Seniors Coach Tours, Young at Heart Holidays and Australian Air Holidays have arranged an exclusive use charter of the MV Captain Cook Explorer, the ship we use for the YAH Sydney and Weekend harbour cruise holiday itinerary. Enjoy 4 nights on Sydney Harbour with daily cruising. A floating “stay put” Autumn holiday combined with “premium” seats at an evening performance of La Traviata. We alight from Captain Cook Explorer at Man O War Steps Jetty adjacent to Sydney Opera House.
One of the greatest operas ever written, Verdi’s La Traviata is presented here for the first time under the stars in a large-scale production with spectacular sets, beautiful costumes, dazzling lighting effects, fireworks and a huge 9 metre chandelier suspended above a purpose-built, shimmering, floating stage. The Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and the city skyline will provide the magnificent backdrop. Enjoy “premium” seats at the performance.
Note: Passengers need to have a mobility level which includes using stairs between decks on the MV Captain Cook Explorer. This holiday is not suitable for passengers wishing to bring walkers.
Day 1 (L,D) HOME, SYDNEY, PARRAMATTA RIVER
Following metropolitan home pick up (Melbourne passengers) we join the Qantas midday flight to Sydney. Coach transfer to King Street Wharf to board our home for four nights, MV Captain Cook Explorer. Afternoon cruise up the Parramatta River, afternoon tea served on route. Cocktails, dinner with music and the beautiful setting of Sydney Harbour by night. Anchor overnight near the Sydney Zoo.
Day 2 (B,L,D) LANE COVE RIVER, HUNTERS HILL, LA TRAVIATA (half group)
Those wishing a morning exercise walk go ashore at 7:00 a.m. Others relax with breakfast at 9:00 a.m. Morning cruise up the Lane Cove River. Afternoon visit to historic suburb of Hunters Hill. Later meet Captain Hunter for an afternoon Captain’s talk. Dinner on board. Tonight half of our group attend the performance of La Traviata, coach transfers to this spectacular event. Other passengers may choose to remain on board or visit Sydney Tower, view the city and harbour from this revolving lookout in the heart of the city. Tonight we moor in Farm Cove, close to the Opera House.
Day 3 (B,L,D) BOTANIC GARDENS/SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE, WATSONS BAY
Early exercise if you wish, breakfast at 9:00 a.m. This morning choose either a walk in the Botanic Gardens or a tour of the Sydney Opera House. Enjoy lunch while we cruise to Watsons Bay. A local tour guide joins us on this visit. See the famous Doyles restaurant, taste its famous “fish and chips”. A highlight tonight is the Captain’s Dinner. Tonight we anchor at Berry’s Bay.
Day 4 (B,L,D) KING STREET WHARF, LA TRAVIATA (half group)
Early exercise if you wish, breakfast at 9:00 a.m. We spend the morning at King Street Wharf , adjacent to Darling Harbour. Explore this hub of the city, ride the monorail if you wish (own expense) or relax on board. Lunch on board as we cruise. Tonight the “other half” of our group attend the performance of La Traviata, coach transfers to this spectacular event. Other passengers may choose to remain on board or visit Sydney Tower, view the city and harbour from this revolving lookout in the heart of the city. Tonight we moor off Taronga Zoo.
Day 5 (B,L) SYDNEY, HOME
Sadly we prepare to depart and, following breakfast at 9:00 a.m., disembark at 10:30 from our starting point, King Street wharf. An enjoyable “on land” lunch together prior to our afternoon flight home. Melbourne passengers are due to arrive at 4:30 p.m. and home/hotel transfers follow. So concludes a unique and most enjoyable floating “Sydney Opera” holiday.
