With its fantastic natural phenomena, fascinating history, and fabulous cosmopolitan centers, Australia deserves the moniker “Land of Oz.” Off the eastern coast of this magical country lies the largest living organism on Earth, the Great Barrier Reef — as well as one of the world's most exclusive resorts, Hayman. Situated around a crescent-shaped, white sandy bay on its namesake island, the resort is renowned for its elegance, service, and superior location in the heart of the Whitsunday Islands. It also makes an idyllic base for your exploration of the Reef. And then there is Sydney — Australia's oldest settlement and one of the trendiest cities on the globe. Its Opera House and Harbour Bridge are instantly recognizable, its streets veritably overflow with designer shops and opulent restaurants, and its famous beachfront is blanketed in beautiful people — including you.
After arriving in Sydney and clearing customs, you'll make your way to the domestic terminal for your flight to Hamilton Island. Upon arrival, you'll be met and assisted with your launch via luxury cruiser to Hayman. Sit back and enjoy a glass of champagne as you complete check-in onboard so that once you arrive, you will be directly escorted to your spectacular Pool Room with balcony, perfect for lounging or a candlelight dinner.
You'll spend four fabulous nights in this magical place, enjoying its pristine beach and stunning surroundings. On your first full day, join a Reef Dancer snorkel tour to discover the Reef's wonder world of coral gardens and tropical fish. During your remaining time at Hayman, you will be at leisure to enjoy this paradise as you desire. Take a leisurely walk through the expanse of tropical gardens and sample superb cuisine in six international restaurants. Play tennis with a pro and take scuba diving lessons. Go fishing, snorkeling, yachting — you can even take a seaplane excursion or grab a picnic lunch, rent a dingy, and motor to nearby uninhabited Hook Island.
On day five, you'll bid farewell to Hayman as you cruise back to Hamilton Island for your onward flight to Sydney. Upon arrival, you will be met and enjoy a private transfer to the Four Seasons Sydney, where you will check into your elegant guest room with a stunning view of the iconic Sydney Opera House. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps indulging in an exotic treatment at the hotel's acclaimed spa.
The next morning, go beyond the normal “must see” tourist sites on a special small-group tour of Sydney and its suburbs. View many downtown highlights as you venture into some of Sydney's exclusive harborside residential areas; you'll stop in one for lunch at the Vaucluse House, one of Australia's most historic houses and the former home to the father of Australia's Constitution. Continue to famous Bondi Beach and Paddington before returning to the city for a leisurely catamaran cruise of Sydney Harbour.
The next two days are yours to explore Sydney. Most of the city's major attractions — including the Sydney Opera House, Darling Harbour, Centrepoint Tower, Circular Quay, and The Rocks area — are within walking distance of your hotel. You also may wish to explore some of Sydney's 2,000 Aboriginal rock-engraving sites or spend time along one of the city's many white-sand beaches.
Finally, say farewell to Sydney and join your private transfer to the airport for your return flight.
Your World Elite™ MasterCard® offers a world of exclusive advantages — including unique travel experiences like this Australia experience, brought to you by Virtuoso®. To make a reservation or to have a Virtuoso travel advisor create a personalized travel experience just for you, call the number on the back of your World Elite MasterCard.
Nine days from US$2,925 per person, double occupancy
Available May 1, 2008-March 31, 2009
Includes
- Four nights' accommodation at Hayman in a Pool Room
- Four nights' accommodation at Four Seasons Sydney in an Opera House View Room
- Reef Dancer snorkel tour
- Half-day small-group tour of Sydney
- Sydney Harbour catamaran cruise
- Two course lunch at the Vaucluse House Tea Rooms in Sydney
- Round-trip launch transfer from Hamilton Island to Hayman
- Round-trip coach class airfare from Hamilton Island to Sydney
- Sydney roundtrip private airport transfers
- Breakfast on four days
Excludes
- International airfare
- Taxes and fees
- Facility charges
- Room service or incidentals, including phone calls, etc.
- Anything not listed in the inclusions
Rate is per person in U.S. dollars based on double occupancy in a Pool Room at Hayman and an Opera House View Room at Four Seasons Sydney. Offer is valid from May 1, 2008, to March 31, 2009, and subject to availability at time of booking. Pricing listed is valid for travel between May 1, 2008, and September 30, 2008. Add $375 per person for travel between October 1, 2008, and March 31, 2009. U.S. and foreign govt. taxes and fees vary depending on the itinerary selected and may range from $90 to $395 per person. Passenger facility charges of up to $18 per person and the September 11th Security Fee of up to $10 per person are not included. After ticketing, changes may not be permissible in some circumstances, or a change fee may be applied. Cancellation penalties and other booking or alteration restrictions may apply. Full payment may be required within a number of days of the reservation being made. Please note blackout dates may apply to Christmas, New Year's and local special event periods. Prices indicated remain subject to change without notice. The best deal available for group travel will always be given in lieu of the offer indicated. All bookings must be made through a Virtuoso travel advisor and must be purchased with a valid World Elite ™ MasterCard®. Normal Virtuoso travel advisor fees (including planning and service fees) may apply. All Virtuoso member travel agencies are independently owned and operated, and are not controlled by Virtuoso. VIRTUOSO, the Globe Swirl Logo and SPECIALISTS IN THE ART OF TRAVEL are registered trademarks of Virtuoso, Ltd. All rights reserved.
