OVERVIEW

This is a Debark tour. See the sights of Sydney, enjoy a guided tour of what is surely its most prominent icon – the Opera House – and watch the surf roll in at world-famous Bondi Beach. Its signature roof design reminiscent of billowing sails, Sydney Opera House was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II herself in October 1973. Today, it remains a lesson in the timelessness of great architecture as well as a defining component of the Sydney skyline – and sports a UNESCO World Heritage designation to boot. On your guided tour, you’ll gain behind-the-scenes insights on its history, design concept and current role within the city’s cultural life. A visit out to the Gap at Watson’s Bay promises breathtaking views of a different sort, these across the rocky headlands that together guard the entrance to Sydney Harbor. Your camera – and eyes – will struggle to fully capture this signature locale. And another one awaits a bit further down the coast: Bondi Beach’s half-mile crescent of sand and delightful shoreside eateries. This is a spot beloved by locals, tourists, surfers, strollers and seemingly everyone else.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take a fascinating guided tour behind-the-scenes at Sydney Opera House, arguably the Harbour City’s ultimate harborside sight.
• Experience mind-boggling views of the bluffs framing Sydney’s dramatic harbor entrance at Watson’s Bay.
• Stop to take in the famous scene at Bondi Beach, where surfers chase the waves, loungers laze, and beachfront eateries line the street.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

OVERVIEW

This is a Debark tour. Discover the beauty of the countryside outside of Sydney with a trip to the Blue Mountains and enjoy an orientation drive through Sydney. Following the trail of Australia's early explorers, your coach will climb high into the Blue Mountains. Sit back and enjoy this awe-inspiring Grand Canyon of giant rock formations, geological history, and cascading waterfalls. This truly is a day to relax and take in the natural bushland and the many outlying western suburbs that form part of greater Sydney. Your mountain sightseeing will include numerous small towns along the way that provide a weekend escape for many of the city's residents. Arriving at the Blue Mountains lookout, you can see the famous rock formation, the Three Sisters and relish awesome panoramic views of the Jamieson Valley, Mount Solitary, the Ruined Castle, Katoomba Falls and the Burraborang Valley while capturing some truly memorable photos. Leaving the lookout, your tour continues with a ride on the world's steepest perpendicular railway, which plunges 700 feet into the valley. Disembarking at the bottom, it's a walk of approximately 7 minutes to the unique Scenic cable car which returns you to the top of the mountain. Lunch today will be on your own, in the charming little village of Leura, and free time will be provided to explore some of the charming local crafts and antique shops, as well as to admire the stunning views. Re-joining your coach, you will make the return to Sydney, having experienced an often-missed side of Sydney that presents a truly different aspect of this fascinating city. Before going to the airport, you will also be treated to a brief overview of the city's essential highlights.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel into the bushland and small towns west of Sydney, headed for the majestic Blue Mountains.
• Ascend into the Blue Mountain range, its unique rock formations like the Three Sisters reminiscent of a greener Grand Canyon.
• Revel in the views from the topside lookout and ride 700 feet down into the valley by perpendicular railway, returning by Scenic cable car.
• Enjoy lunch on your own at Leura or a similar township with time to wander and shop a bit after.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.