DAYS 1 - 2:
Make your own way to the airport for the overnight flight to Sydney. Owing to the considerable time difference between London and Sydney, day two is spent in flight.
DAY 3:
Morning arrival in Sydney where you will be met and taken on a short orientation tour before checking into your hotel for four nights.
DAYS 4 - 6:
These days are at leisure for you to explore Sydney. Built around one of the world's most beautiful harbours, the city is the shining star of the southern hemisphere, with the unmistakable white-sailed Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge spanning the waters of Sydney Cove. The picturesque harbour area also offers many boutiques, top restaurants and historic pubs where you can relax with a drink and enjoy the view.
Another area not to be missed is the entertainment centre of Darling Harbour, with its museums, eateries and pubs. It also boasts one of the world's largest aquariums - watch out for the three-metre-long sharks as you walk through tunnels moulded into the giant tanks!
You might also like to take advantage of our excellent optional excursions on these days. Combine a city tour with a harbour cruise, head into the beautiful Blue Mountains or take a trip into the Hunter Valley to discover the wineries.
DAY 7:
Fly to Cairns for a three night stay. This beautiful city is famed for its warm waters, lush rainforests and dazzling white-sand beaches, as well as being a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef - one of the great natural wonders of the world.
Cairns is also renowned for its hospitality and everywhere you go you'll find a cheery 'G'day' from the locals and a relaxed attitude to life that's highly infectious - especially along the popular Cairns Esplanade, with its large sandy-shored lagoon and array of shops and restaurants.
DAYS 8 - 9:
At leisure to explore Cairns and perhaps seek out the excellent range of outlets and shopping centres in the city, selling everything from designer sunglasses, fashion and jewellery, to unique souvenirs ranging from crystals to boomerangs.
Alternatively, you might like take advantage of our optional excursions. We’re sure you won’t want to miss our optional Big Cat Island Cruise, taking you to explore the unmissable Great Barrier Reef in real style. There will also be the opportunity to take a scenic railway journey from Cairns to Kuranda where we include a visit to a koala and wildlife park, as well as a BBQ lunch.
DAY 10:
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Brisbane and travel to your centrally located hotel for two nights.
DAY 11:
Time to explore Brisbane, capital of the Sunshine State of Queensland, with a whole host of open-air bars and cafes for you to enjoy. For an extra special day, why not choose to join a fantastic full day optional excursion to Fraser Island or Tangalooma.
DAY 12:
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Sydney and a final overnight stay. The remainder of the day will be yours at leisure. Perhaps seek out the exotic food emporiums of Chinatown or take advantage of the fabulous shopping in the city centre.
DAY 13:
Time to bid farewell to Australia today and join the flight to Shanghai for a three night stay on a full board basis. You will be met on arrival at the airport and enjoy dinner en route to your well located hotel.
DAY 14:
Today we include a full day sightseeing tour of Shanghai featuring the Jade Buddha Temple, the most famous Buddhist temple in Shanghai, which houses two precious statues - the Sitting Buddha and the Recumbent Buddha, beautifully carved from whole white jade.
You will also visit the classic Yu Yuan Gardens, divided into six scenic zones and featuring over 30 pavilions, many hallways, bridges, winding paths and beautiful lotus ponds, as well as experiencing life in the traditional Old Town with its bustling market bazaars.
After dinner this evening we include a visit to the Grand Theatre where you will enjoy a fantastic performance by the Shanghai acrobats.
DAY 15:
A day at leisure for you to explore Shanghai. Alternatively you might like to join an optional full day tour to Suzhou, situated on China’s historic Grand Canal and famous for its stunning gardens.
After dinner, a second optional excursion offers the chance to explore Shanghai by night.
DAY 16:
Time to bid farewell and transfer to the airport for the return flight to the UK, arriving later the same day.
HOTEL ACCOMMODATION
We have carefully selected good quality hotels in excellent locations along the route. You will spend five nights in Sydney, three nights in Cairns, two nights in Brisbane and three nights in Shanghai. Actual hotels will be confirmed with your joining instructions.
All hotels have a bar and restaurant and rooms are comfortably furnished with en suite facilities, telephone, colour TV, tea/coffee making facilities and air conditioning.
Extend your stay in Australia
Delayed return from Sydney is available for up to three months after the outward date of travel from the UK. Please contact us for more information and to discuss options.
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