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Melbourne Sophisticated and slick, edgy and
rough, Melbourne's physical and cultural landscape is shaped by a
dynamic population, ever-ravenous for a bite of global culture. The
result is Australia's most accessible multiculturalism. Ornate
Victorian-era architecture and leafy, established boulevards
reflect the city's history, and cutting-edge developments such as
Federation Square exemplify its enigmatic contemporary style. But,
Melburnians still keep their urban frenzy to a deliciously sedate
pace.
Getting To and Around Melbourne - Most of the
major airlines have direct international flights to Melbourne
Airport in Tullamarine, 22km northwest of the city centre.
Melbourne is well-connected to radiating out like spokes from
central Melbourne, and cycling is a common way to get from A to
Z.
Things To Do In Melbourne - Survey Melbourne's
gridlike streets from high atop Southbank's Eureka Skydeck 88, the
Southern Hemisphere's tallest viewing platform. See key attractions
on the free burgundy-and-gold City Circle trams. Central hub
Federation Square hosts cultural events along the Yarra River. The
city's historic laneways and arcades reveal the boho side of
Melbourne. Soak up the art at the National Gallery of Victoria --
or visit the Immigration Museum and the Chinese Museum for
different takes on the settlement of this "free" city. Find
anything and everything in Melbourne's Central Business District,
an open-air shopping mall. Art galleries and designer boutiques rub
shoulders in Flinders Lane. Fitzroy's Brunswick Street, slightly
grungier Smith Street and Gertrude Street attract the trend-setters
with retro and vintage boutiques and book stores, while Prahran is
the place for the label-conscious. Queen Victoria Market, just
north of the CBD, sells everything from weird and wonderful
bric-a-brac to food and clothes.
Etihad Stadium is a well respected
multi-purpose facility designed to cater for major sporting and
entertainment events, as well as social, business and private
functions. The stadium is situated in the heart of Melbourne's
Docklands, just minutes from the CBD. Etihad Stadium is the only
football stadium in the Southern Hemisphere with a fully
retractable roof. Since opening on March 9, 2000 well over 20
million people have passed through the venue's turnstiles. The
stadium now hosts in the vicinity of 50 AFL matches a season; in
summer, A-League club Melbourne Victory becomes a regular
participant at the venue. The venue also regularly stages
international sporting events such as Rugby League World Cup
matches, Rugby Union Tests and in 2008 Etihad Stadium hosted its
first soccer World Cup qualifier. The venue has also hosted many
concert spectaculars featuring international performers such as
Andre Rieu, Robbie Williams, Barbra Streisand, Bon Jovi, Kiss, U2,
ACDC, Bruce Springsteen and many others. Located in the centre of
the Docklands and CBD, getting to Etihad Stadium is easy regardless
of whether you decide to drive, catch public transport, cycle or
walk.
Sample
Itinerary: Package with Novotel Collins Street Hotel (or similar
property)
Friday June 28
- Arrive Melbourne
Arrive in Melbourne and make your own way to the Novotel to
check in. Melbourne is Australia's sporting capital so why not go
behind the scenes of the city's main sporting venues such as the
MCG or Rod Laver Arena. Both offer guided tours that take sports
fans beyond the playing field to players changing rooms and other
restricted zones. Visitors to Melbourne will never be lost for
things to do. On Carlton's Lygon Street, the terrace houses that
line the street serve up traditional Italian cuisine, including
pizza, pasta and gelato. To enjoy spectacular views of the city
skyline and the Yarra River, head to the Crown Casino entertainment
complex where, in addition to the casino, there are numerous dining
options and shopping boutiques.
Overnight: Novotel Collins Street,
Melbourne
Saturday June
29 - 2nd Test
Before tonight's main event, spend today exploring the nooks and
crannies to discover the "hidden" secrets of Melbourne as you
venture off the main roads and out of the shopping centres into the
arcade and laneways. The public transport system makes exploring
the city very convenient, particularly the free City Circle Tram
that provides automated commentary about attractions along the
way.This evening, be ready for one of the highlights of the weekend
- our exclusive We Love Rugby pre-match function where you will get
to rub shoulders with members of past Wallabies and Lions squads.
Remember to save your best for the match tonight when the Qantas
Wallabies take on the British & Irish Lions for the 2nd match
of this 3 Test series.
Match: Qantas Wallabies V British
& Irish Lions
Venue: Etihad Stadium,
Melbourne
Overnight: Novotel Collins Street,
Melbourne
Sunday June 30
- Depart Melbourne
Check out of the Novotel today and say goodbye to cosmopolitan
Melbourne. If you are flying out of the city today, be sure to
check-in for your flight approximately 1 hour prior to your flight
time.
Domestic and International
Flights: Since our clients come from all around the world,
airfare is not included in our packages, However, Great Atlantic
Travel & Tour is a full service travel company that can provide
the lowest airfare available. We will work closely with each
traveler to secure the most cost efficient air schedule.
Custom Travel
Packages: Let us build a custom sports vacation that's
an exact fit for your corporate taste, time, and budget. Create a
signature package incorporating extra room nights, multiple cities,
sightseeing options, meet and greet services, - any number of
exciting options are available! Please go here to complete your
custom travel request.
Corporate Services:
Integrating incentive travel into your company's marketing plan is
not just a good idea to consider, but an essential strategy used
for increasing market share and improving customer service.
Incentive travel provides a distinctive opportunity for your staff
or customers to strive to increase sales revenue. It is also an
excellent way to introduce a new product line. Whether your company
is best suited to sponsor an internal, regional, national, or even
worldwide corporate event, we can assist. From concept to
completion, Great Atlantic has the experience you need to help you
boost your sales in an exciting way.
Financial Security: We
are proudly affiliated with the National Tour Association (NTA),
and with the International Association of Travel Agents (IATA),
consumer advocates of excellence in all forms of leisure travel. In
addition to adhering to a strict code of ethics, Great Atlantic
Travel and Tour, Inc. maintain the following insurance to insure
full client security: $2,000,000 coverage for general public
liability, and a consumer protection plan to protect your
investment. The thrill of traveling can come with it's own security
system. Protect your vacation investment. Make your travel plans
with an NTA tour operator. For references call NTA services at
1-800-862-8888.
For further details, to
view terms and
conditions, don't hesitate to contact us. If
you have any questions, or if you need more specific information
regarding travel services, tickets, hospitality, hotels or any
other travel services offered by Great Atlantic Travel & Tour
Company, please give our Sports Desk a call or email
us.
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