Explore Australia, seductive and energetic, a country whose ancient culture is shaping its future. Your adventure begins in glorious Sydney. Cruise through the harbor, take an intimate, backstage look at the Sydney Opera House, and climb to the top of Sydney Harbor Bridge. Next are the Blue Mountains—legendary for waterfalls, kangaroos, wombats, and wine—before heading to the fabled Northern Territory.

Uluru. The Outback. Fall under the spell of Aboriginal creation stories. The Dreamtime, it’s called. When the sun sets, immerse yourself in the Field of Light and enjoy a bush tucker dinner, the voice of a single didgeridoo, and a local Indigenous performance. What dreams you will have in this nurturing land.

You’re off to discover Queensland, gateway to Australia’s natural wonders. Spend a full day in the paradise of Daintree, one of the world’s oldest rainforests. Traditional Kuku Yalanji guides welcome you inside their culture with a walk-and-talk, techniques of foraging and fishing, and a ceremony to protect you on your journey. Perhaps dip into a private swimming hole.

A cruise to the Great Barrier Reef is a treasure. Glide above coral beds or snorkel with a marine biologist. (Imagine turtles, clam gardens, and black coral.) Savor the delights of a tropical lunch, soak up the sun playing off turquoise waters, and let it all go. Leave Australia renewed in spirit and body, a feeling understood well by the authentic traveler.

Included Unique Activities

Take in the sights and enjoy morning tea or coffee on the morning cruise of Sydney harbour
Explore the iconic Sydney Opera House and bring to life the saga surrounding this modern masterpiece
Be thrilled by a guided journey to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, 134 metres above Sydney Harbour!
Journey into the heart of the Blue Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to enjoy lunch and magnificent views
With Uluru as your backdrop, enjoy canapés and sparkling wine while you view the critically acclaimed Field of Light art exhibition, an enourmous fantasy garden created from 50,000 spindles of light
Travel to a special location to enjoy a picnic breakfast as you watch the sun rise over Uluru, then visit Mutijulu Waterhole on the Kuniya Walk and hear stories of the local lore.
Journey to the mystical 36 domes of Kata Tjuta, and hear how they have evolved over millions of years
Full Day Daintree Dreaming Tour - Including interpretive rainforest walk, morning or afternoon tea, lunch, 2-hour Coastal Walk with Kuku Yalanji Cultural Habitat Tours, & Welcome to Country Ceremony
Cruise to the Great Barrier Reef for either a guided snorkel tour with a qualified marine biologist offering reef interpretation, or coral touring via a glass-bottom boat. A tropical buffet lunch, morning and afternoon, teas & coffee provided.

Sydney Airport Private Transfer

Morning Tea Cruise on Sydney Harbor

Sydney Opera House Tour

Early Twilight BridgeClimb

Transfer from Ayers Rock Airport to Hotel

A Night at Field of Light

Afternoon Kata Tjuta Domes Tour

Morning Uluru Highlights Tour

Accommodations

3 Nights

4-Star Harbor View Hotel

2 Nights

Magnificent View Hotel

3 Nights

Luxury Boutique Hotel

Transportation and Guides

Private Transfers to/from Airport to your Hotel
Private Transportation between activities included throughout

Points of Interest

Sydney Harbor Bridge
The Rocks
Sydney Opera House
Darling Harbor
Uluru
Kata Tjuta
Port Douglas
Cairns
Daintree Rainforest
Outer Great Barrier Reef

Blue Mountains National Park, Australia

Darling Harbour, Australia

Chinatown, Australia

George Street, Australia

Sydney, New South Wales

Daintree National Park, Australia

Port Douglas, Queensland

Dining Options Included (inclusions)

Breakfast each morning after your stay
3 Lunches, & 2 Dinners Included

Day 1

Accommodation

4-Star Harbor View Hotel - Sydney, New South Wales

Room Type: Superior Double

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2 PM on your day of arrival. Check-out before 11 AM.

Included Unique Activities

Sydney Airport Private Transfer

Sydney, New South Wales

Today you will enjoy a private and luxurious transfer to/from Sydney Airport to your hotel.

Must-See Sites

George Street, Australia

On the map: As one of the first streets in Australia, and one of the busiest streets in Sydney today, George Street is a central vein of the city. The street begins in The Rocks and continues south to Ultimo (another area of the city), where it ends at Railway Square. While the street is famous for being one of the oldest in the country, it is also known for connecting some of the city’s most popular neighborhoods and landmarks such as Chinatown, Sydney Town Hall, the Queen Victoria Building - a restored 1898 building filled with shops and cafes, Martin Place - Sydney’s best-known pedestrian mall, Circular Quay - complete with the ferry jetties and a train station, and The Rocks. If you are limited on time and wish to see as much as you can of the city, a walk down George Street can help you accomplish that! In the past few years, George Street has undergone a transformation to make it easier for people to travel from The Rocks to Railway Square. Along with a pedestrianised section between Hunter and Bathurst streets, a light rail running from Circular Quay to the suburbs of Randwick and Kingsford is being added - a project that is set to be finished in 2020.

Chinatown, Australia

On the map: Located downtown, off of George Street, Sydney’s Chinatown is the perfect mix of shopping and cuisine. While the original Chinatown was bound by classic Paifangs - commonly known as Chinese archways - on Dixon Street, the area has grown to incorporate George Street and Darling Harbour. Even though the area has grown, the heart of Chinatown is still considered to be the area between the Paifangs - now a section open only to pedestrians. The pedestrian-only area is home to traditional Chinese architecture and some of the best Chinese food in town. Just south of the Dixon Street section lies Market City, a building that houses Sydney’s largest Asian supermarket, a range of specialty shops, and the famous Paddy’s Markets. Chinatown is popular among both Sydneysiders and travelers for its colorfully-decorated streets and delicious eateries - some even open until 4am!

Darling Harbour, Australia

On the map: Darling Harbour is known as one of Sydney’s largest dining, shopping and entertainment neighborhoods - complete with waterfront dining, the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, the WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Madame Tussauds, and the world’s largest cinema screen at IMAX. While the aquarium and zoo will keep young visitors happy, the King Street Wharf features quality restaurants, trendy bars, and colorful nightclubs that will keep older visitors returning again and again. The Pyrmont Bridge lays at the center of Darling Harbour and connects the eastern and western sides. On the west side of the harbour, you will find the Australian National Maritime Museum, where you can explore a submarine, destroyer, and a sailing ship. The south side of the harbour borders Chinatown and features the Chinese Garden of Friendship - a relaxing oasis filled with hidden pathways, exotic plants, ponds, and a tea cafe.

Arrive at

Arrive at Sydney Airport, Australia

Arrive at Sydney Airport after your overnight flight if you are coming from the U.S. or Canada.

Overnight Location

Sydney, New South Wales

On the Map: Sydney is a coastal city in New South Wales, on the southeastern side of Australia.The city is fed by many major highways and is 286 km (178 miles) northeast of Canberra (the capital of Australia) and 161 km (100 miles) southwest of Newcastle.

As the state capital of New South Wales and the most populous city in Australia, Sydney is a major cultural and economic center. With famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach and the nearby Blue Mountains, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this dynamic city. Visit the kangaroos and koalas at Taronga Zoo, walk the famous Bondi to Coogee Beach trail, browse the stalls at the weekly Paddington Markets, return to your childhood at Luna Park, or experience the endless amounts of rooftop bars that the city has to offer. For those who consider themselves to be foodies, Sydney is the perfect destination. Many of Australia’s most awarded and innovative restaurants are found here – from Japanese to Greek food – allowing visitors to experience first-class dining. Whether you decide to stop over on the way to another great Australian destination, or you choose to stay a while, Sydney will leave a lasting impression.

Day 2

Accommodation

4-Star Harbor View Hotel - Sydney, New South Wales

Room Type: Superior Double

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2 PM on your day of arrival. Check-out before 11 AM.

Included Unique Activities

Morning Tea Cruise on Sydney Harbor

Sydney, New South Wales

Start your day with a 2-hour cruise around the world-famous Sydney Harbour. Take in the sights and delights whilst navigating the waterways of the harbour. Your informative captain and crew will entertain you throughout your morning cruise. During the cruise, enjoy a refreshing morning tea, served with coffee and juice.

Sydney Opera House Tour

Sydney, New South Wales

Discover the story behind the making of the world’s most famous opera house on this hour long guided tour. Your guide will take you on an emotional journey inside this modern masterpiece, putting its designer Jorn Utzon on centre stage. During your tour, you will learn why Utzon was more than an architect, he was an architect of change. You will also discover how, against a landslide of political and public criticism, he created the youngest building ever to be World Heritage Listed. Your guide will lead you into one of the working venues to experience the magic behind the world’s most extraordinary opera, ballet, symphony and dramatic performances.

Early Twilight BridgeClimb

Sydney, New South Wales

Begin your 3.5 hour tour with a comprehensive briefing and safety demonstration. Following the briefing, your Climb Leader will take you on a guided journey to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The tour takes you along the top arch of the Bridge and crosses catwalks and ladders all the way to the summit, 134 metres above Sydney Harbour. The steady incline to the summit leaves you free to focus your attention on the surroundings. Your tour will give you the opportunity to witness 360 degree views of Sydney, including east to the Sydney Opera House and west to the Blue Mountains and the Harbour City surrounds. Upon conclusion of the tour, you will receive a photograph of your climbing group, a personalized commemorative climbing tour certificate and a BridgeClimb hat.

Must-See Sites

Sydney, New South Wales

Day 3

Accommodation

4-Star Harbor View Hotel - Sydney, New South Wales

Room Type: Superior Double

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2 PM on your day of arrival. Check-out before 11 AM.

Included Unique Activities

Luxury Blue Mountains Day Trip

Sydney, New South Wales

Spend a full day exploring the beautiful Blue Mountains. This 9.5 hour tour travels to the Blue Mountains. Stop at Calmsley Hill, a working farm also home to Kangaroo, Emu, Wombat and Koala. Enjoy morning tea and time to wander at leisure. Visit one of a range of stunning outlooks of the Jamison Valley seeing beautiful vistas and enjoy a stress and hurry free environment. Arrive at Eaglehawk Lookout, a remote lookout point away from the crowds for views of the famous Three Sisters. The character of the Three Sisters changes throughout the day as the sunlight brings out magnificent colours. Stop at Blackheath and enjoy a 2-course lunch with tea/coffee (beverages can be purchased at your own expense from the bar). Visit a selection of lookouts. Experience the view of Govetts Leap and the magnificent waterfall. Stop briefly to enjoy a glass of sparkling wine or orange juice at the delightful Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens, where you will enjoy sweeping views across to Sydney before travelling down the Bells Line of Road to Sydney. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your Sydney city accommodation.

Must-See Sites

Blue Mountains National Park, Australia

On the Map: The Blue Mountains National Park is located in New South Wales, just outside of Sydney. The Park is reached via route A32 and B59 and is roughly 100 km (62 miles) west of Sydney.

The Blue Mountains National Park, aptly named for its blue horizon of eucalyptus tress that stretch on forever, is just a short drive from Sydney’s city center. With about 87 miles of walking tracks (most of which descend into the canyons) and stunning vistas, you can take in the scenery of the Blue Mountains from multiple viewpoints. Explore the Jenolan Caves, one of the world’s most spectacular cave formations; visit two of the region’s prominent towns, Katoomba and Wentworth Falls; and keep an eye out for the world-famous Australian wildlife. A trip to the Blue Mountains would not be complete without stopping at Scenic World, which offers skyway, cableway, and railway rides as well as a raised walkway through the rainforest. While each transportation system at Scenic World offers a unique view of the park, the railway is the center of attention. As the steepest incline railway in the world, taking you straight down into the canyon, it will leave you wanting to come back again and again!

Day 4

Accommodation

Magnificent View Hotel - Uluru, Northern Territory

Room Type: Double / Twin

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3 PM on your day of arrival. Check-out before 10 AM.

Included Unique Activities

Sydney Airport Private Transfer

Sydney, New South Wales

Today you will enjoy a private and luxurious transfer to/from Sydney Airport to your hotel.

Transfer from Ayers Rock Airport to Hotel

Uluru, Northern Territory

On arrival at Ayers Rock Airport, you are met by your Driver and coach and transferred to your hotel.

A Night at Field of Light

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia

Your Field of Light experience begins with a convenient hotel pick-up and a drive to the remote desert location. With Uluru as your backdrop, you will enjoy canapes and chilled sparkling wine as you watch an unforgettable sunset. As darkness falls and the colored lights of the 50,000 glass spheres gently sparkle to life, you will enjoy a special three-course bush tucker inspired buffet. Your knowledgeable host will provide insights and background to the artist and light installation that awaits you. Enjoy the music of a lone didgeridoo and a local Indigenous performance as you dine. Following your meal, you are invited to immerse yourself in the Field of Light, its pathways glistening softly with rhythms of colored light, beckoning you to explore. Finally, take a lasting look back at the Field of Light from the raised viewing area as you enjoy a sweet treat, hot chocolate or port.

Overnight Location

Uluru, Northern Territory

On the Map: Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is a large sandstone rock formation in Australia’s Northern Territory. Uluru is part of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and is roughly 468 km (290 miles) southwest of Alice Springs.

Uluru, more commonly known known as Ayers Rock, is a large sandstone rock formation in the outback of Australia. The formation is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is sacred to the Pitjantjatjara Anangu, the Aboriginal people of the area. Along with the formation itself, the area features springs, waterholes, rock caves and ancient paintings. Feel free to walk around the base of Uluru, visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, join a camel ride, and witness a sunrise or sunset at Uluru. Make sure to spend at least two nights in this area so you can take in all of the natural and spiritual beauty Uluru has to offer.

Day 5

Accommodation

Magnificent View Hotel - Uluru, Northern Territory

Room Type: Double / Twin

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3 PM on your day of arrival. Check-out before 10 AM.

Included Unique Activities

Afternoon Kata Tjuta Domes Tour

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia

Discover the unique flora and fauna of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park at ‘The Olgas’. Your guide will reveal the many attributes of this diverse environment and describe the cultural significance of Kata Tjuta as a sacred Aboriginal men’s ceremonial site. Upon your arrival at Walpa Gorge, you will walk between the mighty conglomerate domes and hear how these 36 domes have evolved over millions of years. Be sure to take time to listen to the wind (Walpa) far above and view the scale of the rock walls that surround you. The spirituality of this breathtaking location embraces everyone who ventures here. Your guide will return you to your hotel just in time for those who wish to join the Sounds of Silence Dinner.

Morning Uluru Highlights Tour

Uluru, Northern Territory

Your 3-hour tour begins with a transfer from your hotel to the world-famous Uluru. Uluru’s vast shape rises from the sand dunes in the early dawn light, highlighting its presence in Australia. Your guide will take you to a special location from which you can watch the sun rise over the breathtaking monolith. During your outback picnic breakfast, you will learn the creation stories of Liru (poisonous snake) and Kuniya (python) and hear about the Mala people. Following breakfast, you will visit Mutitjulu Waterhole and drive around the base of the monolith.

Day 6

Accommodation

Luxury Boutique Hotel - Port Douglas, Queensland

Room Type: Double / Twin

Check in policies:

Check-in time is between 2 PM and 8 PM on your day of arrival. Check-out before 11 AM.

Included Unique Activities

Transfer from Hotel to Ayers Rock Airport

Uluru, Northern Territory

Today you'll meet your Driver and coach and transferred from your hotel to the Airport.

Cairns Airport Transfer

Cairns, Queensland

Today you will enjoy a private and luxurious transfer to/from Cairns Airport to your hotel.

Overnight Location

Port Douglas, Queensland

On the Map: Port Douglas is a small coastal town in the Queensland state of Australia. The town is reached via route 44 and is roughly 68 km (42 miles) north of Cairns and 56 km (35 miles) south of Daintree.

Located just north of Cairns, Port Douglas offers a sophisticated and low-key escape for travellers in an unpretentious and relaxed tropical environment. Shop in the boutique clothing stores, dine in the exquisite alfresco restaurants and enjoy the islands and coral cays of the nearby Great Barrier Reef. A visit to Four Mile Beach is essential where you can laze away the day on the pristine sand. Port Douglas is also a popular base from which to explore the rainforests of the Wet Tropics, Daintree and Cape Tribulation.

Day 7

Accommodation

Luxury Boutique Hotel - Port Douglas, Queensland

Room Type: Double / Twin

Check in policies:

Check-in time is between 2 PM and 8 PM on your day of arrival. Check-out before 11 AM.

Included Unique Activities

Traditional Daintree Dreaming Tour

Daintree National Park, Australia

This 9 hour tour will travel to Cooya Beach (Kuyu Kuyu) which is a traditional fishing ground of the Kuku Yalanji people. Join one of the Kubirri Warra brothers on their beach, mudflat and mangrove walks followed by an introduction to traditional fishing and gathering techniques with the aim of finding your own tucker (food). Visit Mossman Gorge where you will be welcomed with a traditional ‘smoking’ ceremony conducted by Aboriginal people which will protect you whilst visiting Kuku Yalanji country. Wander into the lush rainforest of the World Heritage Listed Daintree National Park, Mossman Gorge and experience one of the world’s oldest and most beautiful rainforests. Enjoy an easy walk across boardwalks, tracks and bridges, view spectacular waterfalls and mountain ranges. Your guide will explain the rich flora, fauna and eco system of this amazing rainforest. You will return to Port Douglas, where you will be transferred to your accommodation.

Must-See Sites

Daintree National Park, Australia

On the Map: Daintree National Park is located in far north Queensland and is reached via Route 44 from Cairns (to the southeast).

Covering a vast area of tropical rainforest in Far North Queensland, the Daintree National Park holds incredible biodiversity and high levels of plants and animals that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The Park was founded in 1981 as part of the Wet Tropics of Queensland and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. While most might see Summer as the best time to visit this national park, the winter months actually offer a more steady climate, with less rain and no box jellyfish to get in your way. With numerous guided tours leaving from Cairns and Port Douglas, the park is quite easy to reach. If you are looking to explore the park on your own, make sure to hire a 4WD, as the roads north of Cape Tribulation are clay-based.

Day 8

Accommodation

Luxury Boutique Hotel - Port Douglas, Queensland

Room Type: Double / Twin

Check in policies:

Check-in time is between 2 PM and 8 PM on your day of arrival. Check-out before 11 AM.

Included Unique Activities

Outer Barrier Reef Eco Sailing and Snorkeling Adventure

Port Douglas, Queensland

Your full day adventure begins with an early departure from Port Douglas Marina. Sit back and relax on the beautiful yacht as you sail to the Coral Cays of Mackay or Undine Reefs. Enjoy an authentic sailing experience, following the coastline and views of the Daintree mountains. Once at the protected sites of the Coral Cays, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a guided snorkel tour with a qualified marine biologist. You can also enjoy a glass bottom boat coral viewing tour. Premium reef sites showcase abundant marine life, including encounters with turtles and an amazing display of giant clam gardens, breathtaking corals and a wide variety of fish. Soak up the sun, peace and tranquility of the turquoise waters. A tropical buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea & coffee (supplied by local plantations) will complement a day of adventure and relaxation. Expert guides and 1st class services are all included from helpful, friendly crew.

Must-See Sites

Port Douglas, Queensland

Day 9

Included Unique Activities

Transfer from Port Douglas to Cairns Airport

Port Douglas, Queensland

You will receive a transfer from your hotel in Port Douglas to Cairns Airport

Depart From

Depart from Cairns Airport, Australia

2024

Available Tour Dates

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

From $4,298 per person

Your Price Includes:

ACCOMMODATION

8 Nights in Superior 4-Star City Centre Hotels

TRANSPORTATION

Private Transfers to/from Airport to your Hotel
Private Transportation between activities included throughout

DINING OPTIONS INCLUDED (Inclusions)

Breakfast each morning after your stay
3 Lunches, & 2 Dinners Included

INCLUDED UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

Take in the sights and enjoy morning tea or coffee on the morning cruise of Sydney harbour
Explore the iconic Sydney Opera House and bring to life the saga surrounding this modern masterpiece
Be thrilled by a guided journey to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, 134 metres above Sydney Harbour!
Journey into the heart of the Blue Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to enjoy lunch and magnificent views
With Uluru as your backdrop, enjoy canapés and sparkling wine while you view the critically acclaimed Field of Light art exhibition, an enourmous fantasy garden created from 50,000 spindles of light
Travel to a special location to enjoy a picnic breakfast as you watch the sun rise over Uluru, then visit Mutijulu Waterhole on the Kuniya Walk and hear stories of the local lore.
Journey to the mystical 36 domes of Kata Tjuta, and hear how they have evolved over millions of years
Full Day Daintree Dreaming Tour - Including interpretive rainforest walk, morning or afternoon tea, lunch, 2-hour Coastal Walk with Kuku Yalanji Cultural Habitat Tours, & Welcome to Country Ceremony
Cruise to the Great Barrier Reef for either a guided snorkel tour with a qualified marine biologist offering reef interpretation, or coral touring via a glass bottom boat. A tropical buffet lunch, morning and afternoon
teas & coffee provided.

POINTS OF INTEREST

Sydney Harbor Bridge
The Rocks
Sydney Opera House
Darling Harbor
Uluru
Kata Tjuta
Port Douglas
Cairns
Daintree Rainforest
Outer Great Barrier Reef

Prices Based On:

Prices are Per Person based on 2 people traveling together and sharing a room.
All Taxes & Fees Included.

"Annual Vacation - Self Drive of Ireland and Scotland"

Sep 22, 2023

Raymond

Henderson NV

Best two weeks ever! Jennifer at Authentic Vacations planned the most spectacular itinerary for my clients and did it with just a three-week notice. The itinerary, accommodations, experiences were truly spectacular.

Very much look forward to working with Authentic Vacations and Jennifer again on another Ireland/UK/Iceland Trip.

"Family vacation and the ND/Navy Game in Dublin"

Sep 19, 2023

William

Deer Park, IL

We worked with Authentic Vacations as we planned a trip in Ireland around the Notre Dame/Navy game in Dublin. Specifically, we worked with Joleen and her team for planning and during our trip. I cannot express enough positive comments about how great this organization is to work with, and I have referred them to many friends that are planning trips to Ireland! The hotels were just amazing and in perfect locations for our travels, can’t say enough good things about the tours booked and choices and recommendations you provided. But what I was most impressed with was the ability to reach out to Joleen during our trip to make last minute changes to our itinerary! It was like I had a full-time person on staff that I could reach out to any time! All of my guest were so impressed and appreciative that we selected Authentic Vacations! Thank you very much!

"Iceland & Ireland - Mother & Son Adventure"

Sep 14, 2023

Mary

Washington

Amber, we just returned from our trip to Iceland & Ireland, and we had a wonderful time. I really want to thank you for putting our trip together. Everything went like clockwork! We will definitely be back in touch with you when we plan our next trip. Thank you again!!

"UK Ladies Adventure"

Sep 11, 2023

Megan

Tennessee

Ellie, I wanted to share the below with you! I appreciate all you do to make it possible!!! This feedback is from my clients you helped me with.

Hey Megan- before I get too immersed in catching up at work, I wanted to take a minute and thank you. You knocked it out of the park! The hotels were so amazing and well placed for convenience, can’t say enough good things about the tours you booked and choices and recommendations you provided. It’s hard to imagine how it could have been any better with you in the background thinking everything through from airport transfers to day excursions. You’re my/our travel agent for life and we’re going to keep you really really busy. Thanks for everything- you created an amazing, fun, memorable, once in a lifetime intro to Europe that I’ll never forget.

"Scotland Chauffered"

Sep 11, 2023

Lavonne

California

Ellie, Thank you for the best, most beautiful and easiest vacation we have ever been on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Jerry, our driver, was so knowledgeable and kind-hearted that I think it wouldn't have been so exciting to be there without him. HE'S THE BEST!!!! And you Ellie, what a God send that you were to our beautiful vacation. The Gordon Castle at the end was something we will never forget. THANK YOU FOR EXPERT KNOWLEDGE AND ALLOWING FOR US TO HAVE AN AMAZING TIME. (Oh, except our luggage got lost and we didn't get it until we got home. Jerry was nice enough to take us places to buy some new clothes !!!!! )

"Small Guided - Devon & Cornwall"

Sep 8, 2023

Steve

Ontario

Hi Joleen, thank you! We had a wonderful time - really enjoyed exploring the small coastal villages in Cornwall and the moors in Devon. Fascinating history and folklore - our guide Chris was very knowledgeable and made it very interesting. Some of the highlights for us was a visit to the Tea plantation Tregothnan as well as visiting Doc Martin’s house in Port Isaac! The Wells Cathedral was fascinating with its history and architecture, featuring a novel scissor-arches to sustain the weight of stone. We enjoyed the small group (17 in total) and mantra - off the main roads and willing to take suggestions from the group - even to visit a small village for an Australian lady with family roots in Cornwall. The itinerary was well planned, without hurrying from point A to B - more like meandering through the countryside and catching some lesser-known sites, like an abandoned tin mine site near the sea, or stopping to mingle with Dartmoor ponies on a hillside in the moors. Having a free day to explore on our own was also great - we walked to a nearby village called Charlestown, which had an interesting museum on shipwrecks and Shackleton’s expedition to Antarctica. The harbour is also featured in filming Poldark with a two masted tall ship alongside. All in all, I felt that this was a fantastic vacation for us and I’m very happy that we signed up for it. Thanks for your support in getting us prepared for this adventure- I hope there’ll be more!

"Ireland & Scotland Combo"

Sep 8, 2023

Charlene

Ohio

We had such a wonderful, beautiful vacation! Everyone thought the spacing of activities and traveling every few days fit us all perfectly. I loved that we started in the beautiful countryside and then had the city life keep building as we changed locations. Scott’s favorite activity was St. Andrews golf. They loved their car service driver as well! The guys had a rainy day of golf in Dublin, but still enjoyed the course. I think the guys were both sad they couldn't play Lacinth (spelling?), however, they did have lunch there and enjoyed. My favorite activity was the Guinness Connoisseur Experience. Loved the private bar, tasting, and pouring my own draft! Also, I loved the Military Tattoo. Perfect ending to the trip. All activities were spot on and enjoyable! My favorite hotel was Fiddle and Bow, so unique and cute in the country. Excellent breakfast! A nice add on that we didn’t expect was the Fringe Street shows in Scotland. We also visited the Queens Royal yacht. Traveling was easy. The Irish and Scottish people were very friendly and welcoming. We can’t say enough good things about the trip. Thank you for organizing such a wonderful, memorable trip for us Joleen! I love that you are always reachable and go above and beyond to help us when needed. You are truly amazing! Hopefully we can get something on the calendar for next year! Thanks a million!

"Italian Honeymoon"

Sep 5, 2023

Daley

Minnesota

We worked with Mandie at Authentic Vacations to plan our Honeymoon. We picked the "Opulent Italian Lakes and Cities" trip and then worked with Mandie to customize a few pieces that made more sense for our trip. Let me tell you that this was the best trip of our lives! The hotels that we stayed at were beyond incredible, and there were the perfect number of activities planned. Everything went extremely smoothly, and we didn't have to worry about a thing while we were on our trip! We can't wait to book another vacation through Authentic Vacations!

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