“Passports, tickets, money…day tour!”, my father used to say as we headed off on holiday as kids. I’ve always remembered this advice about day tours, especially when visiting new places like Sydney and want a comprehensive and informative insight into the history and culture of such a city.
Sure, I’d done the ‘Google’, consulted ‘Trip Advisor’ and read up on Sydney but a personal recommendation to try out the specialist day tour company ‘Ultimately Sydney’ could not have been better. Winners of Trip Advisor’s 2013 Certificate of Excellence, ‘Ultimately Sydney’ offers a variety of high-quality tour packages, encompassing everything from the bright lights of the Opera House to some of the city’s hidden gems, tasty local cafes and colourful laneways known only to the locals.
‘Ultimately Sydney’s’ most popular tour is called the ‘Story of Sydney’, a three-and-a-half-hour trip exploring the city’s geography and history. It starts off at The Rocks (referred to as the ‘birthplace of the nation’) and heads off through some historic regions and iconic locations. On the trip there are some fabulous photo opportunities for the Opera House and famous Harbour Bridge – especially at sunset (climb it if you get the chance) – Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair (carved in 1810) and the gorgeous white-sand beaches at Bondi (watch out for those muscle-rippling surfers). On top of all this you’ll pass by some of Sydney’s most exclusive and fashionable shopping strips and hip dining precincts which all go to provide a great overview and orientation of this spectacular city.
For those looking for a fun and tasty way to explore the city and to experience authentic Australian cuisine, Ultimately Sydney offers a variety of culinary tours that aim to really tingle your taste buds whilst also getting you away from the normal ‘tourist trails’. On the Gourmet Inner West and South Sydney small group tour (max 14), you’ll meet some of the city’s most passionate providores giving you the opportunity to taste freshly roasted coffee, just-baked breads and cakes, native and exotic herbs and spices, mouthwatering meats, authentic antipasti, delicious dumplings, locally brewed ales and boutique wines. (I’m getting hungry just thinking about it!) These tours sample the multicultural communities and flavours that have shaped Sydney and its now world-renowned cuisine. You’ll want to return to some of these places so make a note of them!
For a more personal experience, Ultimately Sydney also offers a host of unique Sydney day tours designed to ‘get to know the locals’ suitable for groups of friends, families or business clients. Favourites of mine include the scenic routes around the Blue Mountains and the world famous vineyards of Hunter Valley – you’ll never forget the classic Sydney rock oysters; washed down with a cold glass of Hunter Valley Chardonnay, they are heavenly!
Whichever tour package you choose you’ll be accompanied by ‘Ultimately Sydney’s informative and friendly staff, all of whom are trained for, or qualified by, the IATG (Institute of Australian Tour Guides). What I like best about these unique tours is that you’ll actually find locals (Sydneysiders) on them too – what better recommendation could there be?!
For further information, contact Jerry Bridge and his team at World Travel with Bridge or contact ‘Ultimately Sydney‘ directly.
