Relax during a luxurious stay at Longitude 131°, a five-star, tented eco-camp with unparalleled views of majestic Uluru. Discover the wonders of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef on a full-day excursion aboard an elegant vessel. Go behind the scenes at the iconic Sydney Opera House on a privately led backstage experience. Experience insider access and up-close interaction with Australian animal species, including koala, on a privately guided visit to Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas. Visit the amazing Botanical Ark to learn about its fascinating mission, and then stay for lunch, during an experience exclusively for A&K guests. Cruise New Zealand’s Milford Sound amid soaring, glacier-carved mountain peaks that reflect in its pristine waters. Discover life in Queenstown, as you visit the private home and gallery of a world-renowned local artist, and savour a private wine tasting in New Zealand’s largest wine cave. DAY 1 Arrive Melbourne, Australia Touch down in Melbourne, where you are met and transferred to your luxurious hotel, with your room pre-registered by A&K for immediate check-in. Then, roam Melbourne’s fine arts and sporting precincts as well as its lush parklands. View cultural and historic highlights, such as the State Library Victoria and the Royal Exhibition Building. Tonight, gather for a welcome dinner. DAY 2 Melbourne Explore the heart of Melbourne on foot, then ride like a local by tram, taking in the city’s rich and varied architectural landscape. Follow your guide through the city’s fascinating labyrinth of atmospheric arcades and alleyways, home to trendy cafés and eclectic boutiques, not to mention graffiti and street art. See landmarks like the Block Arcade and the former General Post Office. Following lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. DAY 3 Cairns Fly to the city of Cairns, gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. Upon arrival, transfer to your accommodation, the Riley hotel. Part of the Crystalbrook Collection, it is a five-star, tropical resort with a sleek, contemporary design. Dine here tonight, enjoying views of the Coral Sea. DAY 4 Great Barrier Reef Embark on a full-day exploration of the Great Barrier Reef aboard a stylish vessel. The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world, even visible from outer space. Glide among islands adorned with white-sand beaches, coral gardens and sheltered lagoons. Explore the marvellous aquatic wonders of the reef on a guided snorkelling tour, viewing teeming undersea life up close in its native habitat, before an exhilarating cruise back to port. DAY 5 Daintree Rainforest Travel overland to Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas, which you explore privately with a park ranger. Enjoy access to the koala and wallaby enclosures, with the chance to hold a koala in your arms. Next, visit the Wildlife Care Centre for rescued wild and injured animals. Explore the park at your leisure before an A&K-exclusive visit to the Botanical Ark for a chef’s table lunch. While on site, learn about this repository of knowledge that showcases amazing tropical flora from Australia and beyond. After lunch, return to Cairns for time at leisure. DAY 6 Uluru Fly to Uluru (Ayers Rock) and visit an Aboriginal art gallery, with the opportunity to meet the artist in residence. Transfer to your luxury tented camp — Longitude 131° — overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, and enjoy lunch on site. During a scenic sundowner, witness the changing light reflected on Uluru’s surface as the sun sets. Tonight, dine among the dunes to the sounds of an ancient indigenous culture, and feast on four delicious courses complemented with premium Australian wines. Later, join your camp’s resident astronomer to observe the southerly constellations. DAY 7 Uluru Rise early and set out for Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), stopping to view sunrise over its majestic domes. In the company of your guide, walk through Walpa Gorge and learn how its stark landscapes were shaped. This afternoon, return to Uluru and journey along the Mala walk at its base, pausing to view cave paintings and sources of bush tucker. Later, see the walls of Kantju Gorge ablaze with the light of the setting sun. Sip sparkling wine and nibble on canapés, savouring the solitude of the gorge as the daylight fades. DAY 8 Sydney Fly to Sydney and settle into your hotel in the historic Rocks District, a short stroll from the harbour, with some of the city’s best dining and attractions. Sydney’s appeal is wide ranging, from its stunning harbour and iconic skyline to its fascinating museums and famed Bondi Beach. It is a world-class city that pulses with the energy of its diverse and cosmopolitan inhabitants. DAY 9-10 Sydney After breakfast, Design your Day® – choose the experience that is best suited to you from the following options: Option 1: cruise Sydney Harbour Option 2: cycle through Sydney with a top local guide on electric bikes Option 3: walk through the historic Rocks District Gather for lunch at the iconic Sydney Opera House, followed by a privately guided backstage tour. The next day is yours to explore this spectacular city, until you regroup for the final dinner of your journey in Australia. DAY 11-12 Wellington, New Zealand This morning, fly to Wellington, New Zealand’s trendsetting capital, where you encounter authentic ‘Kiwi’ life. This afternoon, take in highlights of this buzz-worthy centre of art and cuisine. Ascend by cable car to a scenic outlook point for incredible views over Wellington Harbour and the city. The next day, after a morning at leisure, set out on foot to gain an insider’s understanding of the locals and sample the city’s culinary delights, joining your guide for tastings of coffee, chocolate, gelato and cheeses in foodie hotspots only the locals know. DAY 13 Queenstown Fly to Queenstown, located on New Zealand’s South Island. Upon arrival, tour the city, visiting the famed bungee-jump site of Kawarau Bungy Bridge, historic Arrowtown and beautiful Lake Hayes. Enjoy lunch along the way before checking in to the luxurious Sofitel Queensland Hotel & Spa. This five-star property in downtown Queenstown lies just a stroll away from the sparkling blue of Lake Wakatipu. Tonight, dine at a local restaurant. DAY 14 Queenstown This morning, fly to Milford Sound (weather permitting), taking in the stunning alpine views along the way. On arrival, board a spacious vessel for a tour of the sound’s awe-inspiring scenery. Cruise New Zealand’s southern fjords amid towering cliffs, viewing sparkling waterfalls while watching for wildlife. Keep a lookout for seals basking on the rocks or dolphins frolicking in the water. Return by air to Queenstown for an evening at leisure. DAY 15 Queenstown Today, immerse yourself in the charming local life of Queenstown. Privately visit the home and gallery of a world-renowned local artist to learn about the artist’s history and techniques. Stop at a local restaurant for a delicious lunch served with paired wines, and then proceed to a local winery for a tour of the caves, where its vintages are stored for ageing, and a tasting of the winery’s best wines. DAY 16 Depart Auckland Fly to Auckland, where you visit the Auckland Museum to enjoy a cultural performance and a guided walk through He Taonga Maori Gallery. This evening, gather for a special farewell dinner, where you can trade stories with your travel companions over tantalising dishes. The next day, transfer to the airport and for your departure flight.