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Explore the breathtaking Murraylands whilst cruising through ancient gorges and red gum forests, past towering and stone cliffs and historic ports, local vineyards and nature trails. Combine this with accommodation and sightseeing in Adelaide, plus a full day indulging in the food and wine in McLaren Vale, a perfect way to finish off your South Australian experience.
McLaren Vale & The Cube Experience day tour
Three-night Murray River cruise
While on board, you'll enjoy...
Day 1: Arrive Adelaide
Arrive in Adelaide and make your way to the Stamford Plaza Adelaide and check in. The day is yours to explore Adelaide at your own leisure.
Day 2: Board the Discovery Cruise
You will be transferred from your hotel to historic Mannum to board the Murray Princess. Historic Mannum, the birthplace of the Murray River trade and communication, and heads downriver while you enjoy a Welcome Dinner. As we cruise under floodlight to our overnight mooring at Mundurra, you may see nocturnal wildlife on the riverbank. Watch for kangaroos, hairy-nosed wombats, tortoises, egrets and many other species. Our on-board entertainer provides music for the night owls.
Day 3: Cruise the Murray River
In 1879 the first bridge to span the Murray River was built at Edwards Crossing, which quickly became the bustling township of Murray Bridge. After a hearty breakfast, choose to explore the town’s historic landmarks and local attractions, such as the Roundhouse, or go on a wildlife tour at Monarto Safari Park*. Those who choose to experience Monarto Safari Park will arrive back on board the Murray Princess in time for lunch then join us in the Sturt Dining Room for a special presentation on the bounty of food and wine produced in the Riverland. This afternoon, we continue our journey upriver and tonight we moor at Salt Bush Flat. After dinner, enjoy being entertained by our talented crew.
Day 4: Cruise the Murray River
This morning, join a guided nature walk where our guide will share the secrets of the local flora and fauna. It’s a great way to get in a little exercise before the Murray Princess departs and cruises downriver. Near Fromms Landing, we turn and head downriver to River View Lodge (near Piggy Flat / Coolcha) where your discovery vessel awaits for a wildlife tour. Travelling in small, personalised groups, we explore the maze of the river and the birdlife is amazing. Watch for darters, herons and egrets feeding along the river’s muddy edges. The afternoon offers a choice of bocce or fishing challenges before a delicious dinner in the Sturt Dining Room followed by an evening of entertainment.
Day 5: Murray River Cruise - Adelaide
We leave River View Lodge and head back to Mannum. After breakfast, depart Mannum by coach back to Adelaide. Check into you accommodation at the Stamford Plaza Adelaide.
Day 6: McLaren Vale & The Cube Experience
Leaving Adelaide, head out through the southern suburbs and along the metropolitan coastline. Enjoy coastal views as you head to McLaren Vale Information Centre for morning tea.
Then it’s onto one of the highlights of your day, the d’Arenberg Cube. Nestled amongst the vineyards, this 5 level “rubiks cube” has been carefully designed to entice and excite the senses. From the Alternate Realities Museum to the many art installations on display there is so much to see and experience whilst you are there. Your visit will also include a formal wine tasting on Level 4 where you can enjoy panoramic views of the vineyards.
Next head to Chalk Hill Wines, a family-owned winery, dedicated to making small batch, hand crafted wines of distinction. The Harvey family has been growing grapes for six generations and has six vineyards spread across the McLaren Vale region. Indulge in a traditional Italian style shared lunch prepared by Cucina Di Strada, paired with four of Chalk Hill’s most popular wines.
Continue to Beresford Wines, where you can choose from one of three tastings in their new Tasting Pavilion. The Premium Wine Tasting introduces you to a selection of their wines from the Estate and Limited Release range. The Vale Brewing Tasting offers up to five craft beers from the sessionable Vale range. And the third option is the 23rd Street Distillery tastings, where you can choose from five craft spirits or three craft gins.
The final cellar door is Wirra Wirra Vineyards, located amongst the gum trees in the historic ironstone cellars. Enjoy a short tour of the cellars and a structured tasting of their range of quality wines. Look out for the ‘catapult’ and the ¾ tonne Angelus Bell in the picturesque grounds surrounding the cellar door. After your visit to Wirra Wirra Vineyards, settle back on the coach for your return trip to Adelaide.
Day 7: Time to Head Home
Time to say farewell, check out of the hotel and make your way home.
This is a sample itinerary only and is subject to change due to weather, water levels and other operational requirements. Cruises reserves the right to amend itineraries and tours without notice. Pre-bookings are essential, additional cost.
Special 25% discount on 29 August 2024 departure
Call 1300 414 198 to book and receive up to $487 per person discount*Return coach transfers between Adelaide and Mannum (Saving $110 per person).
Please note that prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
The PS Murray Princess has 60 cabins and staterooms each with private bathroom ensuite, electric blankets, soap, shampoo, towels, hairdryers and daily servicing. Each cabin is approximately 12sq metres. Four of the outside cabins and their ensuite bathrooms are wheelchair accessible. Two cabins located on Randell Deck are opposite the lift for easy access to the dining and lounge decks.
Outside Cabin:
Outside cabins are located on Randell and Cadell Decks and the majority of these cabins have twin bedding with limited double bedded cabins available. Each outside cabin opens onto the outside deck walkway with picture windows to view the passing scenery.
Inside Cabin:
Inside cabins are located on the lower Chaffey Deck and open onto a wide inside passageway. Inside cabins offer twin bedding with limited double bedded cabins available and have portholes facing the outside. Inside Cabins are accessed via stairs, there is no lift access to this deck.
Stateroom:
Our spacious Staterooms are located on the Randell and Cadell decks. Each stateroom offers a queen bed (some have an extra single bed) and open onto the outside deck walkway. Mini-bars, fridges and tea and coffee making facilities are also included.
Dressing for your cruise: During the day, sportswear and casual clothing is suggested. We kindly ask that you do not wear bathing suits, singlets or brief attire in public rooms and lounges, especially in the dining room. Footwear is requested in both the dining room and lounges at all times. During the evening, smart casual wear is recommended – an open neck shirt and trousers for gentlemen and a dress, skirt or pants and blouse for the ladies. At the Captains Dinner on the final night of the cruise, a jacket and tie would not be out of place for gentlemen and a cocktail dress or pants outfit for the ladies. Be sure to bring a sun visor or hat, sunglasses and good sun block/sun screen. Sandals, low-heeled deck shoes and tennis shoes are most suitable on-deck and for onshore excursions.
Travel at 60 & supplier booking conditions apply.
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