
Essential Britain Tour
Per person, double occupancy, excludes roundtrip airfare
Join us on a spectacular England vacation that highlights culture, scenery, and history of England and Wales.
Say g’day to new experiences as you journey through awe-inspiring landscapes and distinct cultures on our Australia and New Zealand cruise. This guided cruise tour has departures in both directions between Auckland to Sydney, and you can add an extension to explore Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef.
Learn about New Zealand’s history and enjoy fabulous sightseeing in Auckland, the stunning “Queen City” from which you will embark on your cruise. In Tauranga, you can see New Zealand’s own Pompeii at Rotorua’s frozen-in-time Buried Village. The art deco beauty of Napier will transport you back to the 1930s, and you can even visit the real-life Middle Earth in Wellington.
Melbourne might be where you eat the best meal of your life, while Eden is rich with native wildlife. Your final stop is Sydney for disembarkation and an included city tour. This city is famous for its rich Aboriginal history and colorful past as a penal colony. Once rough and tumble, it is now a leading center of culture and international commerce with one of the most recognizable skylines in the world.
Highlights
2 Countries
Sightseeing
Cruise Accommodations
Hotel Accommodations
Meals
Service
Baggage Handling
Depart for Auckland, New Zealand
Take an overnight flight to Auckland.
Note: Depending on the departure time of your outbound flight, you may depart one day later.
Arrive in Auckland, New Zealand
Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. If you purchased airline tickets from YMT Vacations, a YMT representative will welcome you at the airport and transport you to the hotel. Enjoy the evening on your own.
Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre or similar
Auckland, New Zealand
Start the morning with a guided coach tour of Auckland. Travel along the waterfront of Tamaki Drive, which provides gorgeous ocean and city views. Visit the colonial-style Mission Bay, the fragrant and fabulous Parnell Rose Gardens, and the magnificent Auckland Domain Park.
Next, learn the story of New Zealand on a guided tour of the Auckland Museum. See natural history exhibits and Maori artifacts. Continue to Auckland’s 1,000-foot-tall Sky Tower, where you can see for up to 50 miles in every direction. Sit down at the revolving Orbit Restaurant for a included lunch and the city’s best views. (B, L).
Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre or similar
Embarkation in Queen's Port (Departs 6:00 PM)
Enjoy “The City of Sails” on your own before traveling to Queens Port to board the Norwegian Spirit. (B)
Tauranga (Rotorua), New Zealand (7:00 AM - 4:00 PM)
Discover Rotorua, known for its stunning natural beauty. Visit Te Wairoa’s Buried Village, a Pompeii-like town that was frozen in time after being smothered by a volcanic eruption in 1886.
Napier, New Zealand (9:00 PM - 6:00 PM)
The coastal city of Napier is set amid the renowned wine-producing region of Hawke’s Bay. The city is known for art deco landmarks including the zigzag patterned Daily Telegraph Building. It feels like an exotic re-imagining of the 30s in parts of Napier.
Wellington, New Zealand (8:00 PM - 6:00 PM)
Welcome to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. Take the Wellington Cable Car from the central Lambton Quay to the hills of Kelburn, where you can enjoy the sprawling Botanical Gardens, the petite Wellington Cable Car Museum, and dazzling city views.
Lyttleton, New Zealand (8:00 PM - 6:00 PM)
Spend a blissful day in Lyttleton, New Zealand’s only registered historic township. The seaside city built on the site of an extinct volcano is irresistibly charming.
Dunedin (Port Chalmers), New Zealand (8:00 AM - 6:00 PM)
This dramatic South Island coastal town offers a mix of unique natural beauty and fascinating history. Rare yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals, and the Royal Albatross all call Dunedin home. Larnach Castle sits high above the city, offering sweeping views from its gardens.
Cruise Doubtful Sound, Cruise Dusky Sound, Milford Sound, New Zealand
Spend the day cruising Fiordland National Park, a stunning expanse of wilderness on one of the most remote parts of the pristine South Island. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a dazzlingly dramatic landscape, with volcanos, sprawling rainforests, snow-topped mountains, and crystal-clear waters teeming with wildlife.
At sea
Melbourne, Australia (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
Melbourne, known as Australia’s cultural capital, is a robust and dynamic city. Considered the most European of Australia’s major cities, Melbourne is a cultural melting pot with remarkable art and architecture, excellent shopping, and world-class dining.
Burnie (Tasmania), (7:00 AM - 4:00 PM)
A collection of artisans on the northwest coast of the island of Tasmania, Burnie has long been a community of makers. Enjoy locally crafted European-style cheeses and single-malt whiskey, or go shopping for handmade papers, ceramics, and other one-of-a-kind art pieces.
Eden, Australia (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM)
The town’s name reflects what you will find inside this natural wonderland. Eden is nestled among national parks, wilderness areas, and enticing beaches. It is also one of the best places in Australia for whale watching.
Disembarkation and Sydney Tour (Arrives at 6:00 AM)
After disembarking, enjoy a city tour starting at The Rocks, Sydney’s birthplace. See relics and buildings of the city’s past, pass the picturesque Botanic Gardens, and take in the view of the Sydney Opera House. Continue to Darling Harbour, Watson’s Bay, and Bondi Beach before enjoying the rest of the day at leisure.
Mercure Sydney Wynyard or similar
Sydney Leisure Day
Enjoy one final day on your own in Sydney. Admire the skyline, cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge, lounge on the world-famous Bondi Beach, or visit the Blue Mountains. (B)
Mercure Sydney Wynyard or similar
Optional:
POST TOUR OPTION: Add 2 Nights in Cairns, Australia at $1,099 PER PERSON – Call for detail
Depart for Home (B)
Depart for Auckland, New Zealand
Take an overnight flight to Auckland.
Note: Depending on the departure time of your outbound flight, you may depart one day later.
Arrive in Auckland, New Zealand
Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. If you purchased airline tickets from YMT Vacations, a YMT representative will welcome you at the airport and transport you to the hotel. Enjoy the evening on your own.
Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre or similar
Auckland, New Zealand
Start the morning with a guided coach tour of Auckland. Travel along the waterfront of Tamaki Drive, which provides gorgeous ocean and city views. Visit the colonial-style Mission Bay, the fragrant and fabulous Parnell Rose Gardens, and the magnificent Auckland Domain Park.
Next, learn the story of New Zealand on a guided tour of the Auckland Museum. See natural history exhibits and Māori artifacts. Continue to Auckland’s 1,000-foot-tall Sky Tower, where you can see for up to 50 miles in every direction. Sit down at the revolving Orbit Restaurant for a included lunch and the city’s best views. (B, L)
Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre or similar
Embarkation in Queen's Port (Departs 6:00 PM)
Enjoy “The City of Sails” on your own before traveling to Queens Port to board the Norwegian Spirit. (B)
Tauranga (Rotorua), New Zealand (7:00 AM - 4:00 PM)
Discover Rotorua, known for its stunning natural beauty. Visit Te Wairoa’s Buried Village, a Pompeii-like town that was frozen in time after being smothered by a volcanic eruption in 1886.
Napier, New Zealand (9:00 PM - 6:00 PM)
The coastal city of Napier is set amid the renowned wine-producing region of Hawke’s Bay. The city is known for art deco landmarks including the zigzag patterned Daily Telegraph Building. It feels like an exotic re-imagining of the 30s in parts of Napier.
Wellington, New Zealand (8:00 PM - 6:00 PM)
Welcome to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. Take the Wellington Cable Car from the central Lambton Quay to the hills of Kelburn, where you can enjoy the sprawling Botanical Gardens, the petite Wellington Cable Car Museum, and dazzling city views.
Lyttleton, New Zealand (8:00 PM - 6:00 PM)
Spend a blissful day in Lyttleton, New Zealand’s only registered historic township. The seaside city built on the site of an extinct volcano is irresistibly charming.
Dunedin (Port Chalmers), New Zealand (8:00 AM - 6:00 PM)
This dramatic South Island coastal town offers a mix of unique natural beauty and fascinating history. Rare yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals, and the Royal Albatross all call Dunedin home. Larnach Castle sits high above the city, offering sweeping views from its gardens.
Cruise Doubtful Sound, Cruise Dusky Sound, Milford Sound, New Zealand
Spend the day cruising Fiordland National Park, a stunning expanse of wilderness on one of the most remote parts of the pristine South Island. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a dazzlingly dramatic landscape, with volcanos, sprawling rainforests, snow-topped mountains, and crystalclear waters teeming with wildlife.
At Sea
Melbourne, Australia (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
Melbourne, known as Australia’s cultural capital, is a robust and dynamic city. Considered the most European of Australia’s major cities, Melbourne is a cultural melting pot with remarkable art and architecture, excellent shopping, and world-class dining.
Burnie (Tasmania), (7:00 AM - 4:00 PM)
A collection of artisans on the northwest coast of the island of Tasmania, Burnie has long been a community of makers. Enjoy locally crafted European-style cheeses and single-malt whiskey, or go shopping for handmade papers, ceramics, and other one-of-a-kind art pieces.
Eden, Australia (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM)
The town’s name reflects what you will find inside this natural wonderland. Eden is nestled among national parks, wilderness areas, and enticing beaches. It is also one of the best places in Australia for whale watching.
Disembarkation and Sydney Tour (Arrives at 6:00 AM)
After disembarking, enjoy a city tour starting at The Rocks, Sydney’s birthplace. See relics and buildings of the city’s past, pass the picturesque Botanic Gardens, and take in the view of the Sydney Opera House. Continue to Darling Harbour, Watson’s Bay, and Bondi Beach before enjoying the rest of the day at leisure.
Mercure Sydney Wynyard or similar
Sydney Leisure Day
Enjoy one final day on your own in Sydney.(B)
Mercure Sydney Wynyard or similar
Fly to Cairns
Take a flight from Sydney to Cairns and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure before your amazing adventure to the Great Barrier Reef tomorrow. (B)
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort or similar
Included Day Trip to Great Barrier Reef
Magic Cruises catamaran to experience the magic of the Great Barrier Reef. Your day at the all-weather Marine World platform will be full of activities that cater to all levels. As part of your package, you can enjoy the magnificent reef from a semi-submersible reef viewer, a glass bottom boat, or the underwater observatory. For additional cost, you may even choose to snorkel in the sheltered coral lagoon or go scuba diving (no experience necessary). (B, L)
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort or similar
Depart for Home
It is time to bid farewell! Your flight home will give you time to reflect on all the fabulous places you visited and the memories and friends you made. (B)
Depart for Sydney, Australia
Take an overnight flight to Sydney.
Note: Depending on the departure time of your outbound flight, you may depart one day later.
Arrive in Sydney, Australia
Welcome to Sydney, Australia. If you purchased airline tickets from YMT Vacations, a YMT representative will welcome you at the airport and transport you to the hotel. Enjoy the evening on your own.
Enjoy a city tour starting at The Rocks, Sydney’s birthplace. See relics and buildings of the city’s past, pass the picturesque Botanic Gardens, and take in the view of the Sydney Opera House. Continue to Darling Harbour, Watson’s Bay, and Bondi Beach before enjoying the rest of the day at leisure. (B, L)
Sydney, Australia
Enjoy a city tour starting at The Rocks, Sydney’s birthplace. See relics and buildings of the city’s past, pass the picturesque Botanic Gardens, and take in the view of the Sydney Opera House. Continue to Darling Harbour, Watson’s Bay, and Bondi Beach before enjoying the rest of the day at leisure. (B, L)
Travelodge Hotel Sydney Wynyard or similar
Embarkation in Sydney, Australia (Departs 6:00 PM)
Enjoy Sydney on your own before boarding the Norwegian Spirit. (B)
Eden, Australia (7:00 AM - 3:00 PM)
The town’s name reflects what you will find inside this natural wonderland. Eden is nestled among national parks, wilderness areas, and enticing beaches. It is also one of the best places in Australia for whale watching.
Burnie (Tasmania), (10:00 AM - 6:00 PM)
A collection of artisans on the northwest coast of the island of Tasmania, Burnie has long been a community of makers. Enjoy locally crafted European-style cheeses and single-malt whiskey, or go shopping for handmade papers, ceramics, and other one-of-a-kind art pieces.
Melbourne, Australia (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
Melbourne, known as Australia’s cultural capital, is a robust and dynamic city. Considered the most European of Australia’s major cities, Melbourne is a cultural melting pot with remarkable art and architecture, excellent shopping, and world-class dining.
At Sea
Cruise Doubtful Sound, Cruise Dusky Sound, Milford Sound, New Zealand
Spend the day cruising Fiordland National Park, a stunning expanse of wilderness on one of the most remote parts of the pristine South Island. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a dazzlingly dramatic landscape, with volcanos, sprawling rainforests, snow-topped mountains, and crystal clear waters teeming with wildlife.
Dunedin (Port Chalmers), New Zealand (9:00 AM - 7:00 PM)
This dramatic South Island coastal town offers a mix of unique natural beauty and fascinating history. Rare yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals, and the Royal Albatross all call Dunedin home. Larnach Castle sits high above the city, offering sweeping views from its gardens.
Lyttleton, New Zealand (8:00 AM - 6:00 PM)
Spend a blissful day in Lyttleton, New Zealand’s only registered historic township. The seaside city built on the site of an extinct volcano is irresistibly charming.
Wellington, New Zealand (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
Welcome to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. Take the Wellington Cable Car from the central Lambton Quay to the hills of Kelburn, where you can enjoy the sprawling Botanical Gardens, the petite Wellington Cable Car Museum, and dazzling city views.
Napier, New Zealand (7:00 AM - 4:00 PM)
The coastal city of Napier is set amid the renowned wine-producing region of Hawke’s Bay. The city is known for art deco landmarks including the zigzag patterned Daily Telegraph Building. It feels like an exotic re-imagining of the 30s in parts of Napier.
Tauranga (Rotorua), New Zealand (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM)
Rotorua, known for its stunning natural beauty. Visit Te Wairoa’s Buried Village, a Pompeii-like town that was frozen in time after being smothered by a volcanic eruption in 1886.
Disembarkation and Auckland, New Zealand (Arrives at 8:00 AM)
After disembarking, enjoy a guided coach tour of Auckland. Travel along the waterfront of Tamaki Drive, which provides gorgeous ocean and city views. Visit the colonial-style Mission Bay, the fragrant and fabulous Parnell Rose Gardens, and the magnificent Auckland Domain Park.
Next, learn the story of New Zealand on a guided tour of the Auckland Museum. See natural history exhibits and Maori artifacts. Continue to Auckland’s 1,000-foot-tall Sky Tower, where you can see for up to 50 miles in every direction. Sit down at the revolving Orbit Restaurant for a included lunch and the city’s best views. (L)
Grand Mercure Auckland or similar
Depart for Home (B)
Depart for Cairns
En route, cross the International Date Line, separating East from West. You will “lose” a day traveling to Australia.
Arrival in Cairns and Day at Leisure
You will be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of your day is at leisure.
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort or similar
Included Day Trip to Great Barrier Reef
This morning head over to the Reef Fleet Terminal and board the Reef Magic Cruises catamaran to experience the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel in the sheltered coral lagoon or enjoy the reef from the semi-submersible reef viewer, glass bottom boat or underwater observatory. (B, L)
Fly to Sydney
This morning fly to Sydney to meet the rest of your fellow travelers and continue your great adventure in the Land Down Under. (B)
Sydney, Australia
Enjoy a city tour starting at The Rocks, Sydney’s birthplace. See relics and buildings of the city’s past, pass the picturesque Botanic Gardens, and take in the view of the Sydney Opera House. Continue to Darling Harbour, Watson’s Bay, and Bondi Beach before enjoying the rest of the day at leisure. (B)
Mercure Sydney Wynyard or similar
Embarkation in Sydney, Australia (Departs 6:00 PM)
Enjoy Sydney on your own before boarding the Norwegian Spirit. (B)
Eden, Australia (7:00 AM - 3:00 PM)
The town’s name reflects what you will find inside this natural wonderland. Eden is nestled among national parks, wilderness areas, and enticing beaches. It is also one of the best places in Australia for whale watching.
Burnie (Tasmania), (10:00 AM - 6:00 PM)
A collection of artisans on the northwest coast of the island of Tasmania, Burnie has long been a community of makers. Enjoy locally crafted European-style cheeses and single-malt whiskey, or go shopping for handmade papers, ceramics, and other one-of-a-kind art pieces.
Melbourne, Australia (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
Melbourne, known as Australia’s cultural capital, is a robust and dynamic city. Considered the most European of Australia’s major cities, Melbourne is a cultural melting pot with remarkable art and architecture, excellent shopping, and world-class dining.
At Sea
Cruise Doubtful Sound, Dusky Sound, Milford Sound, New Zealand
Spend the day cruising Fiordland National Park, a stunning expanse of wilderness on one of the most remote parts of the pristine South Island. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a dazzlingly dramatic landscape, with volcanos, sprawling rainforests, snow-topped mountains, and crystal clear waters teeming with wildlife.
Dunedin (Port Chalmers), New Zealand (9:00 AM - 7:00 PM)
This dramatic South Island coastal town offers a mix of unique natural beauty and fascinating history. Rare yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals, and the Royal Albatross all call Dunedin home. Larnach Castle sits high above the city, offering sweeping views from its gardens.
Lyttleton, New Zealand (8:00 AM - 6:00 PM)
Spend a blissful day in Lyttleton, New Zealand’s only registered historic township. The seaside city built on the site of an extinct volcano is irresistibly charming.
Wellington, New Zealand (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
Welcome to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. Take the Wellington Cable Car from the central Lambton Quay to the hills of Kelburn, where you can enjoy the sprawling Botanical Gardens, the petite Wellington Cable Car Museum, and dazzling city views.
Napier, New Zealand (7:00 AM - 4:00 PM)
The coastal city of Napier is set amid the renowned wine-producing region of Hawke’s Bay. The city is known for art deco landmarks including the zigzag patterned Daily Telegraph Building. It feels like an exotic re-imagining of the 30s in parts of Napier.
Tauranga (Rotorua), New Zealand (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM)
Discover Rotorua, known for its stunning natural beauty. Visit Te Wairoa’s Buried Village, a Pompeii-like town that was frozen in time after being smothered by a volcanic eruption in 1886.
Disembarkation and Auckland, New Zealand (Arrives at 8:00 AM)
After disembarking, enjoy a guided coach tour of Auckland. Travel along the waterfront of Tamaki Drive, which provides gorgeous ocean and city views. Visit the colonial-style Mission Bay, the fragrant and fabulous Parnell Rose Gardens, and the magnificent Auckland Domain Park.
Next, learn the story of New Zealand on a guided tour of the Auckland Museum. See natural history exhibits and Māori artifacts. Continue to Auckland’s 1,000-foot-tall Sky Tower, where you can see for up to 50 miles in every direction. Sit down at the revolving Orbit Restaurant for a included lunch and the city’s best views. (L)
Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre or similar
Depart for Home (B)
Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Hotels may differ depending on date. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. By their nature, all tour vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights. Please ask your Travel Consultant for more information.
YMT Vacations itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.
UNLIMITED OPEN BAR
FREE SPECIALITY DINING
10 FREE PHOTOS
FREE INTERNET PACKAGE
$50 SHORE EXCURSION CREDIT
Per person, double occupancy, excludes roundtrip airfare. Passport required.
See Dates & PricesInside Staterooms are the most affordable way for you to cruise. With room for up to four, you’ll have two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed and additional bedding to accommodate two more.
Accommodates: 3-4
Total Approx. Size: 149 sq. ft.
Click to enlarge +
These Oceanview Staterooms located on a lower deck, can accommodate up to three guests and come with two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed and additional bedding to accommodate one more. You’ll also have a big picture window to enjoy the amazing view.
Accommodates: 3
Total Approx. Size: 157 sq. ft.
Click to enlarge +
With room for up to three guests, Norwegian Spirit staterooms have two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed and a pull out sofa to accommodate one more. Along with a sitting area, floor-to-ceiling glass doors and a private balcony with an amazing view.
Accommodates: 2-3
Total Approx. Size: 201 sq. ft.
Balcony Size: 40 sq. ft.
Click to enlarge +
Per person, double occupancy, excludes roundtrip airfare
Join us on a spectacular England vacation that highlights culture, scenery, and history of England and Wales.
Per person, double occupancy, excludes roundtrip airfare
Make the most of your European vacation on this dream tour of unique, culturally vibrant European destinations.
Per person, double occupancy, excludes roundtrip airfare
Our Hawaii cruise offers you the ultimate affordable way to fall in love with the Islands’ beautiful beaches, magnificent views, and exquisite cuisine. Experience the four major islands of Maui.
Join our mailing list and be the first to see our weekly hot deals, the latest blogs and our newest tours.
By clicking “Sign Up” you confirm that you have read our Privacy Policy and consent to our use of your info.