Ultimate Australia & the Ghan

A route of extraordinary Australian cities, sacred sites and remarkable views lies ahead as your vacation begins today in Sydney. Transfer independently to our hotel in Darling Harbour and check in for the next four nights. From this point, you are free to relax using the hotel's facilities after a long day of travel or get to know this waterfront area at your own pace.

You might like to find dinner at one of the restaurants overlooking the water, or head into the central business district, where there are plenty of attractions to introduce the city and an abundance of other dining options. From international fare to modern Australian cuisine, there are options catering to every taste. Overnight Sydney.

After a free morning exploring the beauty of Sydney at your own pace, we are taken on a guided sightseeing tour of the city's famous landmarks and its eastern suburbs. First, we travel through the historic Rocks area, where the First Fleet landed in 1788 to establish Australia's earliest European settlement.

We then visit Mrs. Macquarie's Chair, a sandstone bench hand-carved by convicts in 1810 for the wife of Governor Macquarie. Set on a scenic peninsula, it offers one of the best views of Sydney Harbour, including the city's skyline, the famous Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Later, we continue to the renowned Bondi Beach, frequented by sun-kissed surfers and known for its laid-back vibe. The name Bondi originates from the Aboriginal word for "surf," and we have time at leisure here to enjoy this relaxed beach resort, its vast beach, cafés and restaurants into the afternoon.

This evening, we mark the first full day of our Australian vacation with a group dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight Sydney.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a free morning before we embark on a highlight of the trip: a cruise around Sydney Harbour. With a buffet lunch on board, this is a superb way to see some of the most iconic sights of the city. The most prominent is Sydney's stunning Opera House, the jewel in the city's crown and an architectural masterpiece. We also pass under one of Australia's most renowned landmarks, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the largest steel-arched bridge in the world.

The rest of your day is free, and there is much to see and do in this exciting city. You could revisit the Rocks, one of the first European settlements of Australia, whose old pubs and warehouses are now converted into modern buildings.

A scenic walk takes you along the waterfront of Sydney Harbour to the Opera House, where you can continue to the 200-year-old Royal Botanic Gardens with its incredible trees, including Moreton Bay fig trees. Sydney's harbor area has several museums, art galleries and historic buildings to discover, as well as plenty of restaurants. Overnight Sydney.

• Breakfast, Lunch

Today, we journey into the Blue Mountains by rail. Just 30 miles outside of Sydney, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed area is named for its dense eucalyptus forests that create a blue haze when the sunlight hits.

First, we visit the Three Sisters rocks at Echo Point, overlooking Jamison Valley. These striking rock formations inspired an Aboriginal legend in which three sisters were turned to stone by their father to protect them from a tribal war. We continue to a charming Victorian-era village named Leura, with free time to have lunch in one of the cafés or browse the galleries and shops. Our excursion continues with a trip on the world's steepest incline railway, the Katoomba Scenic Railway. This short but dramatic trip passes sandstone cliffs and enters a rock tunnel before emerging into the ancient rainforest. After walking through the tall rainforest, we return to the top of the valley and take the glass-bottom Scenic Skyway ride from the lookout point across the valley.

Returning to Sydney by coach, your evening is free to enjoy at leisure. Overnight Sydney.

• Breakfast

This morning, a short coach journey from our hotel takes us to the station, where we join the cross-country train to Melbourne.

Traveling in First Class, we settle in to our seats with lunch and dinner available to buy on the train. This day-long rail journey takes us past open plains of Australian bush and farmland, mostly cattle and dairy farms, with stops at remote stations and towns with distinctive names, such as Wagga Wagga. As we approach Melbourne, the landscapes change to fields of green and gold.

On arrival in Melbourne this evening, we walk across the road from the Southern Cross Station to check into our central hotel for four nights. With a setting in Melbourne's central business district, we are near high-end shopping and a fantastic choice of restaurants, including Japanese, Vietnamese, Chinese, French and Italian, alongside Australian fare - an inventive fusion of local and international cuisine. Overnight Melbourne.

• Breakfast

Enjoy some free time this morning to explore Melbourne at your own pace, perhaps stopping for an early lunch at one of the city's many cafés or restaurants.

This afternoon, we join a sightseeing tour of Melbourne, taking us past key highlights of the city, including the Old Treasury Building and the center that was built for the Great Exhibition of 1880. Outside the center, we drive past the home of the Melbourne Open and the MCG - an iconic cricket ground and Australia's largest stadium.

Afterward, we experience the true charm of the Yarra River with a one-hour sightseeing cruise, allowing us to view the city's skyline from a fresh perspective. Disembarking the ship, we take a short walk to the Melbourne Skydeck for panoramic views across the city.

You are at leisure this evening, and the nearby Southbank area along the Yarra River offers a variety of excellent restaurants for you to try. Alternatively, hop on the free city center trams to explore the Docklands or Flinders Street districts. Overnight Melbourne.

• Breakfast

Today brings an excursion along one of the world's most scenic stretches of road: the breathtaking Great Ocean Road.

Traveling by coach, this spectacular route takes us past verdant forests, rushing waterfalls and glittering ocean views. En route, we are likely to see surfers riding the waves, and we may even spot native birds or other coastal wildlife. As we travel, we make a short stop at a seaside town called Lorne and continue to the laid-back beach town of Apollo Bay, where we break for lunch. Later, we visit the Twelve Apostles and view this dramatic collection of limestone rocks set along the coast.

Take some time to marvel at the golden cliffs and emerald waters of the coastal Loch Ard Gorge before we retrace our journey to Melbourne. Arriving back at our hotel this evening, you are free to dine independently at one of the many restaurants in our local neighborhood. Overnight Melbourne.

• Breakfast, Lunch

Driving through Melbourne's leafy suburbs after breakfast this morning, we arrive at Belgrave Station for a charming journey. Boarding the nostalgic Puffing Billy steam train, this beloved heritage railway dating back to 1900 guides us through the tranquil rainforest and fern-filled gullies of the spectacular Dandenong Ranges, spotting wildlife en route.

From Lakeside, we continue by coach into Victoria's oldest wine-growing region, the Yarra Valley. Viticulture began in this area in 1837, and it is now celebrated for its chardonnay and pinot noir varieties. After lunch at Rochford Wines, we head to Coombe Yarra Estate to savor a wine-tasting.

Returning to Melbourne this evening, the rest of the day is yours to relax or explore the city's restaurants and bars at leisure. Overnight Melbourne.

• Breakfast, Lunch

With an early start this morning, we transfer to the station to join the Overland train on its journey west to Adelaide. Breakfast and lunch are served on board as we travel through broad plains, rolling farmland and the shifting colors of the rural Victorian and South Australian landscape.

Adelaide is an attractive city and was Australia's first major settlement, planned in 1836 as a free city. Known as the "city of churches," Adelaide is also celebrated for its elegant architecture, natural landscapes and relaxed charm.

As we arrive this evening, we check into our hotel in the heart of the city, overlooking Victoria Square. With a reputation for excellent food and wine, Adelaide has plenty of tempting places to eat nearby. Chinatown is just around the corner, and Gouger Street, the popular restaurant precinct, is close by. Overnight Adelaide.

• Breakfast, Lunch

Exploring Adelaide on a guided tour after breakfast, the city's key sights are brought to life through local stories. Highlights include Montefiore Hill, offering sweeping views of the city, as well as the historic Adelaide Oval and the striking St. Peter's Cathedral.

After the tour, we head to the station to board the iconic Ghan train. Named in tribute to the Afghan camel drivers who helped make Australia's Red Centre accessible at the end of the 19th century, the Afghan Express - affectionately called the Ghan - is the most luxurious way to discover Australia's Red Centre. The Ghan's maiden voyage from Adelaide to Alice Springs took place in August 1929, and since then, it has left a lasting impression on travelers.

Staying in Gold Service, our classic rooms feature everything travelers desire for a restful journey, with twin-occupancy cabins featuring ensuite bathrooms. With all meals and drinks included, we can savor the elegance of the Art Deco Queen Adelaide Restaurant while embracing the golden age of rail travel as we head north into the heart of Australia. Overnight train.

• Breakfast, Lunch

From the verdant vineyards around Adelaide, the scenery changes dramatically today as the world-famous Ghan passes through desert landscapes as it makes its way north.

Heading into the Red Centre of Australia, soak up the otherworldly views while savoring the elegance of Gold Service. Indulge in a memorable lunch and dinner in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant or unwind with a drink while admiring the passing scenery.

This evening, head to cabin for your final night on the Ghan as it journeys towards our destination. Overnight train.

• Breakfast, Dinner

There's time to enjoy a hearty breakfast as we travel to our destination. Alice Springs is a remote town in the Northern Territory, described as the beating heart of Australia's Red Centre, and on arrival, we check in to our hotel for the night.

Afterward, we set out on a tour that highlights some of the region's most unique features. We visit the Old Telegraph Station, established in 1871 to relay messages between Darwin and Adelaide. We also visit Alice Springs' School of the Air, where children across the region are taught over the air by radio. Our tour continues to the Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum, where we learn about the life-saving work of this air medical service and the people who fly out to treat people in remote areas.

We return to our hotel with a free evening to dine independently. Overnight Alice Springs.

• Breakfast

This morning, we leave Alice Springs and travel by coach through Australia's vast Red Centre towards the spiritual heart of the Outback, Uluru. This iconic rock is the world's largest monolith, an incredible sight to behold, as it rises 1,142 feet above the surrounding desert floor.

As we travel, we take in the scenery of the desert landscapes, ochre sands and rugged mountain ranges before stopping along the way for lunch.

We arrive at our hotel late this afternoon and check in with time to relax or enjoy the hotel facilities. This evening, we experience a magical Uluru sunset, watching as the rock changes color in the fading light. With drinks and snacks supplied, we witness the breathtaking spectacle as the golden light illuminates Uluru, before the hues darken, creating a dramatic contrast against the desert sky. Overnight Uluru.

• Breakfast, Lunch

The natural beauty of the Uluru area is on display today. We begin with a sunrise visit to Uluru, watching the sun's first rays dance across the vivid orange rock before we return to the hotel for breakfast.

Next, we embark on a guided tour of the spectacular Olgas, the huge domed rock formations of Kata Tjuta National Park. These sacred sites hold deep spiritual significance for the Anangu people and are used for cultural ceremonies. The afternoon is free to relax by the pool, enjoy the hotel facilities or visit the local shops in the Uluru hotel complex.

This evening, we set out for a magical Sounds of Silence dinner in the desert, with Uluru's iconic red rock as our backdrop, glowing as it shifts color with the setting sun. Our meal begins with sparkling wine and canapés, followed by a barbecue buffet featuring a bush-inspired menu, selected drinks and dessert. Later, under the clear desert skies, a "star talker" guides us through a captivating stargazing experience, revealing planets, constellations and galaxies visible in this extraordinary environment. Overnight Uluru.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Transferring to Alice Springs airport after breakfast this morning, we to fly to Cairns and land in the Queensland city in the afternoon. After a coach transfer to our hotel, which is situated overlooking the Trinity Wharf and ideal for exploring the area, we check in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure in this tropical corner of Australia.

Known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is a nature-lover's paradise, surrounded by mountainous rainforests, spectacular reefs and pristine beaches. You might be tempted to take a dip in the lagoon, walk along the waterfront promenade, or relax on the beach or at the hotel's swimming pool.

This evening, you could wander along the boardwalk of the Cairns Esplanade, where there are several inviting al fresco restaurants to choose from for dinner. Overnight Cairns.

• Breakfast

A tour highlight awaits today as we enjoy a full-day visit to the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest and most complex coral reef system. From the harbor at Cairns, we board an air-conditioned catamaran for a cruise into this marine paradise, one of the seven wonders of the natural world. Our first stop is Green Island, a coral cay (a small sandy island on a coral reef), where we have two hours at leisure to explore this idyllic setting on a self-guided walk.

Continuing into the Great Barrier Reef, we moor alongside a pontoon for an onboard reef presentation and a buffet lunch, followed by an afternoon of viewing the unique wildlife and coral reefs from an underwater observatory. You can also experience the brilliant marine life close-up during a snorkeling session, or catch a glimpse of tropical fish, giant clams and sea turtles from a glass-bottom boat.

We return to Cairns with a free evening to dine independently, and you may like to wander through the Cairns Night Market, open daily until 10 p.m. Overnight Cairns.

• Breakfast, Lunch

This morning brings a unique experience as we transfer by coach to Rainforestation Nature Park, located within the beautiful tropical rainforest. Here, we embark on a guided Dreamtime Walk to learn how the indigenous Australians understand the world and its creation before experiencing a "Pamagirri" dance performance.

After having lunch at Rainforestation, our explorations continue as we travel to Kuranda village in the rainforest, where we have time to look around the local craft market before heading to the station. On arrival, we board refurbished heritage carriages in Royal Class for a journey along the 125-year-old Kuranda Scenic Railway into the rainforest, through the stunning Barron River Gorge, with its tropical vegetation and tumbling waterfalls.

After returning to Cairns along the same scenic route, you are free this evening to dine independently. Overnight Cairns.

• Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, you have a full day at leisure to explore this tropical city at your own pace.

There are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors, whether exploring the nearby beaches or going for a swim in the warm ocean water or the marine life-free lagoon. You might like to visit the Flecker Botanic Gardens, whose construction began in 1886 and is said to feature Australia's best exhibitions of tropical plants, or the Cairns Aquarium. Explore some of the colorful marine life and aquatic creatures of the reef, which can usually only be seen by experienced divers.

Alternatively, you might like to immerse yourself in the city's eclectic atmosphere while wandering the city center. Cairns is filled with street art, public murals and boutique shops, and there are plenty of restored buildings that speak to the city's ever-evolving atmosphere.

We reconvene at the hotel this evening and celebrate this vacation with a final dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight Cairns.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This epic Australian vacation has taken us from the cities of Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide to the sensational natural wonders of Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef. A journey on the world-famous Ghan from Adelaide to Alice Springs allowed us to absorb ever-changing views while basking in the luxury of Gold Service. With trips on scenic railways through the Blue Mountains and Queensland rainforest and an iconic Sydney Harbour cruise, this tour has presented thousands of miles of Australia's vast and inspiring land.

Your time in Australia comes to a close this morning as you check out of the hotel and transfer independently to the airport to begin your travels home.