Australia, Tasmania & New Zealand 21 Unforgettable days on a dreamy, luxury cruise liner

Tour start date February 11, 2020

Tour end date March 2, 2020

Price for land only not inc. international flights (Window) $ 8,350

Price for land only not inc. international flights (Balcony) $ 9,995

Single supplement (Window) $ 3,475

Oh, to sail and travel easily and conveniently, without carrying suitcases, and almost without changing hotels, along with a dream of natural wonders and a fairy-tale cruise, a dream of natural wonders. More than ninety percent of the southern hemisphere is covered with water. In its eastern part lie two fascinating countries, Australia and New Zealand, and the best way to visit them is in on a cruise, an amazing pleasure cruise. There is no need to change hotels; you can afford to indulge in the pleasures of life, as you sail on a ship whose only purpose is to provide you with relaxation and enjoyment at every moment. We are on board a luxury ship belonging to the fleet of one of the world's leading companies, Holland America. The Europeans discovered Australia in the seventeenth century. After the British lost their colonies in North America, it was only natural for them to accept, in return, as compensation, this new Crown Colony of the British Empire. From a barren land to which British prisoners were deported, it gradually became a thriving and flourishing country. Most of the population is of European origin, with a small Aboriginal minority. Australia has a significant and active Jewish community. Also, Australian and New Zealand soldiers took an active part in the defeat of the Ottoman forces during World War I, in the Gaza, Beer Sheva and Jerusalem areas. Australia's wealth places it near the top of the world economy, especially in the commodities market. It is the the world's largest exporter of iron ore, second largest producer of gold, the third largest producer of nickel and the fifth in copper. Australia has another fascinating treasure. The continent is the world's main habitat for pouch mammals. After a brief pregnancy, tiny newborns immediately crawl into the mother's pouch where they will continue to develop until they set out on their own. Almost two thousand kilometers from Australia lies New Zealand, which, as a neighbor, is also a member of the British Commonwealth. A group of large and small islands containing the largest meadows and sheep in the world, New Zealand is known for its spectacular landscapes and nature, and has become a magnet for millions of tourists a year. It combines a wide range of natural landscapes: rainforests, sand dunes, hot springs and glaciers.

Day 1, Tuesday, February 11, 2020: Melbourne, Philip Island

Departure from home gateway and flight to Melbourne, the capital city of Victoria and the second largest city in Australia. We’ll meet with the tour guide at the hotel. At 10:00AM,

we’ll head out to explore the green city, which lies on the banks of the Brown Yarra River. We’ll visit the city center and the train station, the National Museum and the monument to the Australian and New Zealand soldiers who died in the service of their countries. In the evening we’ll go out to Philip Island, renowned for the “Penguin Parade,” when the penguins come ashore every evening after sunset.

Day 2, Wednesday, February 12, 2020: Melbourne, Ocean Road

Today we’ll travel the Great Ocean Road and beyond for one of the world's most scenic coastal drives, and see the 12 Apostles, iconic surf breaks, waterfalls and Otway's Rainforest. In the evening we’ll fly to Sydney where we’ll spend the night.

Day 3, Thursday February 13, 2020: Sydney, the Blue Mountains

This morning we’ll set out for a magnificent day in the Blue Mountains. This is a beautiful reserve with magnificent forests of eucalyptus. Its name - “Blue Mountains” – comes from the thin blue fog that seems to pervade the area, thought by some to come from a reflection of light on the vapor of the Eucalyptus leaves. The forests are gigantic and they include tens of varieties of eucalyptus trees. We’ll visit a zoo that houses some animals that are typical of Australia: Wallabies, Kangaroos and Koala Bears. A selfie with any – or all - of these is in order! At the end of the day we’ll return to Sydney. Day 4, Friday February 14, 2020: Sydney Sydney, established in 1788 is built around Port Jackson, the largest natural harbor in the world. There are numerous small inlets creating small harbors and enchanting beaches. The sea plays an important part in the lives of the residents and sea sports are enjoyed by a large part of the population. The two most famous beaches are Bondi Beach and Manly Beach. The port, from which the ferries sail in addition, is located nearby the famous Sydney Opera House. During our visit we will see Darling Harbor, Hyde Park, The Cathedral of Saint Mary, and the Parliament House. In the afternoon we will visit the Royal Botanic Gardens of Sydney, an oasis of 30 hectares in the heart of the city. Wrapped around Farm Cove at the edge of Sydney Harbor, the gardens occupy one of Sydney's most spectacular positions. Established in 1816, it is the oldest scientific institution in the country and is home to an outstanding collection of plants from Australia and overseas. From the rare and threatened plants of the world to the romantic rose garden, the themed garden areas show the diverse beauty of nature. Special features include: Cadi Jam Ora - First Encounters is a garden display that remembers and acknowledges the Cadigal - the original inhabitants of Sydney's city

center - and their relationship with this land. Prepare for Shabbat. Day 5, Shabbat, February 15, 2020: Sydney After prayers and Shabbat meals we will take a walking tour of the hotel area.

Day 6, Sunday February 16, 2020: Sydney – All Aboard!

In the morning we will have more time to enjoy the city and at noon we drive to the Harbor and board our luxurious Holland America Cruise Ship MS Maasdam and settle-in for an unforgettable voyage.

Ship: Ms. Massdam

Some details about the magnificent MS MAASDAM, one of Holland America’s

new series of luxury cruise liners: 11 guest decks

Restaurants and lounges with by panoramic views.

Elegant Boutique

A new bar complex in the Atrium

An upgraded and ornate showroom with performances almost every evening

All staterooms feature Holland Holland's unique charm

Spacious and elegant staterooms with a window (some with a private balcony at

an extra charge)

Mariner's Dream luxury beds with quality linens

Luxury terry towels

Flat screen TV with DVD

Roomy storage space

Fresh fruit at no extra charge

Drinks - order as much as you wish: juices and other free drinks

Free shoe shine service.

Plentiful, delicious, quality Kosher meals

In addition, the ship has a magnificent theater for performances, music and

singers, casino, bars, movie house, luxury restaurants, a spa, gym, swimming

pool and jacuzzi, and of course an active entertainment team every day.

Day 7, Monday: February 17, 2020: At sea We will spend the following day relaxing as we cruise towards Australia. Take advantage of the ship’s many outstanding facilities, or simply relax on deck with a drink and watch unmatched scenery glide by. Day 8, Tuesday: February 18, 2020: Port Arthur, Tasmania Today we will arrive to Port Arthur, a small town and former convict settlement on the Tasman Peninsula, in Tasmania. Port Arthur is one of Australia's most significant heritage areas and an open air museum. The site forms part of the Australian Convict Sites a World Heritage property consisting of 11 remnant penal sites originally built within the British Empire during the 18th and 19th centuries on fertile Australian coastal strips.

Day 9, Wednesday: February 19, 2020: Hobart, Tasmania Located between the Tasmanian Sea, the Dervent River and Mount Wellington, Hobart is the capital of the island of Tasmania. The smallest state in Australia, it is an island on the country's south side. Hobart is a small, beautiful port city that is the center of the state's activities. It is rich in colonial heritage, rainforests and natural landscapes to which we will travel today. Days 10-11, Thursday - Friday: February 20-21, 2020: At sea We will spend the following day relaxing as we cruise towards Australia. Take advantage of the ship’s many outstanding facilities, or simply relax on deck with a drink and watch unmatched scenery glide by. Day 12, Shabbat: February 22, 2020: Fiordland National Park – An Unforgettable Day! Nothing can prepare you for the majesty of Milford Sound, star of Fiordlands National Park. This is one of the most beautiful fjords in New Zealand and around the world. The steep, towering peaks and deep cobalt of the fjords allows ships to sail only a few meters away from the cliffs that surround it, and is you're on deck, you'll most likely get wet from the spray of huge rapids that fall to the sea along the fjord. We'll enjoy the dramatic views of the cliffs fading in the mist, and, if we're lucky, we'll see bottlenose and dusky dolphins, fur seals, Fiordland crested penguins, and more. After prayers and our Shabbat Lunch, we'll enjoy a lecture or shiur. After that there will be time to relax and enjoy the ship's wonderful facilities. Day 13, Sunday: February 23, 2020: Oban, Stewart Island, New Zealand Oban is the principal settlement on Stewart Island, the southernmost inhabited island of the New Zealand archipelago. Oban is located on Half-moon Bay (sometimes used as an alternative name for the town), on Paterson Inlet. The settlement was named after Oban in Scotland (The Little Bay), due to the strong influence Scottish settlers had in the south of early colonial New Zealand.

Day 14, Monday: February 24, 2020: Port Chalmers (Dunedin) If you are interested in architecture, don’t miss this memorable tour highlighting the major landmarks of Dunedin. You will see splendid stone buildings in Victorian and Edwardian style, built by wealthy merchants at a time when Dunedin was New Zealand’s most prosperous city. Although Dunedin’s times of rapid growth and great wealth are now firmly in the past, they have left a legacy of elaborate architecture. The highlight of your tour is a visit to Olveston. This is a magnificent Edwardian-era mansion built in Jacobean style. Offering you a glimpse at the life of a prosperous local merchant at the turn of the century, this house is a treasure trove of the gleaming antique furniture, silverware, priceless porcelain, paintings, ivory and crystal collections of a man who travelled the world in search of beauty. Enjoy a ride along Queen’s Drive, with its delightful panoramic view of the city from the hills Day 15, Tuesday: February 25, 2020: Akaroa (Christchurch) This morning we will dock at Akaroa harbor, not far from Christchurch, the largest city on the southern island of New Zealand, the capital of Canterbury region. Christchurch is the last stop for expeditions before they leave for Antarctica. We will visit the International Antarctic Center, where we will "travel" among huge pictures from Antarctica and see how the explorers discovered and mapped it. We will discover the animals that survive its harsh climate and learn about global warming and its effects on glaciers that begin to wander. Day 16, Wednesday: February 26, 2020: Wellington This morning we will dock at the port of Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, and the second largest city in the country. The city is at the southernmost point on the North Island. We'll board a train to view the region's landscape and then continue to the Botanical Gardens to enjoy a world of spectacular flowers, preserved forests, special vegetation collections and stunning views of Wellington. After this we will visit "Te Papa", the famous National Museum of New Zealand. The museum displays the geological history of New Zealand, its nature and the history of the Maori, the original inhabitants of New Zealand. We will continue along the streets of the city and see the old Houses of Parliament. Day 17, Thursday: February 27, 2020: Napier The ship will dock today in Napier, the Art Deco capital of New Zealand, because after an earthquake in 1931 that destroyed most of the city, it was rebuilt in the Art Deco style.

Day 18, Friday, February 28, 2020: Rotorua Today we visit Rotorua, the “Sulphur City” located in an area that has an abundance of geothermal activity. We will tour Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, a preserve of geothermal activity that has made this area famous, along with the Maori village, Te Puia. In this geothermal reserve, we will see hot bubbling mud and eruptions of geysers. The land here moves and bubbles and boils as steam rises from it. The people of the Te Arawa came to New Zealand in the middle of the 14th century from Hawaiki - the birthplace of the Maori - and settled in Rotorua. The Maori people are now trying to preserve their heritage and share it with tourists with warmth and good humor at every opportunity. We will enjoy a guided tour through the world famous Waitomo Caves with their amazing stalactites, stalagmites and other limestone formations. The tour will terminate with a boat ride through the 'Glowworm Grotto' - a subterranean cavern lit up by the lights of thousands of tiny glowworms

Day 19, Shabbat: February 29, 2020: At Sea After prayers and our Shabbat Lunch, we'll enjoy a lecture or shiur. After that there will be time to relax and enjoy the ship's wonderful facilities.

Day 20, Sunday: March 1, 2020: Auckland The cruise is over. We will arrive to Auckland port. We will get to know the city, known as the "City of Sails"; the largest and most populated city in New Zealand. We will visit the Auckland Museum with its rare art treasures. We will see the botanical gardens, home to more than 10,000 plants from all over the world. We will see the city from Sky Tower, which at 328 meters, it is the tallest tower in the southern hemisphere. Day 21: Monday: March 2, 2020: Auckland – Home Gateway Our trip to Australia and New Zealand is over. We'll take our experiences and memories with us as we transfer to the airport and fly back to our home gateway. Price Includes:

• Air-conditioned tourist coach

• Kosher half board & lunch packs daily

• Glatt Kosher full board during the cruise

• English-speaking local guides and a professional experienced guide from the staff of Shai

Bar Ilan

• Entrance to all sites mentioned in the itinerary

• first class hotels throughout

• Outside cabins with window

• Tips for local service providers

• All shore excursions

Price Excludes:

• International flights

• Airport and security tax.

• Travel Insurance (For details see General Conditions)

• Visa fee

• Personal expenses and services

• Tips during the cruise $15 per person per day

• Tip for guide (Recommended: $5 per person per day)

Suitcases: From our extensive experience with luggage, we recommend that you prefer small suitcases to large ones. The weight of the suitcase permitted on flights is up to 23 kg and the weight of the hand luggage is 8 kg. Please note: The Ministry of Agriculture and Forests of New Zealand uses X-ray Scanner machines and dogs to locate things hidden in suitcases. This Includes fresh and/or dried fruits, fresh and/or dried vegetables, fish (fresh, cooked and in boxes), meat of any kind, dairy products, eggs, plants, nuts or seeds, herbs, etc. Whoever brings anything forbidden will pay a fine of $ 340. If you have brought anything and are not sure whether it can be

brought into New Zealand, you must declare it at customs. For further information, see : www.protectnz.org.nz

Important to Know:

There may be changes to the order of places visited. We will make every effort to

visit every place mentioned in the itinerary.

The tour organizers have no control over airline services such as seating, special

meal requests, changes in departure times or delays. These remain the sole

responsibility of the airline company.

Kashrut on Tours Kosher food is provided to our travelers on all our tours. We work with the local Rabbinate to provide Hashgacha for all local ingredients and fresh meat and poultry. In some cases, we fly in kosher food from Israel and other sources, depending on the destination of the tour. We do not guarantee Pat Israel and Chalav Israel for all destinations. In many destinations we have our own crockery and cutlery. Where we don't, we provide disposables at the meals. When we cook in Hotel kitchens, we ensure proper Kashering and we use our own kitchenware on kashered and covered surfaces. All this is done under the strict supervision of our trained staff/guides that function as our Mashgichim. Our travelers enjoy satisfying meals prepared by our team including fresh local fish, fruit, and vegetables. This is an integral part of Jewish travel. We make great efforts to assure that our travelers will experience local foods first-hand, while maintaining stringent observance of Kashrut laws on all occasions. Deposit, Cancellation Fees & Policy: A $500 USD Deposit per person must be received at the time of booking in order to confirm your reservation. Payment in full is due 60 days before departure. A minimum number of participants are required to operate tour dates. If a minimum number has not been reached prior to tour departure and the tour is cancelled you will receive a FULL refund.

• 90 days before departure bookings are refundable less a $100 administration fee

• 60-90 days prior to departure: $300 + $100 per passenger • 60-30 days prior to departure: $500 + $100 per passenger • 30-14 days prior to departure: $1,000 + $100 per passenger • Less than 30 working days prior to departure: 100% of total - no refund

We strongly recommend purchasing Travel Insurance