Arrive in Sydney on suggested Qantas flights. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements, including pre-tour accommodation and a private transfer from the airport.

At 9:00am, meet your tour leader Glen Halliday and fellow travellers at the rear entrance of the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney. Then, travel by coach from Sydney to the Hunter Valley and, upon arrival, enjoy a special welcome lunch and relish in the stunning views and rustic charm of an award-winning restaurant.

After checking into the hotel, learn about the history of the Hunter Valley before enjoying an early-evening drinks and canapés reception on the hotel terrace.

(LR)

After breakfast, gain a glimpse into Australia’s heritage and rural past at Tocal Homestead, a significant place in the history of the region whose story is told through its well-preserved colonial architecture and expansive grounds. Learn about a wealthy businessman’s vision to change the lives of destitute children, while observing a working farm with Angus beef cattle, sheep, working horses and chickens.

After a picnic lunch on the grounds of Tocal homestead, visit the Dale Frank Botanical Gardens in Singleton. Dale Frank, an internationally renowned abstract artist, has transformed his Hunter Valley property into a living artwork, establishing a botanical garden of over 6,000 mature plants sourced worldwide, including some trees rescued from development in Sydney.

This evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.

(BLD)

Start the day with a visit to Winmark Wines Sculpture Park and Art Gallery, which comprises an impressive collection of sculptures by renowned artists, strategically placed amidst the vineyards and gardens. The on-site art gallery showcases a diverse range of artworks, providing further insight into the creative spirit of the region.

Continue to Krinklewood Organic & Biodynamic Estate and learn about its commitment to sustainable viticulture practices.

Then, indulge in the innovative farm-to-table philosophy and dining at Margan, a Hunter Valley culinary institution. Before lunch, take a guided tour of the kitchen garden from where much of the meal originated.

The evening is at leisure.

(BL)

This morning, transfer to the township of Maitland and enjoy a private, guided tour of Grossmann House, a distinguished heritage home that captures the prosperity of Victorian-era Maitland. Admire the décor and exquisite 19th-century textiles, and marvel at the surrounding 50-year-old heritage rose garden.

Afterwards, enjoy some time at leisure for lunch and to explore Maitland at your own pace.

In the afternoon, en route back to the hotel, stop for a wine tasting at the award-winning Scarborough Wines cellar door.

Tonight, enjoy a special farewell dinner with Glen and fellow travellers at an acclaimed local restaurant.

(BD)

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and visit the impressive Hunter Valley Gardens. Enjoy a guided tour of its themed gardens, showcasing the artistry of gardens around the world with native and exotic varieties of plants, and marvel at its waterfalls, statues, trees and shrubs, alongside over one million ground plants.

After a light lunch in the gardens, drive back to the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, where tour arrangements conclude. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements, including additional nights’ accommodation either before or after the tour, travel insurance (strongly recommended) and a private airport transfer.

(BL)