Save $200 pp on 2026 Small Guided Vacations

This Australia Vacation is perfect for animal lovers. Begin your travels in Sydney, the surprising city with multi-cultural cuisine and music around every corner. Take off from the harbor and begin your wildlife journey with a whale-watching tour. What amazing sailing companions they are! Discover wildlife in the Blue Mountains, and then join a small group tour of the Rocks. You’ll find out about the area’s colonial history as well as its place as a thriving entertainment center.

Next, you’ll spend four nights in Port Douglas, a tropical seaside village in the far north of Queensland. Renew your connection to Nature with a tour of the Daintree Rainforest. This is the only place where two World Heritage sites meet, and you’ll have a local guide to take you into the miracle of the earth’s oldest rainforest. Learn to throw a spear, track, gather food, and be welcomed with a smoking ceremony. The other Heritage site here is the Great Barrier Reef. Swim with marine life in the world’s largest, absolutely alive, formation.

The following two nights are spent in Adelaide, a beautiful city with Victorian charm. Explore the famous Adelaide Central Market for breakfast, cafes, and sublime wine and food tastings—it’s a perfect time to chat and mingle. Wrap up your tour with two nights spent on Kangaroo Island. Stay in a homestead. Walk among an endangered seal colony and kangaroos on the beach. See Koala bears in their natural habitat, spot unusual birds in one of the many conservation parks, enjoy a picnic one day, and a bush barbecue the next. Experience island life at its finest. This is the natural Australia vacation of your dreams. 

PLAN AND BOOK

Included Unique Activities

  • Cruise Just Outside Sydney Harbour to Spot Some Whales As You Enjoy a Hot Breakfast!
  • Take a Locally Led Walking Tour Around the Rocks and Discover the History of Sydney
  • Head Out to the Blue Mountains, a Unesco World Heritage Site to Spot Some Native Wildlife Including Kangaroos and Koalas on a Small Group Tour
  • 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 welcomes with a traditional 'smoking ceremony'
  • Join an Eco Sailing and Snorkeling Cruise of the Outer Great Barrier Reef -  the Largest Living Structure on the Planet 
  • 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 and a Night at a Traditional Homestead With Dinner
Kangaroo Island Life Tour

Kangaroo Island Life Tour

Authentic Walking Tour of The Rocks

Authentic Walking Tour of The Rocks

Luxury Blue Mountains Day Trip

Luxury Blue Mountains Day Trip

Traditional Daintree Dreaming Tour

Traditional Daintree Dreaming Tour

Outer Barrier Reef Eco Sailing and Snorkeling Adventure

Outer Barrier Reef Eco Sailing and Snorkeling Adventure

Adelaide Central Market - Breakfast Tour

Adelaide Central Market - Breakfast Tour

Whale Watching BBQ Lunch Cruise

Whale Watching BBQ Lunch Cruise

Cairns Airport Transfer

Cairns Airport Transfer

Accommodations

4 Nights

Victorian Boutique Hotel

4 Nights

Luxury Boutique Hotel

1 Night

Historic Homesread B & B

1 Night

Luxurious Boutique Hotel

Transportation and Guides

  • Transfers to/from Airports in Sydney, Port Douglas, Adelaide, and Kangaroo Island

Meals Included

  • 10 Full Australian Breakfasts
  • 2 Unique Breakfast Experiences; with the Whales and at a Local Market
  • 5 Lunches including amongst your experiences
  • 1 Dinner

Points of Interest

  • Sydney Harbor Bridge
  • Sydney Opera House
  • Darling Harbor
  • The Rocks
  • UNESCO World Heritage Blue Mountains
  • Daintree Rainforest and National Park
  • Outer Great Barrier Reef
  • Adelaide
  • Adelaide Central Market
  • Kangaroo Island
  • Seal Bay Conservation Park
  • Flinders Chase National Park
  • Cape Du Couedic
  • Kelly Hill Conservation Park

Darling Harbour, Australia

Chinatown, Australia

George Street, Australia

Barangaroo Reserve, Australia

Sydney, New South Wales

Sydney Royal Botanic Garden, Australia

Sydney Opera House, Australia

Sydney Harbour Bridge, Australia

UNESCO World Heritage sites

Sydney Opera House

Sydney Opera House

Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef

2025

Available Dates

Oct, Nov, Dec

From $6,298 per person

2026

Available Dates

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

From $6,928 per person

Your Price Includes

ACCOMMODATION

  • 8 Nights Unique 4 Star Hotels
  • 3 Nights Historic 5 Star Hotel
  • 1 Night Traditional Homestead

TRANSPORTATION

  • Transfers to/from Airports in Sydney, Port Douglas, Adelaide, and Kangaroo Island

DINING OPTIONS INCLUDED

  • 10 Full Australian Breakfasts
  • 2 Unique Breakfast Experiences; with the Whales and at a Local Market
  • 3 Lunches; out on the Reef and Two on Kangaroo Island
  • 1 Dinner

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

  • Cruise Just Outside Sydney Harbour to Spot Some Whales As You Enjoy a Hot Breakfast!
  • Take a Leisurely Walking Tour Around the Rocks and Discover the History of the Aboriginal People With Your Local Aboriginal Guide
  • Head Out to the Blue Mountains, a Unesco World Heritage Site to Spot Some Native Wildlife Including Kangaroos and Koalas on a Small Group Tour
  • Experience a Small Group Tour of the Daintree Rainforest Complete With Lunch and a River Wildlife Cruise for a Chance to Experience Crocodile Activity
  • Spend the Day Exploring the Largest Living Thing on the Planet - Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Underwater Observatories and More Are All at Your Disposal!
  • Head to the Famous Adelaide Central Market for Breakfast, Coffee, and a Guided Tour!
  • 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, and a Night at a Traditional Homestead With Dinner

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

**Where possible all tours will be in small groups to ensure the most intimate, local experience**

POINTS OF INTEREST

  • Sydney Harbor Bridge
  • Sydney Opera House
  • Darling Harbor
  • The Rocks
  • UNESCO World Heritage Blue Mountains
  • Hunter Valley Wine Region
  • Daintree Rainforest and National Park
  • Outer Great Barrier Reef
  • Adelaide
  • Art Gallery of South Australia
  • Adelaide Central Market
  • Kangaroo Island
  • Lathami Conservation Park
  • Seal Bay Conservation Park
  • Flinders Chase National Park
  • Cape Du Couedic
  • Kelly Hill Conservation Park
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.

"Mother & Son vacation to Ireland"

Monica H.

Lynnwood, WA

Lauren was a fantastic consultant to help me craft a great trip for my clients who were a mother and son duo who wanted to travel to Ireland. They loved Dublin and their hotel was top notch, well located and she had fun learning about the history of the hotel as well. Another highlight was the horse-and-carriage ride in Killarney.

"Amazing Ireland Guided Vacation"

Douglas K.

Minneapolis

The best part of our 8-day tour of Ireland? Tour director Joan.


Joan is a perfect blend of group director, logistics manager, guide, travel buddy and fun entertainer. Her knowledge is wide and her demeanor is lively, always full of sunshine (even if the weather is not). Joan clearly understands group dynamics with the ability to easily and subtly adjust an itinerary when warranted.


Each day of our tour included historical insight from Joan with her personal lore added for context, answers to every type of question with interesting explanations, and even an occasional folk song beautifully sung. When she granted us entry into the cathedral in Killarney - her home church and school when growing up - the experience became personal and moving.


I'm certain every member of our group of 17 wants to travel again with Joan because of her gracious and fun expertise. Thank you Joan and Authentic Vacations!

"Our confidence in Authentic Vacations is sky-high"

Steve P.

Acton, MA

We returned back from our Italy vacation last week and we just wanted to thank you for what you and your team at Authentic Vacations set up for us.


As in our previous trip with your company, EVERY single private transfer and tour was ready and waiting for us -- everything went without a hitch (excepting our flight to Italy which was delayed for 22 hours and cost us to lose a full day -- no fault of your company). The hotels were incredible; some of the largest rooms I've ever seen in Europe, and the service at each was precisely what one would want; doting without being intrusive. The LivTours excursions were mostly good. The guides were very knowledgeable and hospitable at each one. The only exception was the Colosseum tour in Rome, where we felt we didn't get a tour that was commensurate with the cost (it only took us to the Colosseum floor and was only about 90 min. long -- not the 3 hour tour we expected).


However, that one criticism certainly doesn't diminish the fact that we enjoyed the trip of a lifetime. We met our last remaining Italian cousins in Ascoli Piceno, who brought us up in the mountains to the village where my grandfather was born, a day we shall never forget.


There was one destination that totally surprised us; the little city in Marche called Ascoli Piceno. This is the largest city near my Grandfather's village of Pretare, about 15 miles inland from the Adriatic coast. You found a hotel for us there called the Palazzo dei Mercanti, which was built in the 1400s and was redeveloped about 15 years ago as an upscale hotel. The hotel and its staff were marvelous (even calling our cousins for us, who speak only Italian), with modern amenities in a building with ancient ambience. But the real charm here is the city itself. Ascoli has a piazza, the Piazza del Popolo, which is almost completely untouched by the modern world. It has all the charm of Florence without the crowds. If one wants to enjoy Old Italy and they're on the East coast of Italy, this is a must see.


After two trips with you, our confidence in Authentic Vacations is sky-high. Every little detail is done, and we're able to enjoy our trip without worry. From the tickets for the excursions right down to the chocolates on the pillows at night, you provide a complete service for your customers. Please pass along our thanks to the group you have in Italy, as I know they played a large part in making the arrangements. They were even able to switch our tour of Pompeii/Mt. Vesuvius to a different day when our plane arrived a day late! And Jen, our agent, was very helpful in giving us the information we needed to make the claim with our travel insurance. You folks are the best!

"Best vacation my clients had ever taken!"

Phyllis M.

Oregon

I am a travel advisor and recently sent two couples on the 8 night Enchanted Ireland revealed trip. Both couples came back raving about how much they loved this trip. They thought their guide Joan was fabulous and loved the driver Damian. Both couples said it was one of the best vacations they had ever taken! Thanks Authentic Vacations! I love happy clients!

"Wonderful 30th Anniversary Trip"

Steve M.

Lititz, PA, USA

We had the trip of a lifetime to Ireland (the Enchanted Ireland trip). It was an incredible small-group tour, and Joan our guide is knowledgeable, fun, and kept us on a good schedule without being rigid. As a native of Killarney, Joan shared stories, sang us songs, and truly provided a customized experience that we could not have gotten with a large group tour in a coach.

So thankful that we made this investment and trusted our trip to Authentic Vacations!

"Amazing Small Guided Vacation in Ireland"

Debra B.

Michigan

We were going to go with a big tour but we were told about Authentic Vacations and boy are we glad we changed our minds!

This wonderful trip went beyond our expectations. Joan made us feel so welcomed and we not only saw so many incredible places, she made sure we were informed as well. We are looking forward to going back to Ireland and hopefully Joan is our guide.

"Wonderful time in Ireland"

Larry B.

Michigan

Wonderful time in Ireland, with Joan as our guide it was such a great time. She is such a wonderful person, her great stories and knowledge of everything was incredible.

"This trip exceeded every expectation"

Jaime R.

Virginia

My daughter and I went on the Grand and Gallant 10-day tour to Scotland through Jennifer, and we cannot say enough about the trip from start to finish. From the moment we booked until we landed back home, everything was smooth, seamless, and exactly as expected.

Our tour guide, Cal, was an absolute pleasure. His passion for Scotland’s history and heritage was infectious, and he kept our group of 15 engaged and entertained every step of the way. I still find myself missing his uplifting energy and positivity in the mornings—he truly made the experience unforgettable.

Our bus driver, Paul, was equally amazing. Not only did he keep us safe and on schedule, but he also shared his warmth and kindness throughout the journey. Getting to know him and hearing about his life in Scotland was a highlight in itself.

And Scotland—what a breathtaking country. Authentic Vacations put together the perfect itinerary, balancing iconic sights with authentic local experiences. The pace was lively, which made the 10 days fly by, but we loved every minute. There were moments when the beauty around us felt almost otherworldly—as if each day was a day in heaven. The accommodations were comfortable, and while the unusually warm weather made us wish for air conditioning, bringing along a small travel fan solved the problem nicely.

Overall, this trip exceeded every expectation. From the outstanding team of Jennifer, Cal, and Paul to the beauty of Scotland itself, it was a journey we will treasure forever. I cannot recommend Authentic Vacations and this tour highly enough.

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!