Itinerary

Journey to Australia 2018 - There and Back
Date:
August 20, 2018 - October 04, 2018
Meeting point:
Anchorage, Alaska
Length:
47 days / 46 nights
Mileage:
17,990 NM
Day 1 - Monday, August 21: Anchorage, AK

We will meet in Anchorage - known as the City of Lights and Flowers – where Air Journey will greet you at the Anchorage Marriott.

In the afternoon there will be a meeting where all participants will attend a very detailed briefing covering the general procedures of our Journey. We’ll cover the route, regulations, flight plan, safety, weather, etc.

We’ll end the day with a welcome cocktail before dinner.

Hotel : Anchorage Marriott
Welcome cocktail and Dinner included
Day 2 - Tuesday, August 22 & Wednesday, August 23: Anchorage, AK → Anadyr, Russia (900nm) → Petropavlovsk, Russia (910nm)

Fly to Petropavlovsk, Russia. We’ll cross the International Date Line, losing a day en route, then arriving in Anadyr for a technical stop.

Hotel : Hotel Complex Petropavlovsk
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 4 - Thursday, August 24: Petropavlovsk, Russia → Sapporo, Japan (920nm) → Seoul, South Korea (750nm)

Fly to Seoul. There will be a technical stop in Sapporo, Japan.

Hotel : Banyan Tree Club
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 5 - Monday, August 21: Seoul, South Korea

Enjoy a full day tour with a local guide as we explore more than 600 years of South Korean history. Visit the 14th-century Gyeongbok Palace and view the royal guard changing ceremony in front of the main gate. Explore the National Folk Museum and neighboring Insadong alley, popular for its colorful handcrafts shops and art galleries.

In the afternoon we’ll visit the traditional Bukchon Hanok Village area, with its Royal palace, Royal shrine, and countless hanoks (traditional Korean houses). Explore these unique traditional workshops and museums, including those for embroidery and kite making. We’ll end the day exploring Seoul’s traditional Namdaemun Market.

Hotel : Banyan Tree Club
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 6 - Tuesday, August 22: Seoul, South Korea

Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own.

Hotel : Banyan Tree Club
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 7 - Wednesday, August 23: Seoul, South Korea → Taipei, Taiwan (800nm)

Fly to Taipei in the “Republic of China”. Taiwan is one of the most culturally diverse countries and we’ll experience a traveler’s bird’s eye view of modern Taiwanese life.

Hotel : Villa 32
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 8 - Thursday, August 24: Taipei, Taiwan

There will be a half-day city tour including a visit to the National Palace Museum.

There will be free time to relax or explore on your own.

Hotel : Villa 32
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 9 - Friday, August 25: Taipei, Taiwan → Caticlan, Philippines (RPVE) (805nm)

Fly to Caticlan in the Philippines. Upon arrival, we will board the resort's private speedboat for our transfer to the Shangri-La Boracay Resort. 

Hotel : Shangri-La Boracay Resort
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 10 - Saturday, August 26: Boracay, Philippines

Today is at leisure to relax and enjoy the resort activities. 

Hotel : Shangri-La Boracay Resort
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 11 - Sunday, August 27: Boracay, Philippines

Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own.

Hotel : Shangri-La Boracay Resort
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 12 - Monday, August 28: Caticlan, Philippines → Cebu (310nm) → Palau, Micronesia (650nm)

Fly to Palau. There will be a technical stop in Cebu, Philippines.

Situated on the western shore of Ngerkebesang Island, the Palau Pacific Resort is the ultimate tropical resort in Micronesia, with 64 acres of beautiful tropical gardens and pristine white sandy beaches.

Hotel : Palau Pacific Lodge
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 13 - Tuesday, August 29: Palau, Micronesia

We’ll enjoy a snorkeling excursion to explore the serenity of the Rock Islands - a UNESCO world heritage site comprised of 445 uninhabited limestone islands.

Covered in vegetation right to the waterline, these green islands, vertically erected from the water, create a labyrinth in perfectly calm turquoise lagoons, with hidden marine lakes, rocky arches, caverns and surrounded by a rich reef (home to over 700 coral species and over a 1,000 species of fish, dugongs, sharks and more).

 Lunch on a beautiful white sand beach is included.

Hotel : Palau Pacific Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 14 - Wednesday, August 30: Palau, Micronesia

Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own.

Hotel : Palau Pacific Lodge
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 15 - Thursday, August 31: Palau, Micronesia → Wewak, New Guinea (860nm) → Tari, New Guinea (140nm)

Fly to Tari, New Guinea. There will be a technical stop in Wewak. Nestled amongst the Doma Peaks near Tari, almost 7000’ above sea level, is Ambua Lodge - an award-winning, eco- friendly lodge boasting magnificent panoramic views of the Tari Valley below.

Tari is home to one of the most immediately recognizable cultures in Papua New Guinea, "Huli Wigmen" - a proud, flamboyant tribe known for their ornate ceremonial "wigs" with dances and songs fashioned on that of the mating rituals of the Birds of Paradise.

Hotel : Ambua Lodge
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 16 - Friday, September 1: Tari, New Guinea

We’ll explore the area with a local guide as we learn about the Highland culture and traditions of the famed Huli Wigmen.

We begin with a nature walk through the alpine forest. Bird life proliferates in the forests of Papua New Guinea, including many species of Birds of Paradise—of the 43 known species, 38 are found in Papua New Guinea.

These birds can be seen performing bizarre ritualistic and mating dances. Hunted by early traders for their brilliantly colored feathers, the flamboyant Huli Wigmen of the Tari Valley formed a strong bond between themselves and these beautiful birds. The Huli culture is the most vibrant intact and colorful to be seen anywhere.

Hotel : Ambua Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 17 - Saturday, September 2: Tari, New Guinea

Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own.

Hotel : Ambua Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 18 - Sunday, September 3: Tari, New Guinea → Port Moresby, New Guinea (410nm) → Cairns, Australia (460nm) to Lizard Island

Fly to Cairns, Australia to clear customs. There will be a technical stop at Port Moresby, New Guinea.

We will fly from Cairns to Hamilton Island, the most northernly island resort located directly on the Great Barrier Reef. Voted one of the top ten island resorts in the world, it is renowned for spectacular fishing and world famous diving opportunities.

There’ll be time for afternoon tea and a visit the 'Beach Club' to be personally fitted with fins, masks and snorkels for the duration of your stay. The hotel offers complimentary use of motorized dinghies, paddle skis, sailboards, glass bottom boat trips, as well as many island activities.

Experience an island so untouched that when you walk one of the twenty-four secluded beaches there are no other footprints. Enjoy the reef and crystal blue water surrounding the island and explore the Lizard Island terrain with scenic nature walks across the island.

Hotel : Lizard Island
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 19 - Monday, September 4: Lizard Island

This morning there will be a guided natural walking tour where our guide will share the secrets of Lizard Island with you. Discover more about the history, fauna and flora of Lizard Island.

Enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch on a secluded beach. Spend time exploring, snorkeling and enjoying your magnificent surroundings.

Later we’ll transfer to the research station via glass bottom boat or 4WD, dependent on the tide, to meet one of the directors of the island's research centre for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour.

After your tour at the research station you will enjoy an intimate cruise along the beaches with uninterrupted views of a glorious Lizard Island sunset (weather permitting).

Hotel : Lizard Island
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 20 - Tuesday, September 5: Lizard Island

Today is at leisure to enjoy snorkeling on the outer reef.

Hotel : Lizard Island
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 21 - Wednesday, September 6: Lizard Island to Cairns → Gold Coast, Australia (530nm)

Fly back to Cairns and then on to the Gold Coast. Upon arrival, enjoy a private half-day Mount Tamborine Tour with a local guide.

Hotel : Palazzo Versace
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 22 - Thursday, September 7: Gold Coast, Australia

Always a surprise, always an impressive sight! Arrive at the launch site to see the amazing hot air balloon inflation display. Hop on board to experience the fun and unique sensation of your first Gold Coast hot air balloon ride, floating gently above the spectacular Gold Coast Hinterland, in Queensland, Australia.

Come down to earth and transfer to O'Reilly's Grand Homestead & Boutique Vineyard. Your breakfast is a real highlight! Enjoy exclusive access to O'Reillys Canungra Valley Vineyard - relax in the historic surroundings with a glass of champagne to toast your morning. A full freshly cooked breakfast, pastries, fresh juices, eggs & bacon, cereals & fruit is all yours as you relax in the serenity of the vineyard on the verandah of this picturesque grand Queenslander. Afterwards we’ll return to the hotel where the remainder of the morning is at leisure.

This afternoon embark on the adventure of a lifetime aboard a world-class Jetboat, in a world-class location, enjoying a world-class experience. Operating in areas of the Broadwater and Marine Park, enjoy a mix of Jetboat thrills and stunning scenery and sightseeing. Experience full 360° spins, high speed drifting, incredible beach buzzing and other exciting maneuvers in as little as 10cms of water while we explore the Gold Coast’s unique Broadwater. It’s the complete Jetboating Adventure!

Hotel : Palazzo Versace
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 23 - Friday, September 8: Gold Coast, Australia → Sydney, Australia (365nm)

Fly to Sydney. The most populous city in Australia, Sydney is located on the southeast coast along the Tasman Sea and surrounding one of the world’s largest natural harbors.

Situated directly on Sydney Harbour in the city's historic Rocks area, Park Hyatt Sydney is just a short walk from Sydney's major shopping and business districts and provides dramatic views of the famous Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Hotel : Park Hyatt Sydney
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 24 - Saturday, September 9: Sydney, Australia

Enjoy a tour of Sydney with a local guide, including an Aboriginal walk, a tour of the Sydney Opera House and a visit to Icebergs for lunch.

Hotel : Park Hyatt Sydney
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 25 - Sunday, September 10: Sydney, Australia

Today is at leisure to relax or explore Sydney on your own.

Optional activities include a four-hour cruise on Sydney Harbour, an Aboriginal Art Experience with a private guide focusing on private galleries throughout Sydney and highlighting the very best that Sydney has to offer, a climb of your life to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge (includes lunch at O Bar & Dining), or the ultimate Sydney dining experience while taking in the most spectacular views of Sydney Harbour and the Northern Beaches on a seaplane to Jonahs at Whale Beach.

Hotel : Park Hyatt Sydney
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 26 - Monday, September 11: Sydney, Australia → Kingscote, Australia (370nm)

Fly to Kingscote and transfer to the Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island.

Renowned as Australia’s Galapagos, Kangaroo Island offers diverse wildlife and remarkable landscapes. Situated at its heart, Southern Ocean Lodge is your ‘basecamp’ as you explore the island’s many wonders. Exceptional guided experiences and adventures are included. You’ll receive a personalized experiential touring itinerary of the Island's unique natural attractions for the complete Kangaroo Island experience.

This afternoon we’ll enjoy scenic walk from thelLodge atop the limestone cliffs of Hanson Bay. This easy walk offers a bird’s eye view of waves crashing along the coastline. From the top of the cliff look out to sea and recognize there is nothing but ocean between here and Antarctica. Experience and learn about local flora, fauna and coastline ecosystems. Discover this photographers dream!

Later there will be a short, informative visual presentation hosted by the resident naturalist staff providing insight into the Island's discovery and natural history as well as offering an overview of the many spectacular attractions.

Hotel : Southern Ocean Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 27 - Tuesday, September 12: Kangaroo Island

This morning we’ll enjoy a half-day introduction to Kangaroo Island’s wildlife, maritime heritage and stunning coastal landscapes. Cape du Couedic lighthouse, Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch and a unique Fur Seal Colony are just some of the highlights.

Lunch will be at the lodge.

This afternoon we’ll visit Seal Bay - home to Australia’s third largest colony of Australian sea lions. A naturalist guide will lead us for this exclusive tour on the beach with these amazing animals. We’ll learn about their unique breeding cycle and the ongoing research programs implemented on site.

Hotel : Southern Ocean Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 28 - Wednesday, September 13: Kingscote, Australia → Adelaide, Australia (70nm)

Fly to Adelaide where we will transfer to the Barossa Valley - one of Australia's most celebrated wine growing regions. Situated on top of a gentle hill, The Louise is a luxury vineyard retreat surrounded by hundreds of acres of vines overlooking the world-renowned Barossa Valley.

Hotel : The Louise
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 29 - Thursday, September 14: Barossa Valley, Adelaide, Australia

Enjoy a full day private tour of Barossa Valley. You’ll taste excellent local wines and enjoy a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant. The tour includes a VIP private tasting at Peter Lehmann Wines where a selection of Super Premium and Cellar Door Exclusive wines are showcased in an intimate private room and are paired with a taste plate of fresh regional produce.

Enjoy the ‘Make Your Own Blend’ Tour - an interactive and fun wine experience where you are invited to the Winemakers Laboratory to try your hand at making your very own wine from Genache, Shiraz and Mourvedre. It's a fascinating and satisfying experience as you blend to suit your own personal taste. Then, take your wine home in a personalized bottle!

Hotel : The Louise
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 30 - Friday, September 15: Adelaide, Australia → Yulara, Australia (705nm)

Fly to Yulara and transfer to Sails in the Desert. Enjoy a wilderness experience at a luxury retreat in the outback!

In the late afternoon a drive into the dual World Heritage–listed National Park begins the evening, followed by a leisurely walk through the Cultural Centre where the informative and interactive displays provide insight into the spiritual and cultural meanings of Uluru (formerly Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta.

Continue on to the twilight viewing area where you can take in the iconic sunset over Uluru.

Hotel : Sails in the Desert
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 31 - Saturday, September 16: Yulara, Australia → Kununurra, Australia (580nm)

Fly to Kununurra.

The Homestead at El Questro is an exclusive retreat situated atop the Chamberlain Gorge. The resort features magnificent panoramic views of the Chamberlain Gorge and river systems from sunrise to sunset. Nestled in the rustic Australian wilderness, this is the ideal place to fully appreciate the untamed beauty of the Kimberley.

Enjoy exclusive use of Zebedee Springs this afternoon. Let an El Questro Ranger drive you in style to the most romantic of hideaways. While he stands watch, you take a short walk through the dense, tropical vegetation to a series of thermal pools and small waterfalls. Set amongst a back drop of sheer cliffs and Livistonia palms, Zebedee Springs is a magical place to relax and rejuvenate after a busy day.

Hotel : Homestead
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 32 - Sunday, September 17: Kununurra, Australia

Design your morning by selecting from a bird watching tour, a gorge walk or a culture, history and nature tour. All three tours are guided.

Lunch at the Homestead.

Boating through the Chamberlain Gorge is a must! During the 3km journey, you will enjoy the diverse flora and fauna, resident Rock Wallabies, Johnston Crocodiles and the always cheeky Archer Fish, which are all familiar inhabitants of the gorge.

Hotel : Homestead
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 33 - Monday, September 18: Kununurra, Australia

Today is at leisure to enjoy activities offered at the hotel.

Optional activities include one of Australia’s natural wonders, the World Heritage–listed Bungle Bungle Range, a unique sandstone formation dating back 350 million years. This two-hour airplane flight from El Questro’s airstrip takes you first over Lake Argyle and the Carboyd Range.

Before entering the 240,000 ha Purnululu National Park, the Bungle Bungle massif rises 300m out of the desert to meet you. For the next 20 minutes you will discover the awe inspiring striped bee hive domes and gorges of this 350 million-year-old icon. Orbiting the range, take a photo or two of the Gibb Face. See the famous Cathedral Gorge and Piccaninny Gorge, the longest and deepest in the massif.

On the return journey to El Questro, pass over the Argyle Diamond Mine, the largest producer of pink and colored diamonds in the world. It’s a once in a life time experience!

Lunch at the Homestead.

This afternoon, visit the newest lookout, named after the famed Kimberley character, Buddy Tyson. With 360-degree views of the property, you look down on the station township, up the Chamberlain River and follow the Pentecost out to the Gibb River Road. At the top of the point you can enjoy the amazing Kimberley sunset views.

Hotel : Homestead
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 34 - Tuesday, September 19: Kununurra, Australia → Broome, Australia (395nm) → Bali, Indonesia (690nm)

Fly to Bali where we will transfer to the Amankila resort. Perched on a cliff side overlooking the Lombok Strait, Amankila is a haven of tranquility and is possibly one of the most romantic destinations in Bali.

Hotel : Amankila Resort- Bali, Indonesia
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 35 - Wednesday, September 20: Bali, Indonesia

Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own.

Hotel : Amankila Resort- Bali, Indonesia
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 36 - Thursday, September 21: Bali, Indonesia

Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own.

Hotel : Amankila Resort- Bali, Indonesia
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 37 - Friday, September 22: Bali → Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia (700nm)

Fly to Kota Kinabalu.

Set on Pantai Dalit Beach, The Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort offers spectacular beachfront view while surrounded by 400 acres of tropical forest. The resort is also home to an eco-friendly championship golf course and the magnificent Spa at Dalit Bay. Unique to the Rasa Ria resort is the Orangutan Education Centre.

Hotel : Shangri La’s Rasa Ria Resort
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 38 - Friday, September 16: Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Early risers can view the new sun as it rises over Mount Kinabalu in the distance!

Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own.

Optional activities include horseback riding, an all- terrain vehicle safari and deep-sea fishing.

Hotel : Shangri La’s Rasa Ria Resort
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 39 - Sunday, September 24: Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia → Manila, Philippines → Okinawa, Japan (600nm)

Fly to Okinawa and transfer to The Terrace Club at Busena.

Experience Okinawa’s vast blue sky, sparkling sea, and lush greenery at the Terrace Club at Busena, a wellness destination designed for the discriminating traveler offering pampering hospitality, healthful cuisine, and thalassemia therapies. 

Hotel : The Terrace Club at Busena
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 40 - Monday, September 25: Okinawa, Japan

Enjoy a half-day city tour with local guide including the 500-year-old stone gate to Shurijo Castle, a designated World Heritage site and former home of the Okinawan Royal Family and the former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters (Kyukaigun Shireigo). This is where the Japanese Navy, under Rear Admiral Ota, took its last stand in the Battle of Okinawa. A system of underground tunnels stretching 1,475 ft. and built by civilians using shovels and pickaxes remains almost exactly as it was.

Hotel : The Terrace Club at Busena
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 41 - Tuesday, September 26: Okinawa, Japan

Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own.

Hotel : The Terrace Club at Busena
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 42 - Wednesday, September 27: Okinawa, Japan → Nagoya, Japan → Sapporo, Japan (720nm)

Fly to Sapporo. There will be a technical stop in Nagoya.

Hotel : Airport Terminal Hotel
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 43 - Thursday, September 28: Sapporo, Japan → Petropavlovsk, Russia (500nm)

Fly to Petropavlovsk. This is a technical stop on our way back to the US and we want you to be aware this hotel is basic.

Hotel : Hotel Complex Petropavlovsk
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 44 - Friday, September 29: Petropavlovsk, Russia → Anadyr, Russia (920nm) → Anchorage, Alaska (910nm)

Fly to Anchorage, Alaska. There will be a technical stop in Anadyr, Russia.

Hotel : Anchorage Marriott
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 45 - Friday, September 29: Anchorage, Alaska

Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own. 

 

Hotel : Anchorage Marriott
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 46 - Saturday, September 30: Anchorage, Alaska → Ketchikan, Alaska (675nm) → Seattle, Washington (585nm)

Fly to Seattle. There will be a technical stop in Juneau to refuel.

Tonight we’ll celebrate with a Farewell Dinner.

Hotel : The Edgewater
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 47 - Thursday, October 5: Seattle, Washington → Home

We will go our separate ways as we head home today.

Breakfast included