Itinerary Details
Abercrombie & Kent: Tailor Made Australia: Wine Country & Culinary Delights
Day 1 Melbourne, Australia
Arrive in Melbourne, a lively city of beautiful tree-lined boulevards and Victorian terrace houses, where you are met and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon, join a renowned local guide for a revealing private tour of Melbourne. Venture on foot and by tram through the heart of the historic business district to admire the varied architecture, fabulous arcades and alleyways. Wind your way past trendy cafés and eclectic boutiques, checking out the vivid graffiti and street art as well as learning about the landmark buildings like the Block Arcade and the Old General Post Office. Stop at a local café for coffee, and then proceed by vehicle to view Melbourne's fine arts and sporting precincts as well as its incredible parklands. View icons like the stunning Shrine of Remembrance and the magnificent Royal Exhibition Building along the way, and finish at your hotel.
Park Hyatt Melbourne
Meals:
Day 2 MelbourneJoin your guide for a private epicurean experience in the picturesque Yarra Valley wine region. Start with a progressive tour and tasting at one of the region's leading wineries, experiencing its vineyards and the terroir first-hand with samples of Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Shiraz. Proceed to the restaurant at another renowned winery, where you are treated to the chef's multi-course degustation menu served with carefully matched estate wines. This afternoon, enjoy time at leisure, free to sample boutique wines at local vineyards. You may also wish to nibble some local cheese or chocolates or perhaps visit an acclaimed local distillery. Your local guide will tailor the perfect afternoon to suit your tastes.
Park Hyatt Melbourne
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3 Freycinet National ParkFly to Hobart, where upon arrival you are met and privately transferred to your luxury coastal sanctuary nestled in the heart of Freycinet National Park, a spectacular reserve famed for its dramatic pink granite peaks, secluded bays, white sandy beaches, and abundant birdlife, on the east coast of the Australian island state of Tasmania.
Saffire Freycinet
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 Freycinet National ParkDevote a day to enjoying one of the many activities offered by your luxury lodge. Choose from experiences that range from observing conservation work on behalf of the Tasmanian Devil to visiting a working oyster farm and sampling oysters fresh from the ocean. You may wish to take part in an interactive cooking demonstration or mixology masterclass. Or perhaps take advantage of more active pursuits such as kayaking, paddle boarding, or hiking or opt to simply relax and enjoy the lodge’s amenities.
Saffire Freycinet
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 HobartSet out on a scenic drive along Tasmania’s sunny east-coast passing the seaside villages of Swansea, Triabunna and Orford. Stop for lunch served at Mount Nelson Signal Station, a local restaurant with beautiful views. This afternoon, travel to the seaside town of Kettering to visit the Raptor Refuge for an A&K-exclusive insider access experience with the refuge owner. Visit its aviaries and observe wedge-tailed eagle, falcon, owl and other species during their recovery from injury. Enjoy up-close encounters with various birds and witness behind-the-scenes procedures required to prepare them for their eventual return to the wild, at this project supported by Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy. Return to Tasmania’s capital, Hobart, and visit Battery Point, viewing historic buildings ranging from grand homes to humble worker’s cottages.
Macq 01 Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 AdelaideFly to Adelaide, touching down in some of Australia's best wine country. Settle into your accommodation in the Adelaide Hills. This afternoon, remain on site for an estate cellar wine experience at your lodge. Discover some hidden gems and iconic wines from South Australia as a sommelier showcases vintages from several local wine producers, each glass a delight to your palate.
Sequoia Lodge
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 AdelaideHead out into the Barossa Valley, one of Australia's most iconic wine growing regions, for a private excursion to top local wineries. Begin at a winery with a sixth-generation owner whose wines are regarded as some of the very best of those produced from old-vine Barossa Shiraz grapes. Meet the winemaker and sample some of his very best vintages. Then, savor lunch with matched wine at a local award-winning restaurant. This afternoon, meet with another highly respected winemaker at his vineyard in Eden Valley. Explore the property and gather for private tasting on the estate’s veranda. It’s a don’t-miss opportunity to get to know a celebrated winemaker in his own home, to learn his philosophy and try some very limited release wines.
Sequoia Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8 SydneyExperience more of Australia’s natural wonders today on an early morning, before-hours visit to Cleland Wildlife Park, when the resident animals are coming to life and there are no crowds to hinder your enjoyment of them. Join your dedicated on-site host for a visit with koala rescued from the Kangaroo Island bush fires and learn how they are helping to secure the survival of the species. Next, meet and hand feed freely roaming kangaroo and emu as you walk among these iconic Australian species. Cap off your experience with a one-on-one encounter with a koala in a private session led by a koala keeper. Cuddle the adorable marsupial and receive a photo of the moment as a special memento to take home. Afterward, privately transfer, first to your hotel and then to the airport for your flight to Sydney. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your luxury hotel.
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 SydneySet out on a sight-seeing experience that reveals some of Sydney’s best-kept secrets, starting in the historic Rocks precinct, the city’s birthplace. Listen as your guide shares stories of the cultural character of this area as you explore convict-built cottages, pubs and the very first church in Australia. Continue to the stunning Botanical Gardens and Macquarie Street, taking in Australia's first Parliament House, St Mary's Cathedral and panoramic views of Sydney Harbour. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant and afterward step behind the scenes at the iconic Sydney Opera House to discover insider secrets and stories on a privately guided experience. Afterward, embark from Circular Quay on an evening dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour. Sip sparkling wine as you cruise past the landmarks like the Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. Nibble a canapé as you glide past Sydney Heads and dock at Balmoral Jetty for your entree and main course, served at the Balmoral Public Dining Room. Return to by boat to Circular Quay, disembarking for the short walk to your hotel.
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 SydneyAfter breakfast, privately transfer to Sydney Airport for your departing flight.
Meals: Breakfast