Silversea Luxury Cruises To MELBOURNE

Discover Melbourne's architectural treasures and cultural heritage on-foot during this scenic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Beacon Cove, Tram-Ride & Melbourne City on Foot

Depart the pier on-foot with your guide for the short walk to Beacon Cove, then board a tram for the short ride into the city. Upon arrival, begin your guided walking tour through the city's fascinating labyrinth of atmospheric arcades and alleyways. Discover lanes filled with trendy cafes and eclectic boutiques, along with graffiti street art and a host of landmark buildings that arose from the city's Gold Rush boom during the 1850s.

Historical Landmarks

Highlights include the Block Arcade with its dazzlingly high Victorian-style interior décor, as well as grand, 19th-century commercial buildings. Renowned architectural gems include the stunning Gothic Bank, ornate Old Melbourne Stock Exchange, restored General Post Office and the city's oldest arcade, the Royal Arcade. Your walk continues past the delightful Town Hall, City Square precinct, and beautiful lime-and-sandstone building of St Paul's Anglican Cathedral.

Refreshments

Next, sit back, relax and enjoy the atmosphere of your surrounds during a refreshment stop at a local café. Afterward, resume your walking tour through tiny laneways. At the conclusion of your walking tour of Melbourne City, you can take the shuttle back to the pier with your guide or opt to remain in the city for independent exploration and return to the ship on your own.

Explore one of Australia's premiere wildlife reserves and view a wide array of iconic Australian animals during this self-guided, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Healesville Sanctuary

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 1 hour and 45 minute drive to the Healesville Sanctuary, a must-see for animal lovers. En route, pass through the Yarra Valley foothills, a beautiful wine region of Victoria. Upon arrival at the Healesville Sanctuary, begin your self-guided walking tour.

Australian Wildlife, Feedings, Wildlife Health Centre

Explore the park and wander along the tranquil tracks at your leisure. Along the way, get up-close and personal with a variety of Australia's most beloved wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, Tasmanian devils, wombats, and dingoes all within their natural surrounds. Enjoy several demonstrations and feedings, including the majestic 'Spirits of the Sky' and popular 'World of the Platypus' exhibits. You can even visit the Wildlife Health Centre to chat with the vets or nurses as they treat sick, injured or orphaned wildlife in-need of care. During your visit, refreshments and/or meals are available for purchase at kiosks or cafés located throughout the sanctuary.

At the conclusion of your visit, re-board the coach for your return drive back to the pier.

Explore the famous street art and laneways of Melbourne during this scenic and captivating, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Melbourne, Federation Square, ACMI, Street Art, Laneways, Central Business District

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), located at Federation Square. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour of Melbourne's famous street art and laneways, and venture off the beaten track to discover the hidden treasures of the Central Business District (CBD). Here, learn all about the artists and stories behind the artworks from artists directly involved in the scene.

Blender Studios

The last stop on your street art tour is at the famous Blender Studios, an urban art and fine art studio that has paralleled the urban art movement since its beginnings. Opened in 2001, the Blender Studios has produced some of the most influential artists in Australia. It has been instrumental in setting up the foundations of the Melbourne street art scene, and has been part of every genre in the urban art movement in Melbourne. It has also been the base for major street art and fine art festivals and urban re-rejuvenation projects, and is the home of the Melbourne street art tours. Blender is a social space where artists can connect, collaborate and create. It's a self-sustaining project that puts artists first, and funds itself through social enterprises, creating one of the most affordable studio spaces in town.

Exclusive Tour, Meet and Observe the Artists at Work, Refreshments

Upon arrival, proceed for an exclusive studio tour, meet the artists and observe them at work in the huge art studio. A selection of market-fresh produce, beer, wine and soft drinks are provided as you wander through this incredible space. The tour route is modified and updated regularly, considering the ever-changing nature of the street art found here. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.86 miles (about three kilometres), at times over uneven and cobblestone surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to get on/off the coach. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing in layers with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and a weatherproof jacket from the ship. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Explore the Great Ocean Road and stunning Twelve Apostles in an exciting new way during this panoramic flight-seeing excursion with lunch.

Melbourne, Helipad, Helicopter Flight-Seeing Tour, Great Ocean Road, Coastline

Depart the pier for the short drive to Melbourne helipad. Upon arrival, board your helicopter, and receive your safety and flight instructions, then begin your helicopter flight-seeing tour. After lift-off, begin your breath-taking, approximately 90-minute helicopter flight-seeing tour along the Great Ocean Road as it winds along the picturesque coastline.

Twelve Apostles, Visitor's Centre, Bellarine Peninsula

Next, fly over the Twelve Apostles, the remnants of an ancient volcano plain and one of Victoria's most stunning landmarks, before landing at the Visitor's Centre for free time to explore the lookouts. Leaving the Twelve Apostles, fly to the Jack Rabbit Winery, one of the Bellarine Peninsula's famous wineries.

Jack Rabbit Winery, Three-Course Lunch with Wine

Upon arrival at the Jack Rabbit Winery, proceed for a three-course lunch accompanied by complementary wines. After lunch, re-board your helicopter for the short flight back to the helipad, then re-board your luxury car and commence the short drive back to the pier.

This is an included Silversea experience, advanced reservations are not required.

Experience an unforgettable singing performance by Mark Vincent, one of the finest recording artists in Australia, during this exclusive, event.

Melbourne, Concert Venue, Cocktails and Canapes, Welcome Speech

Depart the pier for the scenic drive to the concert venue. Upon arrival at entrance, you are welcomed with drinks and canapes.

Exclusive Performance by Mark Vincent

Afterward, you are escorted to your seat for an unforgettable, approximately 45 minute concert by internationally-renowned classical artist, Mark Vincent, and his band of musicians. This exclusive event offers a unique opportunity to experience the outstanding voice and talent of one of the finest young performers in the music industry today.

Mark Vincent Bio

Mark Vincent is the only classical artist in Australian history to have released six albums by the time he was 20 years old, and has sold in excess of 500,000 albums worldwide. In 2009, this then-unknown, 15-year-old singer and songwriter burst on to the scene with a mind-blowing rendition of Nessun Dorma on Australiaʼs Got Talent. Since then, this prolific performer has released several successful albums that have rewarded him with a legion of passionate fans worldwide, and appearances on stage alongside luminaries such as Whitney Houston, Katherine Jenkins, The Priests and Kate Ceberano.

Following this exclusive concert outing, re-board your coach and drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking, with a few steps to get on/off the coach and 10 steps at the entrance. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, but is not wheelchair-accessible. Smart-casual clothing with flat shoes are recommended. Guests must be at least 21 years old to be served alcoholic beverages.

Experience a rare and unique opportunity to observe koalas, kangaroos and other wildlife in the wild during this unforgettable, half-day excursion to You Yangs National Park.

You Yangs National Park, Australian Bush, Koala-Spotting

Depart the pier in the late-afternoon for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive to You Yangs National Park. Upon arrival, your informative and dramatic introduction to the unique wildlife of Australia features a rare opportunity to see kangaroos and koalas in the wild. Led by an expert nature guide, begin your walking and coach tour in search of koalas. Along the way, learn about and observe these extraordinary and endangered, fluffy-eared creatures in their natural environment, which can often be observed sitting up in the fork of a tree in the beautiful Australian bush.

Wildlife-Spotting, Sundowners, Wine & Dinner in the Wild

Next, travel a short distance to see free-ranging eastern grey kangaroos in a natural bush setting. In addition, see and learn about many other Australian animals and birds on the vast Western Plains near Melbourne. This unforgettable koala and kangaroo excursion ends with early-evening Sundowners out in the wild, along with wine and a casual, light dinner consisting of sandwiches, crackers, cheese and fruit. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.6 miles (about one kilometre), at times over uneven and natural ground and inclines, with a few steps to get on/off the coach. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with neck and/or back problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing in layers with sturdy, flat and closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, insect repellent and a weatherproof jacket from the ship. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, animal sightings are not guaranteed. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Discover the coastal beauty and sights of Melbourne in an eco-friendly new way during this invigorating, sightseeing excursion via electric bike.

Melbourne, Guided Electric Bicycle Tour

Meet your guide at the pier, receive your safety and riding instructions, then don your helmet and practice using your easy-to-operate, state-of-the-art and environmentally-friendly electric-assisted bike, which features a comfortable gel seat. Afterward, depart the pier for your scenic, approximately two-hour guided bicycle tour.

Melbourne Bay, Local Piers and Landmarks, St. Kilda Pier Kiosk, Refreshment Stop

Begin with a scenic ride along Melbourne's bay-side bicycle path towards Brighton. Along the way, experience the exhilaration of effortless cruising, and take in the local piers, history, culture and landmarks. Next, a visit is made to the St. Kilda Pier, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Following a refreshment stop at the St. Kilda Pier Kiosk restaurant, commence the return ride back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of activity for approximately 3.1 miles-4.3 miles (about five kilometres-seven kilometres), with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the electric-assisted bike. This tour is recommended for guests who are in good physical condition, know how to ride a bicycle and/or have previous electric-biking experience. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with neck and/or back problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests suffering from vertigo, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes or sneakers, and bring sun protection and a sweater or light jacket from the ship. Guests must be at least 16 years old to participate on this tour; minors must be accompanied by parent or guardian over the age of 18. Bicycle helmets are provided, and must be worn the entire time whilst riding. A signed waiver is required to participate on this tour. The tour sequence may vary. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Play a relaxing round of golf on a championship course in the famed 'Sandbelt' region of Melbourne during this spectacular, half-day golfing excursion.

Woodlands Golf Club or Yarra Yarra Golf Club

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 40-minute drive via luxury coach to either the Woodlands Golf Club or Yarra Yarra Golf Club, depending upon the availability of tee times at the time of guest booking. Both clubs are situated in the renowned Melbourne Sandbelt, and are renowned by golf purists for their championship layout, immaculate course presentation and a spectacular golfing experience. Depending upon available of tee times at the time of guest booking, guests will play at the Woodlands Golf Club or Yarra Yarra Golf Club.

Clothing Change, Club Selection, Pre-Game Warm-Up, Motorised Golf Cart, Personal Golf Pack

Upon arrival, change into your golf attire, select your premium clubs and receive driving range balls for your pre-game warm-up. Your shared, motorised golf cart with in-cart refreshments awaits your arrival, along with a personal golf pack containing a sleeve of three golf balls, custom golf towel, golf tees, divot tool, and scoring pencil to be taken home.

Eighteen-Hole Round of Golf, Narrow Fairways, Hazards, Small Greens, Challenging Layout

Next, begin your 18-hole round of golf. Grace the narrow fairways, cunningly-placed hazards and small greens that are the hallmarks of their challenging metropolitan layouts. During your visit, gifts, additional refreshments, and food are available at the Pro Shop or Clubhouse at your own expense.

At the conclusion of this unforgettable golf outing, re-board your luxury coach and commence the approximately 40-minute drive back to the pier.

Relax and take in the scenic sights of Melbourne, visiting the Eureka Skydeck and the Shrine of Remembrance.

This half-day tour is a perfect way to discover Melbourne from the comfort of a coach. Take in notable sights, landmarks, buildings, and parks and learn about the city and its history and culture.

Depart the pier for the scenic drive into Melbourne, which is renowned for its grace, Old World charm, and the magnificent parks and gardens that surround the city. On the way the coach travels along the Esplanade, passing through St. Kilda, a trendy and well-known inner city suburb with an eclectic history.

Stop at the Eureka Tower and venture high up to the 88th floor, you will get a bird's eye view of the CBD and of Melbourne's sprawling suburbs. After a short drive, visit the monumental Shrine of Remembrance located in the peaceful gardens, just minutes away from the bustling city centre.

Continue the journey through the city, where you can admire the historical architecture of the first churches of the area to the fascinating terrace homes in the Carlton District. Alongside these historical landmarks there are just as many modern structures, cultural landmarks and sporting venues to set your sights on until your return to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves minimal walking as is it primarily a panoramic coach tour. It is suitable for guests with limited mobility and those who utilise a wheelchair and able to embark/disembark the coach via steps. Order of sights seen may vary to facilitate operational requirements.

Learn about the traditional uses for food, tools and medicine on an Aboriginal Walking tour at the Botanic Gardens. This half-day excursion allows you to see some of Melbourne's highlights as well as learn about the Aboriginal history of the region.

Panoramic Drive

Depart the pier for a panoramic drive. Sit back, relax and enjoy an informative narrative as you travel past many magnificent buildings including The Treasury, Parliament House, the Windsor Hotel, the Princess Theatre and the marvellous Gothic buildings that are found along Collins Street.

Royal Botanic Gardens & Aboriginal Heritage Walk

Upon arrival at the Royal Botanic Gardens, participate in an Aboriginal Heritage Walk. The garden is an important cultural site for the local Koolin people. Journey into their ancestral lands to gain an understanding of their rich history and thriving culture, and discover their connection to plants in a 90 minute walking tour.

Traditional Smoking Ceremony

Escorted by your indigenous guide, experience a traditional smoking ceremony, and discover traditional uses of plants for food, tools and medicine. In addition, develop an understanding of, and respect for, the customs and heritage of the local Boon wurrung and Woi wurrung people.

Lemon Myrtle Tea & Free Time

Conclude your walk with a refreshing cup of lemon myrtle tea while you share stories and reflect on the significance of Aboriginal culture in Australia. Followed by some free time in the gardens, continue the panoramic drive back to the pier.

Explore Melbourne at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Participation is limited to 2 guests per car. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this programme. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore Melbourne at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Participation is limited to 2 guests per car. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this programme. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore Melbourne at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Participation is limited to 4 guests per van. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this programme. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore Melbourne at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Participation is limited to 4 guests per van. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this programme. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Embrace the stunning natural beauty of the Dandenong Ranges during this panoramic, half-day excursion aboard a vintage steam train.

Dandenong Ranges & Puffing Billy Train

Depart the pier for the scenic, narrated drive past Melbourne's eastern suburbs and into the Dandenong Ranges, where the beautiful scenery of the tall mountain forests come into view. Upon arrival at the Belgrave Train Station, board the Puffing Billy, a vintage steam train built in the early-1900s that was originally used to aid commuters in the then-remote Dandenong Ranges. Today, this antique train has been lovingly restored and operates with the aid of many volunteers as a well-known attraction. The train still runs on its original mountain track, which offers picturesque views of the countryside and rolling hills through the lush, green fern gullies surrounding the track.

Train-Ride

After boarding the Puffing Billy, begin your approximately 30-minute ride to Menzies Creek. En route, travel through the magnificent ranges, then pass through the temperate rainforest and over a beautiful, approximately 300-foot-long (about 91-metre-long) timber Trestle Bridge.

Grant's Reserve & Morning Tea

Upon arrival in Menzies Creek, de-board the Puffing Billy and board a coach for the short drive to Grant's Reserve, nestled within Sherbrooke Forest. A stop is made here for morning tea amidst your beautiful surrounds. The forest is home to towering mountain ash trees, a wide variety of ferns and abundant wildlife.

At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach for the approximately 75-minute drive back to the pier.

Discover the splendid beauty, flavours and wine estates of the fertile Yarra Valley during this scenic, full-day winery excursion with lunch.

Melbourne, Scenic Drive, Yarra Valley

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 1.75-hour drive to the Yarra Valley, famous for its exquisite beauty and award-winning wines. Along the way, learn about the history of this gorgeous wine region. From architectural statements to rustic tin sheds hidden among the vines, the Yarra Valley has a wonderful range of cellar doors, all reflecting the diversity of styles and approaches in this beautiful, cool-climate region.

De Bortoli Winery & Wine Tastings

Your first stop in the Yarra Valley is at the De Bortoli Winery. The Bortoli Wines was established 90 years ago in war-torn Europe. The family and brought their wine knowledge, experience and expertise to Australia. Their vineyard in Yarra Valley has planted and grown predominantly Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Recent new vineyards of Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Gamay Noir have been established and are looking quite spectacular. The Bortoli Wines is a family business and now managed by their fourth generation, and as always the family business strives for better from the very beginning. Upon arrival, proceed for a private wine tasting.

Dominique Portet Estate, Three-Course Lunch with Dominique Portet Wines

Your final foray into the renowned Yarra Valley is at the wine estate of Dominique Portet. This ninth-generation winemaker chose the cool climate of the Coldstream Hills in the Yarra Valley as home to the winery he founded in 2000. Portet's winemaking family has its roots in France since the early-1700s. Upon arrival at the Dominique Portet Estate, proceed for a three-course lunch accompanied by Dominique Portet wines. After lunch, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 1.75-hour drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 219 yards (about 200 metres), at times over uneven and gravel surfaces, with three-four steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and at the sites visited. This tour is not suitable for guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and a light jacket from the ship. Guests must be at least 18 years old to participate in tastings of alcoholic beverages. The driving distance between the pier and wineries visited is approximately 1.75 hours in each direction. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment. In case Bortoli Winery is not available, guests will visit Rochford Winery instead.

Welcome to Wine Country Victoria. Enjoy a visit to Yarra Valley for good food and great wine. You'll literally be sky high during this panoramic, one-night overland excursion as you experience a hot air balloon ride over one of Australia's premier wine growing regions. With several wine tastings planned accompanied by wonderful meals, this extended tour is sure to delight the wine and food enthusiast.

01MIDMEL-B Escape to the Yarra Valley Wine Region

Duration: 2 Days/1 Night

Departs from: Melbourne at approximately 1:00 p.m.

Re-join ship: Melbourne at approximately 4:30 p.m.

Reserve by: At least 90 days prior to sailing

IMPORTANT NOTE:

This Land Adventure is a small group luxury tour, providing bespoke cultural and sightseeing experiences. We limit the tour to a small group in order to ensure your experience is a high-quality one. Spots are available on a first come, first serve basis. If the program fills up, you'll be accommodated on a space-available basis. Advanced booking is required at least 90 days prior to sailing date via Silversea Reservations. We suggest booking early to secure your spot(s).

Please be advised that a minimum number of participants is required for this program to run as described. In rare cases when the minimum number of participants is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the program at an increased rate based on private arrangements or to cancel your specific departure for a refund. The self-cancellation fee, unless otherwise advised, is 90 days or sooner to initial sailing date at the rate of 100% program fare per person. The payment for your Land Adventure is due in full on the same date as your final payment due for your cruise. Per Silversea's general payment terms, bookings made within 120 days of sailing require full payment within seven days of booking or sooner.

All Land Adventures are non-transferable and non-refundable within 120 days of sailing, with the exception of cancellation by Silversea. Our family-friendly land programs require adult accompaniment of any guests under the age of 18. All Land Adventures are owned by independent contractors, and Silversea makes no representations and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these operators. Silversea and our local operators make every effort to ensure your land program runs as described. Our local operators reserve the right to modify tour sequence, sites visited and venues mentioned due to operational reasons.

VISA INFORMATION:

Please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa requirements for Australia. It is the responsibility of each guest to obtain all appropriate visas before cruising.

LOCAL CURRENCY:

The local currency is the Australian Dollar; local ATMs are available in some locations visited, and credit cards are accepted in larger shops and hotels.

Discover the exquisite beauty and flavours of the Yarra Valley wine region during this panoramic, one-night overland excursion.

DAY ONE - Thursday, November 12, 2020 - Yarra Valley

Transfer to the Yarra Valley for wine-blending session at the Rochford Winery

After disembarking the ship in Melbourne, meet your guide and transfer to the Yarra Valley. Upon arrival at the Rochford Winery, proceed for a guided wine-blending session, and a unique opportunity to blend your own signature taste; tasting charts and aroma kits are provided to help you with this task.

Head for a wine tasting with cheeses at Yering Station, and check-in at the adjacent Chateau Yering

Armed with greater knowledge of the winemaking process, transfer to Chateau Yering and Yering Station. Upon arrival, proceed for a wine tasting session accompanied by a selection of cheeses; the ideal way to end the afternoon. Leaving Yering Station, walk to the adjacent Chateau Yering, your stunning accommodations for the evening. After check-in, some free time is made available to freshen-up before dinner.

Dinner is at the hotel's Elenore's restaurant.

Overnight accommodations in a Melba Room at Yering Station - Yarra Valley

DAY TWO - Friday, November 13, 2020 - Yarra Valley/Melbourne

Early-morning wake-up call, and a sunrise, hot-air balloon adventure over the Yarra Valley

After an early-morning wake-up call, meet your guide and depart for a sunrise, hot-air balloon adventure over the Yarra Valley. Your approximately one-hour flight offers magnificent panoramic views of the vineyards, mountain ranges and meandering Yarra River below, and distant views of the Melbourne CBD skyline.

Transfer back to the hotel for breakfast and some free time to freshen-up before check-out

Following your sky-high experience, transfer back to Chateau Yering. After breakfast, some free time is made available to freshen-up before check-out.

Drive to the Great Dividing Range, and a guided tour of the Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary

After check-out, meet your guide and depart for the Great Dividing Range and Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary. Regarded as one of Australia's leading parks, Healesville features over 200 species of native wildlife in a natural bush setting. Here, you can get acquainted with the kangaroos, koalas, lyrebirds, platypus, emus, and other uniquely Australian animals that inhabit the bush-like surroundings.

Drive into the Dandenong Ranges, and take a scenic ride aboard the Puffing Billy train

Leaving Healesville, depart for the scenic, narrated drive past the Dandenong Ranges, where the beautiful scenery of the tall mountain forests come into view. Upon arrival at the Belgrave Train Station, board the Puffing Billy, a vintage steam train built in the early-1900s that was originally used to aid commuters in the then-remote Dandenong Ranges. Today, this antique train has been lovingly restored and operates with the aid of many volunteers as a well-known attraction. The train still runs on its original mountain track, which offers picturesque views of the countryside and rolling hills through the lush, green fern gullies surrounding the track.

Local lunch and transfer to the pier and ship

Following your scenic ride, transfer to a local café for a light lunch inspired by the best local produce. To conclude, re-board your vehicle and return to Melbourne and transfer to the pier and embark the ship.

Please note: This Mid-Voyage Land Adventure requires an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.24 miles-2.5 miles (about two kilometres-four kilometres) per day, at times over uneven, rocky, sandy, grassy, and natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and hot-air balloon, and many steps at the sites visited. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with back and/or neck problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with a fear of heights, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to bring lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking and beach shoes, sun protection, insect repellent, a sweater or light jacket, raingear, swimwear, a camera, towel and approximately one-quart (about one-litre) water bottle from the ship; pants and long sleeves are recommended for the evening. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, animal sightings are not guaranteed. Guests must carry their passports and ship's ID at all times. The tour sequence and itinerary may vary. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Programme Includes:

• One-night stay in a Melba Room at Yering Station - Yarra Valley
• One breakfast, one lunch and one dinner with drinks included
• a guided wine-blending session, and a unique opportunity to create your own signature taste at the Rochford Winery - Yarra Valley
• Wine tasting with cheeses at Yering Station
• Sunrise hot-air balloon adventure - Yarra Valley
• Self-Guided tour of the Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary
• Lunch at local café
• Scenic ride aboard the Puffing Billy train
• All sightseeing and transfers as per itinerary

Not Included:

Any meals and drinks not specified above, charges incurred by the airlines for excess or overweight luggage, gratuities to drivers and tour guides, laundry, telephone calls, cancellation insurance, and other personal items.

Our Simply Hotel selection is the perfect choice for those who want a centrally located setting from which to discover - or rediscover - the city. Rooms in these 4.5 and 5-star properties are generally Standard Double or King rooms that provide comfortable accommodations and superior service for those who wish to extend their trip with a cultural or shopping experience in some of the world's most iconic cities.

For your convenience, we can easily organize transfers between the airport and hotel or between the hotel and the pier so that you only have to decide how much or how little you wish to do.

Hotel brands that we consistently feature include Intercontinental, JW Marriott, Fairmont or the Conrad Group.