Price: From $3,795Stay: 7 nightsTravel Dates: Friday 2nd of November 2018 until Friday 9th of November 2018Description: Melbourne Cup - 8 Day Phar Lap Tour - from $3795* per person (with Sporting Tours).
Join us this Spring at fabulous Flemington Racecourse with Des Coppins who is celebrating his 27th Melbourne Cup! Experience an unparalleled celebration of world class thoroughbred racing, glamorous fashion and fabulous food in an exhilarating carnival atmosphere. The Melbourne Cup Carnival has been embraced as a highlight in our sporting calendar, but more recently hasmorphed into a must-attend event in social calendars as well.
Our popular annual tour is fully hosted by horse racing legend Des Coppins and escorted by Melbourne Cup specialist Kel Munro who always receives rave reviews from our customers. Melbourne is a fantastic destination, stay a little longer with our flexible package extensions. Being there, it’s everything!
Package Inclusions:• Return economy class airfare from New Zealand to Melbourne• All airline levies and fuel surcharges, Australian and New Zealand departure taxes• Airport transfers in Melbourne (applies to group flights only)• 7 nights accommodation at your selected property• Welcome drinks & nibbles• Cup Eve Gala Dinner including beverages, with Racing Personalities• Return coach transfers to Flemington Racecourse as per itinerary• Reserved Hill Stand* seats on AAMI Victoria Derby Day, Lexus Melbourne Cup Day & Kennedy Oaks Day• $10 Lexus Melbourne Cup Sweepstake ticket• Post- Lexus cup celebration• Tour of well-known racing stable and visit to Gary Willets Dingley Hotel• Full Day Tours - A choice of a trip to a country race meeting at Kyneton for the running of the Kyneton Cup (race course admission at own cost) OR trip to a Yarra Valley Winery (lunch at own cost)• Des’s 27 yrs. celebration bet - $1000 bet for 1 lucky person on their pick in the Cup• Farewell gathering• Sporting Tours travel pack• Escorted by tour hosts Des Coppins and Kel Munro (subject to minimum numbers)*The Hill Stand is covered, however the front and sides of the stand are subject to weather conditionsPackage extensions available, contact us today with your requirements
Itinerary:
Friday, 2 November: Depart from New Zealand for Melbourne. On arrival you will be transferred to your selected hotel. This evening we meet for welcome drinks where you can get to know your tour escorts and fellow tour members.
Saturday, 3 November: This morning we make our way to Flemington Racecourse for AAMI Victoria Derby Day and experience fun, fashion and a few flutters. After the last race we will transfer you back to your hotel.
Sunday, 4 November: This morning we visit a well known stable. We then visit well known jockey Gary Willets’ Dingley Hotel for lunch (lunch is included, but drinks are at own cost).
Monday, 5 November: This morning you are invited to attend the Sporting Tours Social Bowls Tournament (entry fee at your expense) This will be held at the nearby City of Melbourne Bowls Club from 9.00am -12.00pm. Bowls will be provided by the host club and refreshments will be available from the club bar. It will be a great opportunity to mix with fellow tour members in what promises to be a fun morning with fun prizes. This evening we meet for our Cup Eve Gala Dinner and racing show hosted by Des Coppins with special guests.
Tuesday, 6 November: It’s Lexus Melbourne Cup Day! Following breakfast we transfer you to Flemington for the Lexus Melbourne Cup. Fun, fashion and frivolity will be on the cards as we celebrate Australia’s most famous race day. After the last race we return you to your hotel for a post cup celebration.
Wednesday, 7 November: Today is at leisure. As an optional extra you are welcome to join Sporting Tours at the fun country race meeting at Kyneton for the running of the Kyneton Cup (racecourse admission at own cost). This is an all-day event that runs from 10am - 7pm OR join us on a tour to a Yarra Valley Winery for wine tasting and lunch (lunch is at own cost). This is also an all day event that runs from 9am - 5pm.
Thursday, 8 November: It’s Kennedy Oaks Day at Flemington, traditionally known as ’Ladies Day’ for the glamorous fashions. Return transfers to Flemington are provided. Join us at the “Farewell Gathering” this evening to say goodbye to some new friends!
Friday, 9 November: Today you return to New Zealand. You will be transferred to Melbourne International Airport for your return flight home.
About Des Coppins: The regular host for Trackside Radio and host of Sunday’s popular ‘Track Talk’ program, Des has been involved in racing for the past 40 years as a journalist, TV presenter and talk back host. He has escorted our Melbourne Cup tours for the past 27 years.
About Kel Munro: Kel is an avid horse racing fan, and 2018 will be his 38th Melbourne Cup tour. Kel is our Melbourne Cup specialist who has a vast knowledge of the Melbourne CupCarnival.
Terms & Conditions: All pricing is in NZD and is per person. Prices are ex Auckland - add-on $260 for ex Wellington or Christchurch. All packages are subject to availability at the time of booking. Packages are on sale until sold out or sales period finishes. Prices are correct at time of publication however are subject to change until full payment is received or due to events outside of our control, such as currency fluctuations and supplier price increases. A minimum non-refundable deposit of $650 per person is required to place a booking. Full payment dates will be advised upon booking. Cancellation fees apply. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance. All prices are based on cash Credit card payments will incur merchant fees. Accommodation is based on consecutive nights.