Click here to our Home Page!
    © 1999 - 2012
est. 1979
TOLL-FREE  1-877-510-4653
    








Australia:
Land of Contrasts

by Abercrombie and Kent

 




 
LUXURY CLASS
TOURING

  MORE TOURS
Multicountry Tours of Europe
Tours of Britain and Ireland
Tours of France
Tours of Germany
Tours of Austria and Switzerland
Tours of the Greece
Tours of the Italy
Tours of Spain and Portugal
Tours of Russia
Tours of Scandinavia
Tours of Holland
Tours of Egypt and The Nile
Tours of South Africa
Tours of Kenya
Tours of Botswana
Tours of Zimbabwe
Tours of Tanzania
Tours of China and Tibet
Tours of Thailand and Vietnam
Tours of India
Tours of Australia
Tours of New Zealand
Tours of the South Pacific
Tours of Canada
Tours of the United States
Tours of Mexico
Tours of Central America
Tours of South America
   
How to Book This Tour!
Contact Us!
About Us!
Home Page


 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
        
 

 

TOURS >> AUSTRALIA > Australia: Land of Contrasts

Click here for the A&K philosophy of TRAVEL!
Click here for THE FIRST NAME IN LUXURY TRAVEL!
Click here for A&K's MANY AWARDS AND NOMINATIONS!


Highlights of Australia by Abercrombie and Kent
Simply the Best

AUSTRALIA: LAND OF CONTRASTS
15 Day Tour
Australia: Land of Contrasts

Australia has it all - natural beauty stretching as far as the eye can see and cosmopolitan cities brimming with arts and culture. On this Connoisseurs journey, experience this and much more as you travel from charming Melbourne to remote Kangaroo Island and beyond. Lodge in luxury tents in the Outback, snorkel the Great Barrier Reef and discover Sydney from an insider's perspective.

    The A&K Advantage 

    • Start your journey relaxed and well-rested thanks to immediate hotel check-in upon arrival in Melbourne

    • Spend the day at Coliban Park with fourth-generation owners, the Barber family, on a private tour through this classic homestead

    • Commune with nature during a two-night stay in remote Southern Ocean Lodge, an award-winning, environmentally sound wilderness lodge on Kangaroo Island

    • Watch the sunset and the stars emerge over Uluru during an al fresco dinner followed by an exclusive, astronomer-led star-gazing session

    • Go behind the scenes at the Sydney Opera House to learn about the inner workings of this world-famous venue and orchestra


    Not included: travel insurance; any airfares; airport departure taxes; excess baggage fees; cost of obtaining passports or visas; gratuities to your guide; personal expenses such as meals, beverages or sightseeing not included in the itinerary;  communication charges; laundry.

    (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner


ITINERARY


Days 1-2: USA or Canada/ Melbourne, Australia

Depart on an overnight flight for Melbourne.


Day 3: Melbourne

Arrive in Melbourne. This afternoon, meet a local historian for an insider’s tour of this charming city. Later this evening, gather for a welcome dinner at an award-winning restaurant.

Park Hyatt Melbourne D

Day 4: Melbourne/ Coliban Park/Melbourne

Set off on a drive through farming country to Coliban Park, a private sheep station established in 1917. Enjoy lunch with the Barber family at their historic homestead and learn about Australia’s important wool industry. The property borders unspoiled bush, meaning you are likely to spot kangaroo in the wild.

Park Hyatt Melbourne B L

Day 5: Melbourne/Adelaide/ Kangaroo Island

This morning, fly to Adelaide before connecting to your flight to Kangaroo Island. Upon arrival, settle into the Southern Ocean Lodge. Situated atop a secluded cliff on a rugged stretch of coast, the award-winning lodge boasts unmatched views of the Southern Ocean and pristine wilderness. This afternoon, explore this wonderful island and see some of its natural beauty.

Southern Ocean Lodge B D

Day 6: Kangaroo Island

Today is at leisure to explore Kangaroo Island with your guide. Sightseeing may include a visit to Seal Bay at sunrise, followed by an introduction to the island’s wildlife and incredible coastal landscape. See the Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch and Cape du Couedic Lighthouse.

Southern Ocean Lodge B L D

Day 7: Kangaroo Island/Adelaide/Alice Springs/Uluru

Today, fly to Adelaide and continue by air to Uluru (Ayers Rock) in the Australian Outback. Upon arrival, transfer to Longitude 131°, a luxury tented camp. Located on the edge of Uluru Tjuta National Park, Longitude 131° offers uninterrupted views of Uluru and a romantic way to experience the desert’s unique ecosystem and the Aboriginal culture.

Longitude 131° B D

Day 8: Uluru

Enjoy a day at leisure or participate in the activities offered by your resort, including a sunrise tour of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, or a walk through the spectacular Valley of the Winds. In the evening, catch a dramatic sunset and sit down to dinner under a blanket of brilliant stars.

Longitude 131° B L D

Day 9: Uluru/Cairns/Port Douglas

Fly to Cairns in the afternoon. From Cairns, journey north along the Pacific Highway to the picturesque seaside township of Port Douglas and your elegant resort.

Pepper Balé Resort B

Day 10: Great Barrier Reef

Transfer to the Port Douglas Marina and board ‘Quicksilver’ for a day of sun and surf. Cruise to the Agincourt Reef, which lies within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Famous for its clear water and coral formations, the Agincourt Reef is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. View the reef up close from an underwater observatory.

Pepper Balé Resort B L

Day 11: Port Douglas

Today is at leisure to explore this stunning part of Australia on your own. Laze by your private plunge pool, take a short walk to the beach, book a spa treatment — the day is yours to do as much or as little as you like.

Pepper Balé Resort B

Day 12: Port Douglas/Sydney

Fly to Sydney this afternoon. The remainder of your day is at leisure to explore the city or enjoy dinner at a harborside restaurant on your own.

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney B

Day 13: Sydney

After breakfast, explore Sydney on a guided tour. Travel through the historic Rocks precinct, then drive up Observatory Hill overlooking Darling Harbour, Bridge Street and Macquarie Street. Continue along the shores of Sydney Harbour before returning to Circular Quay for a private, behind-the-scenes tour of the Sydney Opera House. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney B L

Day 14: Sydney

Today, explore Sydney on your own. Spend time wandering The Rocks, the original settlement of Sydney, hop on a hydrofoil to Manly or shop for boutique Australian fashion. This evening, gather for a farewell dinner.

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney B D

Day 15: Sydney/USA or Canada

Board your homebound flight.

B

    The price shown is in USD. Price is per person, based on double occupancy, and does not include international or internal air.
    Departures are limited to 24 passengers.

    2011 PRICE PER PERSON (land arrangements)

Double occupancy..... $11,375
Single supplement..... $8,345

Internal air:
(Melbourne/Adelaide/Kangaroo island/Adelaide/Alice Springs/Uluru/Cairns/Sydney)..... from $1,740

Child Policy: On non-family programs, unless otherwise indicated on the individual program page, a minimum age of 10 years is required. Call for details.



    Connoisseurs travel is A&K's most fully supported escorted option. Group sizes are very small: never more than 24 travellers and often limited to 18 or 20. You'll stay in the best available hotel and most meals are included, as are airport transfers regardless of the flights you choose. Although there are opportunities to explore on your own, you'll spend much of your sightseeing time with your guide, on excursions designed to present a full and balanced picture of your destination.


ABERCROMBIE AND KENT
AUSTRALIA: LAND OF CONTRASTS
15 Day Tour

Abercrombie and Kent AUSTRALIA
From $11,375USD
Simply the Best!

Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. 
Offer subject to availability and change without notice.

Certain restrictions may apply. Airfares if included are based on departure from New York.
For year 2012, departures are subject to itinerary and price modifications.
 
OR CALL US AT
1-877-510-4653

Requesting Availability
We will check your requested tour program and accommodations  for the date range that you may specify in the boxes below and reply back to you as soon as possible. Of course the more information that you can provide us, the closer we will be in matching your exact request(s). We will not knowingly sell or pass along your information that you provide to any third party for any reason (see Liabilities and Privacy Policy).

We are available to answer your inquiries in person Monday - Friday (except holidays) from 8:30am until 5:30pm CST (1-877-510-4653). We are available from time to time on the weekends via email to answer your questions. Our typical response time for your email request ranges from 3 hours to as many as 72 depending upon the availability of onsite resourses and those of the tour companies and resorts/lodging establishments, as well as, any variations you may request from our listed programs. For those inquirers requesting a trip within two weeks, we will give you a priority due to your need to establish an immediate plan. At any rate, we will respond to your requests as quickly as possible and as soon as we have all components of your package confirmable. All tour program rates are based upon double occupancy unless otherwise specified.

Thank you for your request!
We look forward to serving your travel needs and wants!

REQUEST RATES, AVAILABILITY AND OTHER INFORMATION HERE
PROGRAM DATES
 
SELECT TOUR HERE >>> 
YOUR FULL NAME: 
HOW MANY IN YOUR PARTY?: # of Adults: # of Children:
YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS:
YOUR PHONE NUMBER: 
ADDRESS 1: 
ADDRESS 2: 
CITY/TOWN: 
STATE/PROVINCE: 
POST/ZIP CODE:     COUNTRY: 
Please advise us of your requested date(s), closest airport(s) of departure and any additional information that will assist us in planning your tour in the box below:
 
OPTIONAL ADVISORY LIST:
If you are interested in receiving updates on special departures, seasonal discounts, and special sales discount offers please check the following boxes that would apply:
EUROPE ASIA
S. PACIFIC AFRICA
NORTH AMERICA CENT. AMERICA
SOUTH AMERICA CARIBBEAN
Escorted Independent
Cruise/Tour Cruise Only

Contact me:

SUBMIT HERE >>> 



Notes regarding How We Will Handle Your Request and Your Privacy:
Your request will be handled by a responsible and knowledgeable tour specialist that can not only check availability for this particular tour but can further advise you as to other general quiries that you may have about traveling conditions, passport/visa requirements, immunization requirements and other valuable information that you may need before making a reservation. We are a full service travel company and we have always catered to the individual traveler and his/her specific needs. We want to get to know you as a valued friend in travel. We are always available with our email service but you may feel free to call upon us if you have an immediate request at 1-817-788-5210.

Humans still do it best!

Your Privacy is also very important to us. If you elected to be listed with us in the above Optional Advisory List then, you will be added to our maillist for the particular area(s) of interest that you have selected to be informed about. If you do not elect to be on our maillist, simply do not complete that section and we will not add you to our list. We will not add you to any other maillist either. We do not sell or otherwise pass along any information that you may provide to to us in the process of completing your inquiry. For further information on your privacy please see Liabilities and Privacy Policy

It’s Simply The Best Way To Travel

Some people collect travel destinations the way others collect Biedermeier furniture or presidents’ autographs.

What’s come onto the market this year? Bhutan? Libya? Mongolia? Why not fly over this summer and add it to the collection?

Others travel for an entirely different set of reasons. Reasons which have less to do with collecting countries (who needs another trophy on the shelf?) than with gathering experience.

If you’re a member of the latter group, you know that, at its best, a journey down the Sepik River or up Mount Kilimanjaro, across Provence or along the Antarctic Peninsula, can change you deeply in ways both tangible and intangible, acknowledged and unavowed.

However, when changing the way you look at the world is one of your travel objectives — when authentic experience matters more to you than casual acquisition — the travel company you choose has a tall order to fill.
 

That’s where Abercrombie & Kent comes in.

Since 1962, A&K has been doing one thing exceptionally well. We specialize in matching unique people with unique places, and in providing the expertise and (unobtrusive) support that allows them to experience those places fully, at first hand and in their own personal style.

It’s simply the best way to travel. And it requires a unique combination of local knowledge and global organization that only Abercrombie & Kent is equipped to provide.

The travel industry is filled with companies who own only their brochures and a handful of contracts with independent suppliers overseas. In contrast, A&K has its own network of offices (48 and counting) across the globe, staffed full time by A&K professionals. We own and operate luxury camps and lodges in remote destinations to ensure that our clients have access to the best.

And we draw on the knowledge, humor and creativity of an incredible team of staff members and local “friends of A&K,” to bring you face-to-face with an Antarctic iceberg the size of Chartres Cathedral, or make it possible for you to walk around Chartres itself with an expert on its stained glass. To set you down for a private picnic a deux in the middle of the African savannah or give you and the children your own tropical island for a day.

Experience does count. Ours will make yours unforgettable.
 
 

A&K - The First Name in Luxury Travel


For more than forty years, Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) has been internationally recognized as the first name in luxury travel. Born in 1962 as a safari company in Nairobi, Kenya, A&K's unparalleled travel and tour operations now extend across the far and exotic reaches of the globe. A&K takes its travelers on extraordinary journeys-in extraordinary style-to more than one hundred countries on all seven continents. The company's tours and safaris span the globe from Africa to the Middle East, India and Nepal; from the Orient to Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific; and from Europe to Central and South America and Antarctica. Forty-five destination management companies ensure the "insider access" that only a local staff can provide.

A&K’s impressive and enticingly varied list of luxury and adventure holidays combine active days with comfortable, luxuriant nights. Small group escorted journeys allow guests to confidently travel to places they might otherwise hesitate to go on their own, with a choice of itineraries at varying levels of luxury. Family holidays are tailored to the interests, attention spans and abilities of all ages, with comfortable hotels and comforting meals, and, most importantly, a friendly guide who understands children. Tailor made private travel offers independent travellers meticulous attention to detail, safety and customer service. These lifestyle-oriented programs are one reason why A&K was honored at the World Travel Awards as “World’s Leading Luxury Specialist Tour Operator.”

Geoffrey Kent, who along with Jorie Butler Kent owns and operates A&K, was born-most fittingly-while his British parents were on safari in Zambia. Indeed, he spent much of his childhood on the African continent. In 1962, Geofrey Kent, along with his parent's Colonel John and Valerie Kent, formed Abercrombie & Kent.

In the 1970s, Geoffrey Kent, who by then had long been the Managing Director of the company, entered into a partnership with Jorie Ford Butler of Oak Brook, Illinois, to run A&K. They continue to travel the world in search of adventures that will surprise and thrill their guests. Under their passionate and visionary guidance-Geoffrey Kent serves as Chairman and CEO, Jorie Butler Kent as Executive Vice Chairman - Abercrombie & Kent represents the uncompromising best at every turn in the road.

With a philosophy that is governed in equal parts by the Kents' unswerving commitment to conservation and their mission to provide "memories of a lifetime," A&K goes to seemingly limitless lengths to design tours that offer privileged access and special insight. Further distinguishing A&K is the fact that the company owns luxury safari lodges in pristine wilderness areas, including Chief's Camp and Chobe Chilwero in Botswana; exclusive rights to camps with some of Africa's finest game-viewing; a fleet of comfortable, well-maintained ground transport vehicles; and the Sun Boats on the Nile. A&K also creates unique travel experiences built around the luxury trains of Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and the Royal Scotsman; the Road to Mandalay river cruiser and 29 canal and river cruisers in Europe; and the legendary Sea Cloud, the world's most beautiful sailing ship.

Abercrombie & Kent's headquarters are in Oak Brook, Illinois. Forty-seven offices worldwide, employing more than 1,700 travel professionals, offer unrivaled attention to detail, safety issues and service standards.

A deep-rooted concern for the natural world infuses each and every A&K trip: Geoffrey Kent and Jorie Butler Kent believe passionately in "high-yield, low-impact" tourism-adventure that respects the natural environment and benefits indigenous peoples. They are the founders of Friends of Conservation and the Abercrombie & Kent Global Foundation, established to address global environmental and conservation concerns. Among its achievements have been significant contributions to the preservation of Kenya's famed Masai Mara Game Reserve, as well as to anti-poaching and environmental education projects on all seven continents.

Abercrombie and Kent is a NON-FEE/no discount buy

We will not charge a fee for any/all tour planning for Abercrombie and Kent. Our services are absolutely free when servicing this quality program. Additionally, no travel agent or web-based travel concern is allowed to discount when representing Abercrombie and Kent and any of its affiliated touring companies. Rest assured, you will receive the quality that you expect and the unique value of a well-designed tour program from the beginning and planning stage to the culmination of this exceptional journey.

Experience the Abercrombie and Kent Difference with Gardner Travel!

Simply the Best!

Abercrombie & Kent is proud to have received the following:
Recommend Magazine
“Best Africa/Middle East Tour Operator” - December 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000
Men’s Journal
“10 Great Companies to Work For” - November 2004 
Forbes
“Best of the Web” - April 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001
Elite Traveler
“Wonders of the World: Machu Picchu”, Juan Lazo, Best Guide - January 2004
World Travel Awards
 “World’s Leading Luxury Specialist Tour Operator” - 2003
 “World’s Leading Villa Operator” - 2003
Travel + Leisure Magazine
 “Best Tour Operator and Safari Outfitter” - 2004 (#12), 2003 (#5), 2002 (#2), 2001 (#1), 2000 (#2), 1999 (#1), 1998 (#1), 1997 (#1), 1996 (#1)
 “Top Guides in Africa” – Joseph Ndunguru, Gavin Ford - 2001
Conde Nast Traveler
“Readers’ Choice Awards: Top 15 African Safari Camps”
   Olonana and Chief’s Camp - 2004
   Chief’s Camp - 2003
   Chobe Chilwero -2002
“The World’s Best Places to Stay,” Gold List
   Chief’s Camp - January 2004
   Chobe Chilwero - 2003
“The Greatest Travel Pros on Earth”
“A&K has access to places and people that other operators in China don’t – including some of the top English speaking guides. Hatherly is a cultural encyclopedia, Chen a whiz with logistics.” - 2003
"Reader’s Choice: Top 20 Small-Ship Cruise Lines" - 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997
Gavin Ford, “15 Best Safari Guides” - 2002
Ecotourism Award – Special Mention - 1996
Conde Nast Traveller (UK)
"World's Best Tour Operator” - 2004 (#3), 2003 (#5), 2001 (#2), 2000 (#1), 1999 (#1)
Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report
“Favorite Hideway Resorts of the Past 25 Years”, Chief’s Camp - 2004
“Favorite Worldwide Travel Adventures”, Olonana, Chief’s Camp - 2004
“Previewing Heaven: 15 Worldwide Hotels with Drop-Dead Views”, Chief’s Camp - 2003
“Top 20 Hideaway Gems,” World’s Best Hotels, Resorts & Hideaways, Chief’s Camp - 2002
Travel Agent Magazine
“Leaders in Luxury,” Geoffrey Kent - 2002
World Travel & Tourism Council
Green Award for Corporate Social Leadership in Travel & Tourism - 2002
Town & Country
Gavin Ford, “Top Guides in Africa” - 2001
Queen’s Award for Enterprise
(A&K Europe) - 2001, 2000
Chevron Conservation Award
Jorie Butler Kent - 1999
ASTA/Smithsonian
Environmental Award - 1992


ABERCROMBIE AND KENT is a member of


If you like the above tour program, you may also want to view 
the following programs for comparison:
Discover Australia
11 Days by Abercrombie and Kent
Australian Escape
12 Days by
Journey Downunder
12 Days by
Australia: Land of Contrasts
15 Days by Abercrombie and Kent
South Pacific Samlper
15 Days by
South Pacific Wonders
15 Days by Collette Vacations
Down Under Discovery
22 Days by
Exploring Australia
22 Days by
The Complete South Pacific
27 Days by Collette Vacations
Great Adventure Down Under
30 Days by

 



vacation@gardnertravel.com

OUR HOURS ARE 


Monday - Friday
from 8:30am to 5:30pm
Central Standard Time
TOLL FREE
877-510-4653
or
817/788-5210

For more information e-mail us at vacation@gardnertravel.com

Gardner Travel Service, Inc.
Serving Dallas/Fort Worth and the World

Member


Traditional Service Values with a Southern Flavor!
SiteMap

Since 1979
© 1999 - 2012
Fees and Rebates

Gardner Travel - Home
About Us- Gardner Travel
Select Tours-Gardner Travel
Cruises - Gardner Travel
Business Travel - Gardner Travel
Golf Packages - Gardner Travel