8 DAYS EPICUREAN JOURNEY IN VICTORIA

Upon arrival in Frankfurt, meet your driver at the airport and transfer to your hotel.

Melbourne City Tour with Yarra River Private Cruise (Half-Day)

Begin your tour with a visit to the Queen Victoria or South Melbourne market, each offering insight into Melbourne’s famed liveability. Wander bustling meat, fish, and dairy halls sampling fresh oysters, artisanal cheeses and pastries, or browse unique, locally designed merchandise. Take in the vibrant Arts precinct, Flinders Street Station, Federation Square and the grand Victorian civic buildings of Spring Street then set off on foot to meander through Melbourne’s labyrinth of laneways and arcades. Browse the boutiques of Block and Royal Arcades, admire Hosier Lane’s urban art scene or simply take a moment to soak up the continental atmosphere of Centre Place.

Next, step on board your private cruise, sit back and enjoy a glass of Australian sparkling wine as you glide along the Yarra River. Marvel at the magnificent skyline from a very different angle, with the gleaming new Docklands precinct, Federation Square and the Royal Botanic Gardens as your dramatic backdrop.

Mornington Peninsula Excursion with Lunch (Full Day)

Depart the bustle of the city for the peaceful hills of Mornington Peninsula – Melbourne’s summertime playground. Home to more than fifty boutique wineries, the regions is renowned for producing quality pinot noir, chardonnay and shiraz. Visit one of the most awarded wineries for a structured tasting before settling in for a gourmet lunch at an esteemed restaurant. Following lunch, your guide’s intimate knowledge of the region puts you in the perfect position to explore breezy seaside villages, discover gourmet delights in the Red Hill hinterland, continue to sample boutique wines or perhaps see Australian wildlife at Moonlit Sanctuary – the choice is yours.

On return to Melbourne, admire expansive views of Port Phillip Bay and Melbourne’s city skyline as you descend Arthurs Seat, the highest point of this beautiful region.

Yarra Valley Wine Experience (Full Day)

Melbourne’s Yarra Valley offers picturesque rolling hills, gourmet experiences and an abundance of wineries producing benchmark Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and it is just 60-minutes from Melbourne. On arrival, visit one of the region’s leading wineries on a progressive tour and tasting overlooking the vineyard. Then, experience the vineyards and the terroir first-hand, with Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir before making your way to the winery to finish with a bracket of Shiraz.

Next, dine at an award-winning restaurant that received a chef’s hat by the prestigious Good Food Guide and countless other accolades and be treated to the chef’s multi-course degustation menu served with carefully matched estate wines.

In the afternoon, continue to sample boutique wines at vineyard paired with local cheese, chocolates or perhaps visit the acclaimed Four Pillars Gin Distillery. Your guide can tailor the perfect afternoon to suit your taste.

Meet your local guide at your hotel, and then set off to trace the length of one of the world’s most spectacular coastal touring routes, the Great Ocean Road (approx. 280km, 4hrs drive to the Twelve Apostles).

Great Ocean Road Private Tour (Full Day)

From Torquay to Apollo Bay the road hugs forested coastal cliffs as it twists and turns past white sand surf beaches and through picturesque seaside villages. The hinterland of towering gum trees provides the perfect habitat for koalas, kangaroos, and colourful native parrots. Indulge in a lunch of locally sourced seafood in the quaint coastal township of Apollo Bay.

The road then turns inland through lush green rainforests. Break for a walk amongst the ferny gullies, moss-covered timber, and freshwater cascades before arriving at the scenic highlight of the Great Ocean Road – the iconic Twelve Apostles. Battered by the fierce waves of the Southern Ocean, this dramatic coastline has been relentlessly carved into limestone towers, gorges, and caves. Stroll cliff-edge boardwalks for the perfect vantage point and venture down to the beach at Loch Ard Gorge to hear tales of tragedy and heroism.

Private Helicopter Flight: 12 Apostles to Port Fairy

Prior to sunset, board a private helicopter for a scenic transfer to the historic maritime village of Port Fairy. Soaring high above the Twelve Apostles and Port Campbell National Park, take in the views of the rugged coastline below before touching down and transferring to your boutique accommodation for the evening.

Freshen up and relax prior to dinner at one of Port Fairy’s leading restaurants.

Port Fairy At Leisure

After a restful sleep and breakfast at leisure, take time to explore Port Fairy. Follow one of the historic walking trails and discover charming, fully restored white-washed cottages built by whalers and seamen beside Georgian-style merchants’ homes and grand public buildings.

Departing Port Fairy, continue inland to the Southern Grampians National Park (100km, approx. 1hr 15min)

Grampians National Park: Piccaninny Hike (Half-Day)

Take a light lunch break in the quaint rural town of Dunkeld. The mountainous beauty of the region is showcased to its fullest extent with an optional hike to the summit of The Piccaninny. This easy, gradual climb through open forest (with stunning wildflower displays during spring) culminates with jaw-dropping views of Mount Abrupt.

Royal Mail Hotel Captive Breeding Program

As dusk descends, kangaroos, wallabies and a myriad of birdlife enliven the dramatic surrounds of the Royal Mail Hotel, your accommodation for the evening. Join your host to learn about the hotel’s captive breeding program and get up close and personal with endangered native Australian animals.

Dinner this evening will be at Parker Street Project at the Royal Mail Hotel. Be treated to a multi course menu (beverages additional) prior to retiring to your room for the night.

Grampians National Park Hike (Half-Day)

Following a leisurely breakfast, it’s time to explore the sandstone grandeur of the Grampians National Park. Don comfortable walking shoes as we tackle one of the park’s breathtaking tracks suitable for the novice through to the experienced hiker. Take in arresting views of the rugged mountain range and the surrounding pastoral land. In spring, the region erupts in a dazzling display of wildflowers. Enjoy a casual picnic lunch at Mackenzie Falls, Victoria’s largest waterfall.

Enjoy an exclusive tour and wine tasting in one of Australia’s most celebrated producers of Shiraz, before making your way to your luxury hotel in Daylesford.

Horseback Riding at Hepburn Lagoon Trail with lunch (5hrs)

Set amongst the picturesque hills of the Mt. Prospect district, enjoy country horse riding experience at Hepburn Lagoon Trail, with rides catering for riders of all abilities. Ride through the bush to arrive at the historic Swiss Mountain Hotel for lunch – a delicious country meal by the open fire with the cosy ambience of a historic country pub.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before your private transfer to Melbourne Airport (110km, 1hr 15min) for your onwards journey.