Komodo & the Australian Coast

Fly in to Denpasar and transfer by motor coach to Ubud. Upon your arrival, enjoy a welcome drink and take in the beauty of the lush surrounding landscapes. The evening is yours to relax. A Viking Host is available to help you plan your time in Ubud so you can make the most of your visit.

Set out on a full-day guided tour of Ubud, the cultural center of Bali. Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, home to hundreds of long-tailed macaques and three ancient temples. Take a tour of the Puri Saren, where the royal family still resides, and the Puri Lukisan Museum to explore exhibits of Balinese art. You will also enjoy a special visit to a Balinese home to witness how local villagers live, and understand more about their culture and the importance of cosmic harmony. (B, L)

Today, you have a full day at leisure. Or you may choose to join an optional excursion—discover the highlights of Bali in Batuan village, visit iconic spiritual sites and take part in a traditional Melukat water purification ritual, or learn about Balinese farming practices. Your Viking Host is available to help you plan your time in Ubud so you can make the most of your visit. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, followed by a Barong dance performance. (B, D)

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to your ship to begin your cruise. (B)

Disembark your ship and transfer to your hotel to drop-off your luggage, followed by free time to explore Sydney on your own. Later, after check-in, board your motor coach for a panoramic drive through Sydney. Stop for a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and iconic city landmark. Cap your evening by enjoying the views of Sydney Harbour at night during a welcome dinner on board your Viking-chartered sightseeing vessel. (D)

After breakfast, depart for the airport and your flight to Uluru, otherwise known as Ayers Rock, where you will check in to your hotel and enjoy lunch. Later this afternoon, travel to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. View its remarkable red rock formations, Uluru and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), and the changing colors of Kata Tjuta at sunset while enjoying sparkling wine and snacks. This evening, enjoy dinner at your leisure. (B, L)

Observe the sunrise at Uluru and see the desert come to life in the morning light. After breakfast, return to Uluru for the park’s Mala Walk. Your guide will highlight the ancient rock art and traditional “bush tucker” of the Anangu, as well as the cultural and geologic significance of this site. This afternoon, gain insight into the culture and customs of the local Aboriginal custodians. Tonight, take in views of desert oaks and Uluru during an outback dinner under the stars. (B, D)

This morning, check out of your hotel and head to the airport for your flight to Cairns. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Port Douglas after driving along the beautiful coastal road. Check into your room and enjoy an afternoon and evening at leisure. You may choose to begin exploring the city on your own. Your Viking Tour Director is available to help you plan your time in Port Douglas so you can make the most of your visit. (B, L)

This morning, transfer to the marina, where you will board your Viking-chartered vessel for a cruise to two different snorkeling sites. At each stop, enjoy the opportunity to swim, snorkel or view the breathtaking coral formations and marine life. Lunch will be served on board before returning to shore. Later, enjoy the afternoon and evening at your leisure. (B, L)

Today, set out from your hotel for a small group excursion to the Daintree Rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, you will have time to explore the Mossman Gorge Cultural Center and discover the rich culture of the Kuku Yalanji people. After, board a boat for a scenic eco-cruise in search of giant saltwater crocodiles in their natural habitat. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at the resort. (B, L, D)

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and proceed to the Cairns airport for your return flight. (B)

Disembark your ship and transfer to your hotel. Later,  join a guided walk of The Rocks, one of Sydney’s oldest precincts. As you stroll through this district, known as Tallawoladah by its earliest inhabitants, learn about its history prior to European settlement and view its historic architecture, some of which dates back to the early 19th century. Later, you will have the rest of the afternoon at your leisure to explore Sydney on your own. (B)

Today you have a full day at leisure to explore the city as you wish. Perhaps visit one of the nearby golden beaches or sample local cuisine at one of the city’s restaurants—Sydney’s dining culture has been shaped by generations of immigration, resulting in a diverse and vibrant culinary scene. Alternatively, you may also choose to join one of the optional excursions on offer. (B)

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)