Day One: Journey to the Hunter Valley via Wollombi
Join your luxury coach for the journey north to the Hunter Valley. This morning follow the path of the convicts as we travel via the very scenic Great North Road. The Great North Road is a 240 km convict built masterpiece constructed between 1826 and 1836 to provide an overland route from Sydney to Newcastle and the Hunter Valley. It was — and remains — an extraordinary feat of engineering. Much of the original convict built road remains in use today although a lot of the original surface is well buried under bitumen. Convict built remains such as stone retaining walls, pick dressed cuttings, culverts, bridges and stone cut drains can be seen when driving along the road. A morning tea stop will be made at the historic Wollombi Pub – home to the famous Doctor Jurd’s Jungle Juice – a certified elephant repellent. From here we enter Australia’s oldest wine growing region with vines established in 1823. We begin our time here with lunch at a name you may recognise from years ago – Ben Ean. Enjoy a high-quality gourmet lunch with matching wines. After lunch, you will continue your Hunter Valley experience with a visit to the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company. Established in the Valley more than ten years ago the original Hunter Valley Chocolate Company & Fudge Factory is one of the premier attractions in the area. The recent expansion now includes a Boutique Factory and Chocolate making facility. They use only the finest Belgian couverture chocolate, together with Australian dried fruits and nuts. Taste & see the delicious range of products at this new facility. Some unique Christmas gift packs are available. Then check in to the Mercure Resort Ph 02 4998 2000. Remember to pick up your walking tour map & wine discount vouchers at Reception should you wish to walk to any close wineries. They will deliver your wine purchases to reception. (L,D)

Day Two: Hunter Valley & the Christmas Lights
We have a relaxing morning this morning as we will be up later tonight. After a beautiful breakfast this morning is free choice. You can choose to remain at the hotel for a rest or walk the very short distance to the Hunter Valley Village. Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village is a unique collection of bespoke shops offering everything from delicious meals, lunchtime treats, coffee and wine to stunning glassware, jewellery and unique clothing. Enjoy a stroll and visit the stores or have an early tipple at the Cellar Door – home to a multitude of wines and over 500 beers from all over the world. Mid-morning we will travel the very short distance to the Hunter Valley Gardens. Soak up nature at its most stunning at Hunter Valley
Gardens, built by Bill and Imelda Roche over four years with a dedicated team of over 40 landscape gardeners, architects and engineers. There are eight kilometres of walking paths winding through 14 hectares of gardens consisting of over 6000 trees, 600,000 shrubs and over 1 million ground cover plants, plus waterfalls, statues, murals and much more. The 10 individually themed gardens showcase the artistry of gardens around the world and use both native and exotic varieties of plants. Enjoy a lovely lunch at the gardens before returning to the hotel. Don’t forget that the coach has a huge amount of space underneath to store any wine cases you may wish to purchase to take home. An early Christmas-themed dinner tonight at The Mercure Resort before the 5 minute coach ride to the Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights. A spectacular display in a section of the Garden with over a million Christmas lights. Truly a spectacular experience. The Hunter Valley Gardens management requests that all visitors be aware of their booking policy which states that “in the event that the Hunter Valley Gardens closes during the Christmas Lights Spectacular due to inclement weather or safety reasons only a voucher will be issued. Hunter Valley Gardens will not issue a refund”. Unfortunately, this means that if the lights are cancelled due to rain there is no refund for the planned visit. (B,L,D)

Day Three: Newcastle Cruise and Home
After a sleep in this morning, we depart the valley and head to New South Wales’ second largest city – Newcastle for a cruise on the Hunter River. Enjoy all the sights Newcastle Harbour has to offer as we cruise the world’s largest coal export port and one of the most diverse regional ports in Australia. Discover Newcastle’s renewed picturesque foreshore, venture to the mouth of the Kooragang wetlands, and see the ports coal loading facilities, tug-boats and big ships up-close. Indulge in a freshly prepared buffet lunch, enjoy a selection of light sweets for dessert with complimentary tea & coffee or select from a full range of drinks available from the fully licensed bar. With fond memories (and a full stomach) as you travel the last leg of your journey home we hope you enjoyed your time in the Hunter Valley & that the warmth & friendship shared on this holiday will always be remembered. (B,L)