"We invite you to join this leisurely 'Rail & River' tour featuring premium rail travel aboard ‘The Overland’ rail service Adelaide/Melbourne plus a fabulous Murray Riverboat Cruise and stopovers & sightseeing in Adelaide and Melbourne. A different and exciting way to explore Australia's Southern States!"
* Home pick up and return within the Auckland metropolitan area (if applicable).
* Services of Travelwise Holidays Tour Leader throughout.
* Quality hotel accommodation at Hotel Crowne Plaza Adelaide or similar (5 nights) and Pullman Melbourne (3 nights) and including buffet breakfast daily (excluding rail day) and 7 x dinners - including a Glenelg Pier dinner, a Barossa Valley vineyard lunch and a Port Willunga lunch.
* Half day introductory sightseeing tour of Adelaide including Colonial Lights lookout, Torrens Lake and Mt. Lofty Ranges.
* Full day sightseeing tours in Adelaide including Hahndorf, the Barossa Wine Valley, City of Adelaide Clipper ship Star of Greece, Salvador Dali Exhibition and winetasting at D’Arenberg Cube.
* 3 night River Cruise aboard the Captain Cook Cruises 'Murray Princess'. Quality accommodation in twin-bedded, air-conditioned outside stateroom cabins with private facilities, all meals, shore excursions and activities included. Note: River Cruise Staterooms are cosy at around 10-12 m2. (We recommend 1 suitcase between two for the cruise, or arrange a smaller bag each for the cruise. Free Hotel luggage storage is available.)
* ‘Red Premium’ class rail travel from Adelaide to Melbourne aboard ‘The Overland’ daylight rail service including complimentary breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and beverages (non alcoholic). Note: some seats may have a partial window view or may not be forward facing.
* Half day sightseeing tour in Melbourne including city highlights.
* All airport, hotel and railway station transfers throughout.
* Travelwise Holidays documentation and travel bag.
WED 02 APR - AUCKLAND/ADELAIDE D
Depart Auckland on NZ 191 at 8.25am and arrive at Adelaide 10.55am. Transfer to the hotel to settle in. Welcome Dinner at ‘Coast’ Restaurant at the Glenelg Pier.
Stay Crowne Plaza Hotel or similar (2 nights).
THU 03 APR - ADELAIDE SIGHTSEEING B,D
Enjoy half day tour including city squares, Colonel lights lookout, Adelaide Oval, River Torrens and Mt Lofty Summit – rest of afternoon at leisure. Dinner included tonight.
FRI 04 APR - ADELAIDE/MURRAY PRINCESS B,D
Transfer to Mannum for our Captain Cook 3 night Murray River Cruise including Barossa Heritage and wine tour. Mid-afternoon the Murray Princess departs historic Mannum, the birthplace of the Murray River trade and communication, and heads downriver while you enjoy a Welcome Dinner. As we cruise under floodlight to our overnight mooring at Mundurra, you may see nocturnal wildlife on the riverbank. Watch for kangaroos, hairy nosed wombats, tortoises, egrets and many other species. Our on-board entertainer provides music for the night owls.
SAT 05 APR - ONBOARD MURRAY PRINCESS B,L,D
In 1879 the first bridge to span the Murray River was built at Edwards Crossing, which quickly became the bustling township of Murray Bridge. After a hearty breakfast, choose to join a guided tour of the town’s historic landmarks and local attractions or go on a wildlife tour at Monarto Safari Park (additional cost). Those who choose to experience Monarto Safari Park will arrive back on board the Murray Princess in time for lunch then join us in the Sturt Dining Room for a special presentation on the bounty of food and wine produced in the Riverland. This afternoon, we continue our journey upriver and tonight we moor at Salt Bush Flat. After dinner, enjoy being entertained by our talented crew.
SUN 06 APR - ONBOARD MURRAY PRINCESS B, L,D
This morning, join a guided nature walk where our guide will share the secrets of the local flora and fauna. It’s a great way to get in a little exercise before the Murray Princess departs and cruises downriver. Near Fromms Landing, we turn and head downriver to River View Lodge (near Piggy Flat / Coolcha) where your discovery vessel awaits for a wildlife tour. Travelling in small, personalised groups, we explore the maze of the river, and the birdlife is amazing. The afternoon offers a choice of bocce or fishing challenges before a delicious final night dinner in the dining room.
MON 07 APR - MURRAY PRINCESS/ADELAIDE B,L
We head back to Mannum and after breakfast, we disembark the ship. Board the coach and travel into the famous Barossa, Australia’s best known wine making region.
Savour a wine tasting at Chateau Tanunda and then onto Seppeltsfield Wines for a lunch. (Vineyards may change based on operating conditions). Head back to Adelaide. Freedom dining tonight. Stay Crowne Plaza Hotel (3 nights).
TUE 08 APR - ADELAIDE SIGHTSEEING B,L
Depart hotel for free time in charming Hanhdorf, the oldest surviving Germanic settlement in Australia, founded in1839. Explore this contemporary artisan village. Later head to Star of Greece restaurant for an included lunch in Port Willunga. Tour the Salvador Dali Exhibition and wine taste at the fabulous D’Arenberg Cube before returning to Adelaide.
WED 09 APR - ADELAIDE DAY AT LEISURE B,D
Day at leisure in Adelaide for further sightseeing and shopping
Dinner included tonight.
THU 10 APR - ADELAIDE/MELBOURNE (RAIL) B,L
Travel from Adelaide to Melbourne on ‘The Overland Rail Service. Dinner own arrangements
Stay Pullman Hotel Melbourne (3 nights).
FRI 11 APR - MELBOURNE SIGHTSEEING B,D
Melbourne Sightseeing including Royal Botanic gardens, St Pauls and St Patricks Cathedral, Parliament House and Princess Theatre. See Queen Victoria markets, Shrine of Remembrance and visit Williamstown for a casual lunch (own cost). Afternoon at leisure.
SAT 12 APR - DAY AT LEISURE B
Day at leisure for shopping or sightseeing – freedom dining tonight.
SUN 13 APR - MELBOURNE/AUCKLAND B
Depart for the airport and fly back to Auckland on NZ 124 departing at 12.05pm and arrive back into Auckland at 5.40pm.
