Scenic New South Wales

Begin your journey in the World Heritage-Listed Blue Mountains region. Experience the mesmerizing views and iconic locations during your stay at the renowned Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa. You then enjoy two nights at Spicers Vineyard Estate, set on 8 acres of vineyards with just 12 suites, before heading to the bustling city of Sydney. This New South Wales sojourn gives you a glimpse into drastically different, yet similarly beautiful surrounds without leaving the state.

Trip Type: Cosmopolitan

Day By Day

Day 1 – Arrive in Australia

You will arrive in Sydney where you will be met by your driver and embark on a 2-hour drive to Lilianfels.

Starting Accommodation: Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 – Rocks to Rainforest Tour

Today's tour offers a unique opportunity to visit some amazing remote wilderness in the Blue Mountains World Heritage area. Guests are taken away from typical tourist destinations in our luxury 6 passenger 4wd vehicles. You will see fantastic panorama escarpments, unique rock formations, deep canyons with ancient rainforest and occasionally kangaroo's in the Megalong Valley. Short walks in the wilderness accentuate your interpretive ecological experience on our advanced ecotourism accredited tour.

Starting Accommodation: Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 – Lilianfels at Leisure

A picturesque getaway nestled in the cloud-covered Blue Mountains, Lilianfels is a converted summer home built for Sydney Chief Justice Sir Frederick Darley in 1890. Named after his daughter, the hotel sits on an expansive property filled with blooming gardens, a manicured tennis court and an infinity pool.

One thousand feet above sea level, Lilianfels is about a two-hour drive from Sydney and looks over the Blue Mountains National Park and the Three Sisters. The ornate Victorian ambiance brings you back to a more romantic era, boasting hand-crafted wallpaper, flowing silk, organza fabric and crystal chandeliers. Search for hidden treasures in the library, or relax in front of the fireplaces of the lobby lounge. The guest rooms are filled with sumptuous and soft furniture with a country estate feel, while the executive suites are named after their unique characteristics, such as Cloudmaker or Nellies Glen. Relax in the heated indoor pool surrounded by cool marble, or venture out to explore the forest terrain with a complimentary mountain bike.

Starting Accommodation: Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 – Travel to Hunter Valley

Depart Lilianfels for your transfer to the Hunter Valley. Allow about 3.5 hours for the point to point transfer.

Starting Accommodation: Spicers Vineyard Estate
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 – Hunter Valley at Leisure

Treat your taste buds to a gastronomic getaway by visiting the Hunter Valley. Specialty shops selling cheeses and fudge are sandwiched between world-class wineries in a locale that seems worlds away but is conveniently less than two hours from Sydney's doorstep. Stressed out Sydneysiders escape to this pastoral paradise where they can enjoy fine food and wine at a meandering pace. Discover charming wineries along tree-lined lanes as you trial cellar door specialties and often share tasting notes with the very creators of these fine vintages. Visit The Hunter Resort where the 2-hour Wine School promises an education of wine, leaving one with a newfound knowledge of winemaking - and tasting! Perhaps you may wish to soar above the quilted landscape on a sunrise balloon ride. The Hunter Valley is guaranteed to satisfy your appetite for peace and plenty.

Starting Accommodation: Spicers Vineyard Estate
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 – Travel to Sydney

Enjoy a leisurely transfer from Hunter Valley to Sydney City. The drive will take approximately three hours.

Starting Accommodation: InterContinental Sydney
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 – Sydney Supreme - City Sights

Depart your Sydney hotel to discover the fabulous city of Sydney. Begin the morning traveling through the business district and shopping areas. See Darling Harbour and the vibrant China Town, then drive along Oxford Street with its trendy terrace houses and boutique fashion shops. See Centennial Park, a 220-hectare urban parkland in Eastern Sydney. Reaching the coast, you will see the beaches of Bronte and Tamarama. You'll then move on to explore the famous Bondi Beach, stopping to spend 30 minutes to walk the promenade and enjoy a coffee overlooking the beach. From Bondi, continue along the coastal drive past Macquarie Lighthouse to experience the spectacular views from the Southern Headland at the entrance to Sydney Harbour. Visit Watson's Bay before following the harbor foreshore back into Sydney, passing some of Australia's most exclusive waterfront suburbs where harbor mansions may be seen. Driving through Vaucluse, Double Bay and the colorful Kings Cross, continue to Woolloomooloo and see the famous Harry's Cafe De Wheels. Visit Mrs Macquarie's Chair, and return to the CBD via Saint Mary's Cathedral, Historic Convict buildings, State Parliament House and the historical Rocks district. Next, cross the spectacular Sydney Harbour Bridge to head for a 2-course lunch in a harbor-side restaurant - soup or salad then a main course selection. A complimentary glass of wine or beer is included with additional beverages available for purchase. Your tour ends at the restaurant. A ferry transfer to Circular Quay is included at your leisure this afternoon.

Starting Accommodation: InterContinental Sydney
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8 – Sydney at Leisure

It is no surprise that when the British first arrived in Sydney they named the area Botany Bay. Even today, with a population of over 4 million people and a reputation for fun rather than flora, one is still surrounded by bush land in this bustling city. Native Waratah wind their way through the historic Rocks area, palm trees frame long stretches of pristine beach, and Eucalyptus embrace the endless and beckoning bays of Sydney Harbour.

It is Sydney's man-made wonders, however, that draw most visitors. The Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge are the most photographed icons on the continent. Choose a Seaplane Safari experience and enjoy a bird's eye view of the Opera House's signature sails. See the Harbour Bridge up close and personal by climbing the metal monolith to enjoy stunning 360-degree views of the glittering vista below with BridgeClimb as you climb to the top. Whether it is an early morning visit to the largest fish market in the southern hemisphere, or your very first surfing lesson on Bondi Beach, in this vibrant metropolis you will find no lack of energetic escapes and dynamic distractions.

There are many ways to enjoy the harbor: on a small luxury motor cruiser or sailing yacht, or ferries that take you to Taronga Park Zoo or Manly and the harbor suburbs. Take the Darling Harbour Rocket that connects Circular Quay to Darling Harbour where there are many restaurants and attractions such as The Sydney Aquarium, Wildlife World, The IMAX Theater and the Naval Museum. For a more leisurely afternoon, take a walk through the Royal Botanical Gardens and Hyde Park, or learn about Australia's National Gemstone, the Opal, at Altmann; Cherny or The National Opal Collection, right in the heart of the city on Pitt Street.

Starting Accommodation: InterContinental Sydney
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 – Depart Sydney

Ahead of your flight, you will be transferred from your accommodation to Sydney International Airport.

Meals: Breakfast

Pricing

Package Level: Luxury

Pricing for this package is on request. Please call a Swain Destinations Specialist to customize this journey.

Terms and Conditions

Prices are per person, twin/double share in USD. All highlighted savings are reflected in the price. Price does not include airfare unless otherwise stated. Travel may be limited to certain days of the week. Hotels and tours remain subject to availability. Cancellation penalties and other booking or alteration restrictions may exist. Please note blackout dates may apply to Christmas, New Year and local special event periods. Pricing may increase over Holiday and special event periods and may not be reflected in price grid. Prices indicated remain subject to change without notice. Prices are not guaranteed until full payment is received and processed. CST #2012413-20 See our full Terms and Conditions: www.swaindestinations.com/terms