DAY 1: ISTANBUL – MELBOURNE
Meet at 14:00 at the Tourism desk in the International Departures Terminal of Istanbul Airport. After ticketing and baggage procedures, depart for Melbourne on Turkish Airlines flight TK 168 at 17:15. Overnight on the plane.
DAY 2: ARRIVAL IN MELBOURNE
Arrival at Melbourne Airport at 21:00 local time. After passport and customs procedures, transfer to our hotel by private vehicle.
Accommodation: Mercure Welcome Melbourne 4*
DAY 3: MELBOURNE CITY TOUR & FREE TIME
After breakfast, we set out to get to know Melbourne, Australia’s cultural capital. St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Captain Cook’s House, Parliament House, and Federation Square are among the places to be seen. In the afternoon, we offer free time for our guests to explore the city on their own.
Accommodation: Mercure Welcome Melbourne 4*
DAY 4: PUFFING BILLY & PHILLIP ISLAND (PENGUIN PARADE)
We begin the day with a nostalgic adventure. We travel through the rainforests on the Puffing Billy steam train, which has been running on the rails in the Dandenong Ranges for over 100 years. In the late afternoon, we head to Phillip Island and witness the enchanting “Penguin Parade” ceremony, where the world’s smallest penguins come ashore from the ocean and walk to their nests.
Accommodation: Mercure Welcome Melbourne 4*
DAY 5: GREAT OCEAN ROAD
On our Great Ocean Road tour, considered one of the world’s most beautiful coastal roads, we visit the massive “Twelve Apostles” (12 Apostles) and Loch Ard Gorge, formed by the erosion of limestone by the rough ocean waves. A unique day for nature photography.
Accommodation: Mercure Welcome Melbourne 4*
DAY 6: MELBOURNE – HOBART [TASMANIA]
We fly to the mysterious island of Tasmania. Upon arrival, we explore the historic fabric, colonial architecture, and famous harbor district of the capital, Hobart.
Accommodation: ibis Styles Hobart 4*
DAY 7: TASMANIAN DEVIL & PORT ARTHUR
At Bonorong Wildlife Centre, we get a close look at Tasmanian devils, koalas, and kangaroos. Then, we visit Port Arthur, one of Australia’s most impressive historic settlements and a UNESCO World Heritage-listed prison complex.
Accommodation: ibis Styles Hobart 4*
DAY 8: HOBART – SYDNEY & DINNER CRUISE
We fly to Sydney. After settling into the hotel, in the evening we watch the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge from the water with the Harbour Dinner Cruise, served on our private yacht amid the enchanting lights of Sydney Harbor.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Darling Harbour 4*
DAY 9: SYDNEY OPERA & CITY TOUR & BONDI BEACH
Among our stops are the Sydney Opera House, one of the world’s most iconic structures, the historic “The Rocks” district, and the world-famous Bondi Beach, a favorite of surfers. We witness the city’s dynamic life.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Darling Harbour 4*
DAY 10: BLUE MOUNTAINS & FEATHERDALE
In the Blue Mountains, we see the “Three Sisters” rock formations and endless canyons. On the way back, we spend time with Australia’s native animals at Featherdale Wildlife Park.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Darling Harbour 4*
DAY 11: SYDNEY – AUCKLAND [NEW ZEALAND]
Crossing the Tasman Sea, we fly to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. After a panoramic exploration in Auckland, the “City of Sails,” we settle into our hotel.
Accommodation: The Grand Millennium Auckland 4*
DAY 12: AUCKLAND – HOBBITON – ROTORUA
Today we head to Middle-earth! We visit the Hobbiton Film Set, where The Lord of the Rings series was filmed, and take a fairytale walk among the Hobbit holes. Then we continue to Rotorua, the geothermal capital.
Accommodation: Distinction Hotel Rotorua 4*
DAY 13: ROTORUA (GEYSERS & MAORI CULTURE)
At Te Puia, we see erupting geysers and mud pools. In the evening, accompanied by a traditional Haka dance performance, we dive into the heart of the culture with a local Maori dinner (Hangi) cooked in underground ovens.
Accommodation: Distinction Hotel Rotorua 4*
DAY 14: ROTORUA – WAITOMO – AUCKLAND
At Waitomo Glowworm Cave, one of the world’s most fascinating caves, we view thousands of living creatures glowing like stars on the ceiling by boat. After the tour, we return to Auckland.
Accommodation: The Grand Millennium Auckland 4*
DAY 15: AUCKLAND FREE TIME
We offer a full day of free time in Auckland for personal discoveries, harbor tours, or shopping. A day set aside for our guests to relax and soak in the city.
Accommodation: The Grand Millennium Auckland 4*
DAY 16: AUCKLAND – SYDNEY
We fly back to Australia, to Sydney. As we approach the finale of the tour, one last hotel check-in and free time in Sydney.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Darling Harbour 4*
DAY 17: SYDNEY – ISTANBUL
Free time until the evening for shopping and farewell outings. Then transfer to the airport and departure at 21:45 with Turkish Airlines for the return journey.
Overnight: On the plane.
DAY 18: ISTANBUL
Arrival at Istanbul Airport at 11:25 in the morning and the end of this unique 18-day adventure.
Visa Fees: Australia and New Zealand visa fees and service charges (T.C. citizens are subject to visas for both countries).
Meals and Beverages: Lunches and dinners not explicitly stated as included in the program, as well as all beverages during meals.
Personal Expenses: Hotel extras, telephone, laundry services, and personal shopping.
International Departure Tax: The departure tax stamp paid to the official authorities of the Republic of Türkiye.
Gratuities: The recommended total gratuity amount of 150 USD per person for local guides, drivers, and service staff.