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Launceston to Launceston 8 Days / 7 Nights from $2745 Email this Page to a Friend!     Duration: 8 days, 7 nights   Tour Code: TGW8   Style: Small Group Touring Highlights: Launceston, St. Helens, Freycinet National Park, Hobert, Port Arthur, Strahan, Cradle Mountain   Description Join our 8 day Gourmet Wanderer traveling in a small group exploring the "Apple Island" of Tasmania.  Walk the tracks of Freycinet, Cradle and Mt Field National Park, cruise the Gordon River to Heritage Landing and sample some of Tasmania's local produce, ales and fine wines.     Itinerary   Day 1 Sat. Arrive Launceston, St Helens. Be met on arrival in Launceston.  Take the Tamar Valley wine route and pay a visit to two of the leading producers of cool climate wines, Pipers Brook and Janz Winery. Later we stop en route to St Helens and take a short walk at Myrtle Rainforest before arriving at Tidal Waters Resort and enjoying a Welcome Dinner. Stay: Tidal Waters Resort, St Helens. Day 2 Sun. Bay of Fires, Freycinet Walks, Adventure Options. Visit Binalong Bay with views of the famous Bay of Fires, voted one of the best beaches in Tasmania.  On arrival at Freycinet National Park, participate in an easy walk along Cape Tourville.  Afterwards, join a more active guided walk to Wineglass Bay Lookout.  Or perhaps upgrade to an Adventure Option, either a twilight sea kayak paddle or a 4WD adventure to Bluestone Bay (Adventure Options are at an additional expense). Stay: Freycinet Lodge, located within picturesque Freycinet National Park   Day 3 Mon. Richmond, Hobart, Freedom of Choice Touring, Dine Around Dinner. Discover the well-preserved heritage towns of Richmond and Ross, where many convict-built buildings and bridges still stand proud. Enjoy our Freedom of Choice Touring in Hobart - indulge in afternoon tea at the grand Hadley's Hotel, let your guide show you historical Hobart by foot or get a chocolate fix on the Cadbury's Chocolate Factory tour.  Tonight choose from a range of dining options at the Wrest Point Hotel. Two Night Stay: Hobart, Wrest Point Hotel, with amazing views of Hobart's Derwent River from your Tower Room window and all the luxuries of a world-class hotel at your disposal. Day 4 Tue. Hobart, Port Arthur, Freedom of Choice Touring. Take a Port Arthur tour combined with gourmet indulgences at the Sorrell Fruit Farm or Barilla Bay Oyster Farm.  Perhaps upgrade to our full day Adventure Option - a Bruny Island cruise on which you will discover the southern coastline off Bruny Island. Day 5 Wed. Russell Falls, Lake St Clair, Strahan. Walk through dappled rainforest to Russell Falls in Mt Field National Park, one of Tasmania's most treasured places.  Visit Something Wild for an interactive experience with Tasmania's wildlife - you might even spot a platypus in the wild.  View the beautiful glacier-carved Lake St Clair, part of the World Heritage Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, before we experience Strahan on the west coast.  This evening, enjoy a sumptuous dinner and perhaps choose to see a local pantomime - "The Ship That Never Was" (own expense). Stay: Strahan Village Harbour View Deluxe Rooms. Enjoy views over Macquarie Harbour. Day 6 Thur. Gordon River Cruise, Cradle Mountain. Glide over the deep waters of the Gordon River aboard the Lady Jane Franklin II.  Upgrade to the Premier Deck to experience gourmet delights and large comfortable armchairs overlooking the bow of the boat (additional $80 per person).  Absorb the beauty of the untouched wilderness, given World Heritage status when public outcry prevented the region being drowned by the damming of the Franklin River.  Take a rainforest walk at Heritage Landing to see ancient Huon pines.  Explore the infamous penal settlement ruins at Sarah Island Historic Site, in the remote regions of Macquarie Harbour, for a harsh insight into the reality of convict life. Two Night Stay: Cradle Mountain Lodge, individual Pencil Pine Cabins. Each cabin has modern furnishings and a private balcony. Day 7 Fri. Cradle Mountain, Freedom of Choice Touring. Relish the opportunity to walk the boardwalk completely around Dove Lake at your own leisure.  You have the whole day to relax or be as active as you like.  Explore the alpine landscapes on a number of walks from Cradle Mountain Lodge.  Choose from activities such as a wine and cheese tasting, seeing the native animals on a Night Spotlight Tour (limited availability), learning about the local wildlife on a guided Alpine Flora and Fauna Walk, trying your hand at fly fishing (seasonal activity, minimum numbers apply) or indulging with a treatment at the Waldheim Alpine Spa.  Tonight, dine on delicious Tasmanian produce in the fine surrounds of the lodge. Day 8 Sat. Sheffield, Farewell Lunch, Cataract Gorge. Explore the town of Sheffield, known for the murals which were painted by local artists depicting pastoral scenes.  Explore historic Westbury, with its English country character and picture-perfect village green.  Enjoy a delicious lunch at Stillwater in Launceston, a finalist in Australian Restaurant of the year, then walk it off at Cataract Gorge, a unique natural formation on the South Esk River just outside of Launceston.  From there head to the airport where your tour concludes.     Departure Dates:   2008 October 25 November 1, 15 & 29 December 13 & 27   2009 January 10 & 24 February 7 & 21 March 7 & 21 April 4 & 18 May 2   Pricing per person from: Double Single Room Only $2745 $3500 Room, Including Breakfast (x7), Lunch (x2), Dinner (x6) $2855 $3580 Room Upgrade, Including Breakfast (x7), Lunch (x2), Dinner (x6) $3200 $4000

What's Included   Wanderer's Highlights Indulge in a farewell lunch at Stillwater, Launceston, a popular dining experience  Take a short walk at Binalong Bay and be rewarded by spectacular coastal scenery Choose from several walks at Freycinet National Park Adventure Options available at Freycinet and Hobart Cruise the Gordon River, enjoying comfortable guaranteed main deck window seating   View Tasmanian wildlife at Something Wild Full day to explore Cradle Mountain Walk through rainforest to Russell Falls Explore the heritage towns of Richmond and Ross Explore Sheffield and Westbury   Finest Dining Welcome Dinner at St Helens Farewell lunch at Stillwater, Launceston 7 hot breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 6 Freedom of Choice Dinners