DAY 1 Fly to Adelaide
Welcome to Adelaide, a charming city rich in history and fondly known as ‘The City of Churches’. Upon your arrival, a warm greeting from your Delightful Travel representative awaits at the airport, ready to assist you with your hotel transfer. After settling into your accommodation, take the opportunity to relax and explore the inviting facilities at your hotel. A leisurely stroll around the lively neighbourhood and the vibrant heart of central Adelaide could be the perfect way to kick off your adventure.
DAY 2 Adelaide Highlights with Hahndorf & McLaren Vale
Adelaide captivates with its stylish buildings, verdant parklands, and a bustling café culture. This city is a treasure chest of boutique shops, inviting sandy beaches, artistic events, and charming sandstone cottages, all nestled amidst beautiful gardens. As Australia’s wine capital, it lies between the rolling hills to the east and the stunning coastline to the west, with world-class vineyards just a short distance away. Your day starts with a visit to Hahndorf, a charming Lutheran settlement founded in 1838. Here, immerse yourself in a slice of German culture, wandering through quaint shops, delightful bakeries, and traditional pubs that fill the air with the aromas of Bavaria. The journey continues to McLaren Vale, where exquisite wines and serene landscapes await you. A knowledgeable driver will escort you in a luxurious air-conditioned coach, sharing fascinating stories along the way. Highlights of the morning include stops at Victoria Square, the lively Gouger Street, and the elegant King William Street’s Ceremonial Boulevard. Admire the beauty of the River Torrens and iconic sites such as Parliament House, the State Library, and St Peter’s Cathedral. A stop at the Mount Lofty lookout offers breathtaking panoramic views of Adelaide before you head to Hahndorf, where you can wander beneath majestic elm trees and soak in the local vibe. The picturesque drive through Adelaide Hills leads you to McLaren Vale, where your first tasting at Chapel Hill Winery invites you to enjoy remarkable wines amidst stunning vineyard vistas. Continue to Haselgrove Wines for a laid-back tasting experience paired with a locally inspired cheeseboard. As the day winds down, you’ll return to Adelaide along the scenic coastline, arriving in the charming suburb of Glenelg, where you can either head back to the city or linger a bit longer to enjoy the refreshing sea breeze and watch the sunset. *Trams run frequently from Glenelg to Adelaide every 20 minutes. Note: If the Adelaide, Hahndorf & McLaren Vale tour is unavailable, an alternative Adelaide City Sights tour with a Torrens River Cruise will be arranged instead.
Breakfast, premium coach tour with hotel pickups, 2 wine tasting experiences, overnight Adelaide accommodation
DAY 3 Victor Harbor & the Fleurieu Peninsula
Uncover the beauty of the Fleurieu Peninsula, an exciting mix of wineries and coastal towns that come alive during holidays. Your adventure kicks off in the delightful seaside resort of Victor Harbor, where the mighty Murray River meets the ocean. Explore the historic town of Goolwa, situated on Lake Alexandrina and connected to Hindmarsh Island. As you journey through the picturesque Mt Lofty Ranges, charming villages will dot your path, each offering stunning views. A stop at Strathalbyn, a quaint town along the Angas River, invites you to enjoy a morning tea break amidst antique stores, markets, and cozy cafes. Onward through the Currency Creek wine region en route to Goolwa, where a brief tour of the wharf and beach areas will surely captivate you. Next, it’s off to Victor Harbor for some free time to discover this coastal treasure. Relish lunch, meander through the town, take a ride on a horse-drawn tram to Granite Island, or opt for a Seal Island Cruise. Be entranced by the picturesque Horseshoe Bay, Encounter Bay, and Rosetta Head, where The Bluff stands sentinel over Victor Harbor. As you return, soak in the breathtaking views of McLaren Vale’s sprawling vineyards and the tranquil southern metropolitan beaches that radiate natural beauty.
Breakfast, lunch, explore the town, ride a horse-drawn tram across the causeway to Granite Island or take a Seal Island Cruise. Next, be mesmerized by the beauty of Horseshoe Bay, Encounter Bay, and Rosetta Head, keeping an eye out for The Bluff, a majestic sentinel that watches over Victor Harbor. Our route then leads us through the renowned wine country of McLaren Vale, where vineyards stretch endlessly. Before we return to Adelaide, we’ll be graced by picturesque southern metropolitan beaches, each a serene haven of natural beauty where the waves caress the shore and the sun paints the sky in golden and crimson hues. Breakfast, luxury coach tour with hotel pickups, overnight Adelaide accommodation
DAY 4 Barossa Valley with Special Lunch
Your journey into Australia’s premier wine-producing regions takes you to the magical Barossa Valley, celebrated for its rich heritage and exceptional vintages, including the famed Penfolds Grange. Delight in a special lunch at a renowned winery restaurant, complete with tastings, a winemaking tour, and enlightening wine education. As you travel through the Adelaide Hills, observe the influence of German settlers reflected in the charming villages, characterized by distinctive architecture and delightful local fare. Departing Adelaide, meander through the scenic vineyards of Barossa, with the landscape transforming into a patchwork of rolling hills and vines. At Kies Family Wines, you’ll receive a warm welcome and enjoy an exclusive tasting experience in their impressive winemaking facility. Sample award-winning wines while surrounded by towering vats named after family members, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. Next, explore the historic town of Tanunda, where you can relax with a coffee, browse local boutiques, or simply soak in the laid-back vibe. Continue your journey to Turkey Flat Vineyards, a proud family-owned estate with roots dating back to 1847, where a guided tasting will precede a fabulous regional platter lunch featuring premium local meats, cheeses, and other delights that perfectly complement your wine experience. As the day unfolds, revel in the panoramic views from Mengler’s Hill lookout before visiting the stunning Rosenvale Vineyards, a hidden gem run by the sixth-generation Rosenzweig family. Here, indulge in an exceptional tasting while enjoying the breathtaking vineyard backdrop. Conclude your Barossa Valley adventure with a scenic drive through Seppeltsfield, capturing images of iconic date palms and uncovering their fascinating history. This day beautifully encapsulates the essence of one of Australia’s most celebrated wine regions.
Breakfast, premium day tour with hotel pick-up, regional platter lunch, wine tastings, overnight Adelaide accommodation
DAY 5 Board the Proud Mary
Take the morning at your own pace to relax before preparing for your transfer to Murray Bridge this evening, where you’ll board the Proud Mary. Once you’re onboard, settle into your cozy river view cabin and enjoy a delightful supper while being introduced to the friendly crew by the Captain. A magical evening unfolds as you cruise under floodlight along the tranquil waters.
DAY 6 Cruise to Teal Flat
Begin your morning by departing Woodlane and cruising upriver, enveloped by the stunning scenery of the Murray River system. The willows lining the riverbanks, planted by riverboat captains in the early 1900s, guide your journey through the historic channels of this majestic waterway. Relish a choice of an early continental breakfast or a hearty cooked meal while cruising toward Mannum. Take time to explore this historic town or unwind with a coffee while gazing at the mighty Murray. After departing Mannum, continue upstream through Younghusband en route to Teal Flat, enjoying a sumptuous lunch crafted by your onboard chefs. Experience the beauty of the surroundings as you embark on a guided cruise through the shallows, drawing close to the stunning cliffs of the Murray River on a small boat. In the evening, gather with fellow travelers for drinks before indulging in a traditional Aussie barbecue on the riverbank beneath a starry sky. Enjoy live entertainment around the campfire, where you can even request a song and join in with your resident musician!
Breakfast, lunch, guided Ecology cruise, special barbecue dinner, overnight accommodation onboard the Proud Mary
DAY 7 Explore Mannum and return to Adelaide
This morning, as you cruise back downstream to Mannum, savor a delightful breakfast while soaking in the beauty of this iconic stretch of the Murray. Pass by charming townships, including Younghusband, Pellaring Flat, and Cowirra. Upon reaching Mannum, board the awaiting coach for a tour of this historic riverside township. Discover the stunning natural beauty, unique history, and proud riverboat heritage of Mannum. Learn about its significant role in South Australia’s development and the launch of the first paddle-steamer, the “Mary Ann,” by Captain William Randell in 1853. Explore the Mannum Dock Discovery Centre, showcasing a fascinating collection of historical memorabilia, and marvel at Mannum’s claim to fame as the birthplace of Australia’s first steam car with a differential, crafted by the Shearer brothers. Depart Mannum and enjoy a delicious lunch featuring fresh local produce as you cruise downriver to Murray Bridge, passing through Ponde, Caloote, Woodlane, Mypolonga, and Willow Banks. As your three-day cruise nears its end, enjoy a captivating video presentation on the 1956 Murray River flood. This afternoon, you will be collected from Murray Bridge and transferred back to Adelaide for the night.
Breakfast, guided tour of Mannum, entry to Mannum Dock Discovery Centre, lunch, overnight Adelaide accommodation
DAY 8 Fly Home
As your South Australian adventure draws to a close, it’s time to prepare for your journey home.
A Delightful Travel representative will meet you at your hotel, ensuring a seamless transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
