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Taka Dive CNS Fri AYQ SYD [DiveT7]

14 Days / 12 Nights - Cairns, Live-Aboard Diving Expedition, Ayers Rock and Sydney - Cairns, Live-Aboard Diving Expedition, Ayers Rock, Sydney

This itinerary departs from the USA on Tuesday evening. Stay in Cairns for one night before you board the diving vessel the next evening (Friday). After disembarking from the dive vessel stay in Cairns for one more night then travel to Ayers Rock for 2 nights. After Ayers Rock you will stay 2 nights in Sydney. Your arrival day back into the USA will be on Tuesday morning.

Australia's north eastern town of tropical Cairns is the gateway for two of the world's greatest diving icons, the Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea.

The dive vessel departs Cairns 5:10 pm Friday and returns 3:00 pm the following Thursday. You will be transferred to and from your accommodation in Cairns.

Travel Package Features

• Accommodation - Cairns (2 Nights), Live-Aboard Diving Expedition (6 Nights), Ayers Rock (2 Nights), Sydney (2 Nights)
• International Flights - Los Angeles to Cairns, Sydney to Los Angeles
• Australian Domestic Flights - Cairns to Ayers Rock, Ayers Rock to Sydney
• Day Tours - Cairns: Live-Aboard Diving Expedition; Ayers Rock: Uluru Tour Pass
• Shuttle Transfers - Cairns Airport to Accommodation (return), Cairns Accommodation to Live-Aboard Dive Boat (return), Ayers Rock Airport to Accommodation (return), Sydney Airport to Accommodation (return)
• All Other Day Tours are Optional and not included
• Visa Issuance for entry into Australia (US$15.00 per person)
• F.I.T. (Free & Independent Travel, i.e. this is not an Organized Group Tour)
• All Taxes and Fuel Levies (Except where noted)
• Itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to suit your needs.

Travel Package Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 (Tues) - International Flight - Los Angeles to Cairns

Shortly after departing Los Angeles you will be served dinner and you will be given breakfast before landing.

Relax, watch some movies, and try to get some sleep!


Please confirm with the airlines at Check-in that they have all your Frequent Flyer information on record.

Day 2 (Thur) - Shuttle Transfer Cairns Airport to Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from the Cairns Airport to your vacation accommodation in Cairns, Australia.

Departures occur approximately 30 minutes after aircraft arrival-time for domestic flights. For international flights this will be considerably longer because of customs and other formalities.

Luggage restrictions apply as per standard economy Australian domestic flights of 2 standard bags under 30kg (66 lbs) per passenger. Excess baggage is AUD$5.00 per bag payable on board. If traveling with excess baggage please advise the shuttle company upon reservation confirmation so appropriate trailer size is available.

Days 2 to 3 (Thur - Fri) - 1 Night Accommodation in Cairns

Travel to your accommodation Cairns, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 1 night.


Your 4.5 star accommodation combines contemporary decor with a tropical ambience. The magnificent location of this 176 room hotel is perfect for exploring the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest or Kuranda and the Atherton Tablelands. Other nearby highlights include: Cairns Casino, Marlin Jetty, the Esplanade and the Night Markets. Unwind with a cocktail by the pool or bar followed by a sumptuous meal at the award winning Bushfire Flame Grill.

All rooms and suites have individual balconies, individually controlled air conditioning, refrigerator, television, broadband internet access, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, along with tea and coffee making facilities. Facilities include: 24 hr reception, tour desk, free wireless internet, Bushfire Flame Grill, bar, pool, business services on request, coin operated laundry on four floors, room service, laundry & dry cleaning.

Days 3 to 9 (Fri - Thur) - 7 Day Live-Aboard Dive Expedition

7 DAY "BACK TO BACK"TOUR. Combination of 3 Day & 4 Day Tours. Departs Fridays or Tuesdays includes up 24 Dives (including 4 night dives)



During the seven-day live-aboard diving expedition you will have the opportunity to experience 24 dives at some of the worlds most renowned dive sites. You will enjoy your seven days diving at the 'world famous' Cod Hole, pristine Osprey reef in the Coral Sea and the beautifully diverse Ribbon Reefs.

Sample Itinerary:

Tuesday or Friday:
The first evening we travel overnight 150 km to the Cod Hole. During this time, passengers organize their dive gear or hire gear. We also have a brief period of introduction followed by paperwork and a briefing on the schedule for the next day. Dinner is served and with the rest of the evening is for relaxation.

Wednesday or Saturday:
Breakfast
Arrive at the Cod Hole
Dive Briefing

Dive 1
Familiarization with the Cod Hole. Check out dive for those who have done less than 50 dives or have not dived in the past year. Likely Sightings include Giant Potato Cod, Moray Eel, Reef Sharks & Maori Wrasse.

Dive 2
Cod Feed at the Cod Hole- Close encounters with the Famous Potato Cod.
Lunch

Dive 3
Pixie's Pinacle/Reef/Wall or Challenger Bay. Likely Sightings include Lion Fish, Nudibranchs, Garden Eels & Barracuda.
Afternoon rest & snack.

Dive 4
Night Dive at Challenger Bay
Likely Sightings include Cuttle Fish, Sea Turtles, Reef Sharks & Manta Rays.
Evening Meal

Thursday or Sunday:
Breakfast
Dive Briefing

Dive 5
Clam Gardens. Likely Sightings include Giant Clams (150-200 y/o)

Dive 6
Steve's Bommie. Likely Sightings include Red flame File Shell, Stone Fish, Wobbegong Sharks, Turtles & Thousands of schooling Anthias.
Snack

Dive 7
Temple Of Doom. Sightings include Flatworms & Clownfish.
Lunch followed by Afternoon Rest.

Dive 8
Beer Gardens. Sightings include Sleepy Turtles & Parrot Fish.
Evening Meal

Friday or Monday:
Dive Briefing

Dive 9
Hogs Breath. Sightings include Blue Spot Lagoon Ray & Clown Fish.
Breakfast

Dive 10
Split Bommie. Sightings include Octopus & various Butterfly Fish.
As we sail back to Cairns, passengers have plenty of time to rest and relax in between snacks and lunch.

Saturday or Tuesday:
Breakfast
Arrive at the Cod Hole, dive briefing.

Dive 11:
Familiarization with the Cod Hole. Check out dive for those who have done less than 50 dives or have not dived in the past year. Likely Sightings include Giant Potato Cod, Moray Eel, Reef Sharks & Maori Wrasse.

Dive 12:
Cod Feed at the Cod Hole- Close encounters with the Famous Potato Cod.
Lunch

Dive 13
Pixie's Pinacle/Reef/Wall or Challenger Bay - Likely Sightings include Lion Fish, Nudibranchs, Garden Eels & Barracuda.
Afternoon rest & snack.

Dive 14
Night Dive at Challenger Bay - Likely Sightings include Cuttle Fish, Sea Turtles, Reef Sharks & Manta Rays.
Evening Meal

Sunday or Wednesday:
Breakfast
Arrive at Osprey Reef in the Coral Sea.

Dive 15
North Horn. Wall Dive with drop-offs to 100m. There is a fantastic variety of sharks swimming off the wall- such as Gray Whalers, White Tip & Black Tips, Hammerheads, A Giant Potato Cod and the occasional Bull Shark.

Dive 16

North Horn SHARK FEED. Divers observe this amazing spectacle from 15m sitting on dead coral palettes. The SHARK FEED can last anywhere from 5min to 30min depending on how many and how hungry the sharks are. Once the feed is completed, once the instructors gives the 'all clear', the divers can leave the wall and continue the dive.
Lunch

Dive 17
Half Way Wall. Sightings include interesting coral formations, Feather Stars and Green Sea Turtles.

Dive 18
The Entrance. Sightings include Puffer Fish & Clown Fish.
Evening Meal
Depart Osprey Reef and head back to the Great Barrier Reef.

Monday or Thursday:
Breakfast
Dive Briefing

Dive 19
Clam Gardens. Likely Sightings include Giant Clams (150-200 y/o)

Dive 20
Steve's Bommie. Likely Sightings include Red flame File Shell, Stone Fish, Wobbegong Sharks, Turtles & Thousands of schooling Anthias.
Snack

Dive 21
Temple Of Doom. Sightings include Flatworms & Clownfish.
Lunch followed by afternoon rest.

Dive 22
Beer Gardens. Sightings include Sleepy Turtles & Parrot Fish.
Evening Meal

Tuesday or Friday:
Dive Briefing

Dive 23
Hogs Breath. Sightings include Angelfish & Clown Fish.
Breakfast

Dive 24
Split Bommie. Sightings include Octopus & various Butterfly Fish.
As we sail back to Cairns, passengers have plenty of time to rest and relax in between snacks and lunch.

Days 9 to 10 (Thur - Fri) - 1 Night Accommodation in Cairns

Travel to your accommodation Cairns, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 1 night.


Your 4.5 star accommodation combines contemporary decor with a tropical ambience. The magnificent location of this 176 room hotel is perfect for exploring the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest or Kuranda and the Atherton Tablelands. Other nearby highlights include: Cairns Casino, Marlin Jetty, the Esplanade and the Night Markets. Unwind with a cocktail by the pool or bar followed by a sumptuous meal at the award winning Bushfire Flame Grill.

All rooms and suites have individual balconies, individually controlled air conditioning, refrigerator, television, broadband internet access, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, along with tea and coffee making facilities. Facilities include: 24 hr reception, tour desk, free wireless internet, Bushfire Flame Grill, bar, pool, business services on request, coin operated laundry on four floors, room service, laundry & dry cleaning.

Day 10 (Fri) - Shuttle Transfer Cairns Accommodation to Airport

Travel by shuttle from your Cairns vacation accommodation to the Airport in Cairns, Australia.

Luggage restrictions apply as per standard economy Australian domestic flights of 2 standard bags under 30kg (66 lbs) per passenger. Excess baggage is AUD$5.00 per bag payable on board. If traveling with excess baggage please advise the shuttle company upon reservation confirmation so appropriate trailer size is available.

Day 10 cont (Fri) - Australian Domestic Flight - Cairns to Ayers Rock

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Cairns to Ayers Rock (Uluru).

Day 10 to 12 (Fri - Sun) - 2 Nights Accommodation in Ayers Rock

Travel to your accommodation in the heart of Australia, the Red Centre, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 2 nights.

Your 4 1/2 Star vacation accommodation is centrally located to all resorts and Australia touring facilities and offers a range of stylish accommodations, from shaded poolside rooms to the magnificent deluxe rooms overlooking the desert. You can relax from your travel in the comfort of your own private balcony or courtyard, or unwind in the hotel's refreshing pool, sipping cocktails. It's only a short stroll to the resorts numerous lookouts, where you can view what is arguably Australia's best sunset. Its spectacular display of colours across the face of Uluru and the surrounding desert turns your vacation into a memorable event.

Airport shuttle transfers included.

Day 10 to 12 (Fri - Sun) - Uluru Tour Pass

Explore the fascinating surroundings of Australia's Red Centre.

Day 1 - Sunset/Afternoon:
Your experienced driver guide will give you an overview of the fascinating history of Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park as you make your way to Walpa Gorge, a lush desert haven for plants and animals. The gentle but rocky track will lead you into a world of rare plant species and lush evergreen shrubs known as Spearwood. Time to head off to the Uluru sunset viewing area. On arrival you'll be served from a selection of Australian wines and nibbles. You can just sit and relax or stroll around the area to find your own personal space to watch an amazing Red Centre sunset.

Day 2 - Sunrise/Morning:
Enjoy tea or coffee and be inspired by an incredible view through stunning desert landscape as the sun rises over Uluru and Kata Tjuta. From the viewing platform it is possible to see way into the distance, providing an ideal photo opportunity. After the amazing sunrise and a relaxing morning tea, you will join a tour around the base of Uluru learning details on its geology and incredible history. Last on the morning tour is a visit to the Mutitjulu Waterhole and the Uluru - Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre.

Includes National Park Entry Pass

Day 12 (Sun) - Australian Domestic Flight - Ayers Rock to Sydney

Travel within Australia by domestic air from the Red Centre at Ayers Rock to Sydney.

Day 12 cont (Sun) - Shuttle Transfer Sydney Airport to Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from the Airport to your vacation accommodation in Sydney, Australia.

Travel via shuttle to your vacation accommodation in Sydney, Australia.

Days 12 to 14 (Sun - Tues) - 2 Nights Accommodation in Sydney

Travel to your accommodation in Sydney, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 2 nights.

Embrace Sydney's best location with this four star vacation accommodation ideally nestled in the heart of the city. Overlooking Wynyard Park you will enjoy this icon of time-honored tradition, warm hospitality and friendly personal service. Just a short stroll away from many famous attractions including the Sydney Opera House, The Rocks, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour, The Royal Botanical Gardens and more. You will love the luxury of the close accessibility to public transportation including light rail access, train station, the bus system and nearby Circular Quay which will allow you to see much more of Sydney and surrounds. Featuring: 446 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, 2 restaurants, 4 bars, indoor heated pool, sauna, spa, and gymnasium. Amenities: air conditioning, daily maid service, fridge, iron & board, radio channels, shower, coffee & tea, ensuite bathroom, hair dryer, shaving adaptor, sprinklers, smoke detectors, television, telephone, internet access (broadband), data port, wake up calls, mini bar, and 24 hour room service. With all this and more take time out to experience the wonders of Sydney while enjoying all your accommodation has to offer.

Upgrade Available (Upon Request): Stunning 5 Star Property - Fees Apply

Day 13 - Free Day to Explore Sydney

With Sydney at your fingertips, take the chance to explore the Darling Harbour area at your leisure, which is a modern collection of Shopping Malls, Parkland, Restaurants and Harbour Front activities.

Walk to Circular Quay and catch a ferry to our wonderful harbour-side Taronga Park Zoo, or take the 30 minute ferry ride to Manly Beach, Sydney's premier beach resort. Here you can enjoy the laid back beach culture as well as many festivals and events. If you prefer to stay closer to downtown Sydney, Bondi Beach is approximately a 10 minute train ride and is one of Australia's most famous and iconic beaches. Save some time to take a beach walk from Bondi Beach to Bronte Beach, it's known to be a true highlight. If visiting on a weekend then go to the Rocks Market and shop for local Arts, Crafts & unique Australian Souvenirs.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Opera House Tour

This inspiring tour provides a once in a lifetime opportunity to venture inside one of the world's most recognised global landmarks.

<a href="//youtu.be/C2UPo8f7EpE" target="_blank"><img src="//abt-aus-images.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Sydney-Opera-House-Tour-Australia.jpg" width="350" height="197" class="alignleft"></a>

This one hour tour outlines the intricate and controversial history of the Sydney Opera House along with details of the unique design of this architectural masterpiece.

You will visit a number of the six performance venues, including the magnificent wood paneled Concert Hall and the Opera Theatre as well as the new Utzon room.

You will also visit the glass enclosed northern foyer areas which boast spectacular views of Sydney Harbour - a perfect photo opportunity.

<b>Operates</b>

Daily.

<b>Need to Know</b>

1 - 11 guests maximum per group. No large bags or luggage accepted. This tour contains approximately 200 steps - low impact.

<b>Times</b>

Departs every hour between 9:00am - 5:00pm.

<b>Inclusions</b>

Guided tour of the Sydney Opera House.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Bridgeclimb

Reach new heights and climb the famous Harbour Bridge in Sydney!

<a href="//youtu.be/vNBOOE8Lydk" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="alignleft" src="//abt-aus-images.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Sydney-Harbour-Bridgeclimb-Australia.jpg" width="350" height="197" /></a>

Achieve exhilaration and personal satisfaction as you climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge. For approximately 3.5 hours you and 11 other eager climbers will join a climb guide and weave through catwalks, climb up ladders and then arrive at the most spectacular point of all - the upper arch climb. The steady incline to the upper arch leaves you free to focus your attention on your Sydney experience, with opportunities for 360 degree views of Sydney, including east to the ocean, west to the mountains and the harbor city surrounds.

It is at this point that you not only have a bird's eye view of the beautiful Sydney Harbour and the city, but have the exhilarating and rewarding experience of reaching the top of the iconic Harbour Bridge.

When you reach the top you will have a sense of achievement you'll remember forever - you've conquered an Australian icon recognized the world over! No other Sydney tourist attraction can give you this feeling of standing at the top of the world, with the harbor spread before you.

All climbers will be issued a complimentary photograph of your climb group.

<b>Operates:</b>
Daily, in all weather conditions (except in cases of extreme weather conditions like electrical storms or high winds).

<b>Need to Know:</b>
- Wear comfortable, enclosed rubber-soled shoes and comfortable clothing;
- Secure lockers will be provided to store your personal belongings;
- No cameras, phones, GoPros or other video and mobile devices are allowed on the climb;
- Children ages 8 - 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Children younger than 8 are not permitted on the climb;
- Maximum of 14 people per group.

<b>Times:</b>
The climb lasts approximately 3.5 hours. Climbs are available at dawn (limited departures), day, twilight or night.

<b>Inclusions:</b>
BridgeClimb cap;
Certificate of Achievement;
A complimentary Climb Group photo.

Photo Credit: BridgeClimb Sydney.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains Deluxe Day is a real journey into the heart of a unique World Heritage Region. From temperate rainforests to towering sandstone escarpments, you'll see and experience it all. Let the landscape work its wonders and become part of you for a lifetime.

<p></p>Upon departing from the city, you will travel directly to the Blue Mountains and your first stop of the day is at Calmsley Hill Farm a working farm also home to Kangaroo, Emu, Wombat and Koala. Enjoy morning tea and time to wander at leisure.

From Calmsley Hill you will continue to ascend the Blue Mountains via the highway. Visit one of a range of stunning outlooks of the Jamison Valley seeing beautiful vistas. Where possible this will be away from the crowds of tours that visit the mountains each day with other operators, thus you will have the opportunity to enjoy a stress and hurry free environment taking in the views and information imparted by your guide.

Continuing on you will arrive at Eaglehawk Lookout, a remote lookout points away from the crowds for views of the famous 3 Sisters. Whilst the Blue Mountains features so much more than this natural attraction you can't help but admire the unquestionable beauty of this amazing rock formation. The character of the Three Sisters changes throughout the day and throughout the seasons as the sunlight brings out the magnificent colors. Here your guide will discuss the legends behind this famous rock formation and time available for you to take some great photos.

Next you will be taken around the mountain towards the village of Blackheath and our lunch venue the Boiler House Cafe. Here in this relaxed venue with stunning views, you can enjoy a 2-course lunch with tea or coffee. All diets are catered for (excluding Kosher Meals). Please note that beverages can be purchased at your own expense from the Bar.

The afternoon is spent visiting a selection of lookouts. Once you clap your eyes on the view from Govetts Leap you'll know why it's one of the most famous lookouts in Australia. The magnificent waterfall drops a whopping 180m to the base of the cliff. If you're not mesmerized by the dancing waves of water spray, you'll be transfixed by the sweeping views down the valley to the Grose Wilderness.

Then take a brief stop to enjoy a glass of sparkling wine or orange juice at the delightful Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens, where you can enjoy the sweeping views across to Sydney before traveling down the Bells Line of Road to arrive back at your hotel approximately 4:30pm.

<b>Operates</b>

Daily.

<b>Need to Know</b>

This is a specialized small group tour with a maximum group size of 17 passengers.
Minimum of 2 guests required for tour departure.

<b>Times</b>

Pick-up from Sydney CBD hotel between: 7:00am - 7:30am.
Drop-off at Sydney CBD hotel between: 4:30pm - 5:00pm.
 
<b>Inclusions</b>

- Professional Guide
- Hotel pickup & drop off from Sydney CBD
- Small group touring
- Morning tea
- National Park Fees
- 2-Course Lunch (Beverages with meals are not included)
- Glass of Sparkling Wine
- Mt Tomah visit

<b>Upgrades</b>

Private Touring

Day 14 (Tues) - Shuttle Transfer Sydney Accommodation to Airport

Travel by shuttle from your vacation accommodation in Sydney, Australia, to the Airport.

Day 14 cont (Tues) - International Flight - Sydney to Los Angeles

Depart Sydney from the International Airport and fly to Los Angeles. Note: You will be traveling back across the International Date line so you will gain a day. You actually arrive in the USA on the same day you leave Australia.

.