"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 Grand Chancellor Adelaide on Hindley (5 nights) and Novotel on Collins Melbourne (3 nights) and including buffet breakfast daily (excluding rail day) and 7 x dinners.
* 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/Victor Harbour and the Barossa Wine Valley.
* 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.
* ‘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).
* Half day sightseeing tour in Melbourne including city highlights.
* All airport, hotel and railway station transfers throughout.
* Travelwise Holidays documentation and travel bag.
WED 24 APR – AUCKLAND/ ADELAIDE D
Depart Auckland on Air New Zealand NZ191 at 8.25am, arrive in Adelaide at 10.55am. Transfer to your hotel and relax. Stay Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide (2 nights).
THU 25 APR - ADELAIDE SIGHTSEEING B,D
After breakfast we depart the hotel and enjoy a half day of sightseeing including city squares, colonel lights lookout, Adelaide Oval, River Torrens and Mt Lofty Summit. Enjoy the rest of your afternoon at leisure.
FRI 26 APR – 3 NIGHT MURRAY RIVER CRUISE B,D
Enjoy a relaxing morning before we transfer early afternoon to Mannum for our Captain Cook 3-night Murray River Cruise including Barossa Heritage and Wine Tour.
MANNUM/MUNDURRA
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 27 APR – MUNDURRA/SALT BUSH FLAT 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 28 APR – SALT BUSH FLAT/PIGGY FLAT/COOLCHA 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 29 APR – MANNUM/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.
Visit Jacob’s Creek, Lambert Estate where you will enjoy a 2-course lunch. Next visit Seppeltsfield Barossa, established in 1851 and long been renowned fortified wines. On this short walking tour, visitors will learn about the founding Seppelt family history, the estate’s treasure trove of historical buildings, the underground blending cellar and the award-winning wines produced on site for over 170 years. Following the tour, a tasting of a fortified wine accompanied by an Owen Andrews Artisan Cuisine chocolate pecan brownie is included in a private setting. After a lovely afternoon you will make your way back to Adelaide via Mannum. Stay Grand Chancellor Adelaide (3 nights).
TUE 30 APR – ADELAIDE SIGHTSEEING B,D
Spend the day at Hahndorf and Victor Harbour. Enjoy morning tea at Hahndorf Inn with time to browse the shops and boutiques.
WED 01 MAY– DAY AT LEISURE B
Today is at leisure for you to relax or do more sightseeing in this great city.
THU 02 MAY – ADELAIDE/MELBOURNE B
Today we depart Adelaide to Melbourne on the Overland Rail Service. On arrival we transfer to your hotel.
Stay Novotel on Collins (3 nights).
FRI 03 MAY – MELBOURNE SIGHTSEEING B,D
After breakfast we depart on our sightseeing tour which includes the Royal Botanic Gardens, St Pauls and St Patricks Cathedrals, Parliament House and Princess Theatre. See Queen Victoria Markets, Shrine of Remembrance and visit Williamstown for a casual lunch (own cost). Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
SAT 04 MAY – MELBOURNE AT LEISURE B
Today is at leisure for you to relax or do more sightseeing in this cosmopolitan city.
SUN 05 MAY – MELBOURNE/ AUCKLAND B
After breakfast we transfer to the airport for your flight home. Depart Melbourne on Air New Zealand NZ124 at 12.05pm, arrive Auckland at 5.40pm.
