Day 11 - November 8, 2008  - Saturday:  Cairns and Ayers Rock at Uluru (B)
Buffet breakfast is included at The Cairns Hotel this morning. After breakfast we transfer from Cairns Hotel to the Cairns International Airport (CNS) leaving on our Qantas Flight 1851 at 6:40 a.m. and arriving at 8:55 a.m at Ayers Rock Airport (AYQ) which will allow us time to settle into the resort before we join the Australian Pacific Tours for our afternoon Olgas and Sunset tour. En route to Kata Tjuta, we stop to view the immense scale of the Uluru 36 domes, thought to have once been a single rock many times the size of Ayers Rock (photo above right). On arrival at Kata Tjuta, we take a guided walk into the Walpa Gorge (photo above left). Marvel at the sheer walls that flank us, as we enter the gorge. We will learn of the domes' formation and of the wildlife of the region. Some of the plants we will see here are so rare that they are only found among these rocky domes. Late in the day, we board our private chartered coach and return to watch the sunset over Uluru. Admire the ever-changing colours of the monolith while the sun sinks below the horizon. Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine as the dusk deepens into night. Our two nights at Uluru will either be at the Lost Camel Hotel or the Outback Pioneer Hotel.

Day 12 - November 9, 2008  - Sunday:  Uluru

Rise early and rejoin Australian Pacific Tours for the Uluru and Base Tour. Enjoy a revitalizing cup of tea or coffee with our compliments as you witness Uluru (Ayers Rock) at sunrise and see the desert come to life. With the sun climbing in the morning sky, join a guided walk (above photo left) to the waterhole of Mutitjulu, viewing ancient cave paintings and learning about the ancient Aboriginal legends of Kuniya Tjukurpa (Python Dreaming). Then join the guided Mala Walk to learn the story of the Mala (Hare Wallaby) people who once lived at Uluru. See painted caves and learn of the region's geology and flora. As you tour the base of Uluru, visit Kantju Gorge, a waterhole and old hunting ground. Visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, dedicated to interpreting Anangu culture and law. Visit the Maruku Arts and Craft Cooperative to perhaps see Aboriginal artists at work. Australian Ranger Recomendations: Safe Walking. Every year a number of visitors suffer from heat stroke and heat exhaustion. These conditions are easily preventable - just by being better prepared. Remember to: Wear a hat, strong shoes and sunscreen. Carry and drink at least 1 litre of water per hour. Walk in the cooler parts of the day. Stay on the track.  Afternoon at leisure. Optional during the evening is The Sounds of Silence. Entered into the Australian Tourism Hall of Fame, Sounds of Silence (photo above right) is a truly unique outback experience – this is the best of the Red Centre distilled into four magic hours. A special location is chosen and guests are escorted shortly before sundown into the desert. A diggeridoo echoes across the magical landscape as diners enjoy their canapés. Witness the spectacular sunset and feast on Northern Territory delights, including barramundi, kangaroo, emu, crocodile, bush salads, and classic Australian desserts. Attention then turns to some of the world’s best star gazing with the assistance of our resident astronomer. As diners wind down, coffee or tea are served. In winter, guests enjoy a special treat of hot mulled wine whilst gathered around a campfire.

Day 13 - November 10, 2008  - Monday:  Uluru and Sydney
Transferred by AAT Kings to Ayers Rock Airport to we board our Qantas Flight 729 leaving at 12:30 p.m. for our flight to Sydney arriving there at 5:00 p.m. Upon arrival at the Sydney airport we will be met at our baggage claim carousel by the driver who will be wearing a bright red Akubra hat and carry a sign with our tour name and will be transferred by shuttle coach to Travelodge Sydney for our one night's accommodation. The evening is free for final touring, shopping at retail centers such as the Queen Victoria Building (photo above left) that has been described by Pierre Cardin as "the most beautiful shopping centre in the world." This outstanding example of Byzantine architecture, which occupies an entire city block, was built in 1898. Perhaps at night take a Captain Cook Dinner Cruise of the Harbour and see Sydney at night (photo above right).

         Day 14 - November 11, 2008 - Tuesday:  Sydney and Los Angeles

Wake up early and visit Bondi Beach for a good walk or even rollerblading then back to our hotel where we once again say goodbye to Sydney. We board our bus where we a transferred back to the Sydney International Airport for our Boeing 747-400 Flight 107 leaving at 12:00 p.m. for our trans Pacific flight back across the International Dateline back to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). We arrive in Los Angeles at 6:30 a.m. the same day "five hours before we took off from Sydney" and connect to our flights back home.

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