SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
Surrounded by beaches, mountains, and parks, Sydney's allure is manifold. Aside from its tempting natural setting, Sydney has refashioned itself from a convict settlement in the 18th century into an international arts and business center in the 21st century, drawing over 2.6 million international travelers every year.
Sydney's harbor is the centerpiece of its charm, culture, and history. Whether crossing the harbor by ferry, driving over it along the arching Harbour Bridge, or simply admiring it from an outdoor restaurant, it is spectacular. Overlooking the harbor is the white, eggshell-shaped Opera House, an architectural marvel and perhaps the most recognized symbol of the city itself.
There are countless attractions within walking distance of the harbor. The area called the Rocks, the oldest English settlement in Australia, features many beautifully restored buildings from the past, as well as galleries, restaurants, and shops. To the east is Macquarie Street, lined with elegant sandstone buildings. From there you can walk through a vivid array of flowers at the Royal Botanic Gardens. To the west is the revitalized Darling Harbour, a giant entertainment district with museums, amusement parks, restaurants, galleries, and an IMAX movie theater.
Outside the city are the fashionable eastern suburbs of Woollahra and Double Bay with their Victorian terraces and sidewalk cafes. Farther afield, but still just a short bus ride or ferry trip away, are Sydney's famous beaches. Bondi and Manly may be the best known, but there are dozens of others worth exploring. Other noteworthy neighborhoods include Glebe and Newtown, which attract a young bohemian set with their line-ups of thrift stores, bookshops, bars, and cafes.
King's Cross is a bit like the old New York Times Square with its seedy bars and hotels. Surrey Hills, Darlinghurst, and Paddington brim with restaurants, cafes, and hip shops.
Though today it is a vast metropolis of some 4 million people, Sydney's residents are friendlier and more laid back than most urban dwellers. The latte-sipping, outdoor-cafe lifestyle smacks of a European flavor, while the people largely adhere to a
strict diet of refreshing informality.
With a temperate climate and impressive scenery, Sydney has plenty to offer by way of outdoor activities. However, travelers are equally seduced by the culture and history of the city's urban center. In fact, when it comes to Sydney,
travelers do not need to choose between a cultural or scenic vacation—
This Australian capital features all of this and more.
Day 1 |
HOUSTON / LOS ANGELES / SYDNEY |
The beautiful, the dramatic, the scenic, the unmistakable ‘Down Under’ awaits as we depart from Houston this evening for Los Angeles, where we will board our Qantas Airways jet for Sydney, Australia. BON VOYAGE!
About 1500 miles west of Hawaii, we fly over the International Date Line, the imaginary line at which each calendar day begins. By crossing it westward, we lose 24 hours, a day, which we regain when we travel back home at the end of our trip.
G'day, mates! Welcome to Australia. This morning we arrive at Sydney International Airport, where we will be met by our representative, who will assist and transfer us by our private motor coach to the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel. The remainder of the day is free to rest or explore this lovely city on our own.
Today is an all day Professional visit. The group will walk from the hotel to Halliburton and back. 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.: Halliburton
Today is another all day Professional visit.
09:15 a.m.: Transfer by private coach from the hotel to East Botany.
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.: Geo-Logistics
3:00 p.m.: Return transfer to the hotel.
6:45 p.m.: This evening our private motor coach will transfer us to the Opera House to view the lavish interior and attend a performance of “Ellipse” by the Sydney Dance Company. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Good seats have been reserved for us, and we will enjoy a glass of Champagne at intermission.
9:00 p.m.: Return transfer to the hotel.
All day Professional visit.
09: 15 a.m.: Transfer by private coach from the hotel to North Ryde.
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.: Oracle
4:00 p.m.: Return transfer to the hotel.
Today is another full day of Professional visits.
08:30 a.m.: Transfer by private coach from the hotel to North Sydney.
09:00 to 11:30 a.m.: Burston-Marsteller
11:30 a.m.: Transfer directly to CSR in Ingleburn.
12:45 p.m.: Arrive Ingleburn
1:00 to 4:00 p.m.: CSR Bradford Insulation
This morning we will enjoy a sightseeing tour of this splendid capital of New South Wales with our local guide. We depart the hotel at 08:15 a.m. by our private motor coach and first drive through Sydney’s commercial center. We then head for the Domain and Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, from where we enjoy a sweeping view of the Opera House and Harbor Bridge. Next, we proceed to Kings Cross, the city’s entertainment district, and through posh suburbs to the famous Bondi Beach. We will also see trendy Paddington, the ultra-modern Darling Harbor development, and the historic Rocks.
11: 30 a.m.: Enjoy a private guided tour of The Sydney Opera House.
At 12:15 p.m., we walk with our local guide to Circular Quay—East Pontoon and join our Magistic Cruises Luncheon Cruise. This cruise is the perfect introduction to Sydney and her beautiful harbor.
Aboard the spacious vessel we will enjoy a buffet lunch, listen to a commentary about Sydney Harbor, and see many famous sights, including the Opera House, Sydney Harbor Bridge, Darling Harbor, and luxury waterfront homes. We will enjoy a sumptuous buffet lunch onboard the luxurious MV Magistic. At about 2:30 p.m., we will disembark from our cruise ship at King Street Wharf and walk to our hotel.
The entire day is free for independent activities.
Some of you (12 people) will be joining the full day optional Blue Mountains Discovery Tour. You will be picked up from the hotel at 08:20 a.m.
Depart Sydney and travel deep into the heartland of the Blue Mountains, having morning tea/coffee in the ‘Bush.’ Climb bush tracks high into the mountains, and enjoy lunch at historic Mt. Victoria village. Visit the three sisters and Australia’s own ‘Grand Canyon’—the Grose Valley. Look for wild kangaroos in the bush on the way back to Sydney. Lunch is included.
Today is another full day of Professional visits.
08: 15 a.m.: Transfer from the hotel to The Stock Exchange.
08:30 to 11:00 a.m.: Australian Stock Exchange
11:00 a.m.: Return transfer to the hotel
12: 30 p.m.: Transfer from the hotel to Alexandria
1:00 to 4:00 p.m.: Airloom Holdings, Ltd.
4:00 p.m.: Return transfer to the hotel
Day 11 |
SYDNEY / LOS ANGELES / HOUSTON |
This morning we reluctantly bid farewell to Australia as our motor coach transports us to Sydney International airport to board our Qantas Airways jet for the flight home.
In re-crossing the International Date Line and regaining the day we lost crossing westward, we arrive in Los Angeles in the morning of the same day. After clearing Immigration and Customs in Los Angeles, we will connect to our Continental Airlines flight to Houston.
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