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Day 1 Fly USA to Melbourne
Please note international air from the USA has not been included in the
package price.
Day 2 Cross The International Dateline
Day 3 Arrive Melbourne
At first glance, Melbourne may resemble any other modern city with its
skyline full of concrete and glass. However, if you look a little
closer, you'll find the real Melbourne, a city of diverse cultures and
unique charm. There are the clanging trams (street cars), hidden
laneways with their chic boutiques and eclectic cafés, amazing
restaurants and fantastic galleries. Add to this, Melbourne's
traditional virtues of tree lined boulevards, beautiful parks and
gardens and grand Victorian architecture and you'll have some idea of
the city.
Colonial Tramcar Restaurant
Dining in Melbourne can be a fabulous experience, especially aboard the
historical Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. The glossy, burgundy restaurants
on wheels are the first travelling tramcar restaurants in the world and
ensure a delightful innovative approach to dining.
Tonight, dine in style aboard the unique Colonial Tramcar Restaurant.
Enjoy fine Australian cuisine and wines as you travel around the city
into the more exclusive suburbs Melbourne is known for.
Day 4 Behind the Scenes - Melbourne's Markets
On this unforgettable 'Behind the Scenes' dawn market tour, experience
the tantalizing sights, smells, sounds and tastes of the wholesale
markets of Melbourne. Fossick among the fish stalls, witnessing market
trade as it happens, view mounds of farm fresh produce in every
direction, in what may just be the southern hemisphere's largest
farmer's market. Learn more about the produce and market life as you
wind your way through the actual trading floors.
All this produce making you hungry? Enjoy a hearty breakfast at our
favorite breakfast spot, where there is a commitment to using only the
best local produce.
Move on to the Queen Victoria market where a qualified market guide will
take you on a 'Foodies Journey' through the main produce sections of the
market -the meat and fish hall, the fruit and vegetables aisle and the
dairy hall. Discover the newest food trends, meet specialist traders and
pick up valuable hints in selecting and cooking produce, while sampling
the delicious goods.
Day 5 A Chef-Led Journey
From Melbourne, travel to the Mornington Peninsula where you’ll meet our
highly regarded local chef for a private, culinary expedition through
the region. Your journey changes seasonally (and almost daily) but you
may do some of the following: meet cheese makers at a private goat dairy
to discuss processes and techniques, press olives and learn about olive
oil production, visit Harry's mussel farm and collect fresh seafood,
learn about chocolate making or get involved in a spice blending class.
It's now back to the kitchen with your produce for an afternoon of fun
with an intimate, hands on cooking class. Learn more about the local
produce then feast on your hard work!
Finish off with a private barrel tasting of local cool climate wines
just down the road before returning to Melbourne.
Day 6 Yarra Valley Wineries
Only an hour from Melbourne renowned for its quality wines, specialty
foods and breathtaking scenery, the Yarra Valley is Victoria’s most well
known wine region and a great day trip from Melbourne.
You’ll visit Yering Station Vineyards, one of Australia's most
spectacular winery set-ups before enjoying another wine tasting and
lunch at Rochford's Wines. Next is Yering Farm. The old hay shed,
situated at the top of the hill overlooking stunning views, has been
converted into a charming rustic Cellar Door, oozing with character.
Finally, you’ll visit Domaine Chandon. French Champagne company Moet &
Chandon's Australian production house Domain Chandon is the perfect way
to finish the day with a guided tour through the winery followed by a
relaxing glass of Australia's best bubbly.
Day 7 Drive Melbourne to Apollo Bay
Leave Melbourne for the coastal towns of Victoria, and the stunning
Great Ocean Road. Torquay, this is where the Great Ocean Road begins its
journey westward. From Lorne to Apollo Bay the hills begin to slope more
gently towards the sea and give way to some breathtaking scenery of wide
sandy beaches backed by the rolling green Otway hills.
Day 8 Drive Apollo Bay to Port Fairy
At your leisure depart Apollo Bay and continue along the Great Ocean
Road, traveling through the Otway National Park towards Port Campbell
and the majestic Twelve Apostles rock formations. Port Fairy is one of
Victoria's earliest seaports and many homes and other buildings of last
century still remain.
Day 9 At leisure, Port Fairy
Discover history in every corner of this charming old fishing village.
Wide streets are lined by nineteenth century cottages, great Norfolk
pines, old stone churches, boarding houses and inns. Many fine examples
of architecture of the 1800s remain intact, and more than 50 buildings
are classified by the National Trust.
Day 10 Drive Port Fairy to The Grampians
From Port Fairy, your drive turns north, away from the coast and towards
the natural beauty of the Grampians mountain range. Dunkeld, is a
beautiful village on the edge of the Grampians and is of course, home of
The Royal Mail Hotel. To survey the beauty of the region follow the
trail joining Mount Sturgeon and Mount Abrupt, the highest peak in the
southern Grampians.
Day 11 At leisure, Grampians National Park
The scenic Grampians National Park is one of Victoria's largest and most
accessible National Parks. It is home to the biggest collection of Koori
rock art in the state, and is well known for its wildflowers, striking
rock formations, 200 species of bird life, panoramic lookouts and well
maintained network of 50 walking tracks.
Day 12 Drive Grampians National Park to Melbourne
Day 13 Fly Melbourne to USA
Return your rental vehicle before boarding your departure flight.
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