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Day-By-Day Itinerary |
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This itinerary can be fully customized; to tailor this package to your specific requirements please call one of our travel specialists at 1-800-22-SWAIN. |
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Day 1 Fly USA to Sydney Please note international air from the USA has not been included in the package price. Day 2 Cross the International Date Line The International Date Line is an imaginary line on the earth’s surface that approximately coincides with the 180th meridian (LONGITUDE), and separates the calendar date. Traveling east across the line takes the traveler back one day; traveling west, takes the traveler forward one day. Day 3 Arrive Sydney
On arrival into Sydney you will need to clear
customs and immigration, before making your way
to collect your rental car. Day 4 At Leisure, Blue Mountains At your leisure to explore the beautiful Blue Mountains. Take a tour to the Jenolan Caves or maybe take a walk on the many walking trails through the natural environment that is called the "Mini Grand Canyon". Other highlights of the region include picturesque towns and villages with shops, boutiques, art and antique galleries, and cafes. There are activities for all ages and fitness levels from high adventure abseiling, mountain biking or horse riding, to a gentle stroll through the pristine scenery. Day 5 Drive Blue Mountains to the Hunter Valley The Hunter Valley conjures up images of lazy days, wine-tasting at the cellar door, and romantic retreats set in quaint farming country. With national parks and historic settlements, you can’t go wrong. Day 6 The Hunter Resort Wine School Hunter Valley Resort offers the total 'Wine Experience'. The on site winery is the largest, and most advanced in the Hunter Valley. The Hunter Valley Wine School commences daily at 9.00am and is an informal tutorial of wine education. Walk through the on site vineyard of 30 year old Shiraz vines and discuss all matters viticultural. Then it's off to the crusher and into the winery to see the air bag presses, huge tanks, the Potter Fermenters, the filtration equipment, and the largest Rotovats in the Hunter. From there, the tour then moves through into the Oak Cask maturation area and on to the Wine Tasting Cellars for an informal wine tutorial and tasting. The tutorial includes different styles and techniques and what to look for in terms of color, bouquet and palate. Sample a variety of wines and have the opportunity to blend wine yourself! On completion of the Hunter Valley Wine School, receive a personalized Certificate of Wine Appreciation – the perfect memento of Hunter Valley Wine Country and your newfound knowledge. Day 7 At leisure, Hunter Valley The Hunter Valley is Australia's oldest wine growing and producing region, with a history dating back to 1832, when agronomist James Busby planted the first vines in the new colony of New South Wales, some in Sydney, but with more success in the Hunter. The Hunter today is one of the smaller volume producing areas, with the emphasis on quality over quantity. Many famous names in Australia's wine making history are based or started in the Hunter. There is an abundance of things to do and see, with historic towns and villages, a proud coal mining history, fine restaurants, a wide array of accommodation, arts and crafts and plenty of active and passive sporting activities. Day 8 Drive Hunter Valley to Sydney At your leisure (2hrs) to return to Sydney. Return your Budget Rental car to the city depot this afternoon. Sunny, sexy, sophisticated - Sydney basks as the shining star of the southern hemisphere. The stunning Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge are the pride and joy, but there's much more to offer. Sydney's sparkling harbor is the jewel in the city's crown. It's flanked by golden beaches and bush land, and is bisected by one of the most famous bridges in the world. Islands sprinkle its waters, and it's crisscrossed by all manner of craft, from water taxis and yachts to tour boats and ferries. Days 9-11 At leisure, Sydney At your leisure to explore the city of Sydney. It’s been said that Sydney never sleeps. In daylight hours the city buzzes with life and remains active long after workers have left their offices. All-night pubs, cutting-edge dance clubs, and gay reviews could keep you out until dawn. Fancy a late-night meal or a final coffee - that’s not a problem. Be seen on trendy Oxford Street from Darlinghurst to Paddington or try the Woolloomooloo Finger Wharf, Surry Hills, the quay or the Rocks. It’s too many choices, not too few, that make the decision hard! During your stay ideally you should take a harbor cruise around one of the most beautiful harbors in the world, maybe take a short trip to one of the wildlife parks to see the unique animals (koalas and kangaroos) Australia has, climb to the top of the Harbour Bridge for some awesome views, and after all that, enjoy the great restaurants that Sydney has to offer. The local chefs take full advantage of the fresh seafood and produce. Day 12 Fly Sydney to USA Transfer to the airport by private vehicle for your departure flight. |