Stay Local In Melbourne Longer

Arrive in Melbourne and meet your local guide at the pier. Check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Set out to discover the city’s artful nature on a stroll along the Yarra River through bohemian streets and eclectic neighborhoods or pop into a lively pub or café to mix and mingle with the locals. Regroup for dinner at the hotel—a great chance to get to know your fellow travelers a little better.

This morning, venture out to discover the flavors of Melbourne on the Ultimate Foodie Tour. Follow a local guide through the city on a culinary quest that brings you tastings from some of the city’s favorite local haunts. Marvel at the diverse range of flavors, from Asian Fusion to contemporary Aussie fare. Afterwards, head back to the hotel for a little downtime before regrouping in the evening for a captivating Melbourne ritual. Visit Phillip Island to witness the nightly parade of Fairy Penguins as they shuffle from the ocean back to their sandy burrows. Dinner on the island tops off this unforgettable day.

Board the Puffing Billy Railway and set off on a rumbling ride through the rugged Yarra Valley. You’ll journey for 7.5 panoramic miles, soaking up amazing views of Australia’s desolate bushlands, fern gullies, ancient forests, and commanding Dandenong Ranges. Relax amid Victorian-style railcars and venture into the open-air viewing carriages, all pulled by an authentic steam engine. Enjoy the romance of rail travel on this one-hour experience with views that can’t be found any other way. Then, board your coach and head to a winery in the Yarra Valley, Victoria’s main wine region, where you can taste 4 wines and have a 2-course lunch accompanied by a glass of wine. Return to the hotel by late afternoon for some time on your own. Later, regroup for dinner.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading to the port to begin your Azamara® voyage, a journey that’s sure to be full of more great discoveries.