Tasmanian East Coast Escape

Arrive in Launceston, where we'll meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Packed with a plethora of old country charm, delicious food and wine, as well as elegant Colonial and Victorian architecture, Launceston has one of the best–preserved early cityscapes in Australia. After checking in, you'll be given the chance to explore this beautiful city on a late afternoon guided tour, before dinner tonight. Stay: Launceston, Peppers Silo Hotel (D)

After visiting Bridestowe Lavender Estate, traverse Weldborough Pass and admire the views of forested hills and farmland. Then, travel to the largest town on the north-east coast of Tasmania, St Helens. Known as the game fishing capital of Tasmania, enjoy a two-night stay on the edge of Georges Bay. Stay Two Nights: St Helens, Panorama Hotel (B/D)

Signature Experiences:

• Today you'll travel through the scenic wine-producing areas of northern Tasmania en route to the Bridestowe Lavender Estate. Here, take a tour of the distillery and sample unique lavender-infused fare.

After breakfast this morning, you'll travel south and join your Wineglass Bay Cruise to experience the exquisite beauty of Freycinet Peninsula's pristine sheer cliffs, sea caves and remote coves on the Schouten Passage II eco-catamaran. With a highly skilled, local skipper learn about the rich natural history, geology, eco systems and heritage of the region. Enjoy a delicious ploughman's style lunch of fresh local produce. 

After your cruise, visit Freycinet National Park Visitor Centre and enjoy a guided tour along Cape Tourville, admiring the stunning coastal scenery before returning to St Helens. (B/L/D)

Visit the historic towns of Ross and Richmond on your way to Hobart. Later, arrive in Tasmania's capital for a guided discovery which takes you through the city's Botanical Gardens and heritage district of Battery Point. Stay Two Nights: Hobart, Hotel Grand Chancellor (B)

Today, explore the Port Arthur Historic Site, Australia's most intact, evocative and notorious convict prison, on a guided tour. See the famous sandstone Penitentiary then visit the Convict Church and Separate Prison. You'll then step aboard a cruise around the Isle of the Dead and hear haunting stories about the convicts who were transported here from across the world and eventually buried at Port Arthur.

Afterwards, visit the Tasmanian Devil ‘Unzoo' and learn about their efforts to preserve the unique wildlife of Tasmania. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at Mures Upper Deck. (B/D)

This morning, walk the Salamanca Market and peruse the treasures of Tasmania at more than 300 stalls. Wander through the array of goods from hand-crafted jewellery and carved wooden trinkets to tantalising Tasmanian gin. Afterwards, bid a fond farewell to the Apple Isle. We say goodbye before we transfer you to the airport for your flight. (B)