PRICING INFORMATION

We have several group packages on offer, or alternatively we can customize a package especially for your group. This package has been prices based on a minimum of 40 paying passengers. Should you have additional (or fewer) travelers, please call our dedicated Group Department for help with alternative group itineraries.

 DEPARTURE DATES

Saturday 12th July
Fly USA to Sydney, Australia [I]
Fly from Los Angeles to Sydney, Australia. Total flying time is approximately 14.5 hours.

Sunday 13th July
Cross the International Dateline [I]

Monday 14th July
Arrive Sydney, Australia [D]
You are met on arrival and transferred from Sydney Airport to your central hotel by private air-conditioned vehicle. Sydney is Australia’s oldest city, the economic powerhouse of the nation and the country’s capital in everything but name. It’s blessed with sun-drenched natural attractions, dizzy skyscrapers, delicious and daring restaurants, superb shopping and friendly folk. Originally an Aboriginal settlement, Sydney has grown from a brutal British penal colony to a vital, self-regarding metropolis with thriving multicultural communities. Although it’s come a long way from its convict beginnings, it still has a rough and ready energy, and offers an invigorating blend of the old and the new, the raw and the refined.

Early this afternoon we will travel out to Featherdale Wildlife Park, just 40 minutes from Sydney. The world’s largest collection of Australian native animals can be found only at this multi award winning Wildlife Park. Get close to koalas, kangaroos and wallabies, and discover a fascinating family of more than 2,200 animals, birds and reptiles, including a saltwater crocodile. Meet them all in a natural bush setting spread across 7 level acres. Return back to Sydney later this afternoon.
A welcome dinner is included this evening. Overnight: Travelodge Wentworth, Vibe Rushcutters or Four Points by Sheraton Darling Harbour, Standard Rooms – 7 nights (14-21 July)

Tuesday 15th July
Opening Ceremony [B]
This evening is the Opening Mass, celebrated by Sydney Archbishop Cardinal George Pell and Archbishop Stanislaw Rylko from the Vatican and the Bishops and Priests of the world.

Wednesday 16th July
World Youth Day Activities [B]
Youth Festival with exhibitions and performances along with teaching sessions (catechesis) by international Bishops, Wednesday through Friday.

Thursday 17th July
World Youth Day Activities [B]
Arrival and welcome of The Holy Father on Sydney Harbour.

Friday 18th July
World Youth Day Activities [B]
Stations of the Cross through the city this evening – a re-enactment of Our Lord’s Passion and Death.

Saturday 19th July
World Youth Day Activities [B]
Pilgrimage walk to Randwick Racecourse for an evening Vigil with The Holy Father and sleep out 'under the stars'. Overnight: At Vigil Site

Sunday 20th July
World Youth Day Activities [D]
Final Mass and concluding events celebrated by His Holiness. Return to the city for dinner.

Monday 21st July
Fly Sydney to Cairns [B]
Transfer from your hotel to Sydney Airport by private air-conditioned vehicle. Fly Sydney to Cairns. Total flying time is approximately 3 hours. You are met on arrival and transferred from Cairns Airport to your central hotel by private air-conditioned vehicle.

Cairns is the gateway to Tropical Far North Queensland, a region of contrasts and surprises. It offers spectacular scenery, world-class accommodation, fine dining, cultural activities and unique attractions & experiences. Cairns is a small city by international standards. Located by the sea it boasts a good balance of laid back tropical lifestyle and the excitement of a major tourist destination with lots to see and do. The airport is only about 4 miles from the heart of town. The vibrant tropical city of Cairns is the gateway to two World Heritage areas - the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforest. Overnight: Oasis Resort, Standard Rooms – 3 nights (21-24 July)

Tuesday 22nd July
Full Day Great Barrier Reef Tour [B, L]
You will transfer from your hotel to board your boat for a fabulous excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. Arrive at the reef for a day of snorkeling and swimming in an underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of color and brilliance. View some of the most beautiful reef life in Australia. A buffet lunch is served on board. You return to Cairns in the afternoon.

Wednesday 23rd July
Kuranda, Skyrail & Tjapukai Tour [B, L]
You are transferred from your hotel to Freshwater Railway station to board the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Once aboard the train, sit back to enjoy the scenic journey through tunnels and past waterfalls to Kuranda. On arrival, you will have some leisure time to explore the village & markets before boarding the Skyrail gondola. Marvel at the spectacular views as you glide silently above the rainforest canopy. There are two stations en route where you can alight to walk through the rainforest to scenic lookouts. Skyrail ends at Caravonica Lakes where we enjoy a buffet lunch at the Boomerang Restaurant. Next, enter the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Centre with stage shows, movie theatres, craft demonstrations and an Aboriginal Village to mention just a few of the attractions providing an insight to Aboriginal culture and history. Transfer back to your accommodation later this afternoon.

Thursday 24th July
Fly Cairns to USA [B, I]
Transfer from your hotel to Cairns Airport by private air-conditioned vehicle, as you bid a fond farewell to Australia.

Fly Cairns to Los Angeles. Total flying time is approximately 16.5 hours.

Meal Codes:
B=Breakfast
L=Lunch
D=Dinner
I=In-Flight Meals

 TOUR PRICING

Prices are per person and are based on a minimum of 40 paying passengers:

Travelodge Wentworth Hotel Sydney and Oasis Resort Cairns
Twin Share: USD$4819*
Single Room: USD$5775*

Vibe Rushcutters Hotel Sydney and Oasis Resort Cairns
Twin Share: USD$5024*
Triple Share: USD$4906*
Single Room: USD$6148*

Four Points by Sheraton Darling Harbour Hotel and Oasis Resort Cairns
Twin Share: USD$5084*
Triple Share: USD$4952*
Single Room: USD$6360*

*Air taxes of approximately $204 per person are additional.
*World Youth Day Registration (including meals and local transport):
Please add approximately $285 per person if you would like us to include and arrange the World Youth Day Registrations. This price is based on Package B (see official World Youth Day website for actual inclusions – www.wyd2008.org).

 PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• Airfares – Coach Class:
   - Los Angeles to Sydney, Australia
   - Sydney to Cairns
   - Cairns to Los Angeles
   - All fuel surcharges

• Standard (3 star) Accommodations: 7 nights at the Travelodge Wentworth OR Vibe Rushcutters OR Four Points by Sheraton Darling Harbour, Standard Rooms (14-21 July).
  - 3 nights at the Oasis Resort Cairns, Standard Rooms (21-24 July)

• Transfers/Coach Charter/Attractions:
   - Private roundtrip airport to hotel transfers in Sydney
   - Private round trip transfers to/from Sydney hotel to Featherdale Wildlife Park
   - General admission to Featherdale Wildlife Park
   - Private round airport to hotel transfers in Cairns
   - Full Day Kuranda Tour including Kuranda Train (one-way), Skyrail (one-way), Tjapukai,
     Admission and lunch
   - Full Day Great Barrier Reef Tour with lunch
   - All coach services include English speaking driver/guide

• Meals:
   - 9 x Buffet Breakfasts at Hotel
   - 2 x Lunches
   - 2 x Dinners
   - Plus any in-flight meals

• Tour Leader Package: 1 Complimentary Tour Leader package is offered on a twin share basis, for every 40 paying passengers.

• Taxes/Other:
   - Welcome and Farewell Meet and Greet assistance by a local Australian Escort.
   - Hotel Porterage
   - Personalized set of travel documents including itinerary wallet and baggage tag
   - Australian Goods and Services Tax of 10%
   - ETA Electronic Travel Authority/Visa for Entry into Australia (for US Citizens)

• Support from our local office by toll free number: Our local office in Australia is available 24 hours.

 PACKAGE EXCLUDES:

• Travel Insurance: We recommend our comprehensive Trip Cancellation Protection and Travel Insurance. Our Travel Insurance is only available to American Citizens residing in the United States.

• Tour cost premium:
    - $1000-$2000 = $119 per person
    - $2001-$3000 = $179 per person
    - $3001-$6500 = $299 per person
    - $6501-$8000 = $439 per person
    - Over $8000 = $439 + $6.50 for every $100 over

• Air Taxes: US and Foreign Govt. taxes and fees, Passenger Facility Charges and the September 11th Security Fee of up to $10 per person, are not included. These taxes are additional and are approximately $204 per person*
  *All taxes are subject to change until ticketed.

• World Youth Day Registration (including meals and local transport):
  Please add approximately $285 per person if you would like us to include and arrange the World Youth Day Registrations. This price is based on Package B (see official World Youth Day website for actual inclusions – www.wyd2008.org).

• Add-on Flights: Rates from New York (JFK) start from $455 per person + tax. Please inquire for pricing from other cities.

• Trip Deviations: This includes optional excursions, trip extensions etc. Group must fly together on the outbound flight. Deviations on return are subject to a fee of $75, plus any airfare increases and additional land costs.

• Other Personal Items: Examples include but are not limited to: Excess baggage charges, beverages with included meals, laundry, telephone calls, phone cards, storage costs for additional equipment etc, sleeping bags and any other items not explicitly stated as included.

• Tipping: Tips to local guides, luggage handlers (at airports, hotels etc) are at your discretion. Tips are intended to express gratitude for service. Tipping is unnecessary in Australia/New Zealand except for special service.

• Deposits/Payments and Cancellation Fees: Please contact us for current information.

Other Booking and Payment Information:

• All prices are in USD

• The package is subject to availability for your group at the time of booking. In the event that space is not available, alternative dates and/or accommodations will be recommended and may be higher in price.

• Rates quoted are discounted 3% for cash/check/wire payments. There is no discount for credit card payments.

• If a group falls below the minimum number of passengers stipulated, we reserve the right to amend the quotation.

• Whilst this package has been formulated using current contracted rates with airlines, hotels and tour operators, there are certain pricing elements that are outside of our control and are subject to change. These include, but are not limited to taxes, fuel surcharges, airline increases, and rates of exchange.

With your group quotation you will receive a more detailed copy of our full Terms and Conditions for your particular itinerary, which may vary with some of the terms shown here. The terms and conditions which you receive with your official group quotation shall supersede any terms and conditions shown here.