Page 12 - AAA Central Penn – AAA Now! – July/August 2019

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Wonders of the South Pacific
Vast, ethereal landscapes. Aboriginal cultures. Fascinating wildlife. Cosmopolitan cities. And one iconic reef. If you’re lucky enough to make your way to the South Pacific, you’ll be in store for an
largest and most populous area in the country. This is where one third of New Zealand locals reside, dating back to 1350 when the Maori people – New Zealand’s indigenous natives – came to populate the land. Just 150 miles north of Auckland is the beautiful Bay of Islands, located in New Zealand’s balmy subtropical north. Over 144 islands dot these warm waters. The bay is abundant with thrilling marine life like marlin, whales, dolphins, seals, and penguins. Once the refuge of ship deserters, sailors, whalers, ex-convicts and other rogues, the Bay of Islands is now a tranquil vacation destination.
Over on South Island you’ll find the resort town
of Queenstown. The city is built around an inlet
called Queenstown Bay on Lake Wakatipu and has spectacular views of nearby mountains and the snow- capped Southern Alps. While on the South Island, the natural wonder Mt. Cook is a must-see. The highest mountain in New Zealand at a staggering 12,218 feet in height, Mt. Cook is popular with mountain climbers looking for a challenge as well as nature lovers and casual hikers. With its disparate landscapes that take you from glittering glaciers to steamy geothermal pools, to its unique Maori culture and resort towns, these two remarkable islands are worth a stop while in the Southern Hemisphere.
The South Pacific continues to be an alluring bucket list destination for those looking for a far-flung adventure like no other. If you’re ready to make your way “Down Under” and see incredible highlights like this, embark to Oceania with AAA on the South Pacific Wonders tour.
Tunforgettable journey.
he South Pacific, a region also known as Oceania,
is diverse in offerings and thus once you venture to the Southern Hemisphere you’ll see that this incredible region is for every type of traveler –
thrill seekers, outdoor enthusiasts, foodies, and fashionable urbanites. Let’s explore some of the iconic destinations Oceania is known for.
Many travelers start their sojourn through
the South Pacific in Australia. From beaches to “barbies,” koalas to kangaroos and the Outback to the ocean, this island-country-continent is brimming with much to do and see. Australia’s stunning capital city, Sydney, offers a delightful blend of chic city life with glittering beaches. The first British settlers founded the city of Sydney
in 1788, but it is said that the area had been inhabited for many years. In fact, archeologists
believe the continent has remnants proving it was the oldest human civilization with ancient artifacts dating between 40,000 to 120,000 years old. Today, this lively metropolis is renowned for its natural features such as Sydney Harbour and Bondi Beach, as well as
its man-made marvels like the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
While the majority
of Australians live in urbanized areas along the southern and eastern coast, the center of Australia boasts about 2.5 million square miles of unspoiled – largely uninhabited – natural wilderness, better known as “the Outback.” The Outback offers a whole new perspective on Australia with natural landmarks like the imposing Ayers Rock, Great Victoria Desert, and Kakadu National Park.
New Zealand is another must-visit destination of Oceania. New Zealand has two main islands: North Island and South Island. On North Island, you’ll find Auckland, the
JOIN US ON THIS TRIP
down under
January 21 – February 4, 2020
SOUTH PACIFIC WONDERS
15 days, 21 meals, Air-Inclusive from Philadelphia, PA $7,789* Double Occupancy - $9,369* Single Occupancy
DEPOSIT BY JULY 23, 2019 AND RECEIVE A $300 PER PERSON SAVINGS Also available: 4-Day, 3-Night Fiji Post Tour Extension
Highlights: Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Sydney, Christchurch, Queenstown, Milford Sound
Sydney Harbor
Great Barrier Reef
Call 888-743-2844 for more information.
*Rates are subject to availability at time of booking with limited availability on single accommodations. Included in the rates are; free parking with roundtrip transfers to Philadelphia International Airport, roundtrip airfare from Philadelphia to Australia, included taxes, fees and fuel surcharges which are subject to change, 12 nights hotel accommodations, 21 meals, sightseeing and services of a professional tour manager. Fiji Extension is not included in the rates. Call for full details.
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JULY/AUGUST 2019 – DISCOVERIES EDITION
Now!