THE CULTURAL AND NATURAL WONDERS OF NORWAY & ICELAND

With stays in Melbourne, Hobart, Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, Uluru, Port Douglas, and Sydney—plus unique experiences—this is the Australia vacation of a lifetime. Your tour is designed to include extraordinary day trips and purely authentic guided tours. Begin in Melbourne for an insider’s view of the city’s street art, lanes, and arcades. Day-trip out of the city for the Great Ocean Road, one of the world’s most scenic coastal routes.

Discover the lesser-known, wild regions of Tasmania. Hobart, its capital, is the perfect base for spotting whales, pink granite cliffs, and the crystalline waters of Wineglass Bay. Be there as the Adelaide Central Market comes alive while you enjoy breakfast with a local guide. Nearby Kangaroo Island is Australia’s prime, remote location for up-close experiences with native wildlife. Koalas sleep in the trees above you, and kangaroos join you on the beach. Your historic homestead lodging and cuisine gives you a taste of real island life.

Move onto Uluru and Kata Tjuta in the Red Heart of Australia. This is the soul of Indigenous culture. Uluru is sacred—it is believed that it holds the secrets of The Dreamtime, the era before creation as we know it. You’ll tour Uluru at both sunrise and sunset with your guide. The changing sun creates a genuine awareness of the stories that tie Australians to their land.

Next, there’s a change of scenery as you go north to Port Douglas. A pretty seaside village, this is an ideal tropical base. Become familiar with the earth’s oldest rainforest—the vines and lush canopy have been growing for 180 million years. Dine under the Daintree stars with a local storyteller. On another day, you’ll swim and snorkel among the Great Barrier Reef. Your travels end in Sydney with a historic tour of the Rocks, a small group cruise in the harbor, and a day-trip to the UNESCO Blue Mountains Region. This is truly the authentic Australia vacation you’ve been dreaming about!

PLAN AND BOOK

Included Unique Activities

  • Discover the Secrets of Melbourne with a Locally Led Tour through its Lanes and Arcades
  • Take a luxury Small Group Coastal Drive down the Iconic Great Ocean Road
  • Follow Your History Guide on Walking Tour of Downtown Hobart - Discover Landmarks and Heritage Buildings
  • Spend the Day Discovering Some of Tasmania’s Famous Landmarks Including the Port Arthur Historic Site - the Convict Settlement Site
  • Travel from Hobart to Freycinet National Park and Spend the Day Hiking Around Wineglass Bay
  • Head to the Famous Adelaide Central Market for Breakfast, Coffee, and Local Interaction and Tastings
  • Spend Two Full Days Exploring the Exotic Wildlife of Kangaroo Island by Small Group Tour, Enjoy a BBQ out on the Bush, an Al Fresco Picnic Lunch and a Visit to the Wilderness of Flinders Chase National Park, Complete With Return Flights From Adelaide and a Night at a Traditional Homestead With Dinner
  • Enjoy the sunset over Uluru whilst enjoying sparkling wine and appetizers
  • Watch the sunrise over Kata Tjuta followed by an outback picnic breakfast
  • Dine Under the Stars in the World’s Oldest Rainforest As You Enjoy a Live Performance
  • Immerse yourself in the Indigenous Culture with a Daintree Dreaming tour of the world's oldest rainforest 
  • Learn how to throw a spear, track and gather your own tucker (food) and be welcomed with a traditional 'smoking ceremony'
  • Head to the famous Adelaide Central Market for breakfast, coffee, and a guided tour!
  • Join an Eco Sailing and Snorkeling Cruise of the Outer Great Barrier Reef -  the Largest Living Structure on the Planet
  • Explore Sydney’s Convict History on a locally led Walking Tour of the Rocks and Cove
  • Enjoy a truly local experience aboard a small group cruise of Sydney Harbour, enjoy a gourmet BBQ with regional wines and local beers
  • Visit a Working Farm, Home to Kangaroos, Emus, Wombats, and Koalas
  • Journey into the heart of the Blue Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enjoy lunch with magnificent views during your small group tour
Outer Barrier Reef Eco Sailing and Snorkeling Adventure

Outer Barrier Reef Eco Sailing and Snorkeling Adventure

Luxury Blue Mountains Day Trip

Luxury Blue Mountains Day Trip

Authentic Walking Tour of The Rocks

Authentic Walking Tour of The Rocks

Best of Uluru including Sunset

Best of Uluru including Sunset

Sunrise Kata Tjuta Tour

Sunrise Kata Tjuta Tour

Unique Rainforest Dining Experience

Unique Rainforest Dining Experience

Traditional Daintree Dreaming Tour

Traditional Daintree Dreaming Tour

Local Experience Lunch Cruise

Local Experience Lunch Cruise

Accommodations

3 Nights

Vibrant Boutique Hotel

4 Nights

5-Star Waterfront Hotel

1 Night

Historic Homesread B & B

1 Night

Luxurious Boutique Hotel

2 Nights

5-Star Destination Hotel

4 Nights

Luxury Boutique Hotel

4 Nights

Victorian Boutique Hotel

Transportation and Guides

    • Transfers to/from Airports in all locations
    • Flights Adelaide to Kangaroo Island

Points of Interest

  • Sydney Harbor Bridge
  • Sydney Opera House
  • Darling Harbor
  • The Rocks
  • UNESCO World Heritage Blue Mountains
  • Hunter Valley Wine Region
  • Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
  • Daintree Rainforest and National Park
  • Outer Great Barrier Reef
  • Art Gallery of South Australia
  • Adelaide Central Market
  • Kangaroo Island
  • Seal Bay Conservation Park
  • Flinders Chase National Park
  • Port Arthur Historic Site
  • Tasman National Park
  • Freycinet National Park (Wineglass Bay)
  • Kunanyi (Mount Wellington)
  • Mona Museum and Art Gallery
  • Federation Square
  • Melbourne Cricket Ground
  • Eureka Tower

Fitzroy Gardens, Australia

Federation Square, Australia

Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia

Shrine of Remembrance, Australia

Royal Botanical Gardens, Australia

Southbank, Australia

MONA, Australia

Salamanca Place, Australia

UNESCO World Heritage sites

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef

Sydney Opera House

Sydney Opera House

Dining Options Included (inclusions)

  • 19 Full Australian breakfasts at your hotels
  • 2 Unique Breakfasts; Outback picnic breakfast and at a local market
  • 8 Lunch Experiences
  • 2 Dinners; amongst the world’s oldest rainforest and at a traditional homestead

2025

Available Dates

Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec

From $12,388 per person

Your Price Includes

Tour Highlights

ACCOMMODATION

  • 11 Nights Authentic 4 Star Hotels
  • 9 Nights Authentic 5 Star Hotels
  • 1-night Traditional Homestead

TRANSPORTATION

  • Transfers to/from Airports in all locations
  • Flights Adelaide to Kangaroo Island

DINING OPTIONS INCLUDED (Inclusions)

  • 19 Full Australian breakfasts at your hotels
  • 2 Unique Breakfasts; Outback picnic breakfast and at a local market
  • 8 Lunch Experiences
  • 2 Dinners; amongst the world’s oldest rainforest and at a traditional homestead

INCLUDED UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

  • Discover the Secrets of Melbourne with a Locally Led Tour through its Lanes and Arcades
  • Take a luxury Small Group Coastal Drive down the Iconic Great Ocean Road
  • Follow Your History Guide on Walking Tour of Downtown Hobart - Discover Landmarks and Heritage Buildings
  • Spend the Day Discovering Some of Tasmania’s Famous Landmarks Including the Port Arthur Historic Site - the Convict Settlement Site
  • Travel from Hobart to Freycinet National Park and Spend the Day Hiking Around Wineglass Bay
  • Head to the Famous Adelaide Central Market for Breakfast, Coffee, and Local Interaction and Tastings
  • Spend Two Full Days Exploring the Exotic Wildlife of Kangaroo Island by Small Group Tour, Enjoy a BBQ out on the Bush, an Al Fresco Picnic Lunch and a Visit to the Wilderness of Flinders Chase National Park, Complete With Return Flights From Adelaide and a Night at a Traditional Homestead With Dinner
  • Enjoy the sunset over Uluru whilst enjoying sparkling wine and appetizers
  • Watch the sunrise over Kata Tjuta followed by an outback picnic breakfast
  • Dine Under the Stars in the World’s Oldest Rainforest As You Enjoy a Live Performance
  • Immerse yourself in the Indigenous Culture with a Daintree Dreaming tour of the world's oldest rainforest 
  • Learn how to throw a spear, track and gather your own tucker (food) and be welcomed with a traditional 'smoking ceremony'
  • Head to the famous Adelaide Central Market for breakfast, coffee, and a guided tour!
  • Join an Eco Sailing and Snorkeling Cruise of the Outer Great Barrier Reef -  the Largest Living Structure on the Planet
  • Explore Sydney’s Convict History on a locally led Walking Tour of the Rocks and Cove
  • Enjoy a truly local experience aboard a small group cruise of Sydney Harbour, enjoy a gourmet BBQ with regional wines and local beers
  • Visit a Working Farm, Home to Kangaroos, Emus, Wombats, and Koalas
  • Journey into the heart of the Blue Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enjoy lunch with magnificent views during your small group tour

**Please note: the days your activities fall on may vary depending on the start date of your tour as activities take place on certain days of the week**

POINTS OF INTEREST

  • Sydney Harbor Bridge
  • Sydney Opera House
  • Darling Harbor
  • The Rocks
  • UNESCO World Heritage Blue Mountains
  • Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
  • Daintree Rainforest and National Park
  • Outer Great Barrier Reef
  • Art Gallery of South Australia
  • Adelaide Central Market
  • Kangaroo Island
  • Seal Bay Conservation Park
  • Flinders Chase National Park
  • Port Arthur Historic Site
  • Tasman National Park
  • Freycinet National Park (Wineglass Bay)
  • Mona Museum and Art Gallery
  • Federation Square
  • Melbourne Cricket Ground
Prices Based On
  • All Taxes & Fees Included
  • Prices are Per Person based on 2 people traveling together and sharing a room.
  • Traveling Alone? No Problem. Just Ask Us for a Single Supplement Price.

"Great trip in Ireland & Scotland"

Tena

Ireland/Scotland trip was a great trip planned with our group and Jorie. We thoroughly enjoyed each city we visited in both countries. All our hotels were very nice but as older adults, I would advise to pack light which is hard to do if your visit is extended but we had to climb stairs in several places. My favorite thing in both countries are the people. Everyone was so friendly and inviting at hotels, restaurants and local sites. We felt completely safe and comfortable. I would agree with other travelers that driving is stressful for both driver and passengers especially in Ireland where the roads are extremely narrow with rock walls on each side. Next trip will include staying in certain cities with tours out. JerPoint Park in Ireland was a favorite of our group of 4. Authentic Vacations plans, reservations and communications were first rate.

"Wonderful Scottish and Irish adventure"

James

South Carolina

Lauren, thank you for putting together a wonderful Scottish and Irish adventure. In many unexpected ways it indeed was an adventure that we will remember forever. So sincere thanks. Despite a glitch in St Andrews your team's recovery actually made St Andrews the highpoint of our trip. Staying at Rusacks overlooking the first tee and eighteenth green of the old course was awesome. All the Hotels were first rate. Experiences - awesome The Clontarf Castle is an awesome way to the trip. Well done y'all.  Big city stays - We all felt like we could have used an extra day in the larger cities. They all had a story to tell, and we just had enough time to scratch the surface. Self-drive - while less expensive alternative, the person doing the driving misses out on a lot in transit, while the passenger's white knuckle thru the driver's learning process. Also, the roads in Scotland and Ireland are no joke.  Would recommend it is worth it to hire a private chauffer driver or go Small Guided for sure.

"Scotland Birthday Trip"

Michelle

Agency

Adina, I'm following up on my client's train/whiskey tour/ birthday trip to Scotland in October. They had a wonderful time! The whiskey tour day was their favorite, made extra special by their driver Alec who was a superstar. My client's boyfriend is a real train enthusiast. They enjoyed all the train trips, and Nick was like a child on the Jacobite train. Thanks so much for your help with this trip. You clearly know Scotland and planned a very nice route with some unique requirements. I greatly appreciate your expertise and attentive service. I look forward to working with you again in the future. An early Happy Holidays!

"Memorable Trip in Italy"

Loryl

Fort Thomas, KY

Amber, I received this email from my client Mrs. R this morning - I love being able to share these with you all :).

"Loryl, WOW! What a wonderful trip we had in Italy! Thank you for helping make this trip so memorable. We have so many wonderful memories that we will cherish forever. It was a trip of a lifetime. Thank You!  I guess we need to start thinking about our next trip. "

"Trip of a lifetime in Ireland"

Cathryn

Jennifer, I want to thank you for planning and arranging our wonderful vacation in Ireland. Everything was easy Peezy as my granddaughter would say. The hotels were all beautiful, each one was uniquely different and beautiful. We enjoyed each and the food was enjoyable. We enjoyed all the extra goodies. We were not able to take either sea cruise as the weather canceled the trips. The best decision we made was to have a guide /driver. Martin was an absolute wonder. I wanted to bring him home with us. He saw to every detail and was extremely entertaining to boot. His recommendations were spot on to our interests. I think he knows everyone in Ireland. The car was super too. The back seats were massage chairs. How cool can you get? As a great extra the Owner of Screebe House bought two of my paintings and commissioned two more. Again, many thanks for the trip of a lifetime.

"Two-week trip to Ireland and Scotland"

Wanda

Our vacation was wonderful we had a great time on our two-week trip to Ireland and Scotland. Jorie helped us plan our trip, she worked hard to include all the places we wanted to see and selected some great adventures for us to enjoy along the way. We truly loved Ireland, the countryside the beautiful sights and the flowers blooming everywhere made our visit one to remember for sure. 

"Wonderful Anniversary Trip in Ireland"

Tim

Hi Jorie, Rose and I had a wonderful time in Ireland! We couldn’t believe how well everything worked out and the locations selected for our stays were excellent. We really loved the Country House and Abbyglen Castle.  The staff at Abbbyglen Castle were so nice and made our anniversary evening wonderful! We had no idea there was so much aviation and radio history in Clifden! As for the other locations they were all first-rate as well. We went to the “Man O’ War” Pub for dinner our last night in Ireland. It was a great recommendation. The atmosphere, hospitality, and food were awesome. Again, thank you for helping to set up a wonderful trip which we will never forget. 

"All of my clients had only positive feedback"

Kelly

Mesa, AZ

This was my first time using Authentic Vacations. I worked with Ellie, and she knocked it out of the park! Every detail with transfers, trains, boutique hotels, castles, private tours and fantastic client feedback will keep me coming back! I had 5 vacations with varied budgets this past month. All of my clients had only positive feedback. Emails and phone correspondence were quickly answered, which can make or break my decision to partner with someone. If you are looking for a destination expert, AV will not disappoint! Thank you for making me look like a rockstar, Ellie and AV!!

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