20-night Australian Outback Cruisetour #3E

Located on New Zealand’s South Island, the port of Lyttleton is the gateway to Christchurch. A short drive through a tunnel brings one to the picturesque town of Christchurch.

Disembark your ship and enjoy seamless travel as you board a plane to Cairns. Tour the rainforest village of Kuranda before a one-way Skyrail journey for aerial views of Baron Falls. Overnight Pullman Cairns.

Today's activities are among the most exciting. Unwind aboard a reef cruise to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world's most phenomenal UNESCO World Heritage Sites! Dive or snorkel among the colorful corals and unusual fish beneath the water's surface, and don't worry about breakfast or lunch, we'll make sure you get fed! Overnight Pullman Cairns. (B,L)

Wave goodbye to Cairns as you soar into the clouds and fly to iconic Uluru in the Outback. This evening you'll be introduced to the culture and 40,000-year history of Australia's Aboriginal people on an enlightening cultural tour. Walk along the base of Uluru and watch the colors on the rock shift at sunset. Overnight Desert Gardens Hotel. (B)

Rise early and travel to the Uluru sunrise viewing area to watch the first rays of the sun rise over the desert landscape. Be mesmerized by the changing colors of Uluru at first light and experience the wonder of the Australian Outback as the dawn emerges. Visit the cultural center in the National Park where you can learn more about the indigenous history and culture, and see traditional arts and crafts on display. After a tour of Kata Tjuta (The Olga's), the rest of the afternoon is at your leisure to do as you please. Perhaps enjoy a guided garden walk at the hotel, watch the Wakagetti Cultural Dancers perform in the town square or wander the Indigenous Art Markets. Overnight Desert Gardens Hotel. (B)

Enjoy a delicious breakfast before your flight back to Sydney for 2-nights in this wonderful city. The remainder of the afternoon and evening are yours to explore the city. Overnight Hyatt Regency Sydney. (B)

Wake up and satisfy your appetite with breakfast on us, then embark on a guided morning tour of Sydney. You'll take in the renowned architecture of the iconic Sydney Opera House and have a chance to photograph the impressive Sydney Harbour Bridge, known locally as "The Coat Hanger" for its arched hanger-like shape. Dig your toes into the soft sands at the most popular beach in New South Wales, Bondi Beach, and even tour The Rocks, a historic district with well-preserved colonial architecture, trendy restaurants, museums, shops and an abundance of Old World charm. The remainder of your afternoon and evening are yours to do as you please, whether you'd like to explore more of Sydney or simply rest your feet. Overnight Hyatt Regency Sydney. (B)

Your tour ends in Sydney today, but you'll take with you memories of your journey that last a lifetime! (B)