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VAcAtioN eNhANciNg tours Northern Territory 15 More remote than the bush, yet filled with adventure, the Northern Territory is even better with a guide. Pre-book your tours now to make sure you don't miss out. Uluru & Kings Canyon Tour DAY 1: a coach bus will pick you up right from your hotel to get you on your way to the massive series of conglomerate domes named Kata tjuta, where photo ops are more plentiful than people. upon arrival, walk into walpa Gorge; return to your coach in time to head to the sunset viewing area to watch an awe- inspiring sunset over ayer's rock over a glass of wine and light bites. DAY 2: start the day with the uluru sunrise, climb, or base tour, or take the uluru sunrise & guided cultural base walk. climb this monumental landmark, or take a longer guided walk around its base, depending on the tour selected. whichever option you choose, you'll eventually make your way to the mutitjulu waterhole, then the uluru-Kata tjuta cultural centre. taking a scenic flight is up to you—you'll have plenty of time before traveling Kings canyon in the afternoon. DAY 3: a guided climb takes you to the rim of Kings canyon for views that will take your breath away, or you can walk the easier path along the boulder-strewn canyon floor. travel on to alice springs or return to your ayers rock resort this afternoon. Standard Option outback Pioneer hotel, a member of ibis styles hotels (ayers rock); Kings canyon resort (Kings canyon) First Class Option Voyages desert Gardens hotel (ayers rock); Kings canyon resort (Kings canyon) Superior Option sails in the desert hotel (ayers rock); Kings canyon resort (Kings canyon) AYERS ROCK Kata Tjuta & Uluru Sunset (Half-Day): across the desert plains you go, toward the 36 majestic domes of the olgas and to a lookout that provides a panorama of the southern side of Kata tjuta. continue to the base of walpa Gorge, where a hiking trail and natural creek guide you between two of the most sizable domes. arrive in uluru, also called ayers rock, with plenty of time to settle in to watch the sunset with a glass of wine in hand. you'll end the day with the sun, arriving back at your hotel as night falls. Sounds of Silence this elegant dinner tour starts with a transfer from your hotel to the sparkling wine and canapés that await at ayers rock. sample exotic regional fare such as barramundi, kangaroo, emu, crocodile, bush salads, and classic australian desserts. once you've had your fill, the lanterns are extinguished so that the resident astronomer can guide you as you get lost among the stars. Uluru Sunrise & Guided Walk watch the first rays of dawn stretch its fingers over the eastern end of uluru and the red centre while starting the day with a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits. from here, travel by coach to Kuniya Piti, an aboriginal sacred site, and join a one-hour walk to the mutitjulu waterhole, where you'll be told stories amid the landscape and indigenous paintings. a coach will drive you around the base of uluru to Kantju Gorge to begin the mala walk, which lets you explore one of the most important habitation areas for australia's native people. your last stop will be at the cultural center for handmade souvenirs and to claim your uluru base walker's certificate. DARWIN Afternoon Darwin City Sights (Half-Day) the first stop of this tour is the botanic Gardens and chinese temple, rebuilt after its demolition by cyclone tracy in 1974. commentary walks you through the significance of these sights, as well as historic attractions such as east Point military Precinct, stokes hill wharf, and the mooring basin. take advantage of your time in the area to explore the museum and art Gallery of the northern territory and its aboriginal art, visual arts, and collections centered on the area's history and natural sciences. return to your hotel just around dinnertime. Kakadu National Park Explorer Full Day Tour start early to spend the entire day at this world heritage-listed site. you'll have a chance to purchase breakfast before heading out into australia's largest national park's wetlands, ancient escarpments, and culturally significant attractions such as the rock art at nourlangie rock. enjoy lunch at cooinda before taking a yellow waters billabong cruise past avian life and crocodiles. hop back in your coach for a ride to warradjan aboriginal cultural centre—your last stop before turning in at your hotel—where traditional aboriginal landowners of the park tell stories of their people. Tiwi Aboriginal Cultural Experience by Ferry Join your tour at the cullen bay ferry terminal to board a two-hour cruise to bathurst island, where a local guide will acquaint you with the modern-day aboriginal community of wurrumiyanga. chat with tiwi ladies over morning tea while they work on their weaving and painting to learn about totem dances, smoking ceremonies, and more. Visit the museum and the tiwi-style catholic church of the early mission Precinct, and get to know how the two cultures blend. see where the artists work, then browse for gifts before boarding your vessel at 3 Pm, where you'll be able to purchase a late lunch. Consult your travel agent for more details on these and other tours. Transfers: A complete selection of private transfers is available.