Day By Day - Australia By Mercedes

Day 1 - Arrive Sydney

Arrive at Sydney airport and transfer to the Four Seasons Hotel located right on the harbour.  Take the day to explore all that the city has to offer. Sydney is Australia’s oldest and largest settlement is a vibrant city built around one of the most spectacular harbours in the world. The city is instantly recognisable by its unique architecture of the famous Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Sydney also boasts attractions such as the historic Rocks, Victorian-era Paddington and excellent beaches such as Bondi and Manly.  Enjoy the all the amenities that the Four Seasons has to offer before retiring for the evening.

Day 2 - Sydney

Today is a day at leisure.  While in Sydney there are many optional activities available varying from the very active to the mildly active.  Take a cruise or a jet boat ride on the beautiful Sydney Harbour, or perhaps visit the Sydney aquarium.  There is also a world-class shopping scene at Darling Harbour, the Queen Victoria Building and the Rocks district.  The Royal Botanical Gardens is a perfect environment for a leisurely stroll, or climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge for some inspiring panoramic views.  At night return to the Four Seasons for your overnight accommodations.

Day 3 - Sydney to the Blue Mountains

In the morning, transfer to the outer suburbs of Sydney via a personal vehicle and driver.  Upon arrival at the destination uplift your self drive vehicles and continue on to the Blue Mountains. The blue haze which gave the mountains their name is a result of the fine mist of oil given off by eucalyptus trees. The foothills of the Blue Mountains begin 65 km inland from Sydney and rise as high as 1100 metres offering some truly contrasting scenery with excellent bush walks and an abundance of dramatic gorges, gum trees and cliffs with the main centre for the area being the town of Katoomba. Arrive at Lilianfels in the afternoon, park the cars and get out for a stretch.  Lilianfels enjoys prime position, with expansive views of the dramatic escarpment of the Blue Mountains National Park and the famous landmark, "The Three Sisters", just a short stroll away.  Enjoy the spacious accommodations at Lilianfels Guesthouse.

Day 4 -Blue Mountains

Today is at leisure to explore the beauty of the Blue Mountains at your own pace.  There are several activities to enjoy including a visit to the Jenolan Caves, Shopping in Leura Village, or for more strenuous activity there is Scenic World including sceniscender, scenic railway and scenic skyway.  In the evening enjoy dinner at Darley’s restaurant.  At night return to Lilianfels Guesthouse for your overnight accommodations. 

Day 5 - Blue Mountains to the Hunter Valley

Today depart the accommodations in the Blue Mountains and drive to the Hunter Valley via Bells Lind of Road and the Putty Road. The Hunter Valley is now recognised as the birthplace of the multi-billion dollar-a-year wine industry. The Hunter is renowned for its full-bodied white wines, ‘medium weight reds’ and some excellent ports. Some of the vineyards belong to big name companies such as Lindemans, McWilliams, Rothbury, Hardy’s, Wyndham Estate and McGuigan. Others, like Tyrells and Draytons, are very old Hunter Valley family concerns which have been there for several generations and remained independent. Yet others are small wineries with big reputations such as Simon Whitlam and Lakes Folly. The range is huge though the output is small. The Hunter Valley is home to many of Australia’s finest wine makers including the delightful Pepper Tree Vineyard. With sumptuous fabrics and antique furniture, Tower Lodge has 12 individually designed and furnished guestrooms and is located on the Tower Estate Winery at Pokolbin in the heart of the Hunter Valley wine region. Enjoy all the luxuries that Tower Lodge has to offer before retiring for the night. 

Day 6 - Hunter Valley

Today is another day to enjoy as you please.  There are bike trails, tennis courts, or you can try your luck on the links at one of the golf courses nearby.  Or if a birds-eye view of the vineyards appeals to you, there is also a hot air balloon excursion to take you up, up and away!  However, you must come down to enjoy all the amenities of the Tower Lodge.

Day 7 - Hunter Valley

This morning is at leisure for independent sightseeing and activities. This afternoon you will be met at your accommodation by your private car and driver and transferred to Cessnock Airport. Upon arrival at Cessnock Airport board your aircraft for a scenic flight over the Hunter Valley. Step back in time and climb aboard one of the fully restored vintage Tiger Moths for a flight of a lifetime. And if you dare, turn life upside down with a choice of mild, wild or "extreme" aerobatics. From  lift off to touchdown (about 15-20 minutes), you will wing your way in an open cockpit flight  over scenic vineyards and surrounding Hunter River areas… and view sights from every angle! Travel back in time to 1909 when young Sir Geoffrey De Havilland had a dream, and follow the remarkable evolution of one of the greatest aircrafts of all time. Stroll through the Luskintrye Aviation Flying Museum at your leisure and marvel at the history and memorabilia of the magical 1930's vintage open-cockpit Tiger Moth. A visit to the restoration and storage hangers are also a must in order to soak up the history and personality behind these ‘magical men and their flying machines’. The ‘Moth Ball’ fine dining dinner in an authentic airport hanger surrounded by Tiger Moths takes you back in time to the 1930/40’s.  It’s pure nostalgia with live music & shows, vintage films playing in the background, fashion and memorabilia from an era of romance and excitement… a truly unique and memorable experience! At the end your event this evening you will be transferred to your accommodation at the Tower Lodge.

Day 8 - Depart the Hunter Valley

Depart the accommodations at the Tower Lodge and return to Sydney to catch your flights home.