Days 1-3 - Depart the U.S. for Sydney, Australia

Fly to Australia, losing a day as you cross the international date line. Arrive in Sydney in the morning of Day 3 and check in to your hotel. Take the day to relax and settle in before meeting your fellow travelers and Smithsonian Journeys Expert for a briefing and a welcome dinner at the hotel. (D)

Day 4 — Sydney

Immerse yourself in captivating Sydney on a morning tour, exploring highlights such as the historic Rocks district, where Australia’s first colonists arrived in the 1700s; Darling Harbor; and Bondi Beach. Then board a catamaran for a lunch cruise on Sydney Harbour, taking in views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge and learning about the city’s intriguing history. (B,L)

Day 5 — Sydney

Experience the iconic Sydney Opera House on a guided tour, learning about the evolution and design of this World Heritage site, considered one of the architectural masterpieces of the 20th century.  Continue to Featherdale Wildlife Park, where koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, and dingoes roam freely amid ten acres of rainforest, eucalyptus, and gardens. After time at leisure this afternoon, gather for dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 6 —The Outback and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Fly to the Outback and check in to your hotel just outside the World Heritage site of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. After lunch on your own, head into the park, the traditional home to the Anangu Aboriginal people. Get a first glimpse at its sacred sandstone formations, Uluru and Kata Tjuta (formerly known as Ayers Rock and the Olgas), and delve into the spiritual significance of this landscape at the Cultural Centre. Watch the sun set over Uluru, the fabled sandstone monolith that rises 1,114 feet above the plain. Then dine under stars at a special Sounds of Silence experience. (B,D)

Day 7 — Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

If you wish, rise early this morning to see the sun come up over Uluru. Take a guided walk amid the otherworldly domed boulders of Kata Tjuta, and delve deeper into the traditions and way of life of the Anangu people during a dot painting demonstration. Enjoy free time this afternoon before dinner with the group. (B,D)

Days 8–9 — Cairns/Great Barrier Reef

Travel to Cairns, the gateway to Australia’s Far North, and transfer to your hotel. Spend the next day exploring the Great Barrier Reef, where more than 2,800 coral reefs stretch over some 1,600 miles, creating one of the planet’s richest marine ecosystems. On a full-day excursion to Michaelmas Cay, go swimming and snorkeling amid vibrant marine life or climb into a semi-submersible vessel for a close-up look at the reefs. (B,L)

Day 10 — Cairns/Daintree Rainforest

Along the northern coast of Queensland lies the Daintree Rainforest, a 130-million-year-old tropical forest that is woven deeply into the belief systems of the Indigenous people that call it home. Begin your exploration with a Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk led by Aboriginal guides in beautiful Mossman Gorge. Then travel to the mountain village of Kuranda, surrounded by lush jungle, and board the world’s longest gondola cableway for a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest canopy. (B,D)

Days 11–12 — Christchurch, New Zealand

Fly across the Tasman Sea to New Zealand’s South Island and land in Christchurch, the “Garden City.” Set out on an orientation tour the next morning, visiting the acclaimed Botanic Gardens, Cathedral Square, and the memorial to the victims of the 2011 earthquake. The afternoon is yours to discover this vibrant hub of creativity and culture as you wish. (B,D)

Day 13 — Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

Journey south to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, stopping for lunch at a working farm in Geraldine. Arrive at Mount Cook in the Southern Alps, a stunning landscape of turquoise lakes and snowcapped mountains, and settle into your hotel before dinner.

Day 14 — Aoraki Mount Cook

Set out for Mount Cook Village and visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Center. Meander through the Hillary Gallery, commemorating Sir Edmund’s achievements, including the first ascent of Mount Cook’s difficult south face. After time in the village for lunch on your own, this afternoon is at leisure to discover Aoraki Mount Cook as you wish. (B,D)

Day 15 — Queenstown

Travel through New Zealand’s lush fruit-growing region to Queenstown, stopping in the former gold mining town of Arrowtown. Enjoy a wine tasting and savory lunch at a renowned winery before continuing to the famed Kawarau Bridge where in 1988 AJ Hackett invented bungee jumping. Reach the “adventure capital” of Queenstown in mid-afternoon. (B,L,D)

Day 16 — Milford Sound

Set out on a rewarding, full-day excursion to the World Heritage-listed Milford Sound. Glide through the breathtaking fjords on a nature cruise, watching for wildlife, waterfalls, and spectacular scenery.  Enjoy lunch on board. This afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to return to Queenstown on a scenic flight, taking in magnificent aerial views the Fiordland. (B,L)

Day 17 — Queenstown

Today is yours to pursue your own interests in Queenstown. You may consider a hike, a stroll along Lake Wakatipu, a day of wine-tasting, or any of the many adventure activities offered in the city. Your Travel Director will have recommendations.

Day 18 — Rotorua

Fly from Queenstown to Rotorua on the North Island. This geothermal landscape of geysers, bubbling mud pools, steaming thermal springs is a center of Māori culture. Take a panoramic tour of this city on the shores of Lake Rotorua. This evening visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve and Māori Cultural Centre for a traditional hangi dinner and Māori performance. (B,D)

Day 19 — Rotorua

Venture along the leafy paths of Paradise Valley Springs for a closer look at native flora, fauna, and birdlife. Tour the National Kiwi Trust, and learn firsthand how injured kiwis—New Zealand’s flightless national bird—are rescued and rehabilitated here. (B)

Days 20-21 — Rotorua and Auckland

Venture into  Ruakuri Caves to see the thousands of glowworms illuminate underground grottoes. Late this afternoon arrive in Auckland, the “City of Sails,” set atop more than 50 volcanic hills. Take a half-day city tour featuring the Auckland War Memorial Museum, Auckland Harbour, and the America’s Cup Village. Tonight celebrate your adventure at a farewell dinner. (B,D)

Day 22 — Depart for the U.S.

Early this morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Los Angeles (via Sydney), and connect with your flight home. (B)