Ffestiniog Travel

Saturday 11 February to Sunday 4 March 2012

Experience this exclusive journey through Australia and New Zealand as you travel through awe inspiring landscapes on some of the world’s most famous and iconic trains; the Ghan, the TranzCoastal and the TranzAlpine. Discover the charm of the cities, the beauty of the scenery and the vibrancy of two modern Asian destinations, Singapore and Hong Kong.

Day 1   London to Singapore

Overnight scheduled service from London to Singapore, arriving the following morning.

Day 2   Singapore City sightseeing

Our introduction to this vibrant city is a morning excursion in the comfort of an air conditioned coach, accompanied by a local guide. Time to relax in the afternoon in our ideally located hotel situated in the city’s cultural district.

Day 3   Singapore to Darwin

A day at leisure to enjoy the sights and experiences of Singapore before a transfer to the airport, for your evening flight to Darwin. We arrive in the early hours of the morning but to ensure a restful arrival, we have booked our hotel rooms for that night.

Day 4   Relax in Darwin

Relax and luxuriate in Darwin’s tropical atmosphere.

Day 5   The “Ghan”

We begin our epic, transcontinental 2,979 kilometres journey across Australia’s Red Centre from Darwin to Adelaide on board the “Ghan”. Accommodation is in first class Gold Service sleepers with all meals included, plus full use of the lounge and bar facilities. Arriving at Katherine during the afternoon, many fascinating, optional off-train excursions are available before continuing on our overnight journey to Alice Springs.

Day 6   Alice Springs

We arrive in the morning at Alice Springs. A sightseeing tour is offered which includes the old Telegraph Station and the headquarters of the Flying Doctor Service. Our departure for Adelaide is mid-afternoon; sit back and enjoy the unsurpassed panorama of the changing landscape from the train.

Day 7   At leisure in Adelaide

Arrive in Adelaide at breakfast time for a stay of one night. A day at leisure to experience this charming city with its elegant boulevards and tree lined squares or take the tram to explore the nearby beach resort at Glenelg.

Day 8   Melbourne

Departing Adelaide, we fly to the cosmopolitan city of Melbourne for a stay of two nights. The day is free to relax and explore the many museums and sights as well as sample some of the fantastic cuisine and wine for which the city is famed.

Day 9   Puffing Billy Steam Railway

Today’s excursion is a return journey on the famous “Puffing Billy” steam railway from Belgrave through the Dandenong Ranges to Gembrook. There are many memorable photo opportunities as we journey on this delightful and welcoming Australian line.

Day 10   XPT to Sydney

We depart Melbourne this morning on board Country Link’s XPT service for Sydney. The journey provides an opportunity to relax in the comfort of your first class seats as you watch the breathtakingly beautiful scenery pass by. Early evening arrival in Sydney and transfer to the nearby hotel for a stay of three nights.

Days 11 and 12   Sydney

Two days at leisure to relax and explore Sydney. Your tour guide will be happy to assist with any suggestions for excursions you may wish to take in this delightful and hospitable city. A ferry trip to the Victorian seaside town of Manly is an enjoyable way to see the harbour with outstanding views of the Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and The Botanical Gardens. Climb to the observation tower of the Sydney Harbour Bridge for panoramic views of the city or just sit back and savour the café life.

Day 13   New Zealand

Leaving Australia behind us we fly from Sydney to Auckland where we transfer for an overnight stay to our hotel on the bustling harbour side.

Day 14   Auckland to Rotorua

After a free morning enjoying this enchanting coastal city, we depart by coach for Rotorua and the Princes Gate Hotel – full of period charm at the entrance to the park.

Day 15   Famous geysers, amazing sheep and glow-worms

This morning we visit the thermal area to see the famous geysers and mud pools. Continuing by air-conditioned coach, we have a fascinating excursion to the Agrodome Sheep Show before continuing on an underground boat trip into the ethereal Waitomo Glow-Worm Caves lit only by glow-worms. Overnight in Hamilton.

Day 16   “Overlander” train

After departure today on the Overlander train for the capital city of Wellington, our journey takes us through the Tongariru National Park where we have the opportunity to see the astounding volcanic ranges of Mounts Ruapehu, Tongariru and Ngauruhoe.

Day 17   Wellington

We have a free day today in New Zealand's capital city. Enjoy the city at leisure with the hop on- hop off sightseeing tour.

Day 18   Interislander Ferry

A spectacular day travelling across New Zealand from North to South Islands and on to Christchurch. We cross between the Islands on the well-appointed ferry service, enjoying the scenic approach to Picton up the Sound. Here we join the “TranzCoastal” train for Christchurch. The journey is as dramatic as it is beautiful with the Kaikoura mountain ranges on one side and the rugged Pacific Ocean coastline on the other. Two nights stay in Christchurch.

Day 19   “TranzAlpine” train

The TranzAlpine train is regarded as one of the world’s most scenic railway journeys. Today we enjoy a return journey coast to coast, following the spectacular gorges and river valleys as the train crosses the mountain chain at Arthur’s Pass, before descending through lush beech rain forest to Greymouth.

Day 20   New Zealand to Hong Kong

Depart Christchurch for Hong Kong via Australia on scheduled flights where we spend two nights at the luxury Regal Oriental Hotel, Kowloon.

Day 21   Hong Kong Sightseeing

A local guide is available to organise a half day sightseeing tour in the stunning and vibrant modern city of Hong Kong. The afternoon is free to relax, shop and explore!

Day 22   Hong Kong to London

We have a free morning and afternoon with evening transfer to the airport for our flight home.

Day 23   Arrive London

Early morniing arrival in London.