Eurocircle.com is a global network of Europeans, expats and internationals, who socialize and travel together. Our travelers are aged independent, 25-50, working professionals.
Join Eurocircle for its annual global adventure. For the 7th year in a row, Eurocircle members from all over the world will gather to make new friends, explore two beautiful destinations, and make memories that last a lifetime.
This year, our gathering takes place down under, as we meet in Sydney to embark on an 13 day tour of both Australia and New Zealand.
SYD Arrival & Group Meeting Date: October 4, 2017 – Oct 13, 2017
Travel Organizer: Sherry Kumar philadelphia@eurocircle.com
Maximum Group Size: 16
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
- $950 non-refundable deposit PLUS
- Balance per person $2990 based on twin or double occupancy** (If sharing a room, must bring a companion) plus deposit below.
- Balance per person $3825 based on single occupancy**
- ** land only. International or local air is not included.
- $950 non-refundable deposit, payable upfront. Balances will be collected by phone.
- Please be advised, it takes 2 days of travel time to reach Australia. So, you will take 14 days off from work 🙂
- This is a proposed itinerary only. Changes to schedule are common and always to be expected.
INCLUSIONS:
Accommodations in Australia & New Zealand, private coach, English speaking guide, some meals (see detailed itinerary below), sightseeing.
EXCLUDED:
International and intra-country flights. Tips, most meals, optional activities that can be booked on the ground.
LAND ITINERARY DETAILS
List of hotels will be provided to ticketed passengers only, when paid in full.
Own flight arrangements to SYDNEY. Plan to land on October 4 (Reminder, it takes 2 days to reach Sydney)
Wednesday, OCTOBER 4, 2017 > LANDING DATE
Landing date. Transfer to hotel. Group will meet in hotel lobby for introductions that evening. No plans this day, just rest and relax, as the itinerary begins following breakfast the next morning.
October 5, 2017
One way transfer from Sydney International Airport to a Sydney CBD Hotel.
A Superior Room, For 3 nights
Checkout required by 11:00 hrs (11:00am)
Meals Provided: No Meals Included
A 1 Hr Tour and Tasting Plate
Begin your journey by exploring underneath the sails with a spectacular Sydney Opera House Tour, or Bento Tower taking you inside one of the worlds greatest buildings of all time. You will see inside the theatres, discover the stories, history and magic of the House and learn of how architect Jorn Utzons heritage-listed masterpiece came to life.
You can also decide when to take your Opera Kitchen three-tier gourmet Tasting Plate, before or after your tour as lunch or return for dinner at dusk or a late supper. There’s nothing more to do than sit back at Sydney’s newest dining spot and indulge in succulent prawns, mini wagyu burgers, or fresh sushi, and soak in the Sydney Harbour views.
Opera Kitchen is home to Sydney’s best chefs, food artisans and producers that will tantalise your tastebuds and leave you spoilt for choice. The perfect way to experience one of the world’s most stunning icons and Sydney’s newest dining destination.
Meals: Tasting Plate
Includes 1 hour guided tour of Sydney Opera House and Tasting Plate at Opera Kitchen.
Start time:
The tour leaves every hour between 9am and 5pm. Passengers are to proceed to the guided tours desk on the Box Office level at Sydney Opera House to register for their tour. Tasting Plate available from 11am until late (bookings essential between 6pm and 8pm)
Duration: 2.0 hours
Any customers with mobility restrictions an Access Tour is offered daily at 12pm ONLY.
1 Hour Opera House Tour operates in the following languages:
October 6, 2017
Sydney Sights, Bondi and Magistic Harbour Lunch Cruise
Enjoy a magnificent luncheon cruise on the famous Sydney Harbour travelling aboard Magistic Harbour Cruises. After your leisurely cruise follow instructions from Magistic Harbour Cruises staff to board our coach, to discover the dynamic and diverse charms of Sydney. Enjoy fabulous harbour views as you pass through the historic Rocks area, Chinatown, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and visit Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair. Head to the entrance of Sydney Harbour, known as the Gap. Travel to Bondi Beach where you’ll have the chance to stroll along the sand or time for afternoon tea (own expense). Return to the city through Double Bay, Paddington and Kings Cross. Tour concludes at King Street Wharf or Circular Quay.
Meals: Lunch
Includes 5 star luxury coach, all sightseeing and venues.
Magistic Harbour Lunch Cruise.
Start time: 12.00pm
Make own way to King Street Wharf by 11.45am.
Meeting Point: 28A Lime Street , King Street Wharf (opposite Subway, next to Kobe Jones).
Return time: 5.45pm
Duration: 5.75 hours
October 7, 2017
A Blue Mountains tour including short hike
Your informative and knowledgeable guide will collect you from your Sydney hotel as we commence our small group deluxe tour into the heart of the unique Blue Mountains World Heritage Region. The Blue Mountains National Park is one of seven national parks that make up the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. This wonderland of sandstone outcrops, deep ravines and hazy blue eucalypt forests boasts luxury retreats and the world’s steepest railway. Today your guide will take you off the beaten track to visit remote lookout locations and discuss the history, flora and fauna of this magnificent region.
Our first stop this morning is at Featherdale Wildlife Park where we arrive before any other tourists to meet the native Australian animals here – guests can actually get up close and personal, stroke a koala and hand feed kangaroos, wallabies & emus, a great experience.
Departing from Featherdale, we commence our drive to the Blue Mountains via the highway. We will travel through the picturesque village of Wentworth Falls, home to a good collection of Victorian and other historic buildings and onto the Wentworth Falls Lookout. With spectacular views over the Jamison Valley and the magnificent waterfall for which it is named, this beautiful lookout is our first stop. Here we enjoy a leisurely 30 minute round trip walk to see the Waterfalls.
Continuing on we arrive at Eaglehawk Lookout, a remote lookout point away from the crowds for views of the famous 3 Sisters. Whilst the Blue Mountains features so much more than this natural attraction you can’t help but admire the unquestionable beauty of this amazing rock formation. The character of the Three Sisters changes throughout the day and throughout the seasons as the sunlight brings out the magnificent colours. Here your guide will discuss the legends behind this famous rock formation and time available for you to take some great photo’s.
Travelling around the mountains, we arrive at Evans Lookout where you will be issued your lunch pack and instructions on the hiking track.
This is without doubt one of the most scenic hikes available in the mountains taking you across a number of valleys and ridges as you hike from Evans Lookout to Govetts Leap all the while looking out across Australia’s Grand Canyon, The Grose Valley. Once you clap your eyes on the view from many points along this track, you will know why it’s one of the most famous lookouts in Australia. The magnificent waterfalls drop a whopping 180m to the base of the cliff. If you are not mesmerised by the dancing waves of water spray, you will be transfixed by the sweeping views down the valley to the Grose Wilderness.
The last stop is at the delightful Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens where we stop to enjoy the sweeping views across to Sydney before travelling down the Bells Line of Road to arrive back at your hotel approximately 4.30 – 5.00pm.
Includes Hotel pickup and drop off, small group touring as per itinerary, wildlife park entry, national park fees, picnic lunch, Glass of Sparkling Wine & Mt Tomah visit.
Departs: Pick up from City Hotels from 7:00am and Returns to hotels at approximately 4:30-5:00pm.
Tour runs with a minimum of 2 and maximum of 17.
October 8, 2017
A Coach transfer to the airport
Own Flight arrangements from SYDNEY to CAIRNS
A Private Transfer to your hotel
Accommodation: A Standard Room, For 3 nights
Checkout required by 11:00 hrs (11:00am)
Meals Provided: NO MEALS
October 9, 2016
A Michaelmas Cay Cruise
Set sail aboard the 32 metre luxury sailing catamaran, Ocean Spirit, for a day to remember with a wide range of activities to fully experience Michaelmas Cays unique reef environment. Snorkel from the cay’s shallow protected waters, cruise in the semi-submersible for a diver’s view of the reef and discover the island birdlife. Or if you prefer just relax and enjoy a leisurely day on the Great Barrier Reef. The Choice is yours!
Includes all environmental management/administration charges. Morning and afternoon tea, tropical smorgasboard lunch, snorkel equipment, coral viewing in air-conditioned semi-submersible, informative ecological presentations by qualified Marine Biologists and guided nature tours of the island and bird sanctuary.
Start time: Make your own way to the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns.
Boarding is at 8.00am. Vessel departs promptly at 8.30am, and returns 5.00pm.
Duration: 8.5 hours
October 10, 2017
A Kuranda All Inclusive
Experience the contrast of the regions oldest railway and the world’s most beautiful Cableway, knowing that we have taken care of all the details.
Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park:
This morning you will be greeted by your driver who will collect your voucher and issue your Kuranda Boading Pass. We then transfer you to Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. On arrival, meet your Indigenous guide who will show you through the remainder of the park, including bush food demonstrations, didgeridoo demonstrations, movie theatres, fire making demonstrations and the famous Tjapukai Dance Troupe.
Enjoy a buffet lunch in the Boomerang Restaurant.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway:
A short distance from Tjapukai is the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
Proceed directly to the boarding line – there is no need to queue as your Skyrail tickets are already on your Boarding Pass. Once aboard, be amazed as you glide silently over the rainforest. There are 2 stations enroute where you can alight and enjoy a walk through the rainforest to spectacular lookouts, or visit the CSIRO Interpretive Centre.
Kuranda Village:
Upon arrival in Kuranda, you have free time to do your own exploring.
Why not take advantage of the exclusive Kuranda discounts on your Kuranda Boarding Pass!
Kuranda Scenic Rail:
At the scheduled time, present your Kuranda Boarding Pass at the Kuranda Station ticket window – your tickets are already on your Boarding Pass. After boarding the train, your journey winds through hand-hewn tunnels, across bridges and around curves, all the time appreciating what an amazing engineering feat it is. Upon arrival at Freshwater Station, our coach will transfer you to your accommodation.
Tour returns approx. 5.30pm
October 11, 2017
A Private Transfer
Own arrangements From CAIRNS to QUEENSTOWN
A Private Transfer to your hotel
Accommodation: A Guest Room For 3 nights
Checkout required by 12:00 hrs (midday)
Meals Provided: No Meals Included
October 12, 2017
A Discover Milford Sound
DEPARTS : 7.20am Athol St Car park, Queenstown RETURNS : 7.45pm Athol St Car park, Queenstown
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
. Te Anau
. Eglinton Valley – ancient alpine beech forest, waterfalls
. Mirror Lakes – photo opportunity
. Homer Tunnel
. Fiordland National Park
. Southern Discoveries Scenic Cruise
. Knobs Flat
. Christie Falls
. The Chasm (subject to road and weather conditions)
Take an unforgettable journey into the heart of Milford Sound. You’ll experience the world famous fiord – rich in dense rainforest, glacier carved valleys and beautiful waterfalls. Journey across the Southern Alps and travel deep into the Homer Tunnel, a 1.2km tunnel drilled through solid rock. Uncover Eglinton Valley, a place of ancient alpine foresy and gushing waterfalls, take photos of the stunning Mirror Lakes, then walk across The Chasm.
At the deep waters of Milford Sound, board your 1 3/4 hour Southern Discoveries Scenic Cruise. See the wonders of Mitre Peak, glacier-scarred rock walls and waterfalls that tumble through valleys and crash into the sea far below. After your cruise return to Queenstown by coach.
October 12, 2017
A Safari of Scenes Wakatipu
BASIN Half day scenic 4WD tour. Includes gold panning and light refreshments.
DURATION : Please allow 4 hours.
Explore the magical side of New Zealand and understand why this beautiful country was chosen to protray Middle-earth. The Queenstown area featured prominently in the filming of the incredibly popular Lord of the Rings trilogy.
The perfect tour for those that want the thrills of an off road adventure but also want to discover exciting Lord of the Rings film locations. The Wakatipu Basin tour takes you to The Remarkables, which were used as various mountains throughout the trilogy including the Misty Mountains. Travelling part way up this beautiful mountain range you get a birds eye view onto Deer Park Heights, which was used for the refugees of Rohan and the Battle of the Wargs scenes.
Travelling from The Remarkables we head to the Kawarau Gorge where the filming took place for the Argonath, or Pillars of the Kings. Leaving the Kawarau Gorge the trip heads to Arrowtown where the loss of The One Ring at Gladden Fields was filmed. Near Arrowtown you will experience some true off road adventure. Following a historic gold mining road up the Arrow River you will cross the river to get to the Ford of Bruinen.
At this point you can indulge in morning or afternoon tea and try your hand at a spot of gold panning.
From Arrowtown you will travel to the entrance of Skippers Saddle where you will be offered spectacular panoramic views of the Wakatipu Basin and over Skippers Canyon.
A Shotover Jet Boat Ride
* Please advise supplier the time that clients want to book. Shotover
Jet operates every 15 minutes from 7.30am-7.30pm (summer) and from
9.00am-4.00pm (winter).
SHOTOVER JET BOAT RIDE
“Catch the Canyons” with Shotover Jet, the World’s most exciting Jet Boat ride and the only company permitted to operate in the spectacular Shotover River Canyons.
DURATION/TRIP TIMES:
* 25 minutes on the water
* Allow 1 hour 30 minutes Queenstown return including jet boat ride
* Shotover Jet operates every 15 minutes from 7.30am – 7.30pm (Summer)
and from 9.00am – 4.00pm (winter).
BE PREPARED:
* Life jackets are mandatory and are supplied, along with optional
splash coats
* Eyewear recommended year round
* Dress in winter – warm clothes, jacket, hat and gloves (although
hand rails on the jet boats are heated) are recommended
* Onsite facilities include parking, retail, cafe, toilets, secure
lockers and viewing areas
* For safety reasons cameras, video cameras and mobile phones
are NOT permitted aboard jet boats.
October 13, 2017
Checkout 11 am
Own flight arrangements to your home city.
** Some guests who elect to stay longer, can book an extra night at the hotel at the group rate.
VISA INFORMATION:
AUSTRALIAN EMBASSY IN USA: Please contact your local Australian embassy to check on your country’s passport. Australia does offer an e-Visa (Subclass 651) which is Free, but available only to some nationals. Unfortunately, US citizens are not eligible for this free visa 😦
NEW ZEALAND VISA: According to the US Dept of State, US citizens do not need a visa for New Zealand. Please check your country’s visa requirements before finalizing your bookings.
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