Tuesday, May 8, 2007

Rocks Walking Tour with Shopping for Spouses/Guests

Originally home to local Aboriginal people, The Rocks is the site of Australia’s first European settlement in 1788.

The Rocks Walking Tour is a great way to experience and learn about the historic Rocks area. Visitors see the haunts of soldiers, sailors, convicts and merchants, as well as view some of Sydney’s oldest buildings. There are also fascinating tales of Australia’s early history to be heard and the area’s lovely courtyards and cottages are a must to see.

The Rocks area has recently undergone an amazing metamorphosis. The old district has been transformed into a vibrant pocket of cafés and restaurants, unique shopping and street market stalls, museums, galleries and street entertainment. This has been achieved without destroying the area's old world charm and historic buildings. Sydney's town planners have put in place a sensitive conservation program that has preserved the heritage and character of The Rocks and brought about an interesting fusion of modern amenities in an old and valued setting.

The walking tour lasts 75-minutes and a personal guide ensures a fun-filled time. Following the walking tour, guests are invited to shop on their own at the Rocks Market before heading back to the hotel.

Sydney Harbour Luncheon Aboard the Captain Cook III

Out on the water, from the deck of a harbor cruise ship the views of the city are truly ravishing. Sydney Harbour is considered one of the most beautiful harbours in the world.

Skynet will have exclusive use of the Captain Cook III today where guests will enjoy a lunch buffet accompanied by fine Australian wine, beer and soft drinks along with the beautiful scenery.

The Commissioner’s Steps, where Skynet will board the Captain Cook III, is within walking distance from the Shangri-La Hotel.

Wednesday, May, 9, 2007

Dinner at the Waterfront Restaurant followed by a performance at the Sydney Opera House

This evening, Skynet guests will enjoy dinner at the Waterfront Restaurant located at Campbell’s Cove, a short 15-minute walk from the hotel. The newly renovated Waterfront Restaurant features a large outdoor plaza with a replica of a square-rigged sailing ship mast. The restaurant has truly breathtaking views across Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge and enjoys the historical site of The Rocks.

Following dinner, guests will be transferred to the Sydney Opera House for an evening performance of The New Romantics, presented by the Australian Ballet.

Thursday, May 10, 2007

Hunter Valley Day Tour

Today Skynet guests will depart Sydney and head to Hunter Valley, Australia’s oldest winemaking region.

Hunter Valley Wine Country is approximately 2½-hours drive north of cosmopolitan Sydney. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Brokenback Range, the area now yields more than a hundred wineries and cellar doors embracing areas such as Pokolbin, Rothbury, Broke Fordwich, Lovedale, Wollombi Valley and Mount View.

The Hunter Valley is known for its award-winning wines; however, the valley now supports a burgeoning olive industry with cold-pressed olive oil and other olive products. Guests will also find wood fired-bread, delicious Hunter cheeses, stone fruits, table grapes, honey, homemade condiments and sauces and even chocolate made with chilli.

On arrival, guests will receive a welcome and briefing on activities. Guests are then divided into smaller groups, which rotate activities including:

Walking Tour of the Vineyards: During this stroll through the vineyards, guests learn about the history of winemaking in Australia and around the world, learn of different grape varietals and soil conditions and see how and why a grapevine actually grows.

Tour by Horsedrawn Carriage: Discovering the views of the valley by horsedrawn carriage, guests are able to absorb the magical views and fresh country air of Hunter Valley Wine Country. A great photo opportunity!

Wine Tutorial: This is a practical look at and tasting of wines including different styles, different techniques and what to look for in terms of palate, bouquet and color. Guests will sample varietal wines and have the opportunity to blend wine.

Walking Tour of the Winery: The on-site winery is by far the largest and most advanced in Hunter Wine Country, producing around 6-million liters of wine a year. Guests see how wine is actually made…right from the grapevine to the bottle—the crusher, the huge vats, the Potter Tanks, the filtration equipment and the largest Rotovat in the Hunter.

Grape Stomp: With their knowledge of wines growing by the minute, there is but one final experience required to totally cap-off the winemaking experience. Squelch! This is about the best word to express the feeling of grapes between bare toes as guests step into the oak barrel to experience the age-old tradition of pressing by foot!

The last stop of the day will bring guests to Hope Estate (formally known as Rothbury Estate) for an exclusive Skynet dinner in The Great Cask Hall.

The Great Cask Hall, part of a working winery, is surrounded by huge wine filled casks (4,500-litres each). These casks (59 of them), along with terracotta flooring and huge vaulted ceilings give the room an atmosphere (and aroma) of Baroque splendour. The Hall with its atmosphere is a unique landmark of the Hunter Valley.