ITINERARY

Here is a day-by-day description of the tour:

Day 1 – Arrival in Melbourne: first steps in the southern hemisphere
Meet the guide at the hotel in the evening to get acquainted with the rest of the group. We can take a short walk along the Yarra River and enjoy an authentic Australian dinner. A calm, gentle first evening, but with the promise of an adventure just beginning.

Day 2 – Melbourne: the city hidden between art and coffee
A day to discover Melbourne alongside a local guide. We'll wander through laneways – those narrow streets filled with colorful graffiti, characterful cafes, and local shops. We'll visit the Botanic Gardens, feel the rhythm of Queen Victoria Market, and learn how Australians live day by day. The city has a creative energy that immediately captivates us.

Day 3 – Koalas and penguins under the stars
We head to Phillip Island, an area with wild landscapes and rare experiences. We'll visit the koala reserve, where the lazy marsupials seem to greet us from the eucalyptus treetops. Then, as evening falls, we'll sit on the beach for a natural spectacle: thousands of little penguins emerge from the ocean and hurry toward their nests. It's an unforgettable sight.

Day 4 – To Sydney: meeting the harbor
We fly in the morning to Sydney, and dedicate the afternoon to a first walk through the Circular Quay area. We'll admire up close the famous Opera House and Harbour Bridge, perhaps with an ice cream in hand or a tea at a terrace overlooking the water. The city has a relaxed energy, and the evening gently settles over the harbor.

Day 5 – Sydney: architecture, stories, and ocean
Alongside the local guide, we explore Sydney in depth: we enter the Opera House and learn how it was built, stroll through The Rocks district – where it all began – and symbolically cross the big bridge. Those eager can go to Bondi Beach or take a harbor cruise. We end the day in Darling Harbour, with dinner and a glass of local wine.

Day 6 – Blue Mountains and encounters with wild Australia
We leave the city's hustle and head to the Blue Mountains, where eucalyptus trees seem to color the air blue. We stop at Echo Point, admire the Three Sisters formations, take a walk through the forest, and enjoy magnificent panoramas. On the way back, we visit the zoo where we can photograph a koala – a unique moment!

Day 7 – Cairns: in the tropical realm
A day when we fly north to Cairns – a different city, with palm trees, warm waves, and an air of eternal vacation. In the afternoon, we relax on the promenade or at the public pool overlooking the ocean. The evening is for tranquility, with a seafood dinner and a gentle sea breeze.

Day 8 – The Great Barrier Reef: a day between waters and corals (optional)
Those interested embark on a cruise to the Great Barrier Reef – an underwater world full of color and life. We go snorkeling, diving, or admire the reef through the boat's transparent floor. Lunch is served on the vessel, and by evening we return with salty skin and wide smiles. Those who choose to stay in Cairns can opt for a panoramic train excursion to Kuranda, a spa session, a walk along the seafront, or a leisurely afternoon, perhaps with a book in hand.

Day 9 – Cairns: a well-deserved tropical respite
After days full of discoveries, we take a day off. We're in the tropical north of Australia, where time seems to flow differently. Those interested can head to Kuranda village with the historic train that passes through the rainforest and return with the Skyrail, gliding above ancient trees. Those who prefer tranquility can stay in Cairns: a walk on the Esplanade, a swim in the pool overlooking the ocean, or, why not, a relaxing massage.

Day 10 – To New Zealand: the journey that moves us to another world
Today we leave Australia and head to the green islands of New Zealand. The flight will be long with a short layover, but also a good opportunity for reflection – we leave behind the corals, sunny cities, and wild animals, and prepare for a different type of landscape: deep lakes, snow-capped mountains, and a culture deeply connected to nature. Upon arrival in Queenstown, we drop off our luggage and take a walk along Lake Wakatipu. The sunset here has a cool, clear light, and the city's tranquility seems to say: "Welcome to another world."

Day 11 – Queenstown: deep breath, warm coffee, slow rhythm
After the previous day of flights and layovers, we take things slower. We drink coffee with a view of the lake, explore the city's streets on foot, and perhaps try a brunch with local products. For those who feel like moving, we can take the Skyline gondola – up on Bob's Peak, we have panoramic views as far as the eye can see, and a restaurant where time seems to stretch. Wine enthusiasts can choose an excursion to the Central Otago region, famous for pinot noir and photogenic landscapes. A day without haste and a breather between two spectacular countries.

Day 12 – Milford Sound: among rocks, waterfalls, and silence
Early in the morning, we head to Milford Sound, crossing mountains, dense forests, and landscapes that seem from another world. At the end of the road, we embark on a cruise among spectacular fjords: steep rock walls, waterfalls that fall directly into the water, and sometimes dolphins or seals that silently accompany us. We return to Queenstown in the evening, with the feeling that we've reached a rare place, almost untouched by time.

Day 13 – Rotorua: land of steam and ancient stories
It's time to fly to another special place: Rotorua, the city where the earth boils and the air smells of sulfur. After checking in, we take a walk through a geothermal area and feel nature's force at every step. Those interested can go to a thermal spa for an evening of rejuvenation.

Day 14 – Maori culture and red forests
We start the day with a visit to the Wai-O-Tapu geothermal park, where lakes have unreal colors and the ground emits hot steam. We continue with a walk through the Redwoods forest – tall trees, silence, and pure air. In the evening, we participate in a Maori ceremony, followed by a dinner cooked using traditional methods, in an authentic setting. It's an evening where we discover a living and welcoming culture.

Day 15 – Hobbiton and the hidden sky underground
On our way to Auckland, we stop at two fairy-tale places. First, Hobbiton – the hobbits' village, with round houses, gardens, and an atmosphere like in the movies. We have a drink at the Green Dragon pub and continue to the Waitomo Caves, where we walk under a ceiling lit by thousands of glowworms. We arrive in Auckland in the evening, with impressions hard to put into words.

Day 16 – Auckland: walks, souvenirs, and a surprise dinner
A relaxing day, without a set schedule. We can explore the city at our own pace – museums, parks, the harbor, or even a short getaway to Waiheke Island, renowned for its wines and landscapes. Everyone will find their own rhythm for the day and their own corner of tranquility. In the evening, we gather for a special moment – an atypical farewell dinner, marking the end of this journey to the antipodes.

Day 17: Farewell from New Zealand
Your trip comes to an end and you are free to depart from Auckland at any time. Take with you unforgettable memories, breathtaking landscapes, and the unique charm of the Southern Hemisphere — a journey across two worlds, now part of your story.

Terra Incognita - From Dream to Reality