check in is at 3:00pm. Although every effort will be made to have rooms available before this time, this cannot be guaranteed. Guests may leave their luggage with the bell captain and use the facilities of the hotel or venture out into the city should your room not be available upon arrival. Alternatively, guests may purchase an extra night to guarantee a ready room upon arrival.

Meals are on your own today.

DAY 2

Following a hearty breakfast at your hotel you will begin your adventure to the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains National Park. Your guide will meet you this morning in the lobby of your hotel, and give you an introduction to the best of what the Blue Mountains has to offer.

Your first stop of the day is at Calmsley Hill; a working farm also home to Kangaroos, Emus, Wombats and Koalas. Enjoy morning tea here and time to wander at your leisure.

From Calmsley Hill, continue to ascend the Blue Mountains via the highway. At the western edge of the Blue Mountains, Kings Tableland affords one of the best views in the Blue Mountains and is home to Wentworth Falls. At the falls, your guide will take you on a 30-minute walk with stunning views of one of the most iconic views of the Jamison Valley.

From here, it is then on to Scenic World, renowned for providing the ultimate Blue Mountains adventure - from native birdlife and mountain fresh air, to breathtaking views of the World Heritage-listed region including the Three Sisters, Katoomba Falls and Jamison Valley. Your options here include taking a journey on the world's steepest incline railway, glide between clifftops on the glass-floored Skyway suspended 270 metres in the air, descend into the ancient Jamison Valley by Cableway or explore Jurassic rainforest along the 2.4 kilometres walkway - the longest boardwalk in Australia.

Rejoining your vehicle, continue towards Mt. Victoria and take in the views of the Bells Line of Road before enjoying a stroll in the beautiful English styled gardens at Mount Wilson. Sitting at 850 meters above sea level, the Mt. Tomah Botanical Gardens are the most elevated gardens in Australia.

Here you will first enjoy a relaxing one course light lunch with beverage of choice. After lunch, you can enjoy an expertly curated walk through the gardens and interpretation center.

After this amazing day, you will arrive at the historic Carrington Hotel. Set on top of the mountain ridges of Katoomba, this Grand Old Lady of the west has been welcoming guests to the Blue Mountains for decades.

The evening is at your leisure and dinner is on your own.

DAY 3

Begin your day with breakfast at your hotel prior to departing for a visit to the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park, home of the famous Three Sisters in Katoomba.

Upon arrival you will be joined by a Ranger who will share stories and explain the ancient traditions of one of the world’s oldest living cultures. You will even have a chance to taste the local Bushtucker. For those that want to stretch their legs, you can join the ranger for a short hike and take in the sights and smells of the Australian bush. Learn about bush foods and medicines and even taste the local Bushtucker which was used as sustenance by the Indigenous and Aboriginal Australians.

Return to your hotel via the picturesque town of Leura where you will have some time to explore the village at leisure before arriving back at the Carrington Hotel in the late afternoon. The evening is at your leisure and dinner is on your own.

Day 4

Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel before boarding your vehicle for the journey back to Sydney and your awaiting ship. En-route, travel past the beautiful orchards of Bilpin and Kurrajong and as you travel down the Mountains, phenomenal views of Sydney will unveil themselves.

Land Program Details Step by Step

•The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. Program times are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.

•Itineraries with the up-to-date details will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive a final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review the letter and your final itinerary carefully for further amendments.

•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.

•Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.

Extra Nights

•If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be met as per the flight details provided and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is 3:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast, as well as activities, are on your own until day 2 of the program.

•If you have an early-arriving flight, you may wish to book an extra night as your room will not be ready for occupation until approximately 3:00pm.

•If you book extra nights on your own, transfers are not included.

DAY 1

Arrive at the Sydney International airport outside customs where you will be met and transferred to your hotel

3:00pm - check-in at your hotel.

Although every effort will be made to have rooms available as soon as possible, this cannot be guaranteed unless

an extra night is purchased.

Overnight at the Four Seasons or similar hotel

Meet and Greet and transfers

•Final cruise documents will be emailed 21 days prior to sailing. The local ground agent’s telephone number will be on page 1, if you can’t locate the meet-and-greet representative upon arrival. Be aware that the representative may be assisting others and may not be in sight when you first exit Customs and the luggage claim area.

•Look for someone holding a sign with the cruise line logo and possibly your name. If in doubt, ask the airport staff to direct you to the meeting area for transfers or to page our representative.

•Meet and Greet and transfers are arranged for guests arriving on Day 1 of a land program or for extra nights booked through the cruise line and are arranged based on the flight details received by guests at least 14 days before sailing. Guests arriving independently before the program start date will not have a transfer included.

•If we have not received your flight details or your flights have changed, and the Destination Services Land Team has not been notified, then a transfer cannot be provided, and guests will be responsible for getting to the land program hotel at their own expense. Please immediately contact our Reservations Department for any flight changes before departure.

DAY 2

7:00am Breakfast at your hotel

7:30am Guide pick-up in the hotel lobby

8:30am Arrive at Calmsley Farm

10:15am Tours with a view; Yarramundi, Wentworth Falls, The Three Sisters

11:15am Arrive at Scenic World and experience all it has to offer

1:00pm Light lunch

2:00pm Tour of Mt. Tomah Botanical Gardens

3:30pm Visit remote lookouts

5:00pm Arrive to the Carrington Hotel and check in

Remainder of the day at leisure, dinner on your own

Overnight at the Carrington Hotel or similar

DAY 3

7:00am Breakfast at your hotel

7:30am Meet your guide in the Carrington Hotel lobby

8:30am Arrive at Blue Mountains National Park

8:40am Ranger experience - Bushtucker, Dreamtime stories and tracking, short hike

12:00pm Picnic lunch

1:00pm Return to hotel via Leura

1:30pm Free time in Leura

2:30pm Return to your hotel – afternoon and evening at leisure

Dinner on own

Overnight at the Carrington Hotel or similar

DAY 4

7:00am Breakfast at your hotel

8:45am Hotel check out

9:00am Drive to Sydney and the port via Bilpin and Kurrajong

11:30am Approximate arrival at the ship for embarkation

Expected Weather

Maximum of 20-24ºC (68-75.2ºF), Minimum of 9-13ºC (48.2-55.4ºF)

What to Bring

Comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for daytime use. For nighttime bring along a jacket or sweater, and long pants. Be sure to bring a camera for all of the scenic stops!

Local Currency

Australian Dollars (AUD)

Electricity

Adaptors will not be provided at this hotel, you will need to bring the appropriate socket adaptor. Please be advised that Australian outlets operate at 230V – 50Hz, whereas North American outlets tend to operate at 120V-60Hz. Ensure that your electronic appliances are compatible with 230V-50Hz or use electronics with a voltage converter.

Luggage information

There are no luggage restrictions for this tour with the exception of excessive luggage (should you have greater than 4 suitcases per person, a larger transfer vehicle will be required, and a surcharge would apply)

Documents and Visa Requirements

Please check with your local embassy for necessary documents and visa requirements for travel in Australia.

Hotel addresses:

Four Seasons

199 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000

Phone: +61 2 9250 3100

Carrington Hotel

15-47 Katoomba Street, Katoomba Blue Mountains, NSW 2780

Phone: +61 2 4782 1111

*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.

Program Includes:

•1 night at the Four Seasons Hotel in Sydney or similar hotel (run of house room)

•2 nights at the Carrington Hotel in Katoomba or similar hotel (run of house room)

•3 breakfasts and 2 lunches

•Transfers and tours including entrance fees per the itinerary

Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.

Program Excludes:

•Any meals or beverages not mentioned in the tour program

•Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service, spa services etc.

•Gratuities for drivers and guides

•Early check-in

Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing, hats, sunglasses, and flat comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.

Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program. Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released. Arrangements for accommodation and transfers will be at the expense of guests.

More Details
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to availability.

OVLD:MAJESTIC URULU & THE GREAT BARRIER REEF

Enjoy the ultimate outback adventure at the luxurious Longitude 131° campsite, an exclusive and ideal setting to view sacred Uluru or Ayers Rock before travelling onto the tropical north Queensland city of Cairns for amazing access to the Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. This is truly the opportunity to explore the very best of Australia.

Special Note: Any guests travelling with Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour.

DAY 1

Depart the ship in Sydney in the afternoon allowing you time to take part in the ships Shore Excursion program throughout the day. This evening you will check into your Four Seasons hotel room before enjoying dinner in house to allow time to get to know each other and your local expert host that will spend the next week showcasing the best Australia has to offer.

DAY 2

This morning following breakfast, transfer to Sydney airport and begin your adventure to the red center and the world-famous Uluru.

Arriving at the Uluru airport, transfer to your resort for some free time to enjoy the facilities followed by lunch.

While settling into your luxurious tented pavilion at Longitude 131, you will be treated to magnificent views as the light shifts and changes over Uluru. Each luxury tent is elevated atop rust-red dunes and includes fine organic linens and king-size beds. During your free time, you may wish to observe the sights and sounds of the desert along one of the circular walking tracks or simply relax by the swimming pool with a refreshing beverage.

Later in the afternoon, head to the Field of Light where you will witness the sun set over Uluru followed by the magical light display topped off with dinner under the stars.

Field of Light is Bruce Munro’s internationally acclaimed art phenomenon. As you wander through the installation, it will appear to bloom and sway as darkness descends over Australia’s spiritual heartland. The solar-powered exhibition lights up the outback in a spectacular fashion.

The evening seamlessly segues into an exclusive dining event at Table 131° among the dunes. While listening to the mesmerizing night sounds of the desert, you will feast on four delicious courses matched with the finest Australian wines. After dinner, Longitude’s resident astronomer will regale you with tales of the southerly constellations. (The operation of Table 131° is subject to weather and climatic conditions.)

Return to your hotel for the evening after this extraordinary event.

DAY 3

Another early wakeup is required as you will head out for a guided walk at sunrise through Walpa Gorge and the many heads of Kata Tjuta and discover how eons of weathering and continental upheaval have created today’s landscape.

Returning to your hotel, take some time for breakfast and to relax before heading out on an afternoon journey to the base of Uluru to learn about the history of the ancestral Mala people on the Mala Walk.

At dusk, enter Kantju Gorge illuminated in the light of the setting sun for evening drinks and canapés.

Dinner will be back at base camp enjoying the view from the Dune Top.

DAY 4

Following breakfast, check out and drive to the airport for your flight to the tropical city of Cairns.

On arrival to Cairns you will be taken to a waterfront restaurant for a late lunch while your bags are taken to the hotel and placed in your rooms.

Following lunch, the remainder of the day will be at your leisure to enjoy the resort and the beautiful esplanade with perhaps the thought of heading into town for a taste of the Cairns nightlife or night market activity. Tonight you will be staying at the Crystalbrook Riley resort. Dinner is on your own this evening.

DAY 5

Following breakfast at your hotel it is time to experience the magnificent Great Barrier Reef onboard the vessel the Evolution where you will be treated to great service and knowledge to maximize the immersion of this World Heritage listed site.

Following your full day reef tour, dinner tonight will be served at one of Crystalbrooks fine restaurants to take in the flavors of the region.

DAY 6

Following breakfast head north to visit Mossman Gorge for an insight into the indigenous lands and culture through a guided ranger walk through the tropical rainforest.

Following your interactive visit and driving down the coast back towards Cairns stop into Hartley’s for lunch and the opportunity to come up close and personal to Australia’s wildlife including the Salt Water Crocodile, the Koala, snakes and many other native species.

With a full mind of culture and nature it is time to return to Cairns for an evening of leisure. Dinner is on your own this evening, take it easy with dinner in the hotel at your own pace or perhaps head into town to experience one of the many fantastic restaurants.

DAY 7

Following breakfast and after checking out of your hotel, depart for a visit up into the rainforest on the world famous Skyrail.

Enjoying the 1 ½ hour cable car ride stop at the 2 locations along the way to walk the boardwalks through this ancient landscape before having time in the village of Karanda to meander the stores before heading back to Cairns to rejoin your awaiting ship.

Land Program Step by Step:

Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.

DAY 1

5:00pm Depart the ship in Sydney and transfer to your hotel

5:30pm Check-in at the hotel

7:00pm Dinner at the hotel

Overnight at the Four Seasons Hotel or similar

DAY 2 – timings subject to change based on actual flight times

6:00am Check out and drive to the airport

9:00am Flight to Uluru (flight details TBA and subject to change)

12:30pm Arrive at Uluru

1:00pm Transfer to the resort

1:30pm Lunch at Longitude

2:00pm Check-in at the hotel

4:00pm Depart for an Uluru sunset

6:30pm Field of Light Experience

7:30pm Dinner under the stars

Overnight at Longitude 131 Hotel or similar

DAY 3

6:00am Breakfast at the hotel

7:30am Depart for a guided walk through Walpa Gorge

11:30am Lunch and time to relax

4:00pm Depart for visit to Kantju Gorge and base walk around Uluru

7:00pm Dinner served back at your hotel

Overnight at Longitude 131 Hotel or similar

DAY 4 – timings subject to change based on actual flight times

8:00am Breakfast at your hotel

10:00am Check out and drive to the airport for flight to Cairns

TBA Flight to Cairns (flight details TBA and subject to change)

1:15pm Arrive at Cairns airport to drive to the city

1:30pm Lunch on the waterfront at local restaurant

3:30pm Check in to the hotel for afternoon and evening at your leisure.

Dinner on your own

Overnight at Crystalbrook Riley Hotel or similar

DAY 5

7:00am Breakfast at your hotel

8:00am Transfer to the wharf for the Great Barrier Reef experience

4:30pm Return to the wharf and transfer to the hotel

6:00pm Walk to the restaurant for tastes of the region

Overnight at Crystalbrook Riley Hotel or similar

DAY 6

7:00am Breakfast at your hotel

8:00am Depart the hotel to Mossman with a coffee stop at Ellis Beach

10:00am Arrive to Mossman for your guided rainforest aboriginal experience

12:00pm Depart Mossman for Hartley’s

12:45pm Lunch at Hartley’s

2:00pm Explore the magnificent wildlife park

5:00pm Depart for return drive to Cairns

6:15pm Arrive to Cairns for an evening at your leisure

Dinner on your own

Overnight at Crystalbrook Riley Hotel or similar

DAY 7

7:00am Breakfast at your hotel

8:30am Transfer to the Skyrail

9:00am Skyrail cable car experience

10:30am Time in Kuranda village

12:00pm Depart Kuranda for drive to cairns

12:30pm Arrive to the port to rejoin your ship

Expected Weather:

68-92° Fahrenheit

20-34° Celsius

Nights and mornings can be quite cool.

What to Bring:

It is very hot in the red center and in tropical Cairns so we recommended to bring sun safe clothing and comfortable shoes.

Fly protection will be provided should it be needed as flies can be a problem at certain times. Light loose clothing, warm sweater or jacket for early mornings and evenings, hat, sunscreen, bathing suit, camera, and charger.

Local Currency:

Australian Dollars. The U.S. dollar is not accepted. However, all major credit cards can be used.

Electricity:

Australia operates with 220 volts. Guests should bring a universal travel adaptor for electric devices.

Luggage information:

Guests are permitted to bring 1 piece of checked luggage per person with a maximum of 23kg / 50 lbs along with 1 small carry on weighing no more than 7kg / 15lbs max. I small personal item like a purse is also permitted.

Carriage of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has their own regulations)

1. Guests must obtain a Doctor’s Certificate mentioning their medical condition and the need to carry this equipment with them on their flights.

2. The certificate should have attached a picture of the equipment with its description/specifications especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or any other type)

3. These documents need to be sent to the Land Program Team via Reservations at OCI at least one month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).

4. Failure to comply with the above regulations may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which Oceania Cruises nor our local ground operator be responsible for.

Documents and Visa Requirements: A passport that is valid at least 6 months after travel is required.

Guests will need a visa to visit Australia. Please check with your local embassy for any visa requirements for your nationality for Australia.

VERY IMPORTANT

The name on your cruise booking, passport and any visas if required, must all be exactly the same for flight ticket purchase for this program otherwise guests may be denied travel by flight. Please ensure that all documents are identical in spelling to the names provided for your cruise reservation including first, middle and last name. Manifests generated by the cruise line must match your travel documents.

Failure to have the required documents ahead of time will result in denial of travel and guests will have to pay for any expenses incurred in order to not proceed with the program.

The above information is subject to change and serves as a guide only. We would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our guests that it is the ultimate and sole responsibility of the guest to ensure they meet the entry requirements for each destination.

If traveling internationally, the countries you are flying to and/ or connecting through may have different document requirements and as such we encourage you to visit the government and airport websites of every country you will be traveling to throughout the journey to familiarize yourself with their requirements.

Hotel address:

Crystalbrook Riley Hotel

131-141 Esplanade, Cairns QLD 4870, Australia

Phone: +61 7 4252 7777

Longitude 131 Hotel

Yulara Drive, Yulara NT 0872, Australia

Phone: +61 2 9918 4355

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

199 George Street Sydney

Phone: +61 2 9250 3100

Program Includes:

•1 night at Four Season Hotel in Sydney – breakfast included

•2 nights at Longitude 131 – meals and standard drinks included – Tented Pavillion room

•3 nights at Crystalbrook Riley Hotel – breakfast included

•One-way economy class flight from Sydney to Urulu – direct flights not guaranteed

•One-way economy class flight from Urulu to Cairns – direct flights not guaranteed

•Lunch on days 2-6

•Dinner on days 1-3 and day 5

•Field of Light experience and dinner under the stars

•Transfers as required

•A local guide to accompany the group throughout the program

•All tours, entrances, and excursions as per the itinerary

Program does not include:

• Gratuities to drivers and guides

• Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service

• Any meals or beverages not listed above

• Cellar Master beverage list at Longitude 131°

• Excess or overweight luggage fees for the flights

Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.

All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.

More Details

OVERLAND: ULURU EXPLORER(4-NTS)

Enjoy the ultimate outback adventure at the luxurious Longitude 131° campsite, an exclusive and ideal setting to watch the sunset and sunrise at Uluru, a massive sandstone monolith that changes colors throughout the day. Behold the soaring rock domes within the UNESCO World Heritage site Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. This is truly the opportunity to explore the very best of Australia.

Special Note: Any guests travelling with Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour.

DAY 1

Depart the ship in Sydney and transfer to the airport for your flight to Uluru.

Arriving at the Uluru airport, transfer to your resort for some free time to enjoy the facilities followed by lunch.

While settling into your luxurious tented pavilion at Longitude 131, you will be treated to magnificent views as the light shifts and changes over Uluru. Each luxury tent is elevated atop rust-red dunes and includes fine organic linens and king-size beds. During your free time, you may wish to observe the sights and sounds of the desert along one of the circular walking tracks or simply relax by the swimming pool with a refreshing beverage.

Later in the afternoon, head to the Field of Light where you will witness the sun set over Uluru followed by the magical light display topped off with dinner under the stars.

Field of Light is Bruce Munro’s internationally acclaimed art phenomenon. As you wander through the installation, it will appear to bloom and sway as darkness descends over Australia’s spiritual heartland. The solar-powered exhibition lights up the outback in a spectacular fashion.

The evening seamlessly segues into an exclusive dining event at Table 131° among the dunes. While listening to the mesmerizing night sounds of the desert, you will feast on four delicious courses matched with the finest Australian wines. After dinner, Longitude’s resident astronomer will regale you with tales of the southerly constellations. (The operation of Table 131° is subject to weather and climatic conditions.)

Return to your hotel for the evening after this extraordinary event.

DAY 2

Another early wakeup is required as you will head out for a guided walk at sunrise through Walpa Gorge and the many heads of Kata Tjuta and discover how eons of weathering and continental upheaval have created today’s landscape.

Returning to your hotel, take some time for breakfast and to relax before heading out on an afternoon journey to the base of Uluru to learn about the history of the ancestral Mala people on the Mala Walk.

At dusk, enter Kantju Gorge illuminated in the light of the setting sun for evening drinks and canapés.

Dinner will be back at base camp enjoying the view from the Dune Top.

DAY 3

This morning the Mutitjulu Meander takes in a peaceful waterhole at the base of Uluru as the sun rises over the ancient monolith. Delve into the local Indigenous Dreaming story of Kuniya Piti for a deeper connection.

Returning to the accommodation, it is time to relax where you could take a dip in the pool or plunge spa, lounge on your balcony with a good book or consider a visit to Spa Kinara for a rejuvenating treatment.?Additional charges apply.

This evening savor sundowners overlooking the outback icons before a four-course dinner enjoyed in the ambience of the Dune House

DAY 4

Rise early for a sunrise walk or enjoy a sleep-in before taking breakfast in the Dune House. A chance to take final pictures before departure. Following breakfast, check out and drive to the airport for your flight to Cairns

On arrival to Cairns you will be taken to a waterfront restaurant for a late lunch while your bags are taken to the hotel and placed in your rooms.

Following lunch the remainder of the day will be at your leisure to enjoy the resort and the beautiful esplanade with perhaps the thought of heading into town for a taste of the Cairns nightlife or night market activity.

Tonight you will be staying at the Crystalbrook Riley resort

DAY 5

Following breakfast check out of your hotel to rejoin your awaiting ship.

Land Program Step by Step:

Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.

DAY 1

8:00am Depart the ship in Sydney and transfer to the airport for the flight to Uluru

10:00am Flight departs for Uluru (flight details TBA and subject to change)

12:00pm Arrive at Uluru

1:00pm Transfer to the resort

1:30pm Lunch at Longitude

2:00pm Check into your rooms

4:00pm Depart for an Uluru sunset

6:30pm Field of Light Experience

7:30pm Dinner under the stars

Overnight at Longitude 131

DAY 2

6:00am Breakfast at the hotel

7:30am Depart for a guided walk through Walpa Gorge

11:30am Lunch and time to relax

4:00pm Depart for visit to Kantju Gorge and a base walk around Uluru

7:00pm Dinner served back at your hotel

Overnight at Longitude 131

DAY 3

6:00am Breakfast at the hotel

7:00am Depart for a guided visit to the base of Uluru for a waterhole visit.

11:30am Lunch and time to relax

5:00pm Sundowner drinks overlooking the outback icons

7:00pm Dinner served back at your hotel

Overnight at Longitude 131

DAY 4

6:00am Sunrise walk

8:00am Breakfast at your hotel

10:00am Check out and drive to the airport for flight to Cairns

1:15pm Arrive at the Cairns airport to drive to the city

1:30pm Lunch on the waterfront at local restaurant

3:30pm Check in to the hotel for afternoon and evening at your leisure.

Overnight at Crystalbrook Riley

DAY 5

7:00am Breakfast at your hotel

8:00am Check out and drive to the pier to join your awaiting ship

Expected Weather:

68-92 Fahrenheit

20-34 Celsius

Nights and mornings can be quite cool

What to Bring:

It is very hot in the red center and in tropical Cairns so we recommended to bring sun safe clothing and comfortable shoes.

Fly protection will be provided should it be needed as flies can be a problem at certain times. Light loose clothing, warm sweater or jacket for early mornings and evenings, hat, sunscreen, bathing suit, camera, charger.

Local Currency:

AUD

The U.S. dollar is not accepted; however, all major credit cards can be used.

Electricity:

Australia operates with 220 volts. Guests should bring a universal travel adaptor for electric devices.

Luggage information

Guests are permitted to bring 1 piece of checked luggage per person with a maximum of 23kg / 50 lbs along with 1 small carry on weighing no more than 7kg / 15lbs max. I small personal item like a purse is also permitted.

Carriage of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has their own regulations)

1. Guests must obtain a Doctor’s Certificate mentioning their medical condition and the need to carry this equipment with them on their flights.

2. The certificate should have attached a picture of the equipment with its description/specifications especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or any other type)

3. These documents need to be sent to the Land Program Team via Reservations at least one month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).

4. Failure to comply with the above regulations may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which the cruise line nor our local ground operator be responsible for.

5. Guests should bring with them on the flight any paperwork from their doctor and /or specific details that explain the type of device they are bringing on board. Each brand should have a website with paperwork that can be printed for flight.

Documents and Visa Requirements:

This program takes place within Australia.

A passport that is valid at least 6 months after travel is required

Please check with your local embassy for any visa requirements for your nationality for Australia.

VERY IMPORTANT

The name on your cruise booking, passport and any visas if required, must all be exactly the same for flight ticket purchase for this program otherwise guests may be denied travel by flight. Please ensure that all documents are identical in spelling to the names provided for your cruise reservation including first, middle and last name. Manifests generated by the cruise line must match your travel documents.

Failure to have the required documents ahead of time will result in denial of travel and guests will have to pay for any expenses incurred in order to not proceed with the program.

The above information is subject to change and serves as a guide only. We would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our guests that it is the ultimate and sole responsibility of the guest to ensure they meet the entry requirements for each destination.

If traveling internationally, the countries you are flying to and/ or connecting through may have different document requirements and as such we encourage you to visit the government and airport websites of every country you will be traveling to throughout the journey to familiarize yourself with their requirements.

Aircraft type (subject to change):

Flights will be on major carriers depending on the flight availability and routes closer to the operation date

These include Virgin Australia, Qantas or Jetstar

Hotel addresses:

Crystalbrook Riley Cairns:

131-141 Esplanade, Cairns QLD 4870, Australia

Longitude 131:

Ulara Drive, Yulara NT 0872, Australia

*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.

Program Includes:

•3 nights at Longitude 131 with all meals and standard drinks included – Tented Pavillion room

•1 nights at the Crystalbrook Riley breakfast included

•Dinner in Uluru and 1 night in Cairns

•Lunch on day 1-4

•Field of Light experience and dinner under the stars

•Touring per the itinerary

•A local guide to accompany the group throughout the program

•Internal domestic flights

Program Excludes:

•Any meals not listed in the itinerary

•Cellar Master beverage list at Longitude 131°

•Gratuities for drivers and guides

•Hotel incidentals including spa, mini bar and room service

•Excess or overweight luggage fees on flights

Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include: inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.

All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations.

Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.

More Details

POST: SYDNEY: CULTURAL IMMERSION

Immerse yourself into the history of Sydney with this four-day program. Experience Aboriginal culture through the land, and it’s history through the arts. Meander through Australia’s great outdoors as you discover its forests, gardens, and sea.

DAY 1

After disembarking the ship in Sydney, meet your guide and board a luxury coach for the short drive to Circular Quay. Here you will ride a classic fast ferry to Goat Island. Known to Aboriginal people as Me-Mel, this island is the largest in Sydney Harbor and boasts magnificent views of this incredible city. Your Indigenous experience will commence with a traditional welcome ceremony before having the opportunity to observe and participate in a performance workshop.

Next, you will enjoy a tour around the island as your guide showcases the native flora and explains the uses of traditional artefacts during a demonstration workshop. You will appreciate the history surrounding this island and its importance to the local Aboriginal community.

Upon your return to Circular Quay, re-board your coach and travel to Australia’s most famous beach, Bondi. Here you will enjoy lunch at North Bondi RSL, overlooking the golden sand and crashing waves of Bondi Beach. Take advantage of some free time to stroll through the local area, indulge in some boutique shopping or simply sit by the shore as your senses soak up the sun, sand and sea.

Continue this afternoon to the Art Gallery of New South Wales. A spectacular collection of Aboriginal art resides here, and you will be taken on a private tour with a guide specializing in these unique pieces. Following your experience, discuss your days learnings with your group as you enjoy a light afternoon tea at the gallery’s café.

Across the road from the gallery you will find The Royal Botanic Garden; a lush green oasis in the heart of the city. Opened in 1816, this heritage-listed garden is 30-hectares in size and is the oldest scientific institution in Australia. You will have the remainder of the afternoon at leisure to connect with nature as you walk through the garden pathways, while discovering hundreds of plant varieties as the sounds of local birds and wildlife surround you. The garden also leads to the harbor foreshore where you can choose to relax and watch as the sun sets beyond the horizon.

The remainder of the day will be at your leisure, allowing you to do whatever you wish. You might settle in at the hotel or consult with the hospitality desk for suggestions on what to see nearby. If you’ve never experienced it, this may be the perfect opportunity to take in a performance at the iconic Sydney Opera House.

Your hotel is centrally located in the heart of Sydney’s retail and business districts. It makes a great base for exploring the iconic attractions, boutique shopping, fine restaurants, cafés and nightlife that define Australia's capital.

Your room includes Club Lounge Access with these amenities: Private access floor, complimentary food including continental breakfast and hors d'oeuvres, high-Speed Wi-Fi, complimentary cocktails, complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, complimentary business services, complimentary pressing of 2 garments per stay.

Meals are on your own today.

DAY 2

After breakfast, board your coach for a journey to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Further enhance your Aboriginal knowledge during this three-hour cultural tour. Walk the land of this World Heritage Listed forest as your traditional guide explains how ancestors cared for the land. Come across caves with historic engravings and learn how to read this cultural art as you listen to dreamtime stories.

You’ll have the opportunity to ask your guide any questions following the tour as you enjoy a BBQ lunch featuring Australian meats and fish, salads, and freshly made Damper with tea and coffee.

Your journey continues to Broken Bay, home to the finest Pearl Farm on the east coast of Australia. Explore the Shellar Door before a cruise to the close-by farm on the Hawkesbury River. Here, you will harvest some pearls and learn to grade your findings following your return. Conclude your day with an oyster tasting before the drive back to your hotel and an evening at leisure. Dinner is on your own.

DAY 3

Following breakfast at the hotel, reunite with your tour guide for a short transfer to The Rocks – a historic area of Sydney's city center located in the shadows of the Sydney Harbor Bridge. Wrap up your Cultural Sydney program with one final tour here, this time, a walk around the district that will uncover the hidden gems and stories known to the Aboriginal people of this area.

The remainder of the day is at your leisure with lunch and dinner on your own.

DAY 4

Following breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will be transferred to the airport in accordance with your flight time. For guests with late flights, luggage storage is available at the hotel.

Check out time is at 11:00am.

Land Program Details Step by Step:

•Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program timings are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.

•Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.

•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.

•A departure transfer is not included if guests leave before the last day of the program.

DAY 1

8:30am Disembark in the port of Sydney

9:00am Depart by luxury coach for Circular Quay and board ferry to Goat Island

9:30am Me-Mel (Goat Island) Tour

11:30am Guests depart Circular Quay and transfer to Bondi Beach

12:15pm Lunch at North Bondi RSL and time to explore independently

2:00pm Transfer to Art Gallery of New South Wales

2:45pm Aboriginal Art Tour and afternoon tea

4:15pm Free time to explore Royal Botanic Garden or return to hotel for afternoon/evening at leisure

Dinner on own

Overnight at the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park or similar hotel

DAY 2

From 6:30am Breakfast included at the hotel

8:30am Depart for Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park

10:00am The Basin Track Aboriginal Site Tour and BBQ lunch

1:30pm Depart Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park for Broken Bay

2:45pm Broken Bay Pearl Farm Tour and Oyster Tasting

5:15pm Return to hotel

6:00pm Arrive back at the hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at own leisure

Dinner on own

Overnight at the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park or similar hotel

DAY 3

6:30am Breakfast included at the hotel

10:10am Transfer to The Rocks

10:30am Dreamtime Rocks Walking Tour

12:00pm Remainder of the day at leisure

Lunch and dinner on own

Overnight at the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park or similar hotel

DAY 4

From 6:30am Breakfast included at hotel

11:00am Check out time at the hotel

TBA Guests will be transferred to the airport for their onward journey.

Extra Nights: If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be transferred to the airport per the flight details provided. Check-out time is 11:00am (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast are on your own after Day 4 of your program.

Transfers: All guests booking their flights independently are required to ensure the cruise line has their most up to date flight details so that transfers to the airport can be arranged. If flight details are not received 14 days before your cruise start date, transfers will not be arranged.

Should you book any extra nights on your own or your flight is not on the last day of the program, transfers are not included.

Should you have a late departing flight you may wish to book an extra night so that you have occupation of your room until your departure. You will be asked to vacate your room by 11:00am. Day rooms can only be purchased directly through the hotel.

Expected Weather:

The approximate temperature will be 18°C - 26°C or 64°F - 79°F

What to Bring:

Guests should bring layered clothing as although this is summer, nights near the harbor can get cool

Good walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, camera, chargers, umbrella in case of rain, and a jacket in case of cooler temperatures.

Currency:

AUD

USD are not accepted here

Electricity:

Australian electricity voltage for domestic use is 220-240 volts. We recommend bringing a universal travel converter for electric devices.

Documents and Visa Requirements:

All guests must have an Australian tourist visa to enter the country. Guests should check with their embassy for entry requirements for their nationality. A valid passport is also required.

Hotel addresses:

Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park

161 Elizabeth Street, Sydney NSW 2000

Phone: +61 2 9286 6000

*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotel listed in this program.

Program Includes for guests:

•Transfer from hotel to airport on Day 4

•All touring mentioned above

•3 nights at the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park or similar hotel (Grand Executive Hyde Park Room with Club Lounge access)

•Porterage

•Three breakfasts

•Two lunches with non-alcoholic beverages

Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated departure information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, a departure transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.

Program Excludes for guests:

•Any meals or beverages not listed above

•Gratuities for drivers and guides

•Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service

•Visa Fees

Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing, hats, sunglasses, and flat comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.

Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.

More Details
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to availability.

POST - CULTURAL SYDNEY - 2022-24

Immerse yourself into the history of Sydney with this four-day program. Experience Aboriginal culture through the land, and it’s history through the arts. Meander through Australia’s great outdoors as you discover its forests, gardens, and sea.

DAY 1

After disembarking the ship in Sydney, meet your guide and board a luxury coach for the short drive to Circular Quay. Here you will ride a classic fast ferry to Goat Island. Known to Aboriginal people as Me-Mel, this island is the largest in Sydney Harbor and boasts magnificent views of this incredible city. Your Indigenous experience will commence with a traditional welcome ceremony before having the opportunity to observe and participate in a performance workshop.

Next, you will enjoy a tour around the island as your guide showcases the native flora and explains the uses of traditional artefacts during a demonstration workshop. You will appreciate the history surrounding this island and its importance to the local Aboriginal community.

Upon your return to Circular Quay, re-board your coach and travel to Australia’s most famous beach, Bondi. Here you will enjoy lunch at North Bondi RSL, overlooking the golden sand and crashing waves of Bondi Beach. Take advantage of some free time to stroll through the local area, indulge in some boutique shopping or simply sit by the shore as your senses soak up the sun, sand and sea.

Continue this afternoon to the Art Gallery of New South Wales. A spectacular collection of Aboriginal art resides here, and you will be taken on a private tour with a guide specializing in these unique pieces. Following your experience, discuss your days learnings with your group as you enjoy a light afternoon tea at the gallery’s café.

Across the road from the gallery you will find The Royal Botanic Garden; a lush green oasis in the heart of the city. Opened in 1816, this heritage-listed garden is 30-hectares in size and is the oldest scientific institution in Australia. You will have the remainder of the afternoon at leisure to connect with nature as you walk through the garden pathways, while discovering hundreds of plant varieties as the sounds of local birds and wildlife surround you. The garden also leads to the harbor foreshore where you can choose to relax and watch as the sun sets beyond the horizon.

The remainder of the day will be at your leisure, allowing you to do whatever you wish. You might settle in at the hotel or consult with the hospitality desk for suggestions on what to see nearby. If you’ve never experienced it, this may be the perfect opportunity to take in a performance at the iconic Sydney Opera House.

Your hotel is centrally located in the heart of Sydney’s retail and business districts. It makes a great base for exploring the iconic attractions, boutique shopping, fine restaurants, cafés and nightlife that define Australia's capital.

Your room includes Club Lounge Access with these amenities: Private access floor, complimentary food including continental breakfast and hors d'oeuvres, high-Speed Wi-Fi, complimentary cocktails, complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, complimentary business services, complimentary pressing of 2 garments per stay.

Meals are on your own today.

DAY 2

After breakfast, board your coach for a journey to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Further enhance your Aboriginal knowledge during this three-hour cultural tour. Walk the land of this World Heritage Listed forest as your traditional guide explains how ancestors cared for the land. Come across caves with historic engravings and learn how to read this cultural art as you listen to dreamtime stories.

You’ll have the opportunity to ask your guide any questions following the tour as you enjoy a BBQ lunch featuring Australian meats and fish, salads, and freshly made Damper with tea and coffee.

Your journey continues to Broken Bay, home to the finest Pearl Farm on the east coast of Australia. Explore the Shellar Door before a cruise to the close-by farm on the Hawkesbury River. Here, you will harvest some pearls and learn to grade your findings following your return. Conclude your day with an oyster tasting before the drive back to your hotel and an evening at leisure. Dinner is on your own.

DAY 3

Following breakfast at the hotel, reunite with your tour guide for a short transfer to The Rocks – a historic area of Sydney's city center located in the shadows of the Sydney Harbor Bridge. Wrap up your Cultural Sydney program with one final tour here, this time, a walk around the district that will uncover the hidden gems and stories known to the Aboriginal people of this area.

The remainder of the day is at your leisure with lunch and dinner on your own.

DAY 4

Following breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will be transferred to the airport in accordance with your flight time. For guests with late flights, luggage storage is available at the hotel.

Check out time is at 11:00am.

Land Program Details Step by Step:

•Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program timings are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.

•Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.

•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.

•A departure transfer is not included if guests leave before the last day of the program.

DAY 1

8:30am Disembark in the port of Sydney

9:00am Depart by luxury coach for Circular Quay and board ferry to Goat Island

9:30am Me-Mel (Goat Island) Tour

11:30am Guests depart Circular Quay and transfer to Bondi Beach

12:15pm Lunch at North Bondi RSL and time to explore independently

2:00pm Transfer to Art Gallery of New South Wales

2:45pm Aboriginal Art Tour and afternoon tea

4:15pm Free time to explore Royal Botanic Garden or return to hotel for afternoon/evening at leisure

Dinner on own

Overnight at the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park or similar hotel

DAY 2

From 6:30am Breakfast included at the hotel

8:30am Depart for Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park

10:00am The Basin Track Aboriginal Site Tour and BBQ lunch

1:30pm Depart Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park for Broken Bay

2:45pm Broken Bay Pearl Farm Tour and Oyster Tasting

5:15pm Return to hotel

6:00pm Arrive back at the hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at own leisure

Dinner on own

Overnight at the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park or similar hotel

DAY 3

6:30am Breakfast included at the hotel

10:10am Transfer to The Rocks

10:30am Dreamtime Rocks Walking Tour

12:00pm Remainder of the day at leisure

Lunch and dinner on own

Overnight at the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park or similar hotel

DAY 4

From 6:30am Breakfast included at hotel

11:00am Check out time at the hotel

TBA Guests will be transferred to the airport for their onward journey.

Extra Nights: If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be transferred to the airport per the flight details provided. Check-out time is 11:00am (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast are on your own after Day 4 of your program.

Transfers: All guests booking their flights independently are required to ensure the cruise line has their most up to date flight details so that transfers to the airport can be arranged. If flight details are not received 14 days before your cruise start date, transfers will not be arranged.

Should you book any extra nights on your own or your flight is not on the last day of the program, transfers are not included.

Should you have a late departing flight you may wish to book an extra night so that you have occupation of your room until your departure. You will be asked to vacate your room by 11:00am. Day rooms can only be purchased directly through the hotel.

Expected Weather:

The approximate temperature will be 18°C - 26°C or 64°F - 79°F

What to Bring:

Guests should bring layered clothing as although this is summer, nights near the harbor can get cool

Good walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, camera, chargers, umbrella in case of rain, and a jacket in case of cooler temperatures.

Currency:

AUD

USD are not accepted here

Electricity:

Australian electricity voltage for domestic use is 220-240 volts. We recommend bringing a universal travel converter for electric devices.

Documents and Visa Requirements:

All guests must have an Australian tourist visa to enter the country. Guests should check with their embassy for entry requirements for their nationality. A valid passport is also required.

Hotel addresses:

Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park

161 Elizabeth Street, Sydney NSW 2000

Phone: +61 2 9286 6000

*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotel listed in this program.

Program Includes for guests:

•Transfer from hotel to airport on Day 4

•All touring mentioned above

•3 nights at the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park or similar hotel (Grand Executive Hyde Park Room with Club Lounge access)

•Porterage

•Three breakfasts

•Two lunches with non-alcoholic beverages

Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated departure information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, a departure transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.

Program Excludes for guests:

•Any meals or beverages not listed above

•Gratuities for drivers and guides

•Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service

•Visa Fees

Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing, hats, sunglasses, and flat comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.

Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.

More Details
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to availability.