Sydney, from The Myth to The Reality

Sydney is one of the most recognised cities in the world, celebrated for its sophistication but also for its laid- back surf culture, the arts, and its colonial history.
You wander the backstreets of Sydney, discovering the « can't miss » sites of the city : The regal Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour, and the highly respected Aquarium.

Small World Journeys can then takes you beyond the city to Sydney's surrounding wildlands : hike the Blue Mountains, admire the iconic Three Sisters rock formations, or enjoy a day of wine tastings at boutique Hunter Valley wineries.

Sample detailed itinerary
7 days / 6 nights

This is just a sample of what we can arrange. We can shorten or lengthen the trip, add or subtract activities, or create an entirely new itinerary for you.

Arrival in Sydney, Free Afternoon

After transferring from the Sydney airport, settle into your stylish hotel in the city centre. Your hotel is located right in 'The Rocks'—the historic district where Sydney began, and location of the lively weekend markets.

Opera House, Harbour Cruise

Today you learn more about the cultural, historic and natural sites of Sydney as you walk the city streets, cobblestone lanes and seaside paths of this attractive city. Take in sites like Chinatown, Darling Harbour, Kings Cross, and the Rocks historic district as you discover where history happened and what locals like to do. You can also visit the Royal Botanic Gardens, which occupy one of Sydney's most spectacular positions, and are considered to be one of the great botanic gardens of the world.

Then you board a cruise this afternoon that takes you all around the harbour and shows you all of the highlights of Sydney – Circular Quay, Harbour Bridge and the iconic Opera House to name a few. As you cruise, the historical and cultural city sites will be explained which gives depth to your experience of the city.

Later you visit one of the world's most recognizable buildings, and the icon of Australia – The Sydney Opera House. Your guide will teach you about this amazing structure - a work of art that came into existence against impossible odds, and stands as a miracle of architecture and engineering. This evening as a special treat, you can opt to see a live performance in the Opera House - from opera to circus, rock and cabaret – in one of the busiest performing arts venues in the world (extra cost, ticket prices vary). (B)

Sydney Aquarium and Optional Surf Lesson at Manly Beach

Today is full of colour and surprises: you visit one of the most celebrated aquariums of Australia, the Sydney Aquarium. Explore the sea life through a series of see-through acrylic glass tunnels where sharks swim above you, and a mosaic of fish species surround you. See unusual animals found in Australia such as Little Penguins, the duck-billed platypus and more. Treat yourself to lunch at the bustling Darling Harbour or the locals' favourite – the Sydney fish market.

Manly Beach is also an Australian icon, world-renowned as one of the most popular beaches in Australia. Nothing soaks in the true spirit of Australia like surfing, and today you can get your feet wet learning how to catch some waves at a good beach for beginners. Travel by scenic ferry this afternoon to the hamlet of Manly, one of Sydney's outer suburbs. In a small group of no more than 6 beginners, you'll start your lesson with ocean hydraulics, tides, rips and surf-related safety skills. Then you'll learn about proper standing and paddling techniques, surfing etiquette and how even first-time surfers can catch a wave. By the end of the lesson with a little practice, you should be standing and shredding! Perhaps the perfect memento of an Australian coastal holiday – return home knowing how to surf! (optional, extra cost) (B)

Wildlife, Aboriginal Culture and The Blue Mountains

Today in a small group you explore the Blue Mountains that lie only a couple hour's drive from Sydney. A kaleidoscope of contrasts and colour, rich in native Australian bush and wildlife and always with a distant blue haze on the horizon. You visit ancient rock formations, including the iconic "Three Sisters", and avoid the tourist spots to enjoy the Blue Mountains as they should be seen - from secluded lookouts, short bushwalks and pristine valleys. You discover an aboriginal culture centre, where you learn about traditional stories, bush food and medicine walk, and boomerang demonstrations. Your day ends at an extinct volcano, where wild kangaroos come out to play. You return to Sydney this evening. (B, L)

Wine Tasting in the Hunter Valley*

Australia's Hunter Valley enjoys the distinction of having been one of the earliest planted vine areas in the country, and is now celebrated for its Shiraz, Chardonnay, and Semillion. With your guide today you take the backroads to this bountiful region, regarded as the Napa Valley of Australia. You learn about Australian history, wildlife & aboriginal culture along with the wine tastings in a full day of complimenting experiences.

Travel through beautiful national parks and colonial townships, meet some of the winemakers themselves at small boutique wineries and then visit a larger winery known for its wide varieties. There are over 80 cellar doors in the lower Hunter Valley, and the winery visits are tailored to the desires of the group. Your day includes a wine and gourmet lunch and there are options for cheese and chocolate tastings. Sample up to 30 premium Hunter wines, some of which are not available anywhere else in the world. You return to Sydney this evening. (B, L)

* For families with young kids, we can substitute the wine tasting day trip to a kid-friendly activity more appealing for your children. Just specify this request to us in your enquiry.

Royal Botanical Gardens

Wrapped around Farm Cove at the edge of Sydney Harbour, the Royal Botanic Gardens occupy one of Sydney's most spectacular positions, and are considered to be one of the great botanic gardens of the world. We take a guided tour of the gardens' 30 hectares, home to over a million specimens, some of which were planted by the newly arrived European colonists almost 200 years ago. Within the garden within the gardens we'll discover the Herb Garden, The Fernery, a formal rose garden, Succulent Garden, the newly completed Oriental Garden and a section dedicated to rare and threatened plants of the world which includes a specimen of one of the earth's rarest plants -- the recently discovered Wollemi Pine.

Other options include a "Ghost Tour" of The Rocks historic district, a star talk & telescope viewing at the Sydney Observatory, and a performance at the Sydney Opera House (B)

Optional Activities, Extension or Departure

After breakfast today you can do some optional activities or extend your trip to another destination or you will be transferred to Sydney International Airport for your flight home or another destination in Australia (B)

Contact us for more information

Want to travel on an all-inclusive small group trip instead?

Then check out our Small Group Travel.
With a maximum of 10 guests, our Explorer and Adventurer trips stil give you a fantastic sample of what Cairns has to offer, but with accommodation in 4-star boutique hotels, meals in upscale restaurants and a professional local guide throughout

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