8 Day Best of Victoria Ultimate Luxury Tour
On this 8 Day Best of Victoria Ultimate Guided Luxury Tour, you will experience the best culture and scenery this part of the world has to offer. Travel in style through Victoria, spending time in the bustling metropolis of Melbourne as well as venturing further afield to see breathtaking scenery and sample delicious local food and wine. Highlights include: Yarra Valley known for its Chardonnay, Sparkling Wine and Pinot Noir, the unique and super-cool city of Melbourne where something new is hidden around every corner, and the amazing scenery of the Grampian. Sit back relax and experience the best of Australian culture and spectacular scenery through the eyes of your own expert local driver guide.
Welcome to The Road Trip – ‘Where Your Journey Begins’.
Day 1 Melbourne Arrival
Welcome to Australia. You will be met at the airport by your private guide and The Road Trip begins! The rest of the afternoon is free for leisure/relaxation.
The next three nights will be spent at the ultra luxurious Langham Hotel Melbourne. This riverside hotel features classic and timeless interiors and amenities, overlooking the Southbank district. Perhaps dine at their fabulous buffet restaurant or venture out to one of the fabulous riverside restaurants nearby. A dip in their indoor pool with spectacular views is not to be missed.
Day 2 Melbourne Sightseeing
This afternoon you will take a sightseeing tour of the city by foot, tram or car. Sights could include Federation Square, Chinatown, the Eureka Skydeck, a tour of the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground or simply exploring the many laneways, arcades and hidden gems of the city centre. Melbourne is also home to a number of fantastic museums and art galleries, such as the National Gallery of Victoria which showcases world-class work from international, Australian and Indigenous artists. This evening dine at one of the many fantastic restaurants the city is known for; perhaps situated with great views of the Yarra River that runs through the CBD. Spend a further night at the fabulous Langham Hotel Melbourne.
Day 3 Melbourne Sightseeing
Today is free to explore Melbourne at your leisure. We recommend a visit to the wonderful Royal Botanic Gardens, which sprawl over 36 hectares in the central city. The huge array of flora offers a number of leisurely walks or even hop on the Garden Explorer winding it’s way around the gardens. The Botanic Gardens showcase native and local plant life embraced by the local indigenous people; the Kulin Nation. Also make sure to stop by the Tropical Glasshouse and the restored water feature Guilfoyle’s Volcano. Today also offers the chance to visit the historic Fitzroy Gardens, which showcase classic Victorian design and houses Cooks’ Cottage – the oldest building in Australia built in 1755. Spend a further night at your luxury hotel accommodation nestled in the bustling CBD.
Day 4 Melbourne to Halls Gap (254 km, 3 hours driving)
Today you depart the lively metropolis of Melbourne for the serenity of The Grampians, making your way inland to Halls Gap nestled in The Grampians National Park. En route perhaps stop in the city of Ballarat, an important site in the Gold Rush of 1851 and featuring beautiful historic architecture. Upon arrival the rest of the day is free to explore Halls Gap and the surrounding area. Make the most of the rugged scenery and abundant wildlife by talking a short walk close to the town to see The Mackenzie Falls and Beehive Falls or visit the Halls Gap Zoo for a showcase of native and exotic animals.
Your accommodation for the next two nights is the luxurious Boroka Downs boutique lodge accommodation. This private boutique retreat offers spectacular views on an estate designed to work in harmony with the stunning environment and wildlife around it.
Day 5 The Grampians Sightseeing
Today is a free day to explore The Grampians National Park. This national park is known as home to one of the most extensive indigenous rock art sites in South Australia, and is a wealth of culture and stunning beauty. Take one of the many walks in the area to visit secluded lakes surrounded by drastic sandstone peaks. Walk along mountain ridges offering panoramic views or take a walk to the “Pinnacle”; an iconic lookout which offers one of the best vantage points in the area. This iconic site can be reached by a couple of different tracks which you can choose based on how energetic you are feeling on the day! For those wanting a more relaxed approach to the day, the region offers a wide range of wining and dining so you could sit back and relax with a glass of local wine and simply enjoy the scenery. Spend a further night in your secluded luxury accommodation.
Day 6 Halls Gap to Yarra Valley, (302 km, 4 hours driving)
Today you return to the coast and continue through Melbourne to one of the best wine growing regions in the world; Yarra Valley. This area is rich in vino, delicious local restaurants and quaint towns all nestled among amazing scenery. Spend the rest of the day exploring and relaxing in the viticulture paradise. One option for the afternoon is a magnificent hot air balloon ride to get a bird’s eye view of the breath-taking landscape below. Tonight enjoy dinner at a fantastic local restaurant showcasing cuisine grown in the area.
Your accommodation for the next two nights is the exclusive 5 star Chateau Yering Hotel. This beautiful estate has a rich history and features views across the Yarra Valley through the heritage listed gardens. Adjacent to Yering Station Winery, this escape is the perfect hideaway for wine lovers. The hotel is also renown for it’s thoughtful antique flourishes, in-keeping with the historical significance of the buildings.
Day 7 Yarra Valley Full Day Wine and Food Tour
Today you spend the day exploring the wineries and vineyards of the Yarra Valley with a full day guided wine and dine tour. This includes tastings at 3-4 fabulous local wineries and a delicious winery restaurant meal showcasing the farm to table mentality the Yarra is known for. Stops may include:
Coldstream Hills Winery
Coldstream Hills embraces the unique climate and agriculture of the Yarra to produce some of Australia’s finest Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Their minimalistic but exacting process produces exceptional and complex varietals that can’t be missed.
Yering Station
One of the region’s oldest wineries (180 years in business!), the cellar door is located in the original winery building where you can taste their award-winning Shiraz, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Their varietals combine a unique blend of old and new, saluting the history of the vineyard and surrounds.
De Bortoli Itialian Wines
This award winning winery features stunning scenery coupled with authentic Italian cuisine and a huge selection of local and international cheeses. This family oriented company is 90 years old and their cellar door showcases the huge array of wines De Bortoli are known for with something for everyone’s palates.
TarraWarra Estate
This sprawling winery showcases contemporary architecture with the beautiful vines and estate built on a hill. Their well-known restaurant offers local produce which you can pair with the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir the estate is best known for. For those wanting a taste of culture with their tipple. The winery also houses the TarraWarra Museum of Art featuring contemporary Australian artists.
Spend a further night at the gorgeous Chateau Yering Hotel.
Day 8 Yarra Valley to Melbourne, Departure Day (66 km, 1 hour driving)
Today after further exploring the Yarra Valley, you return to Melbourne where you are transferred to your onward travel arrangements. We trust that you have had a wonderful time in this beautiful country and wish you safe travels to your next destination.
