Day 1 Fly USA to Sydney

Day 2 Cross the Dateline

The International Date Line is an imaginary line on the earth’s surface that approximately coincides with the 180th meridian (LONGITUDE), and separates the calendar date. Traveling east across the line takes the traveler back one day; traveling west, takes the traveler forward one day.

Day 3 Arrive Sydney

On arrival into Sydney you will need to clear customs and immigration before making your way through to the main arrivals hall. Please make your own way to your hotel.

Sydney - Australia's premier city is the oldest settlement in Australia, the economic powerhouse of the nation and the country's capital in everything but name. Built on the shores of the stunning Port Jackson, you would have to die and go to heaven before you see a more spectacular setting for a city. It's a vital, self-regarding metropolis, exuding both a devil-may-care urbanity and a slavish obsession with global fads. The Sydney area was the ancestral home of the Daruk tribe, whose territory extended from Botany Bay to Pittwater.

There are some 2000 Aboriginal rock engraving sites in the Sydney area, and many of Sydney's suburbs have Aboriginal names. The city of Sydney began life as a penal colony in 1788 and for the next 60 years received the unwanted, persecuted and criminal elements of British society.

Despite its brutal beginnings, the city's mixture of pragmatic egalitarianism and plain indifference has transformed it into a thriving multicultural society. Sydney now attracts the majority of Australia's immigrants and the city's predominantly Anglo-Irish heritage has been revitalized by large influxes of Italian, Lebanese, Turkish, Greek, Chinese and Vietnamese.

Days 4-6 At Leisure, Sydney

The next few days are at leisure to explore Sydney and the surrounding areas. From scenic harbor cruises, to touring the beautiful Blue Mountains or learning a little of our colonial past on a Rocks Walking Tour — the choices are endless. 

Days 7 - 10 Drive Sydney - Melbourne

Today, collect your Budget rental car from the city depot and begin your self-drive adventure. Your accommodation for the next four nights may be pre-booked, or you may prefer to travel with open-dated hotel vouchers allowing you to book as you travel. Enroute, you may choose to visit picturesque seaside towns offering fresh seafood right off the trawlers. Chat with the locals and see varieties of wildlife and the spectacular coastal scenery. Ask your travel professional for help planning your trip ahead of time. Note: Deluxe category not available as open dated accommodation pass; superior category will be used.

Day 11 Arrive Melbourne

On arrival in Melbourne, drop off your Budget rental car at the city depot and make your way to your hotel.

At first glance, Melbourne may resemble any other modern city with its skyline full of concrete & glass. However, if you look a little closer, you'll find the real Melbourne, a city of unique charm. There are the clanging trams (street cars), swanky boutiques, friendly taxi drivers, Australian Rules Football, fickle weather and 'BYO's', by the hundred (restaurants to which you bring your own liquor or wine). Add to this, Melbourne's traditional virtues of tree lined boulevards, glorious parks, elegant buildings and imposing Victorian Banks and Churches, and of course the giant Melbourne Cricket Ground and you'll have some idea of the city.

Melbourne has become a polyglot society with a huge diversity of cultures, Italian, Greek, East European, Middle Eastern and Asian. This diversity is reflected in the food styles, the lifestyle, & even the language spoken in the street.

Days 12-14 At Leisure, Melbourne 

At your leisure to explore the very cosmopolitan city of Melbourne. The many attractions of the city vary from the spectacular parklands and gardens that surround the city, to the museums and festivals that are a continuing part of the city life. Excellent restaurants are on every corner and cater for every taste in the world. From the scenic beauty of the Great Ocean Road, to the tastes of the Yarra Valley wine district, there are many touring options available to you in Melbourne. options available to you in Melbourne.

Day 15 Fly Melbourne to USA (Via Sydney) 

Make your own way to the airport for your flight to Los Angeles.

Complete the short form below and you will be contacted by one of our destination specialists to book your Australian vacation.

*Prices are per person, twin/double share in USD. Travel may be restricted to certain days of the week and be available from one or multiple US departure points. Add on fares are available from most US cities and surcharges may be applicable for travel on particular days of the week. All international airfare prices are inclusive of fuel surcharges; however, due to the volatility of fuel prices, international fares listed are subject to change without notice. Please note, all prices listed above are based on purchasing both the air and land arrangements exactly as shown. Any deviations may result in a different rate being charged. None of the fares listed above are permitted for 'air only' purchase; the above listed fares must be purchased with the corresponding land arrangements. Prices reflect a cash/check payment discount. Seats are limited and may not be available on every flight. Hotels and tours remain subject to availability. US and Foreign Govt. taxes and fees of up to $130, Passenger Facility Charges of up to $18 and the September 11th Security Fee of up to $10 are not included. After ticketing changes may not be permissible in some circumstances, or a change fee may be applied. Cancellation penalties and other booking or alteration restrictions may exist. Please note that some air segments may be served by an associated carrier and air routings listed may not be a non-stop service. Full payment for special deals may be required within a number of days of the reservation being made as nominated by your consultant at the time of booking (or 45 days prior to departure). Please note blackout dates may apply to Christmas, New Year and local special event periods. Prices indicated remain subject to change without notice. Unless otherwise indicated all travel must be completed by March 31, 2009 if not before. CST #2012413-20