Oysters & vineyards: an Australia foodie holiday

Itinerary in brief: 

• 2 nights Adelaide
• 2 nights Port Lincoln
• 3 nights Melbourne
• 2 nights Yarra Valley
• 2 nights Mornington Peninsula
• 2 nights Bellarine Peninsula
• 3 nights Sydney 

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart the UK from your chosen airport. 

Included: International flights

Day 2: Arrive Adelaide

On arrival in Adelaide, you'll be met on arrival and driven to your hotel in the city, checking in for two nights. There is so much to discover in Adelaide – little laneways filled with bars and heritage architecture that hints at the city’s history. Spend the rest of your day relaxing or exploring the quaint city centre.

Included: Transfers, 4* hotel

Day 3: Penfolds Winery 

Today your wine and food adventure in Australia begins, with a tasting experience at the famous Penfolds Winery. Explore Australia's leading red wine producer, visiting the Grange Cottage and the Magill Estate Winery, learning about the history of the vintage cellars and underground drives that have made this vineyard so iconic. You'll also enjoy an intimate tasting experience, trying some of the most awarded and sought after wines at Penfolds. 

In the afternoon you'll head back to Adelaide and your day is free to explore. Why not head to the Oval to visit the iconic cricket ground – you can even walk along the roof if you choose on the iconic Roofclimb – if you’d like us to book this, just ask! Wander through the heritage architecture of Adelaide Central Market, stroll through the Art Gallery of South Australia or visit the National Wine Centre to taste some more local vintages.

Included: Penfolds Experience, 4* hotel

Day 4: Fly to Port Lincoln 

This morning, you’ll be picked up and taken to the airport, for the short 45 minute flight to Port Lincoln. Why not head out for a stroll along the beach, learn about the maritime history of the region at the museum or enjoy a seafood dinner in town?

Included: Transfers, internal flights, 4* hotel

Day 5: Hunter Gatherer Seafood Experience

This morning you'll head to discover what makes Port Lincoln Australia's Seafood Capital, with exclusive access to local hotspots where you can personally hunt and gather your own 'catch of the day.' You'll head to the beach to wriggle your toes in the sand collecting cockles, explore the sand dunes in a 4WD and head out to fish for abalone from the pristine white beaches of the Eyre Peninsula. Tuck into a sensational seafood lunch on the beach, while breathing in the sea air and looking out for dolphins as you eat. It's the perfect day discovering the vast beauty of the Eyre Peninsula whilst feasting on the freshest seafood around. 

Included: Seafood tour, 4* hotel 

Day 6: Fly to Melbourne 

Head back to the airport for your flight to Melbourne via Adelaide. On arrival you'll be met at the airport and driven to the city, checking into your hotel for three nights. Melbourne is renowned for its vibrant Asian food scene, offering everything from authentic dumplings in Chinatown to modern fusion dishes across the city. Why not head straight out for a delicious dinner tonight?

Included: Transfers, internal flights, 4* hotel 

Days 7 & 8: Melbourne

You now have two full days to explore Melbourne. Wander through the Laneways as you hop between coffee shops, tasting Melbourne famous flat white. Sample local craft beers, drool over the array of boutique cake shops and head out to dinner to one of Melbourne incredible array of restaurants. Take a ride up the Eureka Sky deck to experience uninterrupted 360-degree views of the skyline, you can even enjoy a cocktail at the top! Explore Chinatown for delicious Asian food and stop into Queen Victoria Market for the iconic hot jam donuts.

On Day 7, we've included a foodie walking tour, taking in the best Melbourne has to offer, visiting spice shops and coffee carts, tasting artisanal ice cream and Chinese delights. 

Included: Foodie walking tour, 4* hotel 

Days 9 - 10: Yarra Valley

Spend a couple of nights in the peaceful Yarra Valley, just an 1.5 hours drive from Melbourne. Pick up your hire car in Melbourne and head out into the countryside - as soon as you arrive in the lush valley, it's yours to discover. Enjoy wine tasting at iconic estates like Yering Station, visit smaller cellar doors or find a luxury spa to unwind. Drive to Healesville to visit the wildlife sanctuary and stop in at local distilleries, or head to Marysville, to enjoy forest walks past tranquil waterfalls. Taste artisanal chocolate at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and sip craft beer at a scenic brewery. 

During your time here we've included a visit to Domaine Chandon to enjoy their signature sparkling wine degustation menu. A luxurious 7-course dining experience, you'll get to enjoy the best of Yarra Valley produce paired with Chandon’s finest sparkling wines. Tuck into oysters, caviar, crayfish, prawns, and a decadent dessert, all perfectly presented as you dine with lush vineyard views. It's a truly special experience to enjoy during your time in the Yarra Valley. 

Included: Car hire, Domaine Chandon Degustation lunch, 4* hotel 

Day 11: Drive to Mornington Peninsula 

Leaving the Yarra Valley behind, today you'll head down to the Mornington Peninsula. You'll be in the town of Sorrento before lunch, so the rest of your day is yours to explore the region. Take a walk along the coast or through the national parks, partake in some water sports from scuba diving to sea kayaking. Another popular activity to indulge in is visiting one of the many wineries located in the region to enjoy sampling some of the region’s best grapes, along with lunch on the terraces overlooking the vines.

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel

Day 12: Mornington Peninsula 

Spend the morning enjoying a delicious lunch with a wine tasting in the Montalto Vineyard & Olive Grove. Start your day with a tour of the winery, learning about the winemaking philosophy and the cool climate of the Mornington Peninsula. You'll taste wine straight from the barrel as you hear about the differences between vineyards and the way the wines mature and age over time. After your time exploring the vines, sit down for a mouth-watering lunch with matched wines, feasting on estate-grown produce.

Finish your day with a wander through the Montalto Sculpture Trail, where you can enjoy the wetlands and the artwork around the route. Pick up your bottle of wine before you leave - we obviously recommend a taxi to and from this wonderful experience to enjoy it to the full! The rest of the afternoon is yours to continue exploring the beaches and towns of the peninsula or simply relax at your hotel after an indulgent morning.

Included: Montalto lunch & wine tasting, 4* hotel

Days 13 & 14: Bellarine Peninsula 

From the Mornington Peninsula, you'll hop on the ferry in Sorrento to head to Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsula. This region is a haven for foodies - visit wineries like Jack Rabbit Vineyard or Terindah Estate for tastings with endless views across the bay. We've included an afternoon on the Q Train, a unique rail journey that will take you through scenic countryside whilst you enjoy a multi-course degustation menu. 

The rest of your time can be spent strolling through historic Queenscliff, browsing the boutique shops, or hiking to Point Lonsdale for views of the lighthouse. Enjoy fresh Portarlington mussels at a waterfront bistro and soak up the views as the sun sets. 

Included: Car hire, Q train experience, 4* hotel 

Day 15: Fly to Sydney 

Drive north back to Melbourne, dropping your car off before flying to Sydney. Here you'll be met at the airport and driven to your hotel, checking in for your final three nights in Australia. Head straight out to admire the harbour and take a wander along to Mrs Macquarie's Chair for views of the Opera House & the Harbour Bridge. 

Included: Car hire, internal flights, transfers, 4* hotel 

Day 16 & 17: Sydney 

Spend the day exploring the iconic city of Sydney. Why not head down to the harbour and join one of the many boat cruises to see the Harbour Bridge at its best? Stroll through the Botanic Gardens to Mrs Macquarie's Chair for the best views of the Opera House and the bridge before heading to one of the city's interesting museums. Find the best street food in the markets of the Rocks, hop on a bus to Bondi Beach to walk the famous Bondi to Coogee Trail or take the ferry to explore the beach suburb of Manly.

On Day 15, we've included a day tour to the Hunter Valley. You'll enjoy several stops at different wineries, tasting local wines and feasting on local cheese and chocolates. Look out for local kangaroos as you explore the scenic region before heading back to Sydney You'll be needing a small dinner after this brilliant day in the Hunter Valley.

Included: Hunter Valley day trip, 4* hotel 

Day 18: Depart Sydney 

Enjoy one final walk around the harbour before being driven to the airport for your flight home. 

Included: Transfers, international flights

Day 19: Arrive UK