SAVE UP TO $1,000 PER PERSON: Book Your 2027 Expedition Cruise

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.

PLAN AND BOOK

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

Sydney Airport Private Transfer

Morning Tea Cruise on Sydney Harbor

Morning Tea Cruise on Sydney Harbor

Early Twilight BridgeClimb

Early Twilight BridgeClimb

Transfer from Ayers Rock Airport to Hotel

Transfer from Ayers Rock Airport to Hotel

A Night at Field of Light

A Night at Field of Light

Afternoon Kata Tjuta Domes Tour

Afternoon Kata Tjuta Domes Tour

Morning Uluru Highlights Tour

Morning Uluru Highlights Tour

Transfer from Hotel to Ayers Rock Airport

Transfer from Hotel to Ayers Rock Airport

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

George Street, Australia

Chinatown, Australia

Darling Harbour, Australia

Sydney, New South Wales

Blue Mountains National Park, Australia

Daintree National Park, Australia

Port Douglas, Queensland

UNESCO World Heritage sites

Blue Mountains National Park

Blue Mountains National Park

Dining Options Included (inclusions)

  • Breakfast each morning after your stay
  • 3 Lunches, & 2 Dinners Included
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2026

Available Dates

Oct, Nov, Dec

From $4,964 per person

2027

Available Dates

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

From $5,460 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.

"Belated Norway Honeymoon"

Brandi Moore

Georgia

This was my first experience working with Authentic Vacations and they did not disappoint! Amber was amazing!!! I was in over my head with a Norway itinerary, but she put my mind at ease. She was so patient! My clients made it very challenging. I was ready to give up after several attempts to create the itinerary they requested because each time they'd ask for another change. Amber did not waiver though. She knew just what to do and always had excellent recommendations. She listened and took the time to talk through the clients' requests with me. With the help of Amber and the local Nordics team I was finally able to give the clients the perfect itinerary. They were so pleased! This trip was on their bucket list and they had an amazing time. I really don't know what I would have done without Amber! I will definitely use Authentic again. I was so impressed with their process and the level of support. I never felt like just another email itinerary request. Working with Amber was like working with family and I knew both myself and the clients were in great hands. Thank you, Amber, for taking such good care of us and for making me look like a rockstar with these clients!

"Small Group Private Trip to Ireland/Scotland"

TJ Hayes

Florida

Amber and Authentic Vacations saved my group and my reputation with these clients when another "'reputable" supplier severely dropped the ball and botched the booking experience. Not only did they come in under budget BUT they added so many other experiences for clients. I knew nothing about Scotland and only a little about Ireland and she took that weight entirely off my hands. Clients are back and had a great adventure! Highly recommend Amber and the Authentic Vacations team. They made me look like a rockstar and clients loved their entire experience.

"Friend Vacation"

Melanie Carpenter

Ireland

Jennifer made me look like a rock star in my clients' eyes! 2 couples did an 8 day adventure in Ireland. They gave me their list of must see and dos and Jennifer filled in all the gaps and planned the best route. Her call with me prior to the clients' departure was super informative. She gave me times where they should plan on heading to their next stop on their busy days. All the extra little advice she gives is absolutely invaluable! So glad I have another set of clients heading to Ireland next year and that I get to work with her again!

"Anniversary"

Christopher Castelo

Philippines

It is lived up my expectation

"2026 Family vacation to Italy"

Richard Sasson

Oakland

Amber at Authentic Vacations was absolutely wonderful. She helped put together a great trip for the family. The feedback from the family is below:


From Marta: With the exception of a tour that was delayed, everything scheduled commenced on time. Our drivers and tour guides were outstanding! Hotel Corallo was heavenly and couldn’t have been better located. Hotel Quirinale needs to provide more storage space! Though the rooms were spacious, the furniture was not suitable for storing our clothes!


From Joseph: Richard was excellent. So thorough in every possible way, even stuff I didn't think of when I typically travel, and he was responsive to a few things that came up during our trip. Will be using him for our next trip.

"Italy Trip"

John Ambrose

Colorado

Jen set up everything and the trip was amazing. The hotels and places we visited were all awesome. Jen did a great job of selecting and creating our daily venues.

"Holiday break in Ireland"

Rodney Bates

Chum Creek, Vic. Australia

The trip to Ireland met every expectation and more. Everything happened as planned, fabulous hotels and locations, seamless arrangements for airport transfers and car hire, and made good use of the inclusions and itinerary suggestions. Our second trip with these guys, thoroughly recommend them for your next journey

"Birthday"

Karen Sanchez

NY

The clients had an amazing time. They even texted in destination to tell me how wonderful everything was. Adina was super knowledgeable and her planning was flawless.

1. Click the “GET QUOTE” Button Above.

Complete our inquiry form by selecting your departure date, and all other relevant fields. Be sure to let us know if you're traveling for a special occasion! We can adjust most of our vacation packages to suit your needs, based on the details you provide.

2. Online Account & Quote Created

Your request will be forwarded to our team of Destination Experts, and a price quote will be prepared, based on your submitted preferences and criteria. A free Authentic Vacations online account will also be created, allowing you to view and request changes to your quote at any time. Log into your account via “LOGIN” at the top of any of our webpages.

3. Fine-Tune Your Tour Quote

Work with your assigned Destination Expert to tweak your quote in any way you wish. Our customers continually tell us that our flexibility in this regard is exceptional – your Destination Expert’s sole brief is to create the perfect tour for you!

4. Reserve & Pay Online

Once your quote is 100% to your liking, you can pay for your package with your credit card via your Authentic Vacations online account. We also accept payment by personal check and wire transfer. We only require a 20% deposit to secure your vacation, and our Risk-Free Cancellation Policy provides you with complete peace of mind.

5. Print Your Travel Documents & Go!

Once your vacation has been paid in full, you will be able to print your travel documents directly from your online account. You’re ready to embark on your ideal, authentic vacation!!

Questions?

If you would prefer to discuss your perfect vacation on the phone, we would be delighted to hear from you! Our Destination Experts are standing-by and looking forward to speaking with you at any time during our business hours listed below. We also operate a very responsive and efficient Live Chat service on our website…instant gratification awaits!

Toll-free from the US and Canada: 1-888-443-5259 Rest of World: +1-707-687-0191

Hours of Business:

Monday – Thursday: 7:00am – 5:00pm PST

Friday: 7:00am – 4:00pm PST

Saturday: 6:00am – 3:00pm PST

Sunday: 6:00am – 3:00pm PST

With offices in Scottsdale, San Francisco, London, Dublin, Copenhagen and Edinburgh, we can offer you unrivaled support while you are abroad. We truly believe all our clients deserve an extraordinary, authentic experience!