Highlights of Australia

12 days from $6,495

Discover the highlights of Australia on a journey that combines sophisticated Sydney, the sacred sites of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, and the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest.

Highlights

� Sail a catamaran in Sydney Harbour, enjoying lunch as you pass iconic sites.

� Watch the sunset on Uluru before an outback dining experience, and stargaze with an astronomer.

� Dive or snorkel the Great Barrier Reef and explore the Daintree Rainforest.

� Stay in a treehouse in the Atherton Tablelands, home to World Heritagelisted rainforests.

The itinerary below is a sample of what’s possible. Your Smithsonian Tailor-Made Journey will be handcrafted just for you.

Days 1–3 – Sydney, Australia

Arrive in Sydney and enjoy the rest of the day leisure. The next day, board a catamaran for a shared cruise of Sydney Harbour. Hear about the city’s history and enjoy a buffet lunch as you sail past Darling Harbour and the magnificent Sydney Opera House. Enjoy a full day to explore Sydney as you wish. Or take an excursion to the Blue Mountains, a World Heritage-listed wilderness of canyons, waterfalls, and eucalyptus forests.

Days 4 & 5 – Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Fly to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in Australia’s Red Centre. After free time to explore, enjoy an outback dining experience under the stars followed by stargazing with a local astronomer. Rise early to catch the sunrise over the Kata Tjuta (the cluster of domed rocks also known as the Olgas) and join a guide for a small-group tour of Uluru. Witness the sunset on this sacred site.

Day 6 – Cairns and Port Douglas

After a leisurely morning, fly to Cairns and transfer to Port Douglas, your beachfront base for the next four nights as you explore two World Heritage sites: the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.

Day 7 – Great Barrier Reef

Board a reef cruiser and set out on a full-day snorkel or dive trip on the Great Barrier Reef. Gain insights into this natural wonder from a marine biologist and enjoy lunch with fellow passengers on board.

Day 8 – Daintree Rainforest

Venture into the Daintree Rainforest on a full-day small-group tour. Learn about the ecology of this ancient rainforest, and hear about the unique symbiotic relationship between the Daintree and the local indigenous people.

Day 9 – Port Douglas

Enjoy a full day at leisure in this tropical paradise. Spend it at one of the area’s beaches, explore galleries and boutiques in the village, or go for a walk in the surrounding parks.

Days 10–12 – Atherton Tablelands

Pick up your rental car and drive to the Atherton Tablelands, home to World Heritagelisted rainforests, old mining towns, and serene lakes. Settle into your treehouse in the jungle and enjoy two days to discover the treasures of this unspoiled area. Drive back to Cairns on your last day for flights home.

New Zealand North and South

17 days from $9,995

Experience New Zealand from north to south as you journey from Auckland to Queenstown, visiting winelands, fjords, volcanic landscapes, and the Southern Alps.

HIGHLIGHTS

� Float through glowworm caves and discover the geysers and mud pools of Rotorua.

� Enjoy a full-day winery tour in the lovely Marlborough region.

� Explore Arthur’s Pass National Park with a guide, and embark on a wilderness safari near Queenstown.

� Spend the night aboard a three-masted sailboat on the serene Doubtful Sound.

The itinerary below is a sample of what’s possible. Your Smithsonian Tailor-Made Journey will be handcrafted just for you.

Days 1–3 – Auckland, New Zealand

Arrive in Auckland and head out on a half-day private city tour. Enjoy a day at leisure to settle into the relaxed pace of life in New Zealand. Then embark the ferry to lovely Waiheke Island for a small-group winery tour.

Days 4–6 – Rotorua and Wellington

Enter Waitomo Caves, which are illuminated by thousands of glowworms, during an exhilarating boat ride. Stop in Hobbiton to visit the beautiful farm that was transformed into the Shire for The Lord of the Rings movies. Discover the steaming volcanic landscapes of Rotorua on a private tour, encountering geysers and boiling mud pools, and explore enchanting Whirinaki rainforest. Fly to Wellington and enjoy free time.

Days 7 & 8 – Blenheim

Board a ferry to cross Cook Strait to the South Island, cruising through the surreal Marlborough Sounds. Settle in at Blenheim in the heart of New Zealand’s winelands. Spend a day on a private gourmet tour of Marlborough’s best wineries, tasting fine wines and other local delicacies.

Days 9–11 – Kaikoura and Christchurch

Take the train to Kaikoura, following the spectacular coast. During a free afternoon, consider setting out on one of the outstanding hiking trails that begin in the town center. After a leisurely morning, travel by rail to Christchurch. Visit the city on your own, opting to punt on the River Avon or see innovative efforts to rebuild after the 2011 earthquake. Join a small group for a full-day excursion to Arthur’s Pass National Park, a stunning section of the Southern Alps.

Days 12–17 – Queenstown and Doubtful Sound

Fly to Queenstown and enjoy free time to explore. Then head out on a Dart River Wilderness Safari that includes a thrilling jet boat ride, a short hike with a naturalist, and a 4x4 wilderness drive. Travel by private car into Fiordland National Park and meet fellow passengers for your overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound. Settle into your private cabin aboard the Fiordland Navigator, a three-masted scow, and set sail, watching for wildlife, kayaking along shore, and enjoying a magical evening on the silent sound. Take advantage of a final free day to explore Queenstown and the surrounding mountains before heading home.

Where To Stay

Sofitel Auckland

Viaduct Harbor

A chic waterfront hotel.

Regent of Rotorua

An intimate boutique hotel with an awardwinning restaurant. Orari – An intimate B&B in a Christchurch Victorian heritage home.

Hidden Lodge

A stunning lodge overlooking Lake Wakatipu outside of Queenstown.

Fiordland Navigator

A three-masted sailing vessel for 72 guests, with modern comforts.

Where To Stay

Siam Kempinski – A garden retreat in the heart of Bangkok’s premier shopping and entertainment district.

Asita Eco Resort – A canal-side eco-resort that offers traditional Thai houses or villas with locally inspired design.

Anantara Chiang Mai Resort – A city sanctuary that blends contemporary, Thai, and colonial style and offers spa treatments, cooking lessons, and sunset river cruises.

Twinpalms Phuket – A beach resort set amid water gardens, with secluded suites and rooms, a range of restaurants, and access to three spectacular beaches.