9 Days: Vivid Sydney [ST-1003]
Starting at
$1,723
Per Person
View Details
Highlights & Inclusions
  • Event Dates: May 22, 2020 - June 13, 2020
  • Accommodation - Sydney (7 Nights)
  • US Domestic Flights are not included (Check Quote for Inclusion)
  • International Flights - Los Angeles to Sydney (Return) (Check Quote for Inclusion)
  • Shuttle Transfers - Sydney Airport to Accommodation (Return)
  • All Day Tours listed are Optional (Not Included)
  • Visa Issuance for entry into Australia (additional US$15.00 per person)
  • F.I.T. (Free & Independent Travel, i.e. this is not an Organized Group Tour)
  • All Taxes and Fuel Levies (Except where noted)
  • Itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to suit your needs.
Itinerary Details
Day 2 - Shuttle Transfer, Sydney Airport to Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from the Airport to your vacation accommodation in Sydney, Australia.

Travel via shuttle to your vacation accommodation in Sydney, Australia.

Days 2 to 9 - 7 Nights Accommodation in Sydney

Travel to your accommodation in Sydney, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 7 nights in your executive room apartment.

Just 30 minutes from Sydney Airport, your accommodation is conveniently located between Darling Harbour and the Sydney CBD.

The friendly staff at your accommodation can attend to your every need with 24 hour guest reception. Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast at their signature restaurant.

Relax in a stylish and comfortable haven whilst being in close proximity to shopping at Westfield’s Pitt St Mall and Darling Harbour. Don’t forget to take a stroll down Pitt St towards Circular Quay to take in more of Sydney’s world famous sites- like the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Event: Vivid Sydney

Event Dates: May 22, 2020 – June 13, 2020

Creative minds come together for a unique event of lights, music and ideas! This festival delivers innovative light displays and inspiring works of art on a grand scale. Witness buildings transform into vibrant illuminations and view spectacular lighting sculptures and installations as you explore Vivid Sydney!

Event Dates: May 26, 2023 – June 17, 2023

Creative minds come together for a unique event of lights, music and ideas! This festival delivers innovative light displays and inspiring works of art on a grand scale. Witness buildings transform into vibrant illuminations and view spectacular lighting sculptures and installations as you explore Vivid Sydney!

The creative people of the world are invited to this spectacular festival in the creative hub of Australia. Vivid Sydney not only offers an impressive array of lights, it also embraces musical creativity and innovative thinking!

Visual light displays and installations create a world of fascination as you enjoy a wide range of musical entertainment and attend intellectual talks about creativity and innovation. The festival also brings a large range of food options! Explore the different types of local cuisine available at the festival from gourmet selections to bite-size snacks on the go!

Here is a selection of Vivid Sydney Precincts and highlights:

Martin Place: Explore this exciting, new precinct! Last year, the precinct was the first area to be switched on at 5:30pm during the week. Crowd favorites were the giant 3-D head that allows spectators to take the ultimate selfie! View a night sky lit by petals of light with Sky Flower, and see the Urban Tree which transforms the MLC Centre Management Office into an amazing forest filled with life and beauty!

Sydney Opera House: Have the opportunity to dine under the beautifully illuminated sails projections at the Sydney Opera House and choose from a wide range of local cuisine including Bondi dining, fresh seafood, or even local food trucks!

VIVID Sydney Cruise: Join an evening harbor cruise and see the city light up in dazzling colors right before your eyes! A harbor dinner cruise is the perfect way to experience VIVID. Enjoy a delicious contemporary Australian dinner with the backdrop of the vibrant city lights. See the Opera House sails illuminated with stunning artwork displays as you taste delicious Australian flavors and sip on exquisite wines.

North Sydney: North Sydney centers around family-friendly fun! Families and visitors alike can enjoy many fun attractions including roving performers like human statues and jugglers and interactive light installations. Have the opportunity to personally select and customize the lighting effects on Sydney Harbour Bridge as well! Visitors who are looking for a place to eat in this area should look at The Deck at Luna Park Sydney. This local spot boasts spectacular views of the Sydney Harbour – ideal for your Vivid Sydney experience. Ripples Milson’s Point is a key spot to capture the essence of relaxed dining with an Italian inspired menu. Aqua Dining is an award-winning restaurant offering the freshest Australian produce.
The Rocks Market: The Rocks is located on the foreshore of the harbor placing it right in the heart of all the Vivid Sydney action! Follow the amazing Light Walk and view brilliant light installations. Also, have the opportunity to shop at The Rocks Vivid Night Markets.

Dawes Point: This precinct offers a wide variety of entertainment and stunning views of the Sydney Harbour. Enjoy a range of different food options as you see amazing installations and projections.

The MCA: The home of The Vivid Ideas Exchange Lounge. Located on the 6th level of the MCA building, The Vivid Ideas Exchange Lounge hosts many Vivid Ideas sessions. Watch how creativity comes to life!

Road closures and special event clearways will be in place in the Sydney Central Business District, The Rocks and Walsh Bay during the festival. There will be plenty of extra public transport services available during the festival as well.

For more information on Vivid Sydney and transportation to Vivid events, please click here.

Photo Credit: Daniel Boud, Vivid Sydney

Days 3 to 8 - Free Days to Explore Sydney

With Sydney at your fingertips, take the chance to explore the Darling Harbour area at your leisure, which is a modern collection of Shopping Malls, Parkland, Restaurants and Harbour Front activities.

Walk to Circular Quay and catch a ferry to our wonderful harbour-side Taronga Park Zoo, or take the 30 minute ferry ride to Manly Beach, Sydney’s premier beach resort. Here you can enjoy the laid back beach culture as well as many festivals and events. If you prefer to stay closer to downtown Sydney, Bondi Beach is approximately a 10 minute train ride and is one of Australia’s most famous and iconic beaches. Save some time to take a beach walk from Bondi Beach to Bronte Beach, it’s known to be a true highlight. If visiting on a weekend then go to the Rocks Market and shop for local Arts, Crafts & unique Australian Souvenirs.

Optional Night Tour (Not Included) - Sydney Harbour Vivid Bridgeclimb

Experience the breathtaking panoramic views of Sydney during its grand Vivid Sydney celebration, while scaling the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Feel on top of the world as you journey along the upper arch to the peak of an Australian icon, soaking in the stories from your expert climb leader and the sights of the harbor and the city skyline that surround you. With the summit in your sight, you will journey along the bridge’s upper arch on the Opera House side until you hit the top. After a celebration with your group, you will cross to the west-side to make your descent to the base, all while taking in the beautiful Sydney scenery around you.

Operates
Daily between May 26th – June 17th
Departs at 4:00pm or 5:00pm
Tour is 3 hours (approx.)
This tour only operates during Vivid Sydney

Includes
– Expert commentary
– Commemorative hat
– Certificate of achievement

Need to Know
Under 8 not recommended and no more than 3 children per adult (all must be at least 4 ft tall). Please fill out declaration form for health and safety and expecting parent and over the age of 75 needs certificate of fitness from doctor. Due to the climbing equipment and for safety, personal belongings such as cell phones, cameras, and jewelry will be stored in lockers during the climb. Tour operates in most weather conditions, but may be changed or cancelled. Please wear comfortable active-wear appropriate for the weather, and sturdy, closed-toe, non-slip shoes.

Optional Tour (Not Included) - Sydney Harbour Cruise, Taronga Zoo & Sky Safari

Enjoy this single day unlimited ferry pass to explore the beautiful Sydney Harbour and the magnificent attractions that surround it, including your pass into the Taronga Zoo and a trip on the cable-car ride in the sky!

Discover Sydney the local way with this 1 day unlimited ferry pass to travel the harbor. Stops along the way include Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, Watson’s Bay, Manly, Clifton Gardens, and Shark Island. Enjoy the flexibility of exploring while you travel at your leisure soaking in the harbor air on your way to your next destination! While making your trip around the harbor, you will have entry into the amazing Taronga Zoo and a breathtaking ride on the cable-car in the sky!

Hop off to enjoy these harbor attractions:
Circular Quay: Bounded by the Sydney Harbour Bridge and historic Rocks district to the west, and the Sydney Opera House and Botanic Gardens to the east, Circular Quay is a bustling ferry hub.
Taronga Zoo: Over 4,000 animals, including Australian native wildlife. Free daily seal and bird shows. Purchase the Zoo and Explorer combo and save.
Shark Island: It would be hard to find a more spectacular picnic spot. Stunning, 360-degree views of Sydney Harbour and a delightfully deserted national park for your own private getaway.
Watsons Bay: Local must-do `Watto’ is famous for its seafood, waterfront pubs, picnic spots, swimming beaches and spectacular headlands walks overlooking the Harbour and the Pacific Ocean.
Manly Beach: You don’t have to swim at this iconic beach to soak up the atmosphere. Shop at the Corso, dine at waterfront cafés, find your favorite gelato flavor or take a nature walk.
Darling Harbour: Start or finish your day at Darling Harbour, surrounded by restaurants, nightclubs and hotels at King Street Wharf, Barangaroo and Cockle Bay.
Clifton Gardens: Clifton Gardens is a beachside oasis in the affluent Harbour suburb of Mosman. The netted beach, long jetty and gentle waves makes it perfect for picnics, swimming and snorkeling.

Operates
Daily
Hours: Sunday & Thursday 12:00pm-7:30pm, Friday & Saturday 12:00pm-10:00pm, Monday – Wednesday (Select dates & times)
(Cable-car and Taronga Zoo times may vary)
Does not operate on Christmas, December 26 – 27, New Year’s Day, January 26, April 25, June 12, and October 2

Includes
– 1 Day unlimited ferry pass to travel Sydney Harbour
– Entry into Taronga Zoo
– Admission for a Sky Safari cable-car ride

Need to Know
– Guided commentary is available through smart phone app. Download the app through your smartphone prior to boarding. Must use your own headphones.
– Additional cost to enter Fort Dension, Taronga Zoo, and Shark Island (closed February 10, 2023 and February 22, 2023)
– Please bring sunscreen, a water bottle, and wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes
– Cable-car can be ridden into the Taronga Zoo entrance
– The cable-car ride is subject to weather and operational conditions

Upgrades
– Premium sightseeing tours
– Whale watching tours

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Rocks Aboriginal Dreaming Tour

Discover the natural and cultural history of Sydney through the eyes of the Aboriginal people who have lived here for thousands of years. Explore The Rocks, Sydney’s historic harbor precinct, on a guided walking tour uncovering the authentic Aboriginal heritage of Sydney Harbour and learn how modern Aboriginal people maintain their cultural practices in such a dynamic global city.

The Rocks Dreaming Aboriginal Heritage Tour is 100% Aboriginal owned and was developed by Aboriginal Elder, Margret Campbell, a Dunghutti-Jerrinjah woman. It is led by Aboriginal guides who share cultural knowledge and interpretation of Sydney’s Dreamtime symbology and creation, a living history passed down through generations. Learn how the Dreamtime ties within Sydney’s natural billion-year-old saltwater harbor and marine environment, sandstone strata, fresh waterways, flora, and fauna that continue to influence Aboriginal people’s thinking and lifestyle today in modern Sydney.

This 90-minute walkabout tour in The Rocks is a perfect introduction of Aboriginal culture. It highlights the perspective of Sydney’s Dreamtime heritage that is intimate, enlightening, and transformative.

Operates

Daily, on request. Does not operate on Christmas Day (December 25) and Good Friday.

Departs at 10:30am and returns 12:00pm, lasting approximately 1.5 hours (90 minutes).

Includes

– Local Aboriginal basic ceremonial greeting (good manners) that connect to Dreamtime Custodian Characters who Belong to Sydney Harbour’s saltwater sunrise and freshwater environment.
– Knowledgeable Aboriginal guides.
– Discover Aboriginals’ acknowledgement of “country” using Earth Mother’s traditional ochre paint.
– Discover everyday resources/equipment manufactured from natural environment – its origin source of cultural objects and materials harvested from landscape and handle small samples.
– Learn about the story of Aboriginal Dreamtime, it’s origin, history and how culture evolved.
– Understanding the connection of modern Sydney and the Aboriginal Dreaming in The Rocks Sydney.
 
Need to Know
– Tour participants are required to follow COVID19 safety measures as directed by guide
– Tour departs at Cadman’s Cottage courtyard area (110 George Street, The Rocks).
– The tour operates rain or shine
– Please wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a hat, and bring a bottle of water.

Upgrades
-Privates tours available

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Blue Mountains Deluxe Day Tour - Full Day

The Blue Mountains Deluxe Day is a real journey into the heart of a unique World Heritage Region. From temperate rainforests to towering sandstone escarpments, you’ll see and experience it all. Let the landscape work its wonders and become part of you for a lifetime.

Upon departing from the city, you will travel directly to the Blue Mountains and your first stop of the day is at Calmsley Hill Farm a working farm also home to Kangaroo, Emu, Wombat and Koala. Enjoy morning tea and time to wander at leisure.

From Calmsley Hill you will continue to ascend the Blue Mountains via the highway. Visit one of a range of stunning outlooks of the Jamison Valley seeing beautiful vistas. Where possible this will be away from the crowds of tours that visit the mountains each day with other operators, thus you will have the opportunity to enjoy a stress and hurry free environment taking in the views and information imparted by your guide.

Continuing on you will arrive at Eaglehawk Lookout, a remote lookout points away from the crowds for views of the famous 3 Sisters. Whilst the Blue Mountains features so much more than this natural attraction you can’t help but admire the unquestionable beauty of this amazing rock formation. The character of the Three Sisters changes throughout the day and throughout the seasons as the sunlight brings out the magnificent colors. Here your guide will discuss the legends behind this famous rock formation and time available for you to take some great photos.

Next you will be taken around the mountain towards the village of Blackheath and our lunch venue the Boiler House Cafe. Here in this relaxed venue with stunning views, you can enjoy a 2-course lunch with tea or coffee. All diets are catered for (excluding Kosher Meals). Please note that beverages can be purchased at your own expense from the Bar.

The afternoon is spent visiting a selection of lookouts. Once you clap your eyes on the view from Govetts Leap you’ll know why it’s one of the most famous lookouts in Australia. The magnificent waterfall drops a whopping 180m to the base of the cliff. If you’re not mesmerized by the dancing waves of water spray, you’ll be transfixed by the sweeping views down the valley to the Grose Wilderness.

Then take a brief stop to enjoy a glass of sparkling wine or orange juice at the delightful Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens, where you can enjoy the sweeping views across to Sydney before traveling down the Bells Line of Road to arrive back at your hotel approximately 4:30pm.

Operates

Daily.

Need to Know

This is a specialized small group tour with a maximum group size of 17 passengers.
Minimum of 2 guests required for tour departure.

Times

Pick-up from Sydney CBD hotel between: 7:00am – 7:30am.
Drop-off at Sydney CBD hotel between: 4:30pm – 5:00pm.
 
Inclusions

– Professional Guide
– Hotel pickup & drop off from Sydney CBD
– Small group touring
– Morning tea
– National Park Fees
– 2-Course Lunch (Beverages with meals are not included)
– Glass of Sparkling Wine
– Mt Tomah visit

Upgrades

Private Touring

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Hunter Valley Wine Tour - Full Day

Explore the fertile Hunter Valley and taste delicious food and awardwinning wines. Enjoy private vineyard inspections and learn of the winemaking process. Spend time strolling in the vineyards, purchase some wine or simply enjoy the beautiful Australian countryside.

Admire the magnificent views of the Hawkesbury River on your drive through the Central Coast. The Hunter Valley is home to Australia’s oldest wine-producing region and owes its fame to world-class viticulturists and fertile soils.

Enjoy a private wine tasting experience at Leogate Estate Wines, which produces trophy-winning wines such as Chardonnay, Semillon and Shiraz, and learn of local wine-making techniques. Visit Hunter Valley Resort, where you can walk among the vines and learn about the wine-making process and the key role the resort plays in this region.

Enjoy lunch made with local produce, while you sample some of the area’s best wines. You’ll also have the chance to purchase a beer tasting paddle from the on-site brewery. The McGuigan family are respected pioneers of the industry and at their cellar door you’ll be greeted warmly and welcomed to a tasting of their fine wines.

Finish the day at Roche Estate, where you’ll have free time to explore the shops offering Australian cheeses at the Smelly Cheese Shop and gourmet delights plus coffee, gelato, craft beer and cellar doors (own expense).

Operates

Daily

Times

Sydney CBD hotel Pick-up 7:45 – 8:00am & Return 6:30pm (approximate times)
 
Inclusions

– 3 Wine Tastings
– Lunch
– Experienced Driver Guide
– Comprehensive commentary
– Travel in an air-conditioned coach

Upgrades

Upgrade to a Small Group Luxury Tour

Optional Lunch Cruise (Not Included) - Sydney Cruise Like a Local (4 Hours)

Treat yourself to one of Sydney Harbor’s most sensational lunch cruises! This small group cruise offers the experienced traveler a personalized service like no other. You’ll feel as if you are spending the day aboard your savvy local mate’s yacht while he shows you around his favorite spots.

Enjoy the company of a small group aboard a 52-foot motor yacht. Your personal captain and host will share the rich history of Sydney Harbor and its foreshore as you take in the sites of the Sydney Harbor Bridge, the Sydney Opera House and the bays and coves of Sydney Harbor.

Enjoy a 3-course BBQ lunch with regional wines, local beers and 5-star service. Immerse yourself in all the activities that a private vessel offers including, swimming, fishing and kayaking – or sit back, relax on the expansive sunbed and do nothing at all.
 
Operates
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday except 18Dec-7Jan when the cruise operates daily.
Departs from Circular Quay at 12:30pm, Returns 4:30pm

Includes:
– Four-hour cruise
– 3 course BBQ lunch
– Regional wines and local beers
– On board activities such as swimming, fishing and kayaking
– Live commentary

Upgrades:
Can be booked on a private basis

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Wildlife in the Wild - Full Day

This is an exceptional opportunity to venture into the Australian Bush in search of Australia’s iconic native animals. We like to call them Australia’s Big 5! – Koalas, Kangaroos, Platypus, Emus & Wombats – all classic Australian natives that you won’t find in any other place on earth.

This is an in-the-wild experience, traveling to private farmland and swathes of quintessential, pristine Australian Bushland in the Southern Highlands, just 90 minutes south of Sydney.

Your small group, maximum 10, will travel in a luxury 4WD equipped for great wildlife-viewing with a specialist Naturalist Guide to interpret all. Walk through towering forests of Grey Gums in search of koalas, look for platypus in the rivers, and drive through woodlands & pastures as mobs of kangaroos and emus feed.

After dinner, a night-spotting foray lets you see nocturnal wombats, gliders and possums. We follow Nature’s guidelines, seeking out the animals when they’re most active, with a noon to evening tour that includes a light lunch (winter months) or afternoon tea (summer months) and hearty country-style dinner in one of Australia’s oldest country inns.

This is an exceptional way to see Australian wildlife in its natural environment.

Operates

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday or by request.

Need to Know

Tour is not suitable for children under 6 years or travelers with mobility issues or walking aids. Maximum group size 10 travelers.
 
Times

– Summer (Oct – March) Tours with Afternoon Tea & Dinner – Depart between 1:00pm-2:00pm & Return at 10:30pm.
– Winter (Apr – Sept) Tours with Lunch & Dinner – Departs between 11:30am-12:00pm & Return at 10:00pm.

Inclusions

– Friendly & knowledgeable guides that really care about what they do. Authentic experiences off the busy tourist trails giving you the best opportunities for those all-important holiday snaps.
– Small group sizes giving the flexibility to help make the most of your day.
– Luxury transport to ensure your trip is comfortable from beginning to end.
– Pick up and drop off from many city hotels or convenient central locations.
– No zoos or nature parks – just thousands of acres of pristine bush and farmland.
– Afternoon and evening tour to put you in the right place at the right time to see the wildlife.
– Includes lunch or afternoon tea plus a hearty country-style dinner at one of Australia’s oldest pubs.
– Great for small groups, with safari-style driving, easy bush walks, animals, adventure and outdoor fun.

Upgrades

Upgrade to a Private Tour

Insider's Tip: Australian Opals

Altmann & Cherny is a family owned jewellery business in Sydney with an international reputation for excellence in opals and is one of the World’s foremost Australian Opal authorities.

Australia is known as the country of origin for this splendid stone with 95% of the world’s precious gem opal found exclusively in Australia. The Australian opal displays all the colors of the rainbow; holding a spectrum of colors found in nature. It is these contrasts that make opals a truly fascinating and unique gemstone, with no two opals appearing exactly the same. In the Middle Ages the Romans considered opal a stone that could provide great luck, as it was believed to possess all the virtues of Emeralds, Sapphires and Rubies.

Established in 1948 in hopes of sharing this unique gemstone with the world, they have built a reputation of providing the highest level of quality, service and value for three generations. Their mantra has always been and will continue to be – “Excellence in service, quality and value.” So come share in this unique experience to learn more about Australian Opals at Altmann & Cherny!

Altman + Cherny
18 Pitt St., Sydney, NSW 2000 / Ph: 61 (02) 9251 9477

Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:30am – 5:30pm / Saturday & Sunday 10:00am – 4:00pm

Day 9 - Shuttle Transfer, Sydney Accommodation to Airport

Travel by shuttle from your vacation accommodation in Sydney, Australia, to the Airport.

 
Detailed Pricing
Approximate Pricing Double Occupancy Sole Occupancy Permitted USA Departure Dates & Fare Rules
Land Content Only $1,723 $3,097 International return flights from the USA are not included. Please see detailed itinerary (above) for more information on inclusions. Itinerary can commence any day (subject to availability).
Special (Economy Class) $2,813 $4,187 2024-08-07 00:00:00 - 2024-09-18 00:00:00
USA Departures: 07AUG24 - 18SEP24. Expires 26 JUN 2024.
International Return Flights from the USA (Los Angeles) are included. Non-Refundable, Non-Changeable. Other Dates may also apply. For details phone Toll-Free: (888)359 2877
Basic (Economy Class) $3,659 $5,033 Basic: May 1 - Jun 8 & Jul 24 - Sep 21, 2022. International Return Flights from the USA (Los Angeles) are included. Non-Refundable. Changeable (Fees Apply). Subject to Availability.
Shoulder (Economy Class) $3,866 $5,240 Shoulder: Feb 1 - Apr 30, Jun 9 - Jul 23 & Sep 22 - Dec 8, 2022. International Return Flights from the USA (Los Angeles) are included. Non-Refundable. Changeable (Fees Apply). Subject to Availability.
Peak (Economy Class) $4,383 $5,757 Peak: Dec 9, 2022 - Jan 31, 2023. International Return Flights from the USA (Los Angeles) are included. Non-Refundable. Changeable (Fees Apply. Subject to Availability.
Premium (Economy Class) $6,635 $8,009 Premium Economy Class International Return Flights from the USA (Los Angeles) are included. Change and Cancellation Fees Apply. Subject to Availability.
Business Class $8,244 $9,618 Business Class International Return Flights from the USA (Los Angeles) are included. Subject to Availability.
First Class $19,446 $20,820 First Class International Return Flights from the USA (Los Angeles) are included. Subject to Availability.
  • a) All prices are USD$/person (including all Taxes). Subject to availability and seasonality. Other Conditions Apply (see Terms and Conditions).
  • b) Land Content Only represents the pricing for the full itinerary as detailed, except the International Flights from the USA (and return) are NOT included.
  • c) An Infant (Lapchild) must be less than 2 years old on the date of departure. Infant must travel with at least one adult. An infant with a seat pays the price of a Child.
  • d) A Child must be aged between 2-11 years on the date of departure. Child must travel with at least one adult.