Several years ago, Karen and Company at Australia 2000 planned our trip to New Zealand. It was so wonderful that we resolved that when our time came to go to Australia, as it did this past holiday season (2009 ? 2010), only Karen would plan it for us. And, once again, the ?down under? adventure surpassed our already high expectations. As before, we had an initial meeting with Karen and she homed in on our goals and wishes. In our case, our goal was to come away with a good idea of Australia?s present culture, nature, animals, history, and the people. Not only were we able to do just that, we also returned appreciating the great diversity that makes Australia so unique.
So, from Tasmania to the hot (!) and arid outback of the Flinders Ranges and Alice Springs, to the Daintree Rainforest, the Great Barrier Reef, Kangaroo Island, to several of Australia?s great cities, we flew, hiked, took a train, drove (yikes!), walked and walked and walked, and, best of all, had so many chances to chat and spend great times with Aussies from many diverse walks of life. It was lively, busy, fun, and, yes ? even relaxing.
All of this was due to the impeccable planning at Australia 2000. Our wishes were adhered to and additional adventures suggested and worked in. This included some river-rafting and a cruise around Tasman Island that made even roller coasters seem tame! But, oh, what fun!
Regarding logistics, not only were they perfectly worked out, but our daily detailed itinerary was extremely helpful. Hotels and locations were fantastic and there were additional recommendations for highlights and restaurants for every location. When we had the help of guides, they were not only informative and capable, but were, to a person, great fun and anxious to make our time the best for us.
So, it was a trip of a lifetime. Our only regret was that we had only 3 ? weeks. Of course, even this could be considered very ample. But our experiences were so rich and so pleasurable that we just wanted more! And more!! All of these experiences will be with us for a lifetime. Thanks, Karen, to you and all of your staff, including staff in Australia! And a big thanks to Derek, too!
Linda and Jerry Gutman
Traveled to Australia Dec 2009 ? Jan 2010
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