Travel-Learn Program

When: January 16, 2011 - January 29, 2011 (iCal)

Description

An Adventure Down Under

Join us on this spectacular journey that captures the essence of the stark contrasts, magnificent landscapes and dynamic cultures of Australia and New Zealand. We will travel from the modern heights of Sydney’s skyline to the ancient Aboriginal communities of Australia’s peerless national parks. On an exclusive three night cruise past the underwater jewels of the Great Barrier Reef, we will observe the drama of the underwater world with the added advice of expert naturalists. The broad and brilliant natural spectrum of this unique destination is not to be missed.

Cost

From $5,195 per person based on double occupancy.

Contact

For more information,contact Usha Nand Sellers Ed. D., Director Tufts Travel-Learn Program, at usha.sellers@tufts.edu or 617-627-5323..

Itinerary

Day 1 & 2

Depart for New Zealand. Cross the International Date Line.

Day 3 – Queenstwon, New Zealand

To we will arrive in Queenstown and check in to the Novotel Lakeside Hotel, located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu in the heart of this quintessential New Zealand city.

Day 4 - Queenstown

The morning tour reveals the charm and treasures of Queenstown and its environs. We will step back into the pioneering days of the 1860’s gold rush during a visit to the historic mining settlement of Arrowtown. In the Lakes District Museum, fascinating exhibits paint a vivid and authentic portrait of 19th century life in New Zealand’s frontier country. We will ascend Bob’s Peak aboard a gondola for breathtaking panoramic views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps. The afternoon and evening are free for independent pursuits.

Day 5- Queenstown/Milford Soun/ Te Anau

Words cannot fully describe the sublime beauty of Milford Sound, a spectacular fjord-like inlet where towering mountains plunge into the sea and waterfalls cascade down verdant slopes, misting into a vast, ever-changing sequence of small rainbows. We will take a scenic drive to Fjordland National Park and cruise Milford Sound. Continuing to Te Anau, we will check into the Distinction Luxmore Hotel for the night.

Day 6 - Queenstown/Christchurch

Returning to Queenstown, we fly to Christchurch, “the most English city outside of England.” Christchurch captures the provincial charm of Britain in its Victorian architecture, elegant public squares and well-tended parks. The panoramic city tour introduces us to the town’s most celebrated landmarks including the Cathedral Square, the University of Canterbury and Hagley Park. We will then check into the Copthorne Central Hotel, located in the heart of the city overlooking Victoria Square and the Avon River.

This evening, we will be offered traditional Kiwi hospitality and cuisine, and gain personal insight into the lives of typical New Zealanders during a specially arranged dinner in a private home.

Day 7 - Christchurch/Sydney, Australia

Christchurch’s classic English character will be on display in a visit to the beautifully landscaped, 100-year-old, Tudor-style Mona Vale Homestead for morning tea.

This afternoon we will fly to Sydney and check into the deluxe Swissotel, located in the heart of Sydney. The evening is at leisure.

Day 8 - Sydney

Sydney’s stunning skyline, magnificent harbor and multi-cultural resident’s distinguish it as one of the world’s truly great cities. Its history comes alive during the guided city tour, showcasing Sydney’s lively Circular Quay; bustling Chinatown; vibrant King’s Cross; the historical Rocks area, once the center of Britain’s Australia penal colony; and Bodi Beach, where master surfers come to ride some of the world’s most imposing breakers.

After lunch on our own, the specially arranged tour of Sydney’s magnificent Opera House reveals a unique perspective of this architectural masterpiece and how the Danish architect, Jorn Ultzon, arrived at his inspiration for the building’s ingenious sail motif.

Day 9 - Sydney

Today we are free to explore Sydney on our own

Day 10 to Day 12 - Sydney/Townsville/Great Barrier Reef Cruise

Cruise along the picturesque shores of the densely forested tropical Palm Island and Magnetic Island, where Mount cook, named for the great explorer, rises above lush hills carpeted with Eucalyptus trees.

Pelorus, or Yanooa per the Aboriginals, is a national park with a pristine and fragile ecosystem. We will embark on a nature trek through the lush rainforest accompanied by the ship’s marine biologist. The island is also surrounded by a spectacular fringing reef, where there are thousands of colorful fish and fascinating sea creatures including giant turtles, graceful rays and mysterious dugongs, the sea mammal which inspired the myth of mermaids among generations of seafarers.

We wil savor a typical Aussie-style barbecue lunch on Pelorus’ sandy white beaches before departing for the scenic Hinchinbrook Channel and the Family Islands, populated with mangroves, mountainous cliffs and green forests. Later, we will visit the Dunk island resort on the largest of the Family Islands.

There will be a full day to view the awe-inspiring Nathan Reef, and plenty of time to snorkel in the warm, tropical waters and explore the breathtaking tapestry of life; from brightly colored starfish and sea cucumbers to hundreds of types of coral, plants and fish. We will also have the opportunity to experience this kingdom of coral while cruising aboard the expedition cruiser’s glass-bottom boat, accompanied by Naturalists who will talk about the complex ecosystem that comprises the Great Barrier Reef.

Day 13 - Great Barrier Reef Cruise/Thetford Reef/Cairns

Today we will have one last opportunity to snorkel amid Thetford Reef’s vast array of coral and sea life, which includes more than 1.500 species of fish as well as turtles and dolphins. After lunch, we will disembark in Cairns.

During our visit to Tjapukai Cultural Park we will delve into thousands of years of Aboriginal culture. We will attend a performance of Aboriginal music and dance, admire traditional artwork, and listen to the tales of ancient legends.

Later this afternoon, we will check into the deluxe Shangri-La Hotel, located in the heart of Cairns, overlooking the marina. This evening we will have a farewell reception at the hotel with dinner on our own.

Cairns/In Transit/U.S.

Transfer to the airport for our return flight to the U.S.

Auckland Pre-Program Option

Spend two nights in the picturesque port of Auckland, known as the “City of Sails” for its rich maritime heritage. Stay in the heart of the city and learn about Auchland’s unique history and the fascinating culture of the indigenous Maori people.

Ayers Rock Post-Program Option

Extend your stay with two nights in the Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park near legendary Ayers Rock (Uluru) and the nearby dramatic Olgas (Kata Tjuta), a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk alongside these mysterious geographical wonders and hear about the ancient history of these sacred Aboriginal places.

Price and Itinerary remain tentative and subject to change

617-627-5323|usha.sellers@tufts.edu