2009 AUSTRALIAN OPEN TENNIS TOUR
*COST STARTING FROM - $ 3,519.00*
(Melbourne & the Australian Open only - January 16 - 25, 2009, $3,519.00 based on quad accommodations, $3,839.00 based on double/twin accommodations, LAX departure)

New Zealand Australia
Full Tour - January 9 to February 7, 2009

*This tour and its options can be joined as a group member or can be taken as an independent itinerary. All options can be extended or modified in Australia and New Zealand or travel to South Pacific Islands of Tahiti, Fiji or Hawaii.*

Join AeroTravel International for the Australian Open 2009. Visit the beauty of New Zealand where "Lord of the Rings" was filmed. Visit Tropical Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef, Melbourne and Sydney. Play tennis with the local Aussies and visit and also play tennis at the Olympic Tennis Center, the site of the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Aerotravel International is leading our 12th tour to the Australian Open. The group includes tennis enthusiasts of all ages wanting breathtaking scenery, unforgettable experiences, and Rod Laver Arena front section stadium seats next to the players section for five days during the first week at a Grand Slam event that has become the #1 spectator event in Australia. This first week allows you to view all your favorite players up close while they are still in the tournament. This is the time to be at the Australian Open, when all the festive activities are in full swing.

There is much more to this tour than tennis! Queenstown, New Zealand is a winter and summer sporting center that looks like Aspen, Colorado. The beautiful mountain scenery in this area has been captured in the filming of Lord of the Rings. Nearby, Milford Sound features towering waterfalls and impressive fiords reminiscent of Norway.

The tour includes outstanding tennis in a beautiful setting with the world’s most hospitable tennis fans. Tennis fans from all over the world, some dressed in creative and outrageous costumes, enhance the festive environment. The beautiful city of Melbourne surrounds the tennis stadium, and the Yarra River runs in front, bordered by walking and bicycle paths, and covered with crew boats and sea gulls. The half hour walk or free Trams along the Yarra River from the Batman's Hill On Collins Hotel to the stadium goes past modern hotels, open air restaurants, the Victorian Arts Center, picturesque park areas, and captivating botanical gardens with exotic flowers, plants, and trees.

The next Australian city on the tour is Sydney. Sydney's beautiful harbor, attractive surfing beaches, and famous Sydney Opera House are memorable at any time. However, Australia Day on January 26th is the country’s largest cultural celebration. Fireworks over the city, tall ships in the harbor, opera in the park, parades, festival shows and free concerts all create a festive environment that will not be forgotten.

Our last Australian city is tropical Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy a private lecture designed at giving you a more in depth look at the indigenous culture of Australia. Travel above the Rainforest canopy by Sky Rail [world's longest gondola] to Kuranda Aboriginal Village. Join the world famous Tjapukai Aborignal people as you travel into the "Dreamtime", 40 thousand years of Aboriginal history and culture. Also visit the Daintree Rainforest Habitat Center, Port Douglas. Highlights include The Great Barrier Reef, the world’s longest gondola ride over the canopy of the rainforest, close up views of Australia’s unique wildlife as you journey into the oldest rainforest in the world.

Don't miss out on one of the most unique vacations offered. Please read through the itinerary and tour inclusions, fill out the tour registration form, and send your deposit in to guarantee your spot on this tour.

2009 "Australian Open Tennis Tour"
New Zealand & Australia
Itinerary

Home city to Queenstown, NZ
Friday, Jan 9, to Sunday, Jan 11

We cross the International Date Line and lose January 10th. However, on the way back we experience February 7th twice.

We arrive into Queenstown in the morning taking a leisurely day to explore this beautiful mountain town. This day helps with jet lag so explore, dine out at one of the many restaurants and go to bed early.

Queenstown (January 11 to 18) - Stay seven nights at the Novotel Gardens Queenstown, Crn Earl & Marine Pararade, Queenstown, South Island, NZ. Phone # is 011-64-3-442-7469. Queenstown is a beautiful mountain resort town similar in some ways to Aspen, Colorado. Both summer and winter sports enthusiasts are drawn to the area.

January 11 – On the morning of Monday January 11th we arrive in beautiful Queenstown, surrounded by mountains and the shores of Lake Wakatipu. In many ways the town reminds me of Aspen, Colorado, a resort town that draws both summer and winter sports enthusiasts. We will arrive in the middle of summer, when daylight lasts for 17 hours. At 4:30 p.m. we take a gondola up the mountain to a spectacular overlook, that includes restaurants, luge rides, and other sporting activities. We spend the rest of the day recovering from jet lag, exploring Queenstown, and going to bed early.

January 12 - This morning there will be a sign meeting for optional activities. Perhaps take a morning walk through the Queenstown Gardens on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and continue your walk through Queenstown.

January 13 – Day at leisure for optional activities such as AJ Hackett's famous Bungi jumping, Trophy Trout fishing, Shotover River Jet Boat and Rafting.

January 14 - This morning we travel along Lake Wakatipu, through Glenorchy, and up to the head of the famous Routeburn Track. We spend much of the day hiking into and out of the famous valley where Lord of the Rings was filmed. [Please find time to pack a lunch and drink prior to this morning as we are hiking most of the day so wear hiking shoes]

January 15 - This morning we visit a Maori village and experience the Haka Pa Maori Cultural experience. The morning includes the "Maori Challenge" which consists of Village viewing, Haka and Poi display with audience participation and an in depth view of the Maori culture. The rest of the day is free to explore Queenstown or for some of the optional activities which include some additional AJ Hackett's famous Bungi jumping sites, trophy Trout fishing, Shotover River Jet Boat, lawn bowling tennis and Rafting. Sign up sheets for all optional activities will be available on the first morning.
This early evening join our cruise on the vintage steamship The TSS Earnslaw. Step aboard and watch the stokers feeding the fireboxes. Feel the heat from the boilers and hear the sound of the steam engines working as the Lady takes you on a cruise. Simply sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning Wakatipu scenery as we cruise to the Walter Peak Station. Enjoy a great BBQ dinner, farm displays, sheep shearing and a sing-along as we cruise back to Queenstown arriving at 10:00 pm. [Dinner]

January 16 - Free day to enjoy optional activities or have this day at leisure.

January 17 - This day is a free day to explore Queenstown or for some optional activities. One of my recommended day tours would be the Milford Sound Cruise taking you to Fiordland. The bus departs early to Fiordland. You go over Kawarau Dam Bridge to Kingston, through Mossburn, and along the shores of Lake Te Anau and Cascade Creek. Then we pass through the Homer Tunnel, enter Cleddau Canyon, and descend into spectacular Milford Sound. A cruise out to the Tasman Sea takes you past Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls. Seals and dolphins are usually visible. The bus returns the same evening to Queenstown.

Queenstown, NZ to Melbourne, Australia- Sunday, Jan. 18

We travel by bus to the airport, fly to Melbourne (pronounced mel-bun), take a quick tour of the city, and get ready to watch the largest sports spectator event in Australia, the "Australian Open".

Melbourne (January 18-25) Stay seven nights at the Batman’s Hill on Collins, 623 Collins St., Melbourne, Australia. Phone is # 011-61-3614-6344.

[Breakfast buffet is included daily]. Planned morning walks to different Melbourne parks, gardens, shrines, or museums. At 11 a.m. tour members will want to move on to the National Tennis Center, our tickets are for the first five days of the Australian Open. This is the best time to see all of the top tennis players in the world. Our stadium seats are near the front, next to the reserved seats for the players.
The hotel is near Melbourne’s business district and the Melbourne Convention Centre. The Yarra River, with a beautiful promenade and footbridges, stretches for two miles from our hotel to the National Tennis Center. Our walks will include visits to the Victorian Arts Centre, the National Gallery, the Shrine of Remembrance, the Kings Domain, the Royal Botanic Gardens, the State Parliament House, Fitzroy Gardens, Captain Cook’s cottage, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the Australian Gallery of Sport, and Queen Victoria Market. It is a short trip on the trolley to St. Kilda Beach. Optional day tours: The Great Ocean Road, Wineries, The famous Fairy Penguins at Phillip Island [Breakfast daily]

January 19 - Join a planned morning walk to the Shrine of Remembrance. We observe its beauty, learn about Australia’s involvement in war and their appreciation of veterans, see the city of Melbourne from a special vantage point. At 11 a.m. we walk to the National Tennis Center and watch the first day of matches at the Australian Open.

January 20 - This morning we walk to the Queen Victoria’s Market, with a long historical tradition that is famous to all Australians. It has a wide variety of foods, clothing, and merchandise at bargain prices. The rich and poor from a surprising number of ethnic backgrounds shop and sell here. We then catch the free City Circle trolley that takes us to the National Tennis Center.

January 21 - This morning we walk to the Victorian Parliament House on the opposite side of the city center. We pass through the busy financial district and observe the morning rush hour with well dressed business people hustling to work. Perhaps take an hour tour of Parliament House and a fascinating introduction to Australian politics. Afterwards it is a short walk to the National Tennis Center.

January 22 - This morning we walk through China Town and past historical sites to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a beautiful Gothic structure that rivals the great cathedrals of Europe. Started in 1850, it is the largest in Australia. Afterwards we stop in the Fitzroy and Treasury Gardens, admire the beautiful flowers in the conservatory, and walk on to the National Tennis Center.

January 23 - We walk this morning past the Victorian Arts Centre and through the Kings Domain to the Royal Botanic Gardens, rated as one of the finest in the world. Within its 100 acres are 12,000 species of native and imported plants and trees. Sweeping lawns, ornamental lakes, ducks and swans, and fruit bats hanging from the trees add beauty and excitement. It’s a perfect spot to observe and reflect. When we walk out the far exit we are next to the Yarra River. We cross the bridge and find ourselves at the entrance to the National Tennis Center.

January 24 - A day at leisure to enjoy Melbourne which creates the opportunity for a number of interesting alternatives. Consider the Royal Melbourne Zoo, one of the finest in the world. Or go to the National Gallery of Victoria. The Melbourne Cricket Ground, which seats 120,000 spectators for important test matches, are located next to the National Tennis Center. A short train ride takes us to Kooyong Stadium, the site of the Australian Open before 1988, when it was played on grass. Another short ride on a tram goes to St. Kilda Beach. Or we can choose trips to the Great Ocean Road or Phillip Island with its Fairy Penguins.

Melbourne, Australia to Sydney, Australia. - Sunday, Jan. 25

***A night at the Sydney Opera is planned – Opera and on which evening has not been decided due to the Opera’s repertoire advance schedules are not set.***

Sydney (January 25- February 1) Stay seven nights at the Novotel Sydney Darling Harbour, 50-70 Murray St., Sydney, Aust. Phone # is 011-61-2-9288-7174. [Breakfast buffet is included daily]. The hotel is located next to Darling Harbour within easy walking distance of downtown Sydney. Each morning join planned walks to various locations, including the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Chinese Garden, St. Mary’s Cathedral, the Sydney Opera House, and Manly Beach. Other interesting destinations include the Rocks historical area, the Sydney Harbor Bridge, Bondi Beach, and the 2000 Olympic Stadium. We walk to these places or take inexpensive ferries, buses and trains. An optional evening dinner on Sydney's waterfront over looking the Opera House and then an Opera is planned as a fair well to the many friends who are headed home after our stay in Sydney and enjoyed this experience with you. Perhaps some last minute shopping or just relax on the beach and reflect on the many sights of New Zealand and Australia you have just visited. Some of our group will travel home from Sydney and the rest of us travel up to Tropical Queensland and Cairns, the Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy summer down under for a few more days!

January 25 - At 2 p.m. after checking into the hotel and having lunch at one of the many restaurants that surround Darling Harbour we walk across the Darling Harbour footbridge and head up Market Street past the historical Queen Victoria Building, now a shopping mall, and the impressive Sydney Tower, which dominates the skyline and offers an impressive observation deck with views of the entire city. We pass through Hyde Park, near St. Mary’s Cathedral, and into the Domain, a large grassy area where more than 100,000 people gather for picnics, concerts, and free opera in the park during the Sydney festival. Next we enter the Royal Botanical Gardens, noted for its beautiful plants, ponds, trees, and of course, fruit bats. As we get close to the Sydney Harbour, the world famous Sydney Opera House comes into view. At the Opera House we are right next to Circular Quay [pronounced “key”] where boats, subways, buses, taxis, and an elevated rail all converge. We will learn about daily and weekly passes that permits us to use most of Sydney’s transportation options. It is fun to explore Sydney with a travel guide and an excellent public transportation system. Returning to Darling Harbour by boat is a neat way to go.

January 26 - Take full advantage of all the Independence Day activities. See the tall ships in the Harbour near the Sydney Opera House. Listen to the free music on the streets and in the parks. Enjoy the parades and special displays on the streets. Eat the wide variety of foods that are being sold at numerous street stands. Interact with Australian families who are enjoying a special day with each other and friends. Go to the special services where new immigrants become citizens. And do not miss the huge fireworks display in the middle of Darling Harbor, right in front of our hotel. Some 200,000 people crowd into the plaza areas around the harbor, making it nearly impossible to walk.

January 27 – At 8:30 a.m. after our buffet breakfast we head down to Darling Harbour pier in front of the Maritime Museum. Bring your swimming suits, because we are headed by boat to Circular Quay and then across the Sydney Harbour to Manly, one of Sydney’s two most famous beaches. When we get to the shore we head right, along the shoreline, until cliffs block our way. We climb up the cliffs revealing exciting views of the South Pacific Ocean and a chance to spot giant lizards as we walk through the brush. Next we have the option of returning to Manly beach for swimming and playing in the sand, or continuing to explore Sydney's Harbour area with boat rides to many interesting destinations. Sydney's Harbour is one of the largest and most beautiful in the world.

January 28 - At 8:30 a.m. we walk to beautiful St. Mary's Cathedral, the largest and one of the oldest churches in Sydney. After some time there for observation, and reflection, we go to the nearby Art Gallery of New South Wales. We will concentrate on its fine collections of Australian and Aboriginal Art, noting particularly the religious and ethical values that we see expressed. The afternoon offers opportunities for sports, travel to Bondi beach by train, or exploration of other points of interest.

January 29 - At 8:30 a.m. we travel by boat, bus, and train to the Olympic Park, the site of the 2000 Summer Olympics. We will look at some of the venues where tennis, swimming, and basketball were held, and take a tour of the impressive Stadium Australia, where soccer, rugby, and Aussie Rules football continue to play on a regular basis. Those wishing to play tennis or swim should bring appropriate equipment and plan to stay for a while. We will leave individually, following our individual schedules and goals. This could be a good time to visit the Rocks historical area, where the city of Sydney began, or climb up in the towers of the Sydney Harbor Bridge, where the history of Sydney is presented interestingly. The views are breathtaking. Some may even want to spend a lot of money to be part of groups that put on climbing equipment so they can get an even higher view from the top of the bridge.

January 30 - At 8:30 a.m. we head to the Chinese Garden, located near Darling Harbor. The beauty and tranquility that has been created here in the midst of a busy city is amazing. The rest of the day is at leisure for more exploration (the Taronga Zoo or many nearby museums), shopping, opera, concerts, sporting events, time at the beach, tennis playing, or a variety of other options.

January 31 - Today is a full day at leisure to explore Sydney and perhaps join an afternoon cricket game, subject to schedules of matches.

Sydney to Cairns, Australia- Sunday, Feb. 1

We fly to Cairns (pronounced Cans), the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. We arrive in the tropics, where the days are shorter [about 12 hours] and the heat and humidity can be oppressive. The “birds” that you hear and see at night are not birds. They are giant fruit bats with wingspans up to four feet, feeding on fruits in the treetops.

Cairns (February 1 - February 7) Stay 6 nights at the Cairns Colonial Club Resort, 18-26 Cannon Street, Cairns, Australia. Phone is 011-61-7053-5111. The resort includes 11 acres of lush tropical gardens, three large swimming pools, tennis court, and a fitness center. [Breakfast buffet is included daily]

February 2 - After breakfast buffet our coach picks us up at the resort. We travel past the northern beaches on our way to Port Douglas where we board one of MS Quicksilver’s private dive vessels the “Silver Sonic”, which takes us out to the Great Barrier Reef. Morning and afternoon teas and a full buffet lunch are served on board. Snorkeling or a sub submersible submarine is included to view one of nature's natural wonders. Join a Marine Naturalist on a guided snorkel, learning many wonders of the Great Barrier Reef as we split the group into small groups for those that are interested. We have three inclusive areas out on the reef our dive vessel visits. Scuba diving is optional and costs extra. The boat returns to Port Douglas and we take a coach down the coast to Cairns arriving at the hotel about 6 p.m. [Breakfast and lunch]

February 3 - After breakfast buffet we are picked up by coach. We go up the coast and past the northern beaches to Port Douglas. Our destination is the Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary, where we see many unique Australian animals up close. After our guided walk within the Habitat Center and free time to explore we travel back to Cairns arriving early afternoon. This afternoon offers some free time to explore Cairns, optional activities, tennis or just relax at the many pools and amenities our Resort has to offer.

February 4 - After breakfast buffet we are picked up by coach. We are taken to the Tjapukai Aboriginal Dreamtime for a private lecture and film. The private lecture has an in depth look at the indigenous culture of Australia and begins our days journey. We take a trip on a 7-mile gondola ride (longest in the world), over the canopy of the rainforest, and up the side of a mountain to Kuranda, an Aboriginal town. The day includes the Tjapukai Aboriginal Dreamtime experience, spear and boomerang throwing, Skyrail and time at a flea market that sells local clothing and crafts. We return individually to Tjapukai Center on the gondola ride and catch public transportation back to our hotel.

February 5 - This day is free to enjoy on your own. Perhaps a hike to the Foster Botanical Gardens. A choice of optional activities includes tennis, golf, museums, and Aboriginal culture. You can take part in a pre planned hike along the northern beaches. A free shuttle bus leaves the resort for downtown Cairns hourly or just relax at the resort and work on your tan.

February 6 - This day is free to enjoy on your own. Perhaps some last minute shopping or just relax by the Resort pools and reflect on the many sights of New Zealand and Australia you have just visited. Some of our group will travel home from here and the rest of us travel to Hawaii or other South Pacific destinations. Enjoy summer down under for a few more hours!

Cairns, Australia to USA or connection to your home city, Sat. Feb.7 to Sat. Feb. 7

* FLIGHTS TO BE ASSIGNED

Welcome home! Aerotravel International hopes you enjoyed your vacation and hope you will cherish these memories forever!

ITINERARY OPTIONS, TOUR DATES AND COSTS PER PERSON:

The below prices are based on Airfares from the Mid-West on Northwest Airlines to Los Angeles and Air New Zealand Internationally. Other departure cities and Airlines are available. Departure from Los Angeles is at a lesser cost of $360.00
** Additional day & night session tickets to the Australian Open are available! Please order any additional tickets at time of deposit.
**All hotels are of the Superior class quality.
(Per person cost Based on double room occupancy)

January 9 to February 7: = $7,699.00
(Full tour - New Zealand's South Island, Melbourne, Sydney & Cairns)
Single supplement = plus $2,750.00
Triple or Quad accommodations = minus $794.00

January 9 to February 1: = $6,299.00
(New Zealand’s South Island, Melbourne & Sydney)
Single supplement = plus $2,100.00
Triple accommodations = minus $560.00
Quad accommodations = minus $750.00

January 9 to January 25: = $5,479.00
(New Zealand’s South Island & Melbourne)
Single supplement = plus $1,500.00
Triple accommodations = minus $320.00
Quad accommodations = minus $420.00

January 16 to February 1: = $5,275.00
(Melbourne & Sydney)
Single supplement = plus $1,600.00
Triple accommodations = minus $515.00
Quad accommodations = minus $550.00

*January 16 to January 25: = $4,199.00
(Melbourne only) **Los Angeles departure = $3,839.00 **
Single supplement = plus $800.00
Triple accommodations = minus $160.00
Quad accommodations = minus $320.00

***2nd week of the Australian Open 2009 options with Los Angeles departure:
**Any 2nd week Australian Open Air, Hotel and Tennis tickets including Quarters, Semis and Final Weekend sessions are available. Please call for information and cost.

*Choice of day tour in Melbourne for additional $110.00 to $135.00: Phillip island/penguins/farm/koala/lunch, Great Ocean Road/Twelve Apostles Road Adventure or Puffing Billy, Yarra Valley Winneries & Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary

** This Tour has lots of independent time to enjoy your own vacation pleasures but also has the structure included, seeing the highlights of each area.

** All options can be extended in Australia and New Zealand or Travel to South Pacific Islands of Tahiti, Fiji or Hawaii.

HOTELS:
Novotel Gardens Queenstown, Crn Earl & Marine Parade, Queenstown, NZ - 7 nights
Phone: 011-64-3-442-7469
Batman’s Hill on Collins, 623 Collins St., Melbourne, Aust - 7 nights
Phone # 011-61-3614-6344
Novotel Sydney Darling Harbour, 50-100 Murray St., Sydney, Aust-7 nights
Phone # 011-61-2-9288-7174
Cairns Colonial Club Resort, 18-26 Cannon Street, Cairns, Aust - 6 nights
Phone # 011-61-7053-5111

FEATURES INCLUDED IN TOUR: The above prices are based on and include Airfares from the Mid-West on Northwest Airlines or United Airlines to Los Angeles and Air New Zealand Internationally. Other departure cities and Airlines are available. Departure from Los Angeles is at a lesser cost of $360.00
* US & Australian departure tax and customs fees
* All transfers & hotel-resort accommodations
* Treks & walks per itinerary
* Meals per itinerary
* Tips to coach drivers

New Zealand
* Queenstown 7 nights
* Gondola
* Haka Pa Maori Cultural Experience
* The famous "Rourburn Trek" day walk
* Milford Sound Cruise – Fiordland – optional cost
* TSS Earnslaw Steamship with BBQ & sheep/dog exhibition

Australia
* Melbourne 7 nights
* Australian Open - 5 day session Rod Laver Arena stadium seats, next to players section [optional day & night session tickets available]
* Melbourne and area optional day tours available
* Sydney 7 nights
* Optional Tennis play in each location available with special optional Tennis at the Olympic Tennis Center [bring your tennis racquet if you like and a can of tennis balls, balls are expensive in New Zealand and Australia]
* Sydney and area optional day tours available
* Cairns 6 nights
* Kuranda day tour- lecture/sky rail/Tjapukai Aboriginal dreamtime/spear & boomerang throwing
* Outer Barrier Reef cruise
* Rainforest Habitat Center, Port Douglas
* Cairns and area optional day tours are available

*Not included in tour costs
Passports, New Zealand departure tax [$25nzd], laundry, wines, liquors, mineral waters, tips to maids, waiters or porters, optional tours, items of a personal nature and any service not specifically mentioned as included.

*Recommended clothing: Comfortable causal combining summer outfits [Pack light with causal nice for dinner or Opera etc.], shade hat, swim suit, light raincoat/jacket, daypack, comfortable walking/hiking boots or tennis shoes

FOR MORE INFORMATION WRITE OR CALL:
AeroTravel International, 70 Pleasant Avenue, Tonka Bay, Minnesota 55331
Attention: Ken Pittel
email: aero@spacestar.net
phone: 800-548-3490

Click here for printable registration form