In supplier order. Some entries may cover multiple days; optional experiences are described by the supplier.
Sample itinerary. Choose a departure for its exact itinerary and hotel plan.
Day 1 — UK - Melbourne
Our nationwide shared chauffeur service collects you from home for your flight to Melbourne.
Day 2 — In flight
In flight
Day 3 — Melbourne
We touch down in Melbourne this morning and transfer to our hotel for some time to relax. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore at your leisure.
Day 4 — Melbourne - Phillip Island
This morning, our city tour shows us more of Melbourne, including the Royal Botanic Gardens with more than 8,500 species of plant.
This afternoon, we head south-east of the city, to Phillip Island. The highlight here comes at Summerland Beach, where each evening a ‘parade’ of waddling fairy penguins make their way from the sea up to their sand dune burrows (occasionally scurrying back if they get spooked by seabirds on the way).
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 — Dandenong Mountains
In the morning, we’ll journey to the Dandenong Mountains, where trickling waterways meander down forest-cloaked slopes. The best way to take in the scenery is by train, so we’ll climb aboard ‘Puffing Billy’, Australia’s oldest narrow gauge steam train, to chug slowly through the landscape.
This afternoon is free to relax or explore at your own pace.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 — Great Ocean Road - Warrnambool
One of the world’s most scenic drives, the Great Ocean Road hugs the southwest coast of Victoria. Rainforests, gorges, gullies, arches and blowholes - we’ll pass them all as we follow the cliff curves from Torquay to Warrnambool. We’ll skirt Cape Otway National Park and pass into Port Campbell National Park, where we pause to admire the famous limestone stacks known as the Twelve Apostles.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7 — Coonawarra - Murray River - Adelaide
Australia’s ‘other red centre’, Coonawarra is where some of the world’s best cabernet sauvignon and shiraz is produced, perfected since the late 19th century. We’ll call in at a local winery for a taster of these award-winning vintages - and enjoy the sprawling vineyard views while we sip. Our journey then takes us through the South Australian countryside, following the Murray River as we make our way to Adelaide.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 — Adelaide
We’ll meet koalas and kangaroos at Cleland Wildlife Park, then it’s time for a tour of Adelaide, a trendy city with a fantastic music scene and a big focus on food and wine. Visit the southern hemisphere's largest glasshouse.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 — Adelaide
A free day gives you a chance to explore. Have a wander through the gardens at Victoria Square or perhaps head for the colourful Central Market. A quick train ride will take you out to the lovely sandy beaches at Glenelg.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 — Alice Springs
Travel to the airport for the flight, of approximately two-and-a-half hours, to Alice Springs, Australia’s ‘Red Centre’. Take a tour of the Telegraph Station and the Royal Flying Doctor Service before checking in for an over night stay.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 — Alice Springs - Uluru
Depart for Uluru. After checking in to your hotel, head out to iconic Uluru. This vast monolith is a sacred UNESCO World Heritage site to the local Anangu people. Return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure, before returning to Uluru at sunset. Glass of wine in hand, watch the rock change from shades of orange to red as the sun sets.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12 — Kata Tjuta (the Olgas)
After watching the sun rise over Uluru, head to the Olgas which is known to Aborigines as Kata Tjuta ‘Many Heads’. This evening, visit the Field of Light installation.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13 — Cairns
We fly to Cairns, where you’ll notice the pace of life slows right down and even in the inner city, you’ll more likely see board shorts than briefcases. We’ll spend the next few days based here. This part of Australia is the gateway to not only the Great Barrier Reef, but also the fascinating Tropical North.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 14 — Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s biggest reef system, sprawling along 200 kilometres of Australia’s coastline. A catamaran will take us to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, where you can admire the corals from an underwater observatory or semi-submersible boat. You’ll even have the chance to jump in for a spot of snorkelling.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 15 — Cairns
Take a day to unwind in the warmth of tropical Queensland. Perhaps wander along the promenade and stop for a spot of lunch al fresco, or pay a visit to some of Cairns’ great museums and galleries. There’s a brilliant aquarium, too.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 16 — Cairns
At leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 17 — Kuranda
We’ll journey up to Kuranda on the Skyrail, gliding above the rainforest canopy as we ascend. We’ll spend some time at leisure - Kuranda Railway Station is particularly lovely, with original wooden structures and bridge decked out with tropical flowers and ferns. On a scenic railway ride, we’ll trundle through the rainforest and back down the mountainside. The track twists and turns across chasms and next to frothing waterfalls (the dramatic Barron Falls is a highlight), passing through 15 tunnels along the way.
Please note: For the 22 October 2026 departure only, due to major upgrade works, the Skyrail’s Smithfield Line between Smithfield Terminal and Red Peak will be closed during your visit. You will travel by coach from Cairns to Kuranda, then take the Kuranda and Barron Falls Skyrail loop before returning to Cairns on the Kuranda Scenic Railway.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 18 — Cairns - Sydney
We transfer to the airport for our flight to Sydney, one of the world’s most recognisable cities. Gazing out at the Opera House or up to the Sydney Harbour Bridge (known as ‘the coat hanger’) are real ‘pinch me’ moments - and we’ll have plenty more to come over the next few days here. We’ll be staying near Darling Harbour, a restored area of dockland with a palm-fringed promenade, a Chinese garden and the magnificent Sydney Aquarium nearby.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 19 — Sydney
Our morning city tour covers off all the highlights, including the harbour and its architectural icons, and the lush Royal Botanical Gardens. A different perspective awaits in the afternoon, as we see Sydney from the water on a harbour cruise.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 20 — Sydney
Today is at leisure. Why not explore Sydney on foot? Take a leisurely stroll through the old dockland streets of the Rocks - the area where the first British convicts settled, which retains an alluring Victorian charm, and now hosts numerous fine shops, galleries and restaurants. Nearby Circular Quay has some must-try dining venues of its own. On the other side of the Quay, be sure to pose for a selfie in front of the Opera House. Have a wander through the Botanical Gardens, admiring the flora, and along historic Macquarie Street, a parade of grand colonial-style buildings. Here, you’ll spot the State Conservatory of Music, Parliament House and the Mint, all designed by Englishman Francis Greenway, who was transported to Australia for forgery.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 21 — Sydney
Another day at leisure. Shopping opportunities abound in Sydney, but many of the best can be found on Pitt Street, running south of Circular Quay, and George Street, which boasts one of the most sublime shopping centres in the world - the Queen Victoria Building, with its three floors of bow-fronted shops adorned with marble, gilt, rich panelling and stained glass.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 22 — Christchurch
It’s goodbye to Oz and kia ora to New Zealand as we touch down in the cathedral city of Christchurch, on South Island.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 23 — Dunedin
We travel south to Dunedin, which hugs a pretty harbour. There’s a strong Scottish influence here - it’s home to New Zealand’s only kilt shop, and the country’s whisky is produced here. To set the scene, we’ll enjoy a grand, Scottish-style dinner.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 24 — Dunedin
Today you’re free to explore Dunedin’s delights. Stroll through the flower-filled botanical gardens and along streets lined with handsome Edwardian and Victorian buildings - or perhaps discover the city’s contemporary side by following the Warehouse Precinct’s Street Art Trail.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 25 — Te Anau
We journey across the plains of New Zealand’s Southland to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park. The scenery in this part of South Island is incredible - thick forest, vast lakes and sounds, and ribbons of water cascading over the edge of towering peaks.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 26 — Milford Sound - Queenstown
It’ll be a photo-worthy drive this morning as we make our way through the Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys. A cruise on Milford Sound takes us along the fiord, past the spectacular Mitre Peak, out to the open sea and back again. Look out for seals and dolphins swimming and splashing in the water. Our drive to Queenstown takes us along the edge of Lake Wakatipu, the only land-locked lake in the world with its own tide - its name translates as ‘the lake that breathes’.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 27 — Queenstown
Queenstown, watched over by the jagged peaks of the Remarkables, is a favourite with those who love the great outdoors. After a day at leisure, we board the beautiful vintage TSS Earnslaw for an evening cruise across Lake Wakatipu. Our destination will be the high-country sheep station of Walter Peak, where we’ll dine in the elegant Colonel’s Homestead.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 28 — Twizel
Today, we will visit Kinross Winery and Cellar Door to sample their wines before making our way to Twizel. On the way, we’ll stop at Lake Wanaka, where we'll have an included cruise to Ruby Island on the lake plus some free time to explore this lakeside town. We then continue to our hotel, located in the Dark Sky Reserve or Mount Cook on selected departures.
This evening, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to book an optional stargazing tour - a magical experience under one of the clearest night skies in the world.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 29 — Mount Cook - Christchurch
This morning, we continue our visit to Mount Cook Village, where you'll have free time to soak in the spectacular alpine scenery and take in views of Mount Cook. You may choose to go on a short hike or perhaps book an optional helicopter ride. Afterward, we’ll stop at Lake Tekapo, where you’ll have free time for lunch, followed by an included visit to the Dark Sky Project. This experience offers fascinating insights into the stars and the region’s unique environment, all from a Maori perspective.
A scenic drive to Christchurch takes us along the shores of two alpine lakes, Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo. In the right weather conditions, they appear an intense milky-turquoise colour - a result of the fine particles of glacial rock-flour suspended in the water.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 30 — Wellington
Heading north, we’ll pause at the coastal town of Kaikoura, famous for its seafood and sea life, before continuing on to Picton. Here, we’ll board our inter-island ferry to cross the Cook Strait, passing through the beautiful Marlborough Sounds. Wellington Harbour offers our first view of New Zealand’s capital city, our home for the next two nights.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 31 — Wellington
We take a morning tour of the ‘Windy City’ of Wellington. The afternoon is free to explore - New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa, is well worth a visit. For a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings, take the historic cherry-red Wellington Cable Car up to Kelburn. Wellington has laid claim to the invention of the flat white (though some Aussies would disagree) - either way, a barista-brewed cup is the perfect pick-me-up in between sights.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 32 — Rotorua
We head north, stopping at Huka Falls where the Waikato River squeezes through a narrow gorge and tumbles down into an aquamarine pool. We continue to Rotorua, known for its awe-inspiring geothermal activity, where we’ll enjoy a Maori cultural experience, an authentic Maori concert and a traditional ‘hangi’ feast.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 33 — Rotorua
A farm show this morning gives an insight into New Zealand’s agricultural heritage, demonstrating mustering, shearing and milking. Then we’ll head to the National Kiwi Hatchery and find out more about New Zealand's national icon. This afternoon, we’ll take a tour of Whakarewarewa Thermal Village, where the Tuhourangi/Ngati Wahiao tribe have opened their doors to share their way of life for over 200 years. The village is set on a geothermal hotbed, with steaming hot pools and bubbling mud.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 34 — Waitomo Caves - Auckland
The darkness of the Waitomo Caves is pierced by the tiny blue-green lights of glow-worms - thousands of them cover the ceilings here. A boat ride along an underground river shows them in all their luminescent glory. We travel on via the dairy centre of Hamilton to Auckland.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 35 — Auckland
Today, discover the ‘City of Sails’, New Zealand’s largest city. Our guided city tour includes the Old Customhouse, Lower Queen Street and Parliament Street. From November 2027 onwards, the tour also includes entry to the All Blacks Experience, an immersive cultural experience exploring the connection between Māori heritage and New Zealand’s national sport. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore or relax.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 36 — Bay of Islands
We’ll make our way to Northland, the birthplace of the nation. Our drive along the west coast of North Island passes sleepy harbourside hamlets and native forests. The Waipoua Forest is home to huge kauri trees, the largest of which - ‘Tane Mahuta’ (Lord of the Forest) - stands 30 metres tall. We’ll learn more about these ancient trees at the Kauri Museum.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 37 — Bay of Islands
On a cruise to Cape Brett lighthouse, we’ll keep an eye out for the seals, dolphins and whales that play in these subtropical waters. Our boat trip also takes us into the grand Cathedral Cave and through the ‘Hole in the Rock’. We’ll also visit Waitangi Treaty House, where the historic signing between Maori and British formed the nation of New Zealand in 1840. Our visit includes a guided tour of Waitangi.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 38 — Bay of Islands - Auckland
After a morning at leisure, we head south along the Hibiscus Coast to Auckland.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 39 — Auckland - In flight
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 40 — UK
Upon arrival, your vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.
