Discover the Wonders Down Under in Sydney, Australia for Six Days & Five Nights at the Swissôtel Sydney for Two, Including a Guided Tour of the Sydney Opera House and a Day Trip to the Blue Mountains with a River Cruise (Land Only)
From the talented musicians and performers who've graced the stage of the Sydney Opera House, to the natural marvels of the Blue Mountains, this trip to Sydney, Australia will highlight some of the most captivating landmarks and UNESCO World Heritage sites you’ve ever seen. You'll get an exclusive experience at the Sydney Opera House on a tour of this world-famous center for performing arts as your expert guide shares stories about the real-life dramas behind the curtain and the venue’s storied history since it opened in 1973. Your full-day tour of the Blue Mountains park visits popular landmarks including the Three Sisters, Wentworth Falls and Jamison Valley, gives you a chance to let the kangaroos eat from your hands and have your photo taken with cuddly koalas, all before a river cruise back to Sydney!
Make your visit to the Sydney Opera House even more special with a guided tour and light meal. The Sydney Opera House is one of the world's most iconic performance venues and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where more than 1,500 concerts, plays, musicals and ballets are staged every year! Go behind the scenes with an insider guide, who shares stories and fun facts about the opera house’s history, performances and architecture throughout your one-hour tour. Walk through the elegant foyers, visit one of the largest pillar-free chambers in the world, sit down in a custom-made white birch chair and look up at the vaulted ceiling. Check out areas that are off-limits to the general public, learn about the distinctive exterior design made up of 'shell' tiles, and hear about the opera house’s Danish architect, including his inspiration and building challenges. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you can savor a light meal.
After morning pickup, take in the sights during the scenic drive to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park. You'll meet amazing native Australian animals during a stop at Featherdale Wildlife Park, where you're invited to hand-feed the kangaroos and emus! Once you reach the Blue Mountains, stop at Echo Point to admire one of the Blue Mountains' most heralded sights: the Three Sisters, which sits above the picturesque Jamison Valley. Next is a nature hike to stunning Wentworth Falls. If you're up for it, you can then choose from several tour options at Scenic World at your own expense — you could ride the rails or take to the air in a gondola to view the rainforest and valleys of the Blue Mountains. Expect a break for lunch in Katoomba, a charming village in the Blue Mountains. As your small group-tour heads back towards Sydney in the afternoon, stop at Olympic Park, where the Olympic Games were held in the year 2000. Then hop on board a comfortable boat for a cruise along the Parramatta River, lined with waterfront homes and lush greenery. Once you pass under Sydney Harbour Bridge, it's not long before your boat docks at Circular Quay where your full-day Blue Mountains tour ends.
Located above one of Australia’s most iconic department stores and centrally positioned amongst Sydney’s prime tourist and shopping districts including Westfield Sydney, Pitt Street Mall and Queen Victoria Building, the luxurious five-star Swissotel Sydney is also within easy reach of the Harbour Bridge, The Rocks, Darling Harbour, Hyde Park and the Opera House. Guests will benefit from ease of access to the city’s transportation system. Relax in the sanctuary of your room, where the style is a marriage between Sydney glamour and Swiss precision, offering an ideal retreat in the heart of the central business district. Explore "the town," as it’s known locally, then return to the Swissotel Sydney where you can relax and unwind while taking in dazzling views of the city skyline.
Your trip for two includes:
Awaken Your Senses on a Safari in South Africa for Seven Days & Six Nights at Either the Zulu Nyala Heritage Safari Lodge or the Hemingway Tented Camp for an Animal Watching Safari and Photo Safari for Two (Land Only)
Embark on an African safari and prepare yourself for an exhilarating experience, profound and spiritual, the adventure of a lifetime in a land of expansive savannahs, breathtaking landscapes, stunning wildlife, and proud ancestral tribes. Immerse yourself in the romance and mystique of the African wild in the heart of one of the country’s richest conservation regions. Seek out the unexpected by day or night with game drives in an open Land Rover, following the footprints of the elephants along ancient riverbeds during guided walks, and enjoying the thrill of close encounters of the wild kind.
The Heritage Safari Lodge & Hemingway Tented Camp was originally built in the 1940s as a hotel, and was a landmark pit-stop for weary travelers between Lourenço Marques and Durban. Acquired in 1996, the gracious building was lovingly restored to its original colonial grandeur, enhanced with new personal bungalow accommodations, and tastefully themed to highlight Zululand’s unique cultural development. With buffet-style meals in the restaurants, the wide, welcoming veranda and the pub, the warm and relaxing atmosphere of the Heritage Safari Lodge is conducive to good times and conviviality. The sparkling pool is always inviting, and you’re sure to enjoy browsing the beautifully stocked curio shop for a few authentic African memoirs.
Soak up all you can in this amazing region with an animal watching safari and a photo safari! You can also go on guided walks along game trails, or ride along on game drives in a Land Rover by morning and afternoon!
Your trip for two includes:
A Feast for the Senses in the Gourmet Destination of Cortona, Italy (Europe) for Seven Days & Six Nights in a One-Bedroom Apartment for Two, Including a Cooking Show with Dinner (Land Only)
If you're looking for the charm and romance of Tuscany, you'll find it during an escape to Cortona, one of Tuscany's oldest hill towns, where strolls down the narrow medieval streets reward you with glimpses of impressive churches and incredible views of the countryside. With accommodations in a cozy one-bedroom apartment, you're perfectly poised to explore the romance of Tuscany, breathtaking scenery, historic cities, medieval art, and divine cuisine, and an enviable proximity to Florence and Rome. The region is a true feast for your senses, and the finishing touches to this Tuscan trip are a cooking show with an authentic Italian dinner - buon appetito!
Experience acclaimed Tuscan cuisine during a satisfying night of feasting on Italian flavors. Enjoy a cooking show before indulging in a fabulous traditional meal during which you'll get to taste the decadent cuisine, which is made using fresh, high-quality ingredients that bring out the natural essence of each dish. Some classic dishes include affettati misti, crostini di fegato, ribollita, papa al pomodoro and panzanella. Tuscany is now one of the most famous culinary regions anywhere in Europe, or even the world. You'll learn about the region's superb recipes and classical dishes.
Just one hour drive from arguably the most beautiful city in the world, Florence, and less than two hours' drive to historic Rome, Tuscany hosts innumerable astounding localities, many of which are also named UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From the Etruscans to the Romans to the Renaissance, Tuscany is possibly the greatest repository of art in the world, with extraordinary paintings and sculptures, frescoes and architectural masterpieces. Spend some time exploring the landmarks of historic Cortona, such as the Piazza della Republica, the 13th century town hall and clock tower that is now one of Cortona’s main plazas, or the Duomo, the Renaissance cathedral featuring an 11th century facade and gorgeous 16th and 17th century paintings inside.
Your trip for two includes:
Tropical Indonesian Paradise in Amed, Bali for Eight Days & Seven Nights at the Golden Buddha Resort in a One-Bedroom Cottage for Two, Including Round Trip Airport Transfers, a Balinese Massage, A Balinese Dinner and a Choice of Either a Water Sport, a Visit to Tirta Gangga Water Palace or a Visit to Pura Lempuyang Temple (Land Only)
Travel to the coastal and rural town of Amed, Bali for a luxurious seven-night stay for two in the intimate Golden Buddha resort. Known for its world-class scuba diving, welcoming people, and peaceful atmosphere, Amed is the ideal destination for a rejuvenating couples’ getaway. Immerse all your senses in Indonesian culture, from the natural beauty and azure waters everywhere you look, to the tranquility of a full-body Balinese massage, from a special Balinese dinner prepared just for you, to your choice of local activities!
Nestled in a lush, rural setting, and just steps away from the sea, your private cottage is maintained by your own Balinese staff, which includes housekeeping, room service, and an attentive concierge who will make you feel right at home. Start your days with the included breakfast, as you rise from your king-size bed, step out onto your veranda, and enjoy the enchanting indoor/outdoor shower. The cottage is surrounded by the resort's lush gardens and high-end amenities, such as a pool, a covered dining area, a Garden Cafe, day spa and full bar. Before your journey ends, you will join in a specially prepared dinner at the resort where you will celebrate your newfound peace and happiness.
Embark on one personally-crafted activity! You will have a choice of local temple excursions, or a master diver-accompanied diving or self-guided snorkeling experience. Pura Lempuyang, also known as the "Stairway to Heaven," is located at the summit of 1,700 stairs that wind through the opulent jungle and are situated on the slopes of the foggy Gunung Lempuyang. As you climb to the pinnacle of the temple, join the faithful who come here to seek blessings and take in the breathtaking views. Or, if you prefer, you may instead visit Tirta Gangga, a sacred temple with a number of water features, including an array of beautiful ponds and fountains surrounded by a lush garden, stone carvings, and elegant statues. A private driver is provided for this experience. Alternatively, if you are feeling adventurous, partake in a diving expedition accompanied by a master diver, or a self-guided snorkeling excursion!
Your trip for two includes:
TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Travel package is non-refundable and subject to availability. Certificates/gift cards cannot be replaced. Passport required for travel outside the U.S. Water sport or tour experiences run on specific days of the week and at specific times. Added meals, beverages, phone, excursions, transportation, and gratuities NOT included. Check-in and check-out must occur on Saturday. Participants must have a diving certification to participate in the diving experience. A minimum 45-day advance reservation is required. Travel is valid for 18 months from date of issue.
CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellation prior to arrival will be subject to forfeiture of reservations and funds.
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