Day 1 - October 29, 2008 - Wednesday:  Los Angeles and Pacific Ocean (L,D) 

We will all meet at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) (photo above left) where we board Qantas Airlines Flight QF108 leaving LAX at 11:45 p.m. bound for Sydney in our comfortable state-of-the-art Boeing 747-400 overnight trans-Pacific flight city-with-wings that with tasty meals, a wide selection of drinks, duty-free gifts, and the latest in-flight entertainment. Join the Qantas Club which is Qantas's frequent flyer program that has many major travel partners throughout the USA, Asia, Africa and Europe. Join by clicking here.  

Day 2 - October 30, 2008  - Thursday:  Pacific Ocean (B,L,D)

We go through the international date line resting comfortably while watching in-flight movies, grazing on a great selection of food and seeing the south Pacific islands pass below us. (Above photo shows our path from Los Angeles at the above right across the Pacific to Sydney in Australia below on our left.)

Day 3 - October 31, 2008  - Friday:  Sydney (B,L)
We arrive non-stop two days later at 8:15 a.m. in Sydney (photo above left) and after completing customs at the Sydney International Airport (SYD), we will be met by our local guide and transferred by private coach to the Travelodge Sydney (photo above right) where we are pre-registered to allow for immediate access. We have four nights accommodations here at the hotel. Time to freshen up and rest after the long flight.

          Day 4 - November 1, 2008  - Saturday:  Sydney, Darling Harbour (AB)

Buffet breakfast is included at our Travelodge Sydney this morning. After breakfast, we join our private coach and driver for a sightseeing tour of Sydney, including the picturesque Botanical Gardens (photo above left), the Conservatorium of Music and Mrs Macquarie's Chair, stopping for spectacular views of the Opera House. Then it's back to the city's commercial centre, Darling Harbour and Chinatown before heading for Kings Cross and the exclusive suburbs of Double Bay, Rose Bay and Watson's Bay for a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean from The Gap before arriving at Bondi Beach, where we will have time for lunch (at our own expense). This afternoon we return to Darling Harbour, where we will board Matilda Cruises (photo above right) for their Sailing Coffee Cruise. What better way for us to experience Sydney's vibrant outdoor lifestyle than aboard Matilda's sailing catamarans. Laze into the afternoon as spectacular views including Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House and Fort Denison, sail by. Cruise the gentle waters of Main Harbour whilst enjoying a delicious afternoon tea, expresso coffee and fascinating commentary. Upon completion we will be transferred back to our hotel.

Day 5 - November 2, 2008  - Sunday:  Sydney, Hunter Valley (AB,L)
Buffet breakfast is included at our Travelodge Sydney this morning. This morning depart Sydney by private charter coach for wer full day Hunter Valley tour. We leave Sydney over the Harbour Bridge and head North to the historic township of Wollombi, famous for its local brew called Dr Jurd's Jungle Juice. We stroll through the village before departing for the Broken Back Range and climb the escarpment to Mt View before descending into the Hunter Valley (photo above left) to begin our wine tasting at a few of the very special boutique wineries in the area. Our first Winery is McWilliams Mount Pleasant Estate (photo above right), The Lovedale Vineyard was planted in 1946 by legendary winemaker, the late Maurice O'Shea. Today, the vineyard is widely recognized as one of Australia's greatest sources of Semillon. Enjoy a guided tour of the winery followed by a delicious 2 course lunch in Elizabeth's Restaurant located at the winery before we make our way to McGuigan Cellars. Included in the complex we will also find the Hunter Valley Cheese Factory, which offers a tempting array of hand-made cheeses, coffee & cake plus exotic delicatessen foods. Later this afternoon, we arrive at the Hunter Valley Gardens Village, Pokolbin's town centre. Featuring a variety of boutique specialty shops including the Hunter Valley Chocolate Factory and Bliss Coffee Roasters. Tour terminating back at wer Sydney Hotel.

Day 6 - November 3, 2008 - Monday:  Sydney, Harbour Bridge  A(B)

Buffet breakfast is included at our Travelodge Sydney this morning. Full day at our leisure to explore Sydney at our own pace. Shopping is excellent in Sydney and we might want to return to prior places we have visited to explore them further. Some of us will take the optional Harbour Bridge climb. It's awesome, it's high, and it's breathtaking. BridgeClimb. offers the ultimate experience to view Sydney with an exhilarating climb to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge during day, the twilight, or the night. Their professional Climb Leaders will take us all the way to the summit over ladders, catwalks and arches. The exhilaration and personal satisfaction achieved with BridgeClimb provides a unique and unforgettable experience of Sydney. As safety is their number one priority, climbers are issued with a BridgeSuit to wear, a BridgeLamp at night, a safety harness, and are linked to a static line throughout the climb. Climbers are also breath tested, sign an indemnity form, and go through a metal detector as nothing may be taken onto the Bridge. All climbers receive a complimentary photograph of their climb group and a commemorative climber certificate. BridgeClimb operates in all weather conditions with the exception of electrical storms. Anyone over the age of twelve, in good health and with a sense of adventure is invited to join "For the Climb of Your Life." For pricing for the climb, please click here.

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