Spirit of Freedom/Lissenung Opt 2 [CD1098A]
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16 Days / 14 Nights - Sydney, Papua New Guinea and The Great Barrier Reef
Sydney, Lissenung, Cairns and Live-Aboard Diving Expedition
This itinerary departs from the USA on Wednesday. Stay in Sydney 3 nights and the travel to Lissenung Island for 5 nights. Travel to Cairns for two nights before you board the diving vessel the next day (Monday). After disembarking from the dive vessel stay in Cairns for one more night. Your arrival day back into the USA will be on Friday.
Just north of Australia lies Papua New Guinea - The Land of the Unexpected. Lissenung Island has a white sandy beach, tall palm trees, beautiful flowers and magnificent sunsets.
Australia's northeastern town of tropical Cairns is the gateway for two of the world's greatest diving icons, the Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea. Cairns is also the home base for the Spirit of Freedom Diving Expedition.
Travel Package Features
- Accommodation - Sydney (3 Nights), Lissenung (5 Nights), Cairns (2 Nights), Live -Aboard Dive Expedition (3 Nights), Cairns (1 Night)
- International Flights - Los Angeles to Sydney, Sydney to Port Moresby, Port Moresby to Cairns, Brisbane to Los Angeles
- Papua New Guinea Domestic Flights - Port Moresby to Kavieng, Kavieng to Port Moresby
- Australian Domestic Flights - Cairns to Brisbane
- Australian Live-Aboard Spirit of Freedom Diving Expedition includes: Opportunity for up to 11 dives, En-suite cabin with daily service, Chef prepared meals, Australian wine & soft drinks with evening meals.
- Shuttle Transfers - Sydney Airport to Accommodation (return), Cairns Airport to Accommodation (return)
- Boat Transfers - Kavieng Airport to Lissenung Island (return)
- All Other Day Tours are Optional and not included
- Visa Issuance for entry into Australia (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.
Travel Package Detailed Itinerary
- Day 1 (Wed) - International Flight, Los Angeles to Sydney
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Travel to Australia on your vacation. After departing from Los Angeles you will be provided with an evening meal. You can relax, have a drink, watch a movie, review your itinerary or just rest. You will be given Breakfast before landing in Sydney, Australia. (You lose one day crossing the International Date Line but don't worry you catch it up again on your return flight to the USA)
Please confirm with the airlines at Check-in that they have all your Frequent Flyer information on record. - Day 2 (Fri) - Shuttle Transfer, Sydney Airport to Accommodation
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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 5 (Fri-Mon) - 3 Nights Accommodation in Sydney
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Travel to your accommodation in Sydney, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 3 nights.
Embrace Sydney's best location with this four star vacation accommodation ideally nestled in the heart of the city. Overlooking Wynyard Park you will enjoy this icon of time-honored tradition, warm hospitality and friendly personal service. Just a short stroll away from many famous attractions including the Sydney Opera House, The Rocks, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour, The Royal Botanical Gardens and more. You will love the luxury of the close accessibility to public transportation including light rail access, train station, the bus system and nearby Circular Quay which will allow you to see much more of Sydney and surrounds. Featuring: 446 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, 2 restaurants, 4 bars, indoor heated pool, sauna, spa, and gymnasium. Amenities: air conditioning, daily maid service, fridge, iron & board, radio channels, shower, coffee & tea, ensuite bathroom, hair dryer, shaving adaptor, sprinklers, smoke detectors, television, telephone, internet access (broadband), data port, wake up calls, mini bar, and 24 hour room service. With all this and more take time out to experience the wonders of Sydney while enjoying all your accommodation has to offer.
Upgrade Available (Upon Request): Stunning 5 Star Property - Fees Apply - Day 5 (Mon) - Shuttle Transfer, Sydney Accommodation to Airport
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Travel by shuttle from your vacation accommodation in Sydney, Australia, to the Airport.
- Day 5 (Mon) - International Flight, Sydney to Port Moresby
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International flight from Sydney to Port Moresby.
- Day 5 (Mon) - Papau New Guinea Domestic Flight, Port Moresby to Kavieng
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Travel within Papua New Guinea by domestic air from Port Moresby to Kavieng.
- Days 5 to 10 (Mon-Sat) - 5 Nights Accommodation on LIssenung Island
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Picture a small private island with a white sandy beach, tall palm trees, beautiful flowers, magnificent sunsets and traditional bungalows.
Situated on the northwestern end of the island of New Ireland, you find yourself in this small, laid-back town. Often referred to as a typical "Somerset Maugham" South Pacific island setting, you are now right between two crystal clear oceans: The South Pacific in the north and the Bismarck Sea in the south. Surrounding this beautiful hideaway are some of the most colourful reefs and the best fish life this planet has to offer. - Lissenung Diving Information:
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Daily boat trips to the outer reefs, drop offs and wrecks with a maximum of 3 dives per day are offered. We usually start at 9 am with 2 morning dives and return to the island for lunch. In the afternoon, you can either go out for a third boat dive, relax on the island or do a shore dive at Lissenung.
For divers staying at Lissenung, these afternoon shore dives are free of charge! With almost 175 different species of fish, this is a nice little added bonus! Our house reef is also the spot to do night dives, with another whole bunch of different fish, molluscs and crustaceans coming out to play and feed.
Due to the fact that they are a dedicated dive resort, and thus work around the diving and the best conditions for diving, departure times may be changed to suit our guest's wishes and the conditions. This means that we may depart at 8 am in order to catch an incoming current, and hopefully lots of fish, at our chosen dive sites for that day.
A typical day at Lissenung looks a bit like this:
7.00-8.30am Breakfast
9.00am Boat departs for 2 morning dives
approx.1.00pm Lunch (this basically happens whenever the boat returns from the diving)
2.30pm-late 3rd boat dive, free shore-diving on the house reef or time to relax
7.00pm Dinner
8.30pm Night Dive - Day 10 (Sat) - Papua New Guinea Domestic Flight, Kavieng to Port Moresby
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Travel within Papua New Guinea by domestic air from Kavieng to Port Moresby.
- Day 10 (Sat) - International Flight, Port Moresby to Cairns
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Depart Port Moresby Airport in Papua New Guinea and fly to Cairns.
- Day 10 (Sat) - Shuttle Transfer, Cairns Airport to Accommodation
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Travel by shuttle from the Cairns Airport to your vacation accommodation in Cairns, Australia.
<b>Need to Know</b>
Luggage Restrictions: 1 checked bag and 1 hand luggage is free of charge per person in the shuttle. Additional luggage is 10$ each. Strollers are free. Bikes need to be in a bike bag. Fishing rods need to be broken down and in a container. - Days 10 to 12 (Sat-Mon) - 2 Nights Accommodation in Cairns
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Enjoy 2 nights at your 4-Star CAIRNS accommodation.
Nestled in the tropical paradise of Cairns, this remarkable hotel captivates guests with its warm hospitality, exceptional service, and breathtaking views. The accommodations offer a harmonious blend of comfort and style, complemented by the hotel's prime location near dining, shopping, and cultural attractions. From the inviting restaurant to the attentive staff, every aspect ensures an unforgettable stay. Discover a tranquil oasis in Cairns that promises cherished memories for discerning travelers.
<b>Hotel Amenities</b>
Free Wi-Fi, Swimming Pool, 24-hr Reception, Luggage Storage, Bar, Restaurant, Paid Parking, Room Service
<b> Preferred Room</b>
Standard Room - 1 King or 2 Singles - Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Private Balcony ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Hairdryer ; Safe ; Smart TV.
<b>Room Upgrades</b>
Past T12-15 (Other Upgraded Room Types)
- Executive Room - 1 King or 2 Singles - Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Private Balcony ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Hairdryer ; Safe ; Esplanade, Trinity Inlet, or Ocean Views ; Flat Screen TV.
- Deluxe - 1 King or 2 Singles - Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Private Balcony ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Hairdryer ; Safe ; Flat Screen TV.
- Tropical Luxe - 1 King or 2 Singles - Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Same level as the pool deck ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Hairdryer ; Safe ; Pod coffee machine ; 42-inch Flat Screen TV.
- Tropical Luxe Premium - 1 King or 2 Singles - Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Pod Coffee Machine ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Luxury skincare & Hairdryer ; Safe ; Located on Levels 2 & 3 ; Washer & Dryer ; 50-inch Flat Screen TV ; Two-person bath.
<b>Need to know</b>
Hotel subject to availability. If this hotel is not available, a similar hotel will be substituted. Room booked will be preferred unless otherwise listed on your quote. - Days 12 to 15 (Mon-Thur) - 3 Nights Accommodation Live Aboard Diving Expedition
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For Live-Aboard diving enthusiasts this live aboard dive trip represents the ultimate dive vacation. Dives include Osprey Reef, on the Coral Sea with other sites such as Cod Hole, Dynamite Pass, North Horn, Bougainville Reef, Steve's Bommie, Temple of Doom and Flare Point. With Gourmet Meals and the Outstanding Level of Service you will feel like you are aboard your own private yacht.
Sample Itinerary
Departing: Cairns 12:00 noon Monday
Returning: Cairns 11:30 am Thursday
Trip Includes:
Transfers to/from Cairns city accommodation
Low level reef flight – Lizard Island to Cairns
Opportunity for up to 11 dives
En-suite cabin with daily service
Chef prepared meals
Australian wines & soft drinks with evening meals
Not-included (payable on board): Fuel & Marine Park Levies
Day 1: Boarding Spirit of Freedom at 11:15am at Trinity Wharf (complimentary transfers from Cairns city hotels are available) for a 12 noon departure. Lunch will be served on board while we cruise to the Great Barrier Reef to the north of Cairns, for an afternoon orientation dive and a twilight or night dive.
Day 2: Today we dive Steve's Bommie, on Ribbon Reef # 3. This is an isolated pinnacle that rises from 100 feet at its base to around 15 feet from the surface. Colourful antheas and a vast array of fish cover this bommie, while big eye trevally and barracuda hang out in the blue. Look for nudibranch and stonefish. Today we may also dive the Clam Gardens, where giant clams up to three feet across will amaze you. Some of our other favourite sites in this area of the Ribbons include Flare Point and the beautiful Gorgonia Wall.
Day 3: This morning we will dive the Cod Hole. This is a popular dive site famous for it's resident family of large Potato Cod, (Groper). Good opportunity for photographers. We may also dive Dynamite Pass, possibly as a drift dive, well known as a channel for sharks cruising from the Coral Sea to the Barrier Reef. This afternoon we may dive Lighthouse Bommie, where Golden sea snakes are frequently sighted. In the spring months this site is also a Manta Ray cleaning station. Other sites we may visit today include Challenger Bay and Pixie Wall. This evening we cruise into Watson's Bay on Lizard Island where we will overnight in the lea of the island.
Day 4: This morning, after a leisurely breakfast, you have the opportunity to go ashore and explore Lizard Island. At 10:30am you will board a twin-engine light aircraft at Lizard Island for your low level flight over the reef back to Cairns. Arriving back at Cairns airport at approximately 11:30am, the Spirit of Freedom courtesy coach will meet you for your transfer back to your Cairns city hotel. - Days 15 to 16 (Thur-Fri) - 1 Night Accommodation in Cairns
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Enjoy 1 night at your 4-Star CAIRNS accommodation.
Nestled in the tropical paradise of Cairns, this remarkable hotel captivates guests with its warm hospitality, exceptional service, and breathtaking views. The accommodations offer a harmonious blend of comfort and style, complemented by the hotel's prime location near dining, shopping, and cultural attractions. From the inviting restaurant to the attentive staff, every aspect ensures an unforgettable stay. Discover a tranquil oasis in Cairns that promises cherished memories for discerning travelers.
<b>Hotel Amenities</b>
Free Wi-Fi, Swimming Pool, 24-hr Reception, Luggage Storage, Bar, Restaurant, Paid Parking, Room Service
<b> Preferred Room</b>
Standard Room - 1 King or 2 Singles - Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Private Balcony ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Hairdryer ; Safe ; Smart TV.
<b>Room Upgrades</b>
Past T12-15 (Other Upgraded Room Types)
- Executive Room - 1 King or 2 Singles - Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Private Balcony ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Hairdryer ; Safe ; Esplanade, Trinity Inlet, or Ocean Views ; Flat Screen TV.
- Deluxe - 1 King or 2 Singles - Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Private Balcony ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Hairdryer ; Safe ; Flat Screen TV.
- Tropical Luxe - 1 King or 2 Singles - Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Same level as the pool deck ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Hairdryer ; Safe ; Pod coffee machine ; 42-inch Flat Screen TV.
- Tropical Luxe Premium - 1 King or 2 Singles - Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Pod Coffee Machine ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Luxury skincare & Hairdryer ; Safe ; Located on Levels 2 & 3 ; Washer & Dryer ; 50-inch Flat Screen TV ; Two-person bath.
<b>Need to know</b>
Hotel subject to availability. If this hotel is not available, a similar hotel will be substituted. Room booked will be preferred unless otherwise listed on your quote. - Day 16 (Fri) - Shuttle Transfer, Cairns Accommodation to Airport
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Travel by shuttle from your Cairns vacation accommodation to the Airport in Cairns, Australia.
<b>Need to Know</b>
Luggage Restrictions: 1 checked bag and 1 hand luggage is free of charge per person in the shuttle. Additional luggage is 10$ each. Strollers are free. Bikes need to be in a bike bag. Fishing rods need to be broken down and in a container. - Day 16 (Fri) - Australian Domestic Flight, Cairns to Brisbane
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Travel within Australia by domestic air from Cairns to Brisbane.
- Day 16 (Fri) - International Flight, Brisbane to Los Angeles
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Mid-day Departure from Brisbane, In-flight Dinner and Movie with arrival in the USA. Note: You will be traveling back across the International Date line so you will gain a day. You actually arrive in the USA on the same day you leave Australia.
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