New Zealand offers some of the most diverse and breathtaking terrain of a country its size. Here Nature's bounty has almost overdone it. From countless sandy beaches, to snow-capped peaks, to deeply cut fjords, to steaming geothermal springs, this two-island nation presents stunning photo opportunities every step of the way on your incredible 19-day journey.

The land "down under" comes alive as you savor the amazing contrasts of sophisticated cities with spectacular scenery and cultural wonders. Begin your tour in cosmopolitan Melbourne where you'll visit Fitzroy Gardens and the Parliament House. A special trip to Phillip Island is included where you'll witness hundreds of penguins waddle from the sea to their burrows in the dunes in what is dubbed the legendary Little Penguin Parade. A 3-day adventure in the rugged Outback will introduce you to the Aboriginal life and culture of Alice Springs. You'll view the mystical wonder of the huge monolith called Ayers Rock. From Cairns, you will enjoy an exhilarating catamaran ride to your Green Island base for views of the Great Barrier Reef's colorful coral and fish. Your stay in Sydney will provide a firsthand view of its legendary landmarks, including a performance at the famed Sydney Opera House. A fun-filled breakfast with the national icon, the kangaroo, and a visit to a wildlife park offer you an opportunity to meet some of Australia's famous wildlife. New Zealand's South Island promises some of the finest scenery in the world and a special dinner with a local Kiwi family. From the beautiful English city of Christchurch, you’ll explore the snow-capped peaks, river gorges and waterfalls of New Zealand’s Southern Alps and the Franz Josef Glacier region In Queenstown, enjoy a day of leisure to explore this charming village and a cruise on Milford Sound before taking off for massive Mt. Cook, New Zealand's well-known national park. Back in Christchurch, visit a working farm for a sheep shearing demonstration, and enjoy dinner and a presentation on the history of the city's first settlers at a restored mansion.

Welcome to the South Pacific and a journey that will introduce you to the many diverse regions of both Australia and New Zealand! You'll witness first hand unique cultures like that of Australia's Aboriginals and New Zealand's native Maori civilization. Your adventure begins in Cairns, an ideal setting-off point for the Great Barrier Reef. The majestic coral structures that make up the reef are home to the most diverse animal and plant ecosystem on earth. Your visit to Victorian Melbourne is where you'll enjoy a tour of Fitzroy Gardens and view the Little Penguin Parade on Phillip Island. A 3-night stay in Sydney will impress with its amazing must-see sights like the Sydney Opera House, where you'll enjoy a performance; and Koala Park, where you'll have the opportunity to pose with these cuddly creatures. Following an evening in Auckland, New Zealand's "City of Sails," enjoy dinner with a local Kiwi family in Rotorua. Your visit to Rotorua, one of New Zealand's most active geothermal regions, includes touring a Maori village and viewing the many hot springs and geysers in the area. In Wellington, New Zealand's capital city and decidedly British Christchurch, tour highlights include Te Papa Tongawera, New Zealand's national museum and time to explore on your own. Enjoy New Zealand' best-known national park and massive Mt. Cook before setting off for Queenstown and a cruise of Milford Sound, a spectacular fjord.

From bustling cities to quiet mountain villages, experience the distinct flavor of Japan during this amazing vacation. On this tour, discover Japan’s culture when you try on a traditional kimono, partake in a tea ceremony, taste sake, attempt calligraphy, learn about the Yuzen dyeing technique used on kimonos, take part in a gold leaf class, browse a farmers market, and participate in a Japanese cooking class. Of course, you’ll visit Japan’s famous sights, including many of its castles and shrines. In Kyoto, see the Temple of the Gold Pavilion, a Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, and be amazed at its beauty. In Nara, visit Todaiji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in 752 AD and one of Japan’s most significant temples. You’ll also visit Matsumoto Castle, a must-see sight in Japan; dating from 1593 and designated a national treasure, it is Japan’s oldest existing castle tower.

You’ll not only see the fascinating structures and shrines, you’ll also have a chance to visit one of Japan’s greatest gardens—Kenroku-en. According to the ancient Chinese book of gardens, gardens should have six different sublime qualities, but it is rare to find all six qualities in a garden. Dating from the 1670s, Kenroku-en does in fact combine the six attributes of a perfect garden—spaciousness & seclusion, artifice & antiquity, and water-courses & panoramas. Keep your eyes open for the perfect photos!

While in Japan, taste some authentic sushi, visit a Shinto shrine, and experience some of the optional activities available. Whatever you decide to do, be sure to bring your camera, so you can capture memories to share with everyone back home!

From bustling cities to quiet mountain villages, experience the distinct flavor of Japan during this amazing vacation. On this tour, discover Japan’s culture when you try on a traditional kimono, taste sake, partake in a tea ceremony, attempt calligraphy, learn about the Yuzen dyeing technique used on kimonos, take part in a gold leaf class, browse a farmers market, and participate in a Japanese cooking class. Also, experience the thrill of riding one of Japan’s famous bullet trains.

Of course, you’ll visit Japan’s famous sights, including many of its castles and shrines. In Kyoto, see the Temple of the Gold Pavilion, a Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, and be amazed at its beauty. In Nara, visit Todaiji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in 752 AD and one of Japan’s most significant temples. You’ll also visit Matsumoto Castle, a must-see site in Japan; dating from 1593 and designated a national treasure, it is Japan’s oldest existing castle tower. In Hiroshima, visit the Peace Memorial Park and see the dome that miraculously remained standing as all the structures around it were destroyed by the atomic bombing. The dome is now a symbol of peace, and you may even see doves flying around the park!

You’ll not only see the fascinating structures and shrines, you’ll also have a chance to visit one of Japan’s greatest gardens—Kenroku-en. Keep your eyes open for the perfect photos. Be sure to taste some authentic sushi, visit a Shinto shrine, and experience some of the optional activities available. Whatever you decide to do, you’re sure to have lots of stories and photos to share with loved ones back home!