Highlights of Australia and New Zealand

Melbourne's elegant façades and broad boulevards are your launchpad to an immersive encounter with Australia and New Zealand. On arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel (flights to arrive prior to 12pm). Then take to the streets on board Melbourne's Colonial Tramcar Restaurant for a Welcome Reception and dinner.

Admire the city's Victorian architecture, arcades and eclectic little laneways revealing some of the world's most incredible street art as you 'Dive into Culture' on a private walking tour of the city - encounter the aroma of Melbourne's coffee culture around every corner.

Enjoy a free day to explore stylish Melbourne or consider an Optional Experience along the Great Ocean Road.

Journey to the heart of the continent, the gateway to central Australia's soul-stirring landscapes. On our first stop, we join 'Local Specialists' to delve into the support that the School of the Air and Royal Flying Doctor Service provide to isolated communities. Later, we 'Connect with Locals' over a Be My Guest dinner at the Earth Sanctuary World Nature Centre, where we'll meet the famous Outback Paramedic Falzon brothers and learn about the sustainable lifestyle they've established.

The rusty red landscapes of Uluru beckon today and we leave Alice Springs bound for Ayers Rock Resort. This evening, watch as the Outback sky ignites in shades of red, yellow and purple - the perfect backdrop for Uluru sundowners. Our home for the next two nights is one of Trafalgar's 'Stays with Stories' - the Desert Gardens Hotel which reveals the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Watch night turn to day as you witness a magical sunrise over Uluru. 'Dive into Culture' and hear stories about the Anangu, caretakers of this remote arid landscape, touring the base of Uluru to discover its ancient rock art. Continue your journey through the desert plains to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and enjoy a walk amidst its towering domes through Walpa Gorge. Admire yet another magnificent sunset paired with sparkling wine.

Put paint to canvas this morning as you join your 'Local Specialist' Aboriginal artist for a fun introduction to Western Desert Art. Learn the meanings behind the Anangu totems and craft your own story as a memento of the experience. Fly to Cairns after your soul-stirring encounter with the Outback.

Ease into the laidback lifestyle of Cairns - a full free day to explore this tropical city or consider an Optional Experience to Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park or Hartley's Crocodile Adventures.

Board a high-speed catamaran and cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef. Don your mask and fins for an up-close encounter with this natural wonderland (equipment provided) or stay dry and explore the world's largest living reef system from the comfort of a semi-submersible craft. Before your return to Cairns, you'll enjoy a tropical buffet lunch under the glorious Aussie sunshine. This evening, join your fellow travellers for dinner at the Cairns waterfront.

Fly south to Sydney and spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring the beauty of this harbour city.

Delve into the story of a building 'that changed the image of an entire country' joining a 'Local Specialist' for a guided tour of Sydney Opera House. Dip your toes in the Pacific waters of Bondi Beach, then board a Captain Cook Lunch Cruise for a Regional Meal as you sail past Sydney's iconic harbour sights.

Enjoy a full free day to explore Sydney on your terms or consider joining an Optional Experience to the Blue Mountains to connect with nature. Admire the small-town atmosphere of Leura, see the famous Three Sisters rock formation and visit a Wildlife Park to get up close to some of Australia's cuddly creatures. Spend your last evening in Sydney with your Travel Director and companions at a waterfront restaurant.

Set your sights on New Zealand as you fly to Auckland, where this evening you'll join your Travel Director for dinner at your hotel.

Explore the iconic sights of Auckland during a sightseeing tour, followed by a cruise on Auckland Harbour where you'll learn why New Zealand's capital deserves its status as the City of Sails.

Savour traditional Kiwi hospitality today when you 'Connect with Locals' over lunch at the home of Lance and Bridgette O'Sullivan, New Zealand horse racing royalty. Indulge in sumptuous country-style flavours in a beautiful farm setting, then journey to Rotorua for a memorable encounter with Māori culture. 'Dive into Culture' and visit the Tamaki Family Marae for a traditional Hangi Regional Meal and insights into life in new Zealand before European settlement.

Keep a keen eye out for shy kiwi and learn about the endemic flora and fauna of this land during a visit to Rainbow Springs Nature Park with a 'Local Specialist'. More feats of Mother Nature are revealed at Te Puia Thermal Reserve, where you'll be accompanied by a 'Local Specialist' on a guided tour through this geothermal valley. Later, you'll fly to Christchurch.

Embark on one of the world's most scenic train rides through the snow-capped Southern Alps, then journey to Hokitika, famous for its native greenstone (jade). Visit a local factory and witness first-hand a 'Local Specialist' master carver at work before continuing to the imposing Franz Josef Glacier.

Traverse Haast Pass and travel past Thunder Creek Falls and a trio of lakes before a pit-stop at Cromwell to indulge in some of the area's delicious stone fruit. Our next stop is the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown before we arrive in Queenstown for an orientation tour.

Prepare for a day filled with pinch me moments as you journey over Devil's Staircase and along the shore of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, the gateway to South Island's fiordland. Glaciers and snow-capped peaks emerge from the dense rainforests as we travel through the UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park en route to Cleddau Valley. Capture the splendid natural beauty of Mirror Lake, the Chasm, Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls on camera before reaching Milford Sound. Slice through its gleaming still waters, almost entirely surrounded by mountains that dwarf your cruise boat. After a soulful encounter with epic natural surrounds, return to Queenstown for an evening at leisure.

Discover why Queenstown justifiably earns its reputation as the adventure capital of New Zealand on one of Trafalgar's recommended Optional Experiences. This evening, join your Travel Director for a Farewell Dinner at the restored Boatshed, set in the historic New Zealand Railways Shipping Office built in 1936. Toast to a journey filled with Trafalgar highlights against the backdrop of beautiful Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range.

Bid farewell to your newfound friends as your holiday concludes this morning after breakfast. You will be transferred to Queenstown Airport for your onward flight (flights anytime).