Ultimate Journeys by VIVA Holidays

Welcome to Uluru – the spiritual heart of Australia. You’ll be met on arrival at Ayers Rock Airport and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax poolside or participate in one of the complimentary resort activities. Later, meet your Tour Leader and fellow travellers for a welcome drink in Walpa Lobby bar.

Tonight’s exclusive welcome dinner is much more than a dining experience; it’s a moment in time you will remember forever. Tali Wiru, meaning ‘beautiful dune’ in local Anangu language, encapsulates the magic of fine dining under the Southern Desert sky. The stillness of the desert at night creates a unique ambience, while views of Uluru and the distant domes of Kata Tjuta provide a stunning backdrop.

Sip champagne and nibble on canapes while watching a spectacular sunset to the haunting sounds of a didgeridoo performance.

Every course of this exclusive four-course dinner is infused with ancient native herbs and spices, constructed to respect, and put a spotlight on the quality and attributes of each ingredient, bringing them together in harmony. Dinner is accompanied by premium Australian wines while an indigenous storyteller shares the culture, history and spirituality of this beautiful land.

Overnight: Sails in the Desert
Meals: Dinner

Experience the tranquility of the outback pre-dawn and watch the stunning metamorphosis of colour as the desert slowly comes alive.

As you travel towards Uluru, its vast shape rises from the sand dunes in the early dawn light highlighting its presence in this country. Your guide will take you to a special location to watch the sun rise over this amazing monolith and enjoy an outback picnic breakfast.

Visit Mutitjulu Waterhole on the Kuniya Walk and learn the Creation stories of Liru (poisonous snake) and Kuniya (python). After this short walk drive around the base of Uluru and hear the story of the Mala people.

On returning to the hotel, there’s time to grab a bite to eat or perhaps take a refreshing swim in the pool before this afternoon’s activity.

Get ready for the ultimate Uluru adventure and experience the true majesty of Uluru and Kata Tjuta from the air. Fly by Uluru and across to the spectacular domes of Kata Tjuta for a view that will leave you speechless. So much of these sacred sites is off-limits from the ground, so the only way to truly appreciate the vast size and amazing landscape is from the air. Your flight path will take you by Uluru and Kata Tjuta allowing you to capture amazing images and leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Prior to dinner, enjoy a glass of sparkling wine as you undertake a private guided tour of the Gallery of Central Australia, featuring around 80 works of Indigenous art. Your guide will impart their in-depth knowledge of the region and the artwork of existing and emerging artists from the Central Australia region. After the tour, perhaps enjoy a pre-dinner drink in the Walpa Lobby Bar before a relaxed dining experience in Ilkari Restaurant. Relive the highlights of a remarkable day at Uluru with your fellow travelling companions as you enjoy three delicious courses, enlivened by Indigenous flavours.

Overnight: Sails in the Desert
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

An early start this morning to experience the magnificence of a Kata Tjuta sunrise. On arrival at the viewing area, walk to the best vantage point to see the 36 domes that comprise this spiritual place, watching as the sun’s morning glow brings the desert to life.

The tour then heads to the western side of Kata Tjuta where you’ll enjoy an outback picnic breakfast. Approaching the entrance to Walpa Gorge, named for the wind that whistles between the massive domes that shape Kata Tjuta, your guide will share the significance of this men’s sacred ceremonial site. Take a stroll between the mighty conglomerate rock walls and learn how the environment and geology have evolved over millions of years.

Next stop is the Uluru Cultural Centre for a private dot painting workshop. Learn about traditional art, symbols, and tools from a local Anangu artist
(and assisting interpreter). Be inspired by the ancient ways of the desert and create your very own work of art to treasure. Throughout the workshop, the artist will share a part of their culture with you and help you to better understand Aboriginal paintings and culture. The tour will return to the resort around 1pm.

Late afternoon, you’ll be transferred to a remote desert location with majestic views of Uluru. As the sun sets on the horizon, enjoy gourmet canapés and chilled sparkling wine, and soak up the ambience of your last evening in the Red Centre.

As darkness falls, watch in awe from the top of your private dune as the coloured lights of 50,000 glass spheres gently come to life, then join your fellow travellers for an exceptional three-course menu infused with bush tucker flavours. As the night ignites with countless stars, settle back and listen to the resident star talker decode the southern night sky.

After dinner, immerse yourself in the stunning art installation, Field of Light, its pathways glistening softly with rhythms of coloured light, beckoning you to explore at your own pace.

Return to the hotel and reflect on a truly magical evening.

Overnight: Sails in the Desert
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Sadly, all good things must come to an end. Enjoy a final leisurely breakfast before transferring to the airport for your flight home.

Meals: Breakfast

• 3 nights accommodation at Sails in The Desert in a Superior Room
• Welcome drink with Tour Leader and fellow travellers
• Private Tali Wiru Welcome Dinner including champagne and canapés, table d’hote 4-course dinner with premium Australian wine, didgeridoo performance and Indigenous storytelling
• Private guided morning Uluru Highlights tour including breakfast
• Private guided morning Kata Tjuta Tour with outback picnic breakfast
• Helicopter flight to view spectacular Uluru and Kata Tjuta from the air
• Private Dot Painting Workshop with a local Anangu artist
• Private guided tour of the Gallery of Central Australia with a glass of sparkling wine
• ‘A Night at Field of Light’ including outback canapés, chilled sparkling wine, three course bush tucker inspired interactive menu, Australian wine and beers, non-alcoholic drinks, tea, coffee and port, self-guided walk through the illuminated Field of Light
• Three course set menu dinner at Ilkari Restaurant at Sails in the Desert on second evening
• Full buffet breakfast in Ilkari Restaurant on morning of departure
• Return group transfers from Ayers Rock Airport to Sails in the Desert
• Complimentary resort activities and Wi-Fi
• Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park Pass
• Services of a Tour Leader and expert guides/drivers
• Small group travel – maximum 20 guests

• Exclusive private Tali Wiru Welcome Dinner
• Wander through the spectacular Field of Light art installation
• Experience Uluru at sunrise and sunset
• View Uluru and Kata Tjuta from the air on a helicopter flight
• Private dot painting workshop with a local Anangu artist
• Private guided tour of the Gallery of Central Australia