DAY ONE

Your overland adventure will begin on the second day of Crystals Symphony's stay in Sydney, with an early morning flight to Ayers Rock.  You'll be met on arrival, before being taken directly to your hotel for lunch in the coffee shop.   Or, perhaps, you'd rather eat by the pool.

The spectacular formations of Ayers Rock and the Olgas, whose origins date back 600 million years, are the centerpiece attractions of nearby Uluru National Park   During the early afternoon, you'll journey out to the Olgas, a conglomerate of 28 rock domes which are situation 15 miles west of Ayers Rock.

Prepare yourself for one of the most breathtaking sights in the world.   In the late afternoon, you'll journey out into the desert.  Atop a high sand dune, you'll sip champagne and sample outback canapés, as you hear the haunting sounds of the didgeridoo.  Then watch the Red Center sunset in wonder as the every changing colors of Uluru (Ayers Rock) vary from oranges to rusty reds and deepening hues of purple.

Weather permitting, a barbecue buffet-style dinner in the desert has been specially arranged for this evening.  As the sky darkens, the mystic sound of didgeridoos can be heard.  The gas lanterns are dimmed as you listen to a few stanzas of Banjo Paterson's legendary Australian poetry.  Then all is quiet, as you revel in the "sounds of silence" of this serene desert landscape.  As the night sky here is renowned for its clarity, an experienced astronomer has been engaged to point out the various star systems.

Although dinner will include a selection of traditional foods, our more adventurous guests may welcome the opportunity to sample choice cuts of kangaroo, emu or buffalo.  Desserts, coffee, or traditional Australian Billy Tea and a glass of port will follow.

Your overnight accommodations will be at the Sails in the Desert Resort, or similar, at Ayers Rock.

DAY TWO

This morning, you'll wake early and be provided a hotel breakfast pack.  You're headed for the haunting majesty of Ayers rock, before the day's heat sets in.  This massive monolith, which is over five miles in perimeter and rises more than 1,000 feet above the plain, is one of the world's great geographical wonders.

You may elect to attempt a climb of the Rock or instead enjoy breakfast at the hotel coffee shop before joining an excursion which focuses on the aboriginal mythology of this area.  A light lunch will be served before your flight to Alice springs, where you'll proceed directly to your hotel.

Later today, you'll sightsee this interesting town set in the heart of Australia.   Visit the royal Flying doctor Service, the Old Telegraph Station and journey up Anzac Hill for panoramic views.  Dinner will be served this evening at the delightful local venue of Puccini's Italian Restaurant.

Overnight accommodations will be at the Plaza hotel, or similar, in Alice Springs.

DAY THREE

Today, you'll be picked up at 4:15 a.m. for an adventure with few parallels—nothing less than a thrilling hot-air balloon safari!

Your adventure will begin as your balloon is inflated in the still morning air.   Then, as the sun's rays begin to penetrated across the desert ranges, you'll rise slowly above starkly beautiful landscapes and view Central Australia's endless horizons.   This 30-minute aerial odyssey will conclude with a champagne breakfast in the outback bush.  If ballooning is cancelled for some unforeseen reason, a scenic helicopter flight over Alice Springs and its surrounding areas will be substituted.

Australia's bush culture cannot be fully comprehended without a basic understanding of the ways of its native people.  Following breakfast, you'll adjourn to a campsite, where the wonders and mysteries of the ancient Aboriginal culture will be revealed.   You'll view traditional boomerang and spear throwing before sampling such bush "tucker" (food) as the infamous "witchetty grub."  Then after learning about bush survival techniques, you'll witness a "Central Australian Corroboree" (traditional dance) performed by the Waipire Tribe.  Your guide will explain the spiritual beliefs and provide insight into the lifestyles of these interesting people, before you examine displays of their unusual art and craft work.

After leaving Alice Springs, you'll fly directly to Cairns.  En rout to your hotel, you'll take a guided look at Cairns' palm-lined streets, historic building, well-tended Botanic Gardens and colorful waterfront.

Dinner and a two-night stay will be at the Cairns International Hotel.

DAY FOUR

After breakfast, you'll proceed to the charmingly restored Freshwater Railway Station, from where you'll take a scenic train journey.  As you wind your way through lush rain forest, you'll glimpse distant views of the Barrier Reef.

A brief stop at the Barron River Falls will punctuate your rail ascent to Kuranda township.  You will then take a quick overview of this charming town, before you return to Cairns by coach.

Shortly thereafter, you'll take a seaplane or helicopter flight out to the Great Barrier Reef.  Swim, snorkel, take a glass-bottom boat ride and enjoy a buffet lunch during your two-hour stay on a purpose-build floating pontoon.  You'll quickly discover that the Great Barrier Reef abounds in a vast array of sea life and magnificent coral formations.

Following your return to Cairns, you'll be whisked by limousine directly to your hotel.   this evening, you are invited to join  your fellow explorers for a cocktail party, before strolling over to Verandah's Restaurant for a farewell dinner.

Overnight accommodations will again be at the Cairns International Hotel.

DAY FIVE

After breakfast, you'll transfer from your hotel to the waiting Crystal Symphony, with endless tales of your thrilling Aussie adventure.

Duration 4 nights.