The Sydney, Red Center & Reef itinerary combines the city of Sydney with the mysteries of Ayers Rock and the Aboriginal desert with the Great Barrier Reef. With the Platinum series program, you will enjoy stunning deluxe hotels, including the new Longitude 131 with its safari style tents overlooking the desert. Enjoy private excursions that give you the opportunity to explore in unhurried comfort and style from Sydney, to Ayers Rock and Uluru to relaxing at the exclusive Lizard Island before ending with the 2003 Rotary convention in Brisbane. Take the tour after Convention and you will start with a relaxing stay at Lizard island, than on to the Red Center with Sydney as the last stop before your flight home.

Your Sydney, Red Center & Reef Platinum arrangements include:

• all accommodation as indicated in the itinerary in a twin or single room (includes pre-registration of your hotel room for early arrival in Sydney)
• all transfers and sightseeing by private air-conditioned vehicle
• services of an A&K guide for transfers and sightseeing
• meals as indicated in the itinerary (à la carte whenever possible)
• Charter flight from Cairns to Lizard Island
• entrance fees while sightseeing

Not included: Airfares; meals, beverages or sightseeing not included in the itinerary; personal expenses such as laundry and communication charges; travel insurance; excess baggage charges; gratuity to A&K escort; optional activities, departure tax

Highlights:
Sydney Harbor Cruise Private tour of the Sydney Opera House Ayers Rock & Uluru Two nights at Longitude 131 Safari Camp The Great Barrier Reef Three glorious nights on Lizard Island

Wed, May 21: USA or Canada - Sydney, Australia
Today we board our flight and soar across the Pacific Ocean to commence a wonderful holiday in Australia.

Thu, May 22: International Date Line
We cross the International Dateline, 'losing' a day that we will regain on our return trip.

Fri, May 23: Arrive in Sydney
Upon arrival at the Sydney Airport you will be met by an Abercrombie & Kent guide and transferred to your hotel by private vehicle. Your hotel room will be ready for immediate occupancy and the remainder of the morning is at leisure.

This afternoon join your A&K guide for an afternoon cruise onboard a private vessel on Sydney Harbour. Enjoy spectacular scenery including the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and the many lovely homes built around this magnificent harbour while relaxing on the deck enjoying champagne and canapes.
Park Hyatt Sydney - Opera view studio

Sat, May 24: Sydney Sightseeing
This morning, join your A&K guide for a tour that begins with a visit to the historic Rocks area with its narrow cobbled streets and convict buildings. Enjoy a private tour of the Opera House before visiting the quaint suburb of Paddington to see tiny Victorian houses decorated with cast iron "lacework", much of which came to Australia as ballast in the holds of the wool and grain clippers over 100 years ago. Enjoy lunch at a delightful waterfront restaurant, after which you will explore Sydney further before returning to the hotel.
Park Hyatt Sydney - Opera view studio: B,L

Sun, May 25: Day at Leisure
Today is at leisure to explore Sydney on your own or choose from a range of optional tours that can include the Blue Mountains by helicopter, surfing lessons, bridge climbing or touring the shops and galleries of Sydney with a guide.
Park Hyatt Sydney - Opera view studio: B

Mon, May 26: Sydney to Ayers Rock/Longitude 131
Transfer to the Sydney Airport to board your flight to Ayers Rock. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to Longitude 131, a luxury tented camp which is inclusive of all meals and beverages. During your stay you can participate in a range of tours that have been designed to give you the opportunity to truly appreciate the natural wonders and cultural significance of the region.
Longitude 131 - tented camp: B,L,D

Tue, May 27: Ayers Rock & Uluru
Longitude 131 offers a true 'safari' experience in central Australia and a unique way to explore the desert, surrounding eco-system, Aboriginal culture and expansive views of Uluru. Relax in the free-form swimming pool, enjoy an apertif as the sun sets over the desert, enjoy fine dining in a magical setting or simply watch the stars rise over the outback. The inclusive tour program will provide a deep insight into Aboriginal culture and include visits to Aboriginal homelands that have never been open to tour groups before. Knowledgeable guides will provide fascinating insights into the desert flora and fauna.
Longitude 131 - tented camp: B,L,D

Wed, May 28: Ayers Rock to Lizard Island
Transfer to the airport to board a flight to Cairns. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the General Aviation terminal for your charter flight to Lizard Island (included in cost). (Important Note: There is a luggage limit of one suitcase (approx 15 kilos) per person on the flight from Cairns to Lizard Island. Excess baggage can be stored at the Cairns Airport.)
Lizard Island: B,D

Thu & Fri, May 29 & 30: Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef
The next two days are spent at this beautifully refurbished multi-award-winning island resort. It is the most northerly resort on the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef and was discovered by Captain Cook in 1770 and named after the monitor lizards that inhabit the island. Fine food, 24 private beaches, outstanding snorkeling and world renowned scuba diving are just some of the options available. Of course there is always 'relaxing under a palm tree'.
Lizard Island: B,L,D

Sat, May 31: Lizard Island to Brisbane
Fly back to Cairns and connect with your onward flight to Brisbane.
Commence Rotary Intl Arrangements: B

Thu, Jun 5: Brisbane to Lizard Island
This morning you will be transferred to the Brisbane Airport for your flight to Cairns and onto Lizard Island. (Important Note: There is a luggage limit of one suitcase (approx 15 kilos) per person on the flight from Cairns to Lizard Island. Excess baggage can be stored at the Cairns Airport.) Lizard Island: D

Fri & Sat, Jun 6 & 7: Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef
The next two days are spent at this beautifully refurbished multi-award-winning island resort. It is the most northerly resort on the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef and was discovered by Captain Cook in 1770 and named after the monitor lizards that inhabit the island. Fine food, 24 private beaches, outstanding snorkeling and world renowned scuba diving are just some of the options available. Of course there is always 'relaxing under a palm tree'.
Lizard Island: B,L,D

Sun, Jun 8: Lizard Island to Ayers Rock/Longitude 131
Fly back to Cairns by charter flight where you will be met and transferred to the Domestic Airport for your flight to Ayers Rock.
Longitude 131 - tented camp: B,D

Mon, Jun 9: Ayers Rock & Uluru
Longitude 131 offers a true 'safari' experience in central Australia and a unique way to explore the desert, surrounding eco-system, Aboriginal culture and expansive views of Uluru. Relax in the free-form swimming pool, enjoy an apertif as the sun sets over the desert, enjoy fine dining in a magical setting or simply watch the stars rise over the outback. The inclusive tour program will provide a deep insight into Aboriginal culture and include visits to Aboriginal homelands that have never been open to tour groups before. Knowledgeable guides will provide fascinating insights into the desert flora and fauna.
Longitude 131 - tented camp: B,L,D

Tue, Jun 10: Ayers Rock to Sydney
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Sydney. Upon arrival into Sydney, you will be met by an Abercrombie & Kent guide and transferred to your hotel by private vehicle.
Park Hyatt Sydney - Opera view studio: B

Wed, Jun 11: Sydney Sightseeing
This morning join your A&K guide for a tour that begins with a visit to the historic Rocks area with its narrow cobbled streets and convict buildings. Enjoy a private tour of the Opera House before visiting the quaint suburb of Paddington to see tiny Victorian houses decorated with the cast iron "lacework", much of which came to Australia as ballast in the holds of the wool and grain clippers over 100 years ago. Enjoy lunch at a delightful waterfront restaurant, after which you will explore Sydney further before returning to the hotel.
Park Hyatt Sydney - Opera view studio: B,L

Thu, Jun 12: Harbor Cruise
This morning is at leisure to explore Sydney on your own or choose from a range of optional tours that can include the Blue Mountains by helicopter, surfing lessons, bridge climb or touring the shops and galleries of Sydney with a guide.

This afternoon join your A&K guide for an afternoon cruise onboard a private vessel on Sydney Harbour. Enjoy spectacular scenery including the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and the many lovely homes built around this magnificent harbour while relaxing on the deck enjoying champagne and canapes.
Park Hyatt Sydney - Opera view studio: B

Fri, Jun 13: Depart Sydney
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
B

For more information on any of the fabulous A&K Rotary Tours drop us a note or call Rex Travel at 800-777-7739